The Duck & Bean — Restaurant in Mid Devon

Let me start with, I really think this place has promise and believe I may have been the one that got the short straw experience this time. I only had about 40 mins for breakfast and it took a little while to have our order taken. It did give me an opportunity to watch the plates coming out for the other tables. The menu didn't seem to reflect what was being delivered or what I saw on Facebook images. (Maybe there was a secret menu to which I wasn't privy). From the menu I had, I chose the American pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and a flat white. Whilst waiting, I was teased with several plates of very large fluffy stacks being delivered all around me...they looked great, I couldn't wait to wrap my laughing gear around the fluffy syrupy goodness. Flat white showed up with the obligatory latte art on top, extra points for that, not a bad texture but not not quite the micro foam of the best ones but taste was good and robust. Time was running by and eventually they showed up...but wait...what was this deflated little morsel in front of me?? Did I get the last of the batch? Very thin / flat and overly beaten batter (Makes for a chewy texture) strong flour taste too. Worst of all...Where is my bacon??? They forgot it, sigh. Start to pour the maple syrup and hang on...what is this. This is not maple syrup! Too thick, tasteless and more like golden syrup. Oh well next time I'm going for the eggs Benedict which I saw being delivered but not on the menu?!? Maybe I'm blind. Anyway, my partner had to leave to pickup kids whilst I vacuumed my plate in a hurry, AHH the bacon showed up. My last little point, I know Devon has a thing for dogs in cafés but, if staff are going to gush all over them and rub/pat/cuddle...please wash your hands before you get back to making coffees and...

I want to start by saying I had the best banana bread I’ve ever had here! It was gorgeous and the cinnamon butter was delicious and a very welcome addition. I would also like to say how friendly Abbie was when I booked the table and helpfully pointed out I’d made a mistake which was rectified.

Unfortunately I can’t give the duck and bean a higher review because I was disappointed by the access. In my email with Abbie I specified a table with room for a pram and the reply was grand see you then.

When I got to the venue there were steps at the entrance and I had to carry my pram in. When I asked if there was a step free entrance the individual who seated us advised that they weren’t a disabled venue and didn’t try to apologise or understand where the confusion had happened and I advised that it was disappointing. Oh well, we were already there and had made it in, albeit with difficulty.

I then heard that same individual talking about us toward the end of the visit and acknowledging the pram and so was made to feel uncomfortable. We shortly left.

The venue is pleasant and the food we had was amazing but please don’t advertise yourself as wheelchair or accessible friendly. We are not familiar with the area and I just wouldn’t have booked if I’d known. We only had a pram and a baby and made do but it’s not fair on a wheelchair users or those with access issues please update your information to...

Highly unlikely I'd go back. Booked a table for breakfast, 2 tables left and neither had reserved on so convinced we wouldn't have had a table. Told to sit down and they would be with us in a minute. After 15 minutes had to ask if we were supposed to order from the counter. Had seen another couple get up and leave not long after we arrived without ordering. Told no and they'd come to us. Another 5 minutes. Drinks came quickly. Mango smoothie very nice. Pumpkin spiced latte also lovely however served in a glass without a handle so choice to drink was burn your fingers or wait until it was cooled. Full breakfast was nice, eggs benedict was vile. Smoked salmon stunk, egg slimy and hollandaise had the weirdest sour flavour, actually felt quite ill for the rest of the day. Couldn't get out...