The Saddlers Arms in East Devon

Was alright food but wasn’t the best roast could of done with roast Carrots and more roasted potato’s was a nice atmosphere and was gd service

We always enjoy visiting the Saddlers albeit infrequently as we no longer live locally. We have always found the food and the atmosphere enjoyable and today was no exception. Having not prebooked was not an issue and we were warmly greeted by our hostess Emily and shown to our table. We were provided with a choice of menus and a variety of food choices to suit most palettes. The table service, provided by Emily, was prompt and informative. Our drinks arrived quickly and on this occasion we chose the carvery. The food was well presented and appetising and the food area and our table spotlessly clean. The portion sizes were generous and the food itself was fresh, piping hot and so tasty and full of flavour. We shall certainly return sooner than later. As for our hostess Emily, she was warm mannered, friendly and polite. She was attentive, despite being very busy with other customers and an asset to the business.

Excellent carvery with huge choice of veg. All well cooked and very tasty. Nice setting. So much better than a Toby!. Will be back.

As we travelled to our holiday destination, we saw the sign for a carvery daily, we decided to try it. What a surprise], the quality was excellent the choice of vegetables was great, it was the best carvery I’ve had. And when it came to pay to find that being over 55 was a bonus, with the special price of £15.95 pp main and dessert. If I ever go that way again it will be the place to go.

Hats off to the chefs. Food was amazing definetly recommend the carvery and the burger. Staff were very welcoming.

Food was very nice but the service from the young staff, who were very pleasant was slow and they admitted the forgot we were there. Not many people there on a Thursday evening but i know it gets packed in summer.

We arrived at the pub which has a very large car park and outside bar (for the warmer months) walked in, no reservation greeted by professional staff and shown to our table. Room was very pleasant with great views of the garden. As this was midweek we opted for the Carvery, beef/turkey/gammon supported by a very large selection of vegetables, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, finished off with a home made gravy. Doesn’t get any better

On entering we were surprised to hear two members of staff chatting away to each other totally ignoring they had us waiting. A welcome smile would have been nice but not immediately. One then said she would be with us in a while. We chose a carvery - not the best we’ve eaten. The turkey was dry, veg lacked seasoning and the gravy, well, that spoilt the whole meal. The best bit? Lovely parsnips! We were recommended by a neighbour but sadly we will not be returning.

We were there for a wake. The food was wonderful. Coffee ran out but that was the only negative thing to say. Lovely place, lovely staff and food, thank you.

Lovely carvery. Staff very friendly and helpful, especially Emily. Very relaxing 👌

Went in for lunch. Helpful, polite staff. Cosy clean and great food quality and portion sizes. The carvery was available and my wife said it was tasty.

Visited this evening with hubby. Usually go once a week but have been 3 times in past 2 weeks. What can I say ??? Excellent food and service. Thank you to Kim and all the staff. Carvery outstanding. Choice of 3 meats, beef , turkey and gammon and cooked to perfection. Good choice of veggies and proper thick , beef, meaty gravy. Special thanks to Mike ( 2nd chef ) for the delicious choccy brownie. Was to die for and hubby enjoyed the apple and rhubarb crumble. Fantastic kitchen staff all round with special thanks to carver Callum. Can highly recommend. Having visited with family last week can also vouch for meals other than carvery. Thank you all . You have done yourselves proud x x

The food and standard of service was good however when we ask to take away 1 carvery which we have done in the past we were told that they had changed the Kitchen manager and we were not allowed to take out a meal any more very disappointed as we have always taken 1 out in the past

On holiday, three of us dropped in on the off chance. What a lovely surprise - great service, thoroughly enjoyed the carvery and my veggie option, everything perfectly cooked, and the fact the restaurant was so busy tells it's worthy of 5 stars.

Very nice carvery, staff were lovely made us welcome,

Lovely food carvery, Excellent Service.

I had the carvery and husband had the Hunters Chicken, both meals lovely, the New York cheesecake was also very moreish. Going back this week with relatives.

