Babbacombe Inn — Restaurant in England

Staying in Torquay for the first time we have obviously done our homework and looked at places to eat in the surrounding area. We weren't looking for anything fancy so we chose Babbacombe Inn tonight so we booked a table for four. On arrival we were told to go through the double doors and sit at table 29. (I am not a big fan of numbered table 'pubs ') but we carried on. The tables were not numbered so we just sat at a table that was set for 4 people. After about 15 minutes a clueless waitress came over and asked why we were sitting there and so I told her we were asked to sit at table 29, to which she said Ooh you guessed right!! Drinks orders were then taken and took 10 mins to come. Twice we asked for a jug of iced water which never came. Then the food orders were taken which took another 40mins to come. The food wasn't anything to shout about but it was the lack of decent service and the wait. When I asked for the manager as to why it took so long the response was "we are a really big pub and we're really busy but you've only waited 37 mins. ( add up the waiting time when we were ignored before we could even order) I pointed out that more than half of the seats were empty, and if the kitchen can't cope when you're half full, god help you when you are!!! Even the Manager agreed.

Mediocre food Poor service. Awwwful...

We visited last night for a meal after my dad’s funeral as a thank you to our family members who had travelled a long way. The food was great, the service wonderful and although we hadn’t intended to, joined the quiz at the last minute. My husband spoke to Tom and although he hadn’t got a table they made space on the dance floor for us. We also visited a couple of weeks ago, again on a quiz night and were offered a table for the quiz as one of regular teams didn’t attend. There was a mix up and another team were not happy that we had that table as they wanted to move to it. They made us feel really uncomfortable complaining that grockles dont keep the pub going in the winter and that it had totally ruined her night. Actually we visit the pub as it’s in an amazing location and we have family living in the Bay. After the first section of the quiz we moved to the bar as I couldn’t stand the constant digs and moaning over a table that was loud even so we would hear. The woman left but not before having a go at Tom who managed the situation really well. Later I found out she had left a really bad review for the pub which was unfair and unkind. I have to say after the week I had had, if that was here biggest problem she was lucky. Thank you Tom and his team, keep up...

Disappointed with the meal we had at the Babbacombe Inn, It left a lot to be desired. The Prawn starter was just strange, over cooked and to expensive for what I was served. A handful of Prawns, stewed in Garlic water or very week broth, served with a part backed roll "£8" the frozen prawns were cooked until they were solid, I really should have sent them back but I was in a group and did not want to bring the mood down! Following the starter with half a roast chicken with wedges and coleslaw, this was a little better but less than what you would expect. The Chicken had been warmed up in the microwave and was so hot it burned your mouth, right to the last bite (yep that hot) and the barbeque sauce was served in a gravy boat and was just out of a jar accompaniment served up with little finesse, bitty wedges and no presentation. Saving grace was a waitress who was trying hard and coupled with fairly prompt service and clean and bright restaurant was a redeeming factor. However, I would not rush back to this place. Maybe a pub lunch or odd pint on a nice afternoon because it's location is everything...