The Octagon — Restaurant in East Devon

During a recent visit to the beach with my three other university friends, I decided to find something warm to drink as it was windy and getting dark. Upon entering the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by a friendly waiter who showed me the menu when I inquired about hot beverages. I mentioned that I would ask my friends what they would like and return shortly.

When I came back only a couple of minutes later, I was stopped at the entrance by a lady who told me they could not serve me. When I asked why, she explained the restaurant was fully booked. I was confused, as I could see several empty tables, and I clarified that we were only hoping to order takeaway drinks. She then stated that they were not serving takeaway drinks at the moment, despite the fact that another waiter had just offered them to me.

I also asked if we could use the restroom facilities to wash our hands, but she declined, saying they were for customers only. While I understand and respect that policy, I was in the process of trying to explain to her that i was trying to purchase something so that I may use the bathroom when she rudely walked away mid sentence. Moments later, as I turned to leave, she remarked that she was simply following her bosses instructions.

Having grown up in a service-oriented business, I was taught the importance of going above and beyond for every customer. Unfortunately, the service I experienced on this occasion was disappointing, especially given how beautiful the venue itself appeared. I would genuinely like to give this establishment another chance, but I remain hesitant after the way I...

We recently visited The Octagon and, unfortunately, had a disappointing experience regarding their handling of gluten free dietary requirements in terms of customer service. Despite informing the team at the time of booking and again when ordering that one meal needed to be suitable for a coeliac, my father's plate arrived with black pudding a product that is not gluten free. When he queried this with the waitress, she admitted it shouldn’t have been on the plate. My father doesn’t like to make a fuss, but this kind of mistake happens ALL the time when we eat out, and it’s incredibly frustrating. I want to be fair and say the food itself was lovely, but it’s a shame this incident overshadowed our experience. I know that he apologised but the tone of these messages suggests an emphasis on what we could have done differently (reporting it immediately) rather than focusing on their responsibility to ensure the error didn’t happen in the first place. I’m giving a 1 star because I still don’t feel from the messages that Michael is understanding the issue and because he then blocked me when I couldn’t reply to his comment. Totally unprofessional and unwilling to take accountability. As you can see Michael, blocking me has now made things worse for you! If you have coeliac disease, I would...

Been eating out in Exmouth over the last 20 years. I have to say the food at The Octagon last night was probably the best food yet. For starter I ordered the spiced lentil and butternut samosa with a mint juice. It was beautifully plated with a colourful salad that each and every item was a burst of flavour - pickled slices of crunchy carrot, beetroot and onions with pea shoots. For mains I had the chargrilled chicken Caesar Salad. Again, the balance of flavour of the Caesar sauce on crunchy cos lettuce and croutons was perfection and a delicious hot whole chicken leg was served instead of the usual sliced or strips chicken. All washed down with a delicious bottle of Sauvignon, reasonably priced at £27. Too full for a dessert unfortunately! Great attentive service and lovely atmosphere from the moment you walk in. If I had one thing that could be improved it would be to dim the lights down a touch for evening diners.This would not only soften the experience with a bit of what Micky Flanagan would say ‘om-bee-onse ’, it would also allow diners to enjoy The Octagon’s location and fabulous 180 degree sea views (instead of your reflection) that each table has been thoughtfully arranged for. Well done to the team for this fab new additon to the sea front. Will definitely...