My husband and I booked a table for 2 for lunch today at the Saddlers. We arrived at our chosen time and ordered the over 55's 2-course Carvery. It had a good selection of vegetables to accompany the meat which we were soon tucking into, all piping hot. (As I am vegetarian I obviously didn't eat the meat, I took it home for our cat!) For Sweet my hu

Delicious food and drink, excellent variety of choice. Very friendly and helpful Staff, nothing too much trouble, especially our waitress Emily. Thank you to all involved for a delicious lunch.

Not the best experience dining out. Long wait to order and even longer wait for food. Food was average, I had coleslaw as part of my meal which looked rather old and tasted sour. Overall disappointed.

Mediocre at best… Beer served in dirty glass, barman lacked personality, I get it’s a busy time of year and you’re tired but a smile and bit of chat would be nice. Food , fish and chips dreary, dry fish and chips were bland. Ceaser salad drowned in dressing couldn’t find the parmisan and the chicken was tasteless and dry…

Have eaten many a carvery from here including Christmas last year (which was very good) unfortunately I visited last sat but found the turkey was over cooked & dry (gammon was good) & the veg was cold (except the cauliflower cheese which was lovely!) also the selection of veg isn’t anywhere near as good as it was previously The staff were friendly enough but certainly not in any rush to show us to tables or even to take our bill Now I can see why it was only less than half full Gutted & disappointed

The food was lovely, service was brilliant 10/10 would deffo go again!

Good food waitress needs working on her customer service skills !!

Lovely pub great carvery - it was very busy Sunday lunchtime but we waited in the queue. The staff were helpful and friendly the meat choice was excellent I had the beef and it was really tasty and not tough. I had some of the veg and I especially enjoyed the roast potatoes also the gravy was excellent lovely and thick and full of flavour. The garden is huge with loads of tables with umbrellas great to shade from the sun. The Saddlers is a great place child and dog friendly oh and they sell Fosters that’s a bonus for me.

Super impressed with this venue. Staff were attentive, polite and informative. Food was well presented, tasty, punctual and good value. Those things will ensure that we will be returning again before the end of our holiday. What really impressed me was the attitude and work ethic of the staff. Despite being down on numbers, they worked double hard, whilst managing customer expectations. They did it all with a smile on their face The customer service was the best I have experienced in a long time and the Saddlers should be very proud of their team.

Haven't been to this pub for years went there on recommendation had lovely carvery will definitely go back good variety of veg loved the Brussel sprouts there cauliflower cheese best i ever tasted very friendly and welcoming staff a good chap on serving the meat nice thick slices this is the place to go for a cavery

"Could use a refurbishment or a thorough cleaning. The food was terrible! I ordered sweet chili chicken in a baguette, but I received processed chicken in breadcrumbs from a packet, with sweet chili sauce drizzled over it! 🤮 Also, the roast was the worst. Can't believe they have 4.5 stars."

Table for 2 had the carvery and was very happy, great food qty and quality was very good. Hot food and lots of it. Atmosphere was very nice and Kim and her staff were 1st class. Great variety of ales and ciders. We had the over 55 carvery meal with a desert for £15 each ... fabulous 👌 will be here again soon. 5***** thankyou.

Decided to go to the Saddlers today for Sunday lunch to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Been before and had a really good meal - was served by a really nice old gentleman then. Young lad served meat today. Very disappointed overall. Not the best experience. Meat was good but the vegetables were cold even though we went at 12pm when they had just been put out. Had dessert. Vanilla cheesecake (£6.95) was very bland and just one scoop of ice cream. Husband had Black Forest gâteau which was fine. Had a large glass of wine which cost £10.50. Whole meal was over £65 for two. Staff were friendly but nearly took us to a table with the same surname booked for 3pm. Husband asked about lager and lad who took order gave him names of real ale. Good job he didn’t order real ale with lime in. Did say when I paid that I was disappointed as vegetables were cold etc and was just told he would let the chef know. Such a shame as last time it was very good and that is why I decided to book again. Not sure I would want to go there again.

Food is average and expensive factory made. The pub and furniture are very dirty so don't wear white!

Very welcoming and accommodating to dietary needs 😊

We had the carvery and it was delicious. Friendly staff and bright dining area.

