Red Deer — Restaurant in Mid Devon

Visited today with a group of friends, we were a large group and wanted to eat out somewhere that could accommodate us at short notice. The place had the look and feel of a chain pub, so we weren't expecting big things. Starters came out quickly, and despite a mix up with our order (which was the fault of our group), the staff were quick to sort this out for us. However, it started to go wrong after that. My partners main was incorrect, and, when they returned to the table with his correct order, it was clear things had been swapped over, rather than cooked fresh. I ordered a pulled pork burger, and was very disappointed with what has to be described as the driest pulled pork I've ever seen. The burger was also dry, both had clearly been left sitting on a hot plate for far too long. The burger also came with no lettuce, or any kind of salad, and the chips all looked like the scrapings of the barrel. The manager was wonderful, as soon as I pointed out there was an issue with my food, he offered to replace it. I declined, and was presented with a refund. He was very apologetic, and really made an unpleasant experience, less unpleasant. Won't be returning, it's sad when basic food is ruined by...

Some we come here regularly. On the whole it is a very nice place to come. Very friendly manger lovely food. Very spacious and usually service with a smile. That is until the last 2 times we have been here. We have been served by a miserable old man behind the counter. No smile rude and abrupt. So they have a few discounts on at the moment there is one for 30% off and one for kids eat for a pound (excellent it’s the summer holiday) you can only use one or the other. I mean that’s fair. I told him the code I mean I wouldn’t know it unless I was sent it right. Nope he was very rude I must see the email you were sent. After some time I found the email. But to be honest the way he made me feel I could have just paid the full price and gave up. We came here with extended family today and his rudeness to ourselves and them was the talking point over our meal. It shouldn’t have been. As the food was lovely good as always kids enjoyed themselves. But and I mean but I’m not sure this is some where we would come for a family meal again. If you can’t be in a customer facing role with out being grumpy and rude get...

SHORT ANSWER: It's not amazing, but I keep going back.

LONG ANSWER: I've never been disappointed with food at the Red deer ... but others in the party I'm with have been, low quality, questionable if edible but never been on my meal. Stick to the specials and anything they'd have to freshly cook and you'll get a quiet and warm place to eat with a relaxed atmosphere most of the time. Restaurant is well set out for kids with a child area. Used to have table service which now seems to be gone and it's order at the bar but without Wetherspoon prices. The staff are hit and miss but lower staff (generally in Black) act far friendlier and helpful than any upper level staff who seem irritated to be on the "floor" working with the people that are essentially paying their wage. I'm not a smile please kind of guy, everyone has bad days but the attitude of upper members as both an onlooker and the receipient has left me feeling irritated. As Google rates 3*s as "It's OK" I think that suits it, room for improvement still, management changes over the years...