Exeter Inn — Restaurant in Mid Devon

I've actually liked this pub. the food is good and the atmosphere is chill and cozy. However, we made reservations for a meal for 4 through their website for 7:30 pm, and everything went through. when we arrived at 7:30pm, they did not have our booking because apparently they don't receive reservations through their website, and they could not serve us food because they had a private event at the other part of the pub, and if we want dinner we'd have to wait till 9pm. I am over the service and hospitality industry behaving like they have enough customers to spare, and when something goes wrong the people who are supposedly in charge just stand and give you mind boggling looks when you expect them to try and do something about it. it is not the job of the costumer to figure out the miscommunication of your booking and reservation systems, and while I agree mistakes happen and it is never the end of the world, but when the response is puzzled looks and confusion without attempting to even entertain the idea of finding a solution, you come across as unprofessional and quite frankly incompetent. The Swan in Bampton was gracious enough to have us walk in without reservation and the meal...

We came here yesterday on the way home and arrived just before the pub opened so decided to wait outside. The first lady came out and opened the door to tell us they were closed and opened at 12, although she didn't seem particularly friendly we decided to wait by the car for another few minutes until opening. A few minutes later, a second woman came out of a different door, she said in an abrupt voice "can I help you?" I said, no were okay thanks, we're just here early and you're not open yet so we thought we'd wait a few minutes (less than 10).. She barked back in the most argumentative tone "no we're not! We open soon! "... (I didn't say it but I thought okay so you're trying to argue with me saying we'll wait for you to open by stating you're not closed you're open soon... Aka still closed then)..

Ended up driving off as I don't want to spend my money here. This isn't a way to run a successful venue. Absolutely poor attitude with total lack of sense replies and unnecessary attitude.

Upon looking at other reviews this venue apologises and doesn't adapt or learn. A professional reply to an unhappy customer over and over again, speaks volumes...

Had a fabulous meal at this recently opened pub on the outskirts of Bampton. The pub is situated on the outskirts of Bampton and a perfect half way point on the first circular walk in the Bampton Walks booklet. The pub is also very dog friendly and on the next time we visit we will walk the two hounds up there as well. I do know that there is an issue at the moment with their telephone not being serviceable which is on the BT end. Please don't let this deter you as you will be looked after when you get there and I can assure you it will be worth it. On this occasion I had the Exmoor Beast Burger which contained an 8 ounce home made burger , none of the 6 ounce nonsense which a lot of establishments have turned to. It came with a chicken breast, bacon,cheese and homemade hash browns within the burger itself and on the side was homemade onion rings,these alone can make a meal if done correctly and they were amongst the best I have had. Neither of us had a desert on this occasion due to totally ruining ourselves with a cream tea about 4 hours earlier. This is something I do intend to remedy the next...