Our go to restaurant for a Sunday Roast! The Saddlers ticks all the boxes. The staff are wonderful, the restaurant is clean, the price is competitive and the food is awesome. Sunday Carvery can not be beaten! Great for large groups as you can pay at the bar for your drinks & carvery ticket before treating yourself to a choice of 4 meat and as many trimmings as you can eat!

We came in this evening for a carvery. When we arrived we waited to be served. No one bothered to acknowledge us. When I did ask the girl with long dark hair she just said wait. We continued to wait and was ignored by all the staff. In the end we just left as we were not going to be served. I called to speak with the manager and no one called back. Your staff are really rude and unprofessional.

Carvery wonderful, been several times, always great. Book ahead as fills up quickly. Choice meats lots of veg, Yorkshire, just yummy 😋 Service can be a little slow when busy, bar area can be a bottle neck. Hard to book by phone, no one seems to answer. My only criticism.

Proper certi scran lik 10/10 would recommend. Although we waited time the food was deffo worth the wait!

Stopped in to see my cousin Very friendly staff Food was great

This was amazing since I went out for lunch with my family for a roast and it was amazing I can't describe how incredible it was I would 100% go again since all my family were enjoying the lovey meal we had today's so much flavour that melted in my mouth I just also would like to say I give the staff 10000 for quickness

We were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was at the Saddlers Arms. On the Sunday, we had the Carvery. The beef was excellent. Could not believe the vast choice of vegetables on offer. The staff were friendly. We enjoyed it so much that we went back the next day and had a meal off the normal menu. Both meals were very good.

It's very much in need of a refurbishment. Carvery- was OK. Nothing special. Gravy was like thick emulsion paint. Worse though, the leeks hadn't been cleaned properly so every mouthful was very gritty. Not nice. Then, there was no beer available, I was given appletise instead of elderflower pressed- which was put right. I wouldn't rush back.

First time trying the carvery here and it was amazing. Everything was perfect and really good value. Highly recommend!

Lovely meal fish and chips, Great service friendly staff. On holiday for 7days so will be going back again. Big thank you to all the staff nothing was to much trouble from them.

We popped in for a Carvery as we have done this afew times in the past but unfortunately today the food wasn’t up to the usual high standard… same of veg was under cooked Carrots, cauliflower were very hard and gravy not hot … but the meats were lovely !!!

Lots of different vegetables, food hot

Lovely carvery, as always! Loads of choice and meat was delicious. Worth booking in advance so you're not disappointed. Staff are always helpful and try to squeeze you in, if you turn up without a booking.

Us and some friends had a fantastic carvery here recently, it was our friends birthday and the staff made us all feel very welcomed, beautiful food, staff all very polite (Ian was lovely) Highly recommend, great pub.

Not very electric wheelchair friendly difficult to navigate inside narrow walkway.

Food lovely but one particular bar person was rude, ale wasn't good, but think just needed pulling through, tried offering this opinion but ignored. I appreciate it was busy, left waiting after asking twice for the menu. Plates left on the table for a considerable length of time, again had to ask several times for the table to be cleared so we could order dessert. One dessert was wrong, but sorted. ordered a wine, that was wrong. Another glass of wine had to be taken back as covered in lipstick stains, and same barman as before, no apology just dumped drink down. I understand it was a busy day, however when you see 3 staff standing there doing very little and your table is full.

Came in on the off chance for a carvery, great food, great price, lovely and friendly staff. Will come ahain when down this way.🙂👍

Good food but staff are slow and have to be reminded of what you ordered. Disappointed.

Food was disappointing as we have previously had a good meal here. It was obvious that they had a few issues I the kitchen the day we went which turned I to major issues when the electricity went off

We had the carvery and it was excellent. Huge choice of vegetables and they were all fresh and tasty. A warm welcome for our dogs too.

Amazing carvery and good size sandwich (Had enough for leftovers).

Food over cook tuck long time to with food

Very nice food! the service was great and the staff were so polite. When we drove it we could see it was a great place because the car park was full! Just amazing place ✨️

Well worth a visit. Lovely food

Great pub, fantastic FRESH food beautifully dished up. Great choice of drinks.

