The Cinnamon Tree — Restaurant in East Devon

Kazi Ahmed started this wonderful Indian restaurant some 18 years ago. A charming gentleman, who is genuinely customer focused.

Of course, particularly during these challenging times when there is a chronic shortage of reliable staff in the hospitality sector (the demand for hospitality staff is now so strong, according to the trade body UKHospitality, in February 2022 there were an estimated 394,000 vacancies in pubs, bars and restaurants), it's inevitable service may be a little slow when the restaurant is full.

I sincerely hope The Cinammon Tree doesn't suffer experiences I've observed in other establishments, namely people, who deliberately complain about every minor detail, then expect a huge discount or, worse still, walk out without paying at all. Shame on you!

And what's the problem with waiting a reasonable time anyway? Surely, it should be an enjoyable evening out. Time to chat and laugh about ourselves and the state of the world, despite the parlous situation affecting so many of us.

February can be a quiet month. Catering is an art form. I know from experience trying to predict customer numbers and budgeting for the correct amount of food is far from easy.

We had a very pleasant day out in Sidmouth yesterday. It was relatively quiet, but hopefully with the school holidays starting, business everywhere will pick up.

Clearly, Kazi Ahmed and his team are consummate professionals.

There was a wide range on the menu to suit all palates and a good selection of beverages. The food was delicious and hot. Ample portions. Compliments to the chef! Served with efficient politeness, without being sycophantic.

Spotlessly clean everywhere, including the powder-my-nose facilities!

No noisy musak that makes it impossible to be heard.

We had no difficulty parking.

There's a take away and home delivery service too.

Excellent value.

I recommend The Cinammon Tree most highly and wish the gentleman...

Originally from Birmingham, the home of the Balti. I was missing spicy food whilst staying in Sidmouth. Driving past the Cinnamon Tree my partner got us a menu. The plan was to get an order for delivery as the restaurant was fully booked. My partner did say the man was abrupt when he was collecting the menu. I called to place the order, whilst taking my order the man was intermittently shouting at staff in Bangladeshi, I should know because I speak the language. I explained I was staying at a local hotel and asked how would I know if the food was delivered, I was told the driver would call me and he took my number. When I asked how long it would be the man sighed and said 45 minutes. He then said madam I am very busy and put the phone down. So not taking the risk and ordering from elsewhere in case this food turned up and giving The Cinnamon Tree the benefit of the doubt I waited 40 minutes and called them. I was then told the driver is on his way and the phone was put down on me. Needless to say the food never was delivered. All I can say, because the competion for dining out and deliveries is limited in Sidmouth, due to the increase in holidaymakers staycationing, The Cinnamon Tree think they are able to treat customers this way. I can't understand why they could not have simply said that they were to busy to fulfill an order. Instead they left us waiting...

Ordered a takeaway with a starter yesterday evening... The person taking the order clearly never knew their own menu, they didn’t known what a Nargis Kufta was. On completing the order they told us that a plain naan was included with the meal. Upon getting home there were no Courtesy poppadoms that is the first time we’ve not had this from all other takeaways. No salad or mint yogurt to compliment kufta., No nan bread. When returning to restaurant no apology was given except that it was not him that had packed the bag or taken the order.., Obviously by now the meal was cold and no worth eating! Appaulling service to what has been a very good restaurant over the many years we’ve visited Sidmouth.. I know they...