The Pelican — Restaurant in North Devon

After flying back from our holiday, we decided to grab fish and chips for dinner as we couldn’t be bothered to shop and cook. We ordered via the click and collect option: 3x fish and chips, requesting the fish to be separate and plenty of salt and vinegar, as we were craving a proper chippy tea.

When we collected and opened it in the car, to our surprise, there wasn’t a splash of salt or vinegar, despite them following the note about separating the fish, so they clearly read the notes.

We rewrapped, purchased some vinegar ourselves, and drove home to eat.

I decided to call the restaurant to let them know, and a young man answered. While explaining, I could clearly hear him laughing about my complaint before passing me on to someone else. I explained again, only to be passed on yet again because she apparently couldn’t deal with it.

Eventually, I was told there was nothing they could do unless I brought the food back (are they for real?!), and was told I should “just eat it the way it came.” I was also told they are only allowed to put a tiny amount of vinegar on, as per the owner’s instructions.

Now, I know £26 isn’t a fortune, but fish and chips should smell of vinegar, even with a normal amount, and if you can’t get that right, what’s the point? It’s not