Really lovely place we have been here many times but not for a long long time the food was absolutely lovely and for us it was lovely and quiet but with a nice atmosphere

Always great and dog friendly excellent carvery

Lovely food as always , great service and great atmosphere as always . Just overall GREAT . 100% would recommend coming here it's lovely .

Carvery wow just to much on your plate

Carvery meat was fatty and tough ,everything else was cold ,service was slow every other table served first even tables came in after us .gave us wrong table and when we were asked if things were OK only just started eating we did tell one lady and then this other lady came over very rude and made us feel like it was our fault, been before was very good.not this time won't eat there again

First visit back for a few months. Blown away by the wonderful service from everyone and a delightfully variety filled and very tasty carvery. The lemon tart dessert finished off a great visit. Thank you everyone at the Saddlers 😀

Our first visit but definitely will not be our last. From entering the building the staff were there to attend to our needs, table service with a smile. We both had a carvery and as it was midweek took advantage of their deal of an inclusive dessert. Food was very tasty and hot.

Really good carvery and a great price. The menu food was also really good! The staff were the best thing! We had a kids birthday meal and they couldn't do enough for us. Sarah and the team were brilliant! If you're a local or on holiday, please call in either for a great carvery or just a pint! The kids play area is also really good!!!

Probably the best carvery ever. Freshly cooked food, great price and great service from Sarah and the staff. Beautiful building and warm atmosphere. Very highly recommended!

The Saddlers is a great place for an excellent lunch. The staff are welcoming, friendly, attentive and helpful. The menu provides a wide choice, including an excellent carvery, and the food is of a high standard in preparation and presentation. The restaurant is a very pleasant environment with plenty of space between the tables. Parking is free and there is a bus stop right outside. The Saddlers is really good value for money. If you've not been then I recommend you to try it.

Sadly only a quick visit as was in the area to see family. What a wonderful experience so glad for the pit stop! The team there are amazing . Kim and Emily run a fantastic place - the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. I love that four legged friends were also made to feel so at home! The food we saw coming out was very tempting so next time we are in the area a full on night out there will be top of our agenda. Thanks again ladies for your hospitality 🥰

Another amazing cavery! Everything was perfect! Have always got eyes bigger than my belly here tho haha. Amazing customer service from Kim and Nyah. (or Nigel) 🤣 Will definitely be returning 🔥

This was a lovely set of experiences for us. The carvery was a delight for my dinner-companion, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ham, egg and chips. Friendly staff, tons of car parking (though some unlevel surfaces if you are worried about mobility). Needs a swish of paint to the hallways and loos, but we were keen to return.

I am a vegetarian , I was told 2 meats on offer and 3 pies on offer, but not one offer is vegetarian, so I was told you can just have veg .when we went to get our meal we was sent back to our table because they had not prepared enough veg for a table of six regardless us trying to book a table but nobody answered the phone ..awful service

We went for Sunday Cavery and the food was great. Unfortunately felt the waiting staff needed some training/supervision. We waiting an excessive amount of time for our order to be taken whilst at least 3 staff were having a lengthy chat within sight of us. We then waited again for our plates to be cleared and the dessert menu offered. Neither were forthcoming and the same staff were still in conversation rather than paying attention to customers. We had to grab a passing young lady taking a drinks order to another table in order to get our bill, still with our dirty plates at the table. It's a shame as the experience could have been a whole lot better.

1st visit there while in Devon for a short break...wasn't expecting such a fantastic place... Great friendly staff..very good prices..and food was spot on.... 2 of our party had the carvery.....all I can say its the best carvery I never had lol.. If I'm anywhere in South Devon again this will be the place to go.. Can't thank them enough

We had a most enjoyable carvery and desert, the staff were very pleasant and polite. We couldn't have asked for more. We'll definitely return again soon

Our main course and drinks order was taken with no problem. The staff manning the carvery were really friendly and a credit to the establishment; nothing was too much trouble. After we ate our food we were pretty much deserted by our waitress who we noticed to be serving behind the bar next door. It took ages to clear our plates and weren't offered desert so after a while caught the passing waitress and asked for the desert menu - she reeled off 3 deserts, said she would give us a minute and never returned so we decided to go elsewhere for desert. After going to the bar and paying my bill I discovered that I'd actually been served by a banned customer who was wandering around behind the bar - which was really random. Such a shame the service is lacking as the food was great

It’s good to be back! Excellent carvery with selection of 3 meats and an abundance of delicious vegetables. Excellent value for money. We will be back!

