The Globe, Topsham — Restaurant in Exeter

AWFUL – Against my better judgement I allowed myself to be persuaded to eat here for a second time. So, this is my review in reverse date order. Last night we arrived at about 6 o’clock and were shown immediately to a window table. So far so good – only to go rapidly down-hill from here. The chairs were uncomfortable and the table sticky. Being coeliac I decided on three options (just in case). My first option had sold out; my second option (a chicken burger) was not available as a gluten free option; my third choice was a crab salad with a side of fries. This FINALLY arrived – the crab being conspicuous by its absence. In effect I had ordered a pile of leaves costing c£15.00. The fries were chunky-chips; hard on the inside so effectively uneatable. I had previously asked the waitress what exactly was available as a gluten free option. She said to scan the QR code – whatever that is – so I was none the wiser! The atmosphere was non-existent. The decor and lighting dingy (though perhaps some might say – atmospheric!).

Our previous visit was on the evening England were playing Switzerland in the UEFA Cup and we were looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere. We had booked a table and already chosen our food from the online menu. Upon our arrival we were shown to a dingy back room where we sat for most of our meal alone whilst listening to the cheering from other areas of the restaurant and bar. Things went from bad to worse. The online menu from which we had chosen, it transpired, was time sensitive and was not available in the evening – but no mention of this on the menu. So – plan B. We ordered drinks and olives, the idea being to enjoy these whilst waiting for our meal. FINALLY, after a wait of some 30 minutes, these arrived just prior to the food. I had ordered a burger (yes, a GF option was available on this occasion). The meat was rubbery and chewy. This went into my wife’s handbag much to the delight of our dog upon arriving home! One of our guests, who had ordered linguine, had to ask for a spoon (rather than a knife and fork) – twice. Eventually TWO spoons arrived! We put this lack of communication down to the staff being busy who were coping as best they could in the circumstances. Such a disappointment and, on both occasions, a complete...

Stayed for four nights. Had two evening meals and one breakfast whilst staying here. Food was generally good. I recommend the trio of fish; Sole, Monkfish and Hake. Breakfast was reasonable value compared to other breakfast venues in the village. Had a nice first floor courtyard room which was well maintained, everything worked as it should. Plenty of hot water, nice quality shower gel, hand soap and body cream. Shaver charging point. Particularly liked the adjustable Temperature towel rail. We got fresh bath towels on day two. Zip and Link bed was comfortable, we slept really well. TV had good selection of channels. Tea and coffee tray was excellent with top quality Tea Pigs tea bags, hot chocolate sachets and nice coffee sachets. A quality two pack of ginger cookies and a pack of chocolate cookies were supplied on three of the four days. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, bar staff were knowledgeable about the local ales. Housekeeping were friendly and looked after our room daily. Kitchen and waiting staff were smart and polite and attentive. The courtyard seating area is nice with large olive trees all around giving it a Mediterranean feel, lots of hanging baskets. Some of the leather furniture in the bar areas was a little tired and in need of repair or replacement, I only mention this in the hope that it helps the inn to get some new stuff when the brewery have a spending spree. I had a bizarre experience as I was departing the hotel to go home. I recognised one of the draymen delivering kegs to be a chap I had served with in the RAF nineteen years ago, we made each others day, it was nice to see...

We came here for a few days away. Room was very clean and cannot fault the staff. I do think that it was a lot of money for what it was. They don't include a breakfast with the cost of your stay and, considering the amount you pay, this does seem a little 'tight'. Our room was clean and comfortable but does overlook the centre forecourt where people drink. I fully appreciate that when you stay in a pub, that is the risk you take in terms of noise. But it isn't really factored into the price. It was close to £400 to stay for three nights. In addition, it is wonderful that they allow dogs. We don't have a dog, but I am a dog lover and it is nice to see that they are accommodating. However, on our second day there was a dog poo outside of our bedroom door. There were cleaners in the 'area' but nothing was done. It was there throughout the duration of our stay. It's not really up to us to clean up the dog poop and if you are allowing dogs you do need to be mindful of this. As a plus, the staff were very friendly and hardworking. Food was reasonable too. I would strongly suggest to this pub that they consider their pricing for rooms and possibly factor in a breakfast if they are going to charge the amount that they do. I would also encourage them to be a little more mindful of our four...