Kings Arms Inn, Stockland — Restaurant in East Devon

It feels awful to have to leave a bitter and horrible review for one of our local pubs but unfortunately I have no choice in the matter. We just had the most horrendous and upsetting experiences at the Kings Arms in Stockland, Devon, ironically after so looking forward to this special Sunday roast! (for several months as we are very busy people). Weirdly and unexpectedly, after waiter orders went awry, their Manager, Ben Walker was utterly and unnecessarily and embarrassingly rude to us, including in front of other dining guests, putting his staff and their word before us (which was in hindsight really unfair as they were the ones at fault!)

His negativity and aggressive attitude clearly commenced the second we walked in the pub, as he was totally off with us from the start! We were utterly appalled by his demeanour and false accusations later on as things worsened and altercations began! We are the paying customer and due respect and dignity ought to be paramount! Truly, I have never been so humiliated or insulted in my life, and I work in hospitality, so I know how important it is to understand your customers and deal with them in the right way! He was bang out of order, untoward, rude, unacceptable and completely unprofessional!

We have sent hundreds of our guests there over the years for dinner as we run a highly successful 5* B&B (for 8 years now). Not only have I left the pub today without having had the roast dinner I actually ordered; we leave highly insulted and I would never set foot in this premises again, nor would I ever send anyone there in case they suffered a similar nasty experience.

Clearly Ben must have had a really bad day, but to take it out on us was totally unprofessional. What a sad turn of events when you used to "love your local", but no apology in the Universe would allow me to forgive this totally appalling behavior! Clearly the in-experienced very young staff need more training to deliver what is basically required and the manager needs to wash...

In East Devon and surrounding area there are excellent pubs to go for a good roast dinner with excellent service, and the King's Arms in Stockland IS NOT ONE OF THEM! What a huge disappointment! We went there for a Sunday roast, and our dinner was ruined by the VERY YOUNG and clearly inefficient, inexperienced staff that the manager Ben Walker employs. They are students from secondary school, without any idea on how to serve a table, never mind deliver a good customer service! Firstly, I my roast dinner arrived without vegetables, I had to ask for it, waited 10 minutes and it was cold. Secondly, my husband didn't have his main course, only his starter. When we asked the very young waiter where his dinner was, Ben Walker (a very short man, whom was clearly overworked and looked very tired and fed up), came to our table and talked to us in a very rude manner in front of everybody. Clearly, Ben Walker had had a very bad day and cannot cope with managing a busy pub, so he had to give a 'show' in front of his customers to boost his 'ego'. It was totally utterly unnecessary and unacceptable. I do not recommend this place. Go to the Tucker's Arms in Dalwood instead! Excellent food and...

We (a group of 7) booked for Sunday lunch outside and we were greeted by a very friendly manager/landlord. Shown to our table and immediately chilled tap water jugs were served and well as menus. Orders for drinks taken and delivered to the table. A great menu with plenty of options, not just your average Sunday roast.

While waiting for the food, those of us with the sun to their back were regretting the "its a lovely day, see if you can book outside". The staff realised the problem and suggested they moved us inside. That was lovely and cool.

There was fresh chilled tap water waiting for us. Very shortly afterward the main meal was served. We all thought the food was great so I suggest if you order anything from them it will be to the same high standard as ours.

Overall a great experience, and one we will be repeating on our next visit to Devon.

Thank you to all the staff for making it such...