Best carvery around this area .Could drink a jug of the gravy on its own.Always fresh vegetables and tasty meat. Staff very friendly and can’t do enough for you .

Really good experience for dinner, couldnt fault it - had the steak pie and kids had the fish and chips.

We went to The Saddlers tonight for my mums bday. We had a lovely server called Joe who nothing was too much trouble for. Bless him, we asked a lot as we have some picky eaters, but everything we asked was greeted with a smile and efficiency. He made us feel so welcomed and relaxed - we looked for him after our meal to tip him directly, but sadly he’d left. I’d love got him to get in touch so that we can tip him. The food was exquisite- I’d definitely recommend the mushrooms in blue cheese sauce for starters! I’d have this for a main dish if I could! It was delicious! We all really enjoyed our food that was wonderfully cooked by Sam the chef. This is only the third time in recent years that we’ve been to The Saddlers, but we’ll definitely be going back for our next big celebration. 10/10 all round 👍🏻

We were after a funeral. However food was lovely, nice atmosphere. Very welcoming pub.

Good value food with excellent service.

good staff lovely and friendly people lovely man on the meat cutting bit and the bartenders are amazing aswell just need more staff there as you all looked like u was running in circles the wait for the food was amazing and the staff was just friendly as anything

Severe stomach cramps due to eating a carvery on Mothers day, 5 out of 8 of us very poorly

Despite the food being very enjoyable it's unfortunate that of the 12 in our group the 6 who ate the gammon all had severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea the following morning. Will not be returning to this establishment because of this reason.

Great food at a reasonable price, will be back again 🙂

We’ve eaten here before & it’s been ok! Meal booked in advance for 13! I even took a list in detail of our starters & mains in advance! We didn’t get greeted or shown to our table! Probably because they hadn’t even lain a table for us! We had to put tables together & sit separately on wobbly chairs finding cutlery from other tables! Waited 45 for starters & when my brother went to ask he overheard the staff saying they’d forgotten to tell the chef! ( The chef we felt sorry for & he shouldnt of had to come out to check we’d finished starters! We were told we could order drinks from the table but nobody came to serve us & when we did get water for the table we were told you’ve got 8 glasses as i couldn’t be bothered to carry anymore! Meals were ok!!One order didn’t come out & so she cancelled & went home! Got my top caught on one of the staples in the wall which were dotted around, which in turn pulled a plant off a shelf onto MY head! 🙄 Then when we went to pay they wanted us to tell them what we had ordered!There were two ladies trying to remember! I said to be honest i’d stop there the whole evening was a disaster! i received a half hearted apology! We will not be going back

So we pre booked our table for Friday 19:30, but arrived an hour earlier than expected. The staff were most accommodating and provided us a window corner table where you could see the beer garden which was wonderfully lit by the warm amber glow of fairy lights. Overall a nice ombiance. The service staff were great and were very attentive to their patrons given the steady amount for a Friday evening. Our food and drinks arrived in a timely manner. We went for the Salt & Pepper Calamari starter. Although I was expecting a bigger portion, it was enough for both of us to share. My partner went for the roast, which she immediately eyeballed as soon as we were shown to our table. As a seafood lover I went for the seafood linguine. It was deliciously creamy and the seafood combination tasted fresh. Overall a fantastic experience to finally visit this local pub which is on a main road to Exmouth/M5.

A very good carvery and friendly service.

Popped in today for a bar snack with my wife, been a while since I've eaten there and it was good then , this time was better, we had 2 hours to kill and a little peckish we dived in , welcome was warm and friendly, the service was excellent and the food was great, we won't leave it so long next time. Thank you

Stopped off for a quick lunch on a Tuesday. Friendly staff, quick service and the vegetarian carvery (nut roast) was great. Perhaps a little on the pricey side at 14.95 but overall worth the money.

