Blue Ball Inn — Restaurant in East Devon

A spacious dog friendly inn serving good pub grub at fairly reasonable prices, with a good atmosphere too. A good pub to stop off at when travelling through.

After a full day of adventuring the south coast of Dorset and southeast Devon, we left it quite late to arrange something for dinner (very last minute). Whilst heading back to Cornwall, we phoned ahead and we spoke to Lisa who was very friendly and accommodating.

We actually wanted to go the Sidmouth Blue Ball Inn that we passed earlier in the day, little did we know that there are actually three Blue Ball Inns in the southwest 🤦‍♂️ So, be careful when searching and phoning to book a table 😁 Needless to say, we had already passed the Sidmouth one without realising and we were now getting closer to the Exeter one instead. Hunger was setting in!

We ordered the burger with cheese and smoked bacon and the falafel burger with onions, humus, and sweet chilli. Both dishes came with chips and salad but as we were feeling quite hungry, we also had a side order of cheesy chips as well - because we’re greedy little piggies. Very tasty local produce though, good pub grub that is fairly good value for money.

We had a couple pints of local ale and medium house red. I am not a huge fan of St Austell brewery as I feel they are one of the most expensive around, and there are many other better quality breweries in my personal opinion. Especially in Cornwall where there are some great free houses. Equally I have found pubs or inns taken over by St Austell brewery have usually lost their soul and traditional old ‘inn’ style in order to cater for extra dining space. But to be fair, this Inn hadn’t lost its soul, which was refreshing to see.

Overall, the service was good and timely. Attentive but not intrusive. We didn’t wait long to be seated or for our food. The Inn itself is a mix of traditional and modern, but both with a good atmosphere. The older more traditional part of the Inn has a warm dark cozy feel to it. The bar, tables, and toilets are clean, and there is ample space for parking…even for larger vehicles like campervans.

Although we managed to get a (good) table on a Saturday evening (very last minute), it is likely that as the season progresses, more advanced bookings would be prudent - to ensure you get a table.

We would highly recommend this Inn to anyone looking warm hearty pub meal in a cozy atmosphere.

Many thanks - B & A...

We came here as a treat. Family were down, it was my wife’s birthday, and my father-in-law was kindly taking us out.

The menu looked fantastic—so many choices that we were genuinely spoilt for choice.

I had the fish stew. The broth was lovely, and the fish was okay, but the shellfish (three mussels and a langoustine) were clearly not fresh and just didn’t taste right. It could have done with a few more crostini, and I had to ask for a spoon, which felt odd given that the broth was easily the best part.

My brother-in-law went for the pork. It looked amazing, and the portion size was generous, but it was dry—how does belly of pork end up dry?

My wife, the birthday girl, chose the butternut squash ravioli. It looked beautiful and tasted great—except there was no mention on the menu of truffles, which were subtle but definitely there. The only food she really dislikes is truffle. Thankfully, she had garlic bread to fall back on.

And my niece? She’s vegetarian, and there were no vegetarian child's mains on the menu. Lots of appealing meat dishes, but nothing suitable for her. In the end, she had plain pasta with cheese, really? In this day and age.

Also starting tzatiki was good but only a few pieces of pitta.

Normally I’d have said something—and very nearly did—but my elderly father-in-law was treating us, and we didn’t want to spoil the occasion. We had an okay time. The space we were seated in was beautifully decorated, and the staff were pleasant, if a little timid., teh food came fairly quickly.

But it was meant to be a special treat—and sadly, it just wasn’t. And it wasn’t cheap either. And, in the end, we decided to skip dessert and beat a retreat

To me, it felt like a case of style over substance. Perhaps we were too adventurous in our choices, or maybe the menu itself is too ambitious to be consistently delivered well. What initially excited me when I read the menu ultimately became its downfall.

I’d like to think we’d give it another go. In my line of work, I often recommend venues for wakes and family gatherings—but I’m not sure I could trust that it would be “just okay” again. Was this a one-off, or is it a regular occurrence?

Feeling sad as I wanted to come back and try some of the...

We had our wedding breakfast here & from start to finish Natalie was absolutely amazing!!!. From the first booking of the venue & accommodation to the actual day,not once was Natalie unavailable for my many questions I had. She reassured us,explained in detail & delivered everything that was promised. As for the food....OMG!!!!. We cannot express just how amazing this was!!!!. The presentation,the taste & the very impressive delivery of it,by the most amazing staff,Josh you really was amazing,along with the girls & again Natalie's organisation skills played a huge role. All food was brought out prompt & hot & definitely didn't disappoint. The service by all the staff was spot on. We was made to feel like a king & queen!!!. The whole day was superb,both myself & my husband were very impressed on how organised everything was,how the decorations were laid out & looked superb & how all of our guests & ourselves were looked after throughout the whole breakfast. My father was also taken very good care of,which was extremely important to me & Natalie made sure all his food was pre cut up & made it very manageable for him. It dosent stop there...the accommodation was amazing!!. Everything you needed was there & the decorations of all the rooms are lovely. I know Natalie has spent a lot of thought & time to making them as amazing as they are & it's paid off. Beds exceptionally comfy,adequate heating,en suite bathrooms with lovely soft towels provided & really good facilities are just brilliant. The pre wedding & after wedding breakfasts were to die for!!!. Local produce & everything so fresh. Natalie & the staff went out of their way to accommodate myself & my bridesmaids,as we needed a very early breakfast & again,it was never an issue. Everything was laid up & ready for our arrival. Overall,our whole experience from start to finish was exceptional & more. I would recommend anyone to come along & see for themselves at what amazing,efficient,professional & exceptional service you will receive. Once again,Natalie & all the staff,from Ems & Robs,thank you so so much. You were the ones that made our day so so special & we will always be forever...