This is one of those places that's a bit rough around the edges but the staff were really friendly and helpful and the food was great. There's a good choice of veg in the carvery selection and the chef cuts off decent slices of meat for you. They do have some offers; carvery and dessert for £15 on specific days and there's 15% off 'classic' meal menu items for over 55's (it's a little confusing as to what's a 'classic' item though - I heard one table saying that fish and chips must be a classic but apparently it wasn't this week, so no idea what's going on there - ask your server if you're confused!). We did have a good hearty meal though and as I said, the staff were all lovely.

We ordered the Beef burger, Falafel burger & child's fish & chips. When the burgers arrived my first thought was "oh lord do I eat it or climb it!" !! The burger was huge & had bacon, cheese, gherkins, tomato & salad along with two homemade patties on a brioche bun. The falafel burger was the best flavour falafel I've had, such a wonderful mix of spices & textures. Again two homemade patties with tomato, gherkins on brioche bun. This all came with home made chips, salad & coleslaw. The child's fish & chips was a good size with a ramakin of beans. Such good value too. My only complaint was it was so large I had no room for pudding shame! The staff were very friendly & helpful & the place was very busy yet nothing seemed rushed all was so smoothly run. We will definitely be back.

Good food and a good variety quick service on the day

Beautifull family meal here today, carvery was amazing, all the staff are lovely, very friendly and helpfull, Would definitely recommend

Visited without a reservation ( we were feeling spontaneous!) for Sunday lunch, sat in the bar but still able to have carvery. Service was superb, carvery chef super friend and serving staff very attentive. Such a fantastic quality carvery, brilliant choice and meat beautifully cooked. We will definitely be back!

One of the worst eating out experience in a long time. Sunday roast with beef full of sinew, cold cauliflower cheese and soggy batter on the tasteless fish. The tartare sauce was also tasteles and no check back to be able to rectify the situation. It was recommended by many to me but a big NO thank you. We found somewhere else for desserts. To be fair we should of known from the dirty rims on the drinks glasses.

Heard good reviews about The Saddlers for Sunday Roast but that was a big mistake. The Beef was full of sinew, cauli cheese was stone cold and I have never seen a parnsnip separated from its skin before. Veggie option was not for me, so I opted for fish and chips. That was the second mistake! The fish after being fried made the batter soggy on the bottom and tasteless. The chips were cut on a funny angle and the tartare sauce was something else. Such a shame the young lady was lovely but no check back at all. It wasn't 'busy' enough to have such a bad experience. We didn't have breakfast expecting to have an amazing lunch, so we ate as much as we could stomach. Now it's jumbling around in my stomach making me feel very unwell. Sad to see/ hear thats the standard of food people expect and are happy with. Will not be returning ever!

A lovely pub with a great Sunday Carvery! But, the service was very inattentive & slow. After waiting 25 minutes for a dessert menu & the plates to be cleared, we gave up. We always like to support local hospitality so will be back based on the food. Plus the fact the service issues could be rectified quickly with more training.

We went to the Saddlers Arms this evening (23 December). The staff were very friendly and attentive, quickly took our drinks order, followed by the menu. My partner and her brother both had the carvery. They said everything was tasty and a good choice or meats and vegetables. My appitite is not as it was so I asked about the fries with chicken curry (unfortunately, in modern parlance, named 'Dirty fries'). I had read an earlier review, which was not favorable, but, I believe in making my own mind up - everyone's tastes are different. It was supposed to be a side dish but, oh my goodness, a meal in itself. Plenty of chicken pieces, a good quantity of nice chips and the curry. I throughly enjoyed it. It was very flavoursome, I enjoyed every mouthful and although the chips were nice, the chicken curry with a piece of garlic bread would have better for me. Absolutely delicious. We all came out fully satisfied. The new landlady came to all the tables, making sure all was OK. A nice, and confident touch. Well done to everyone there. Paul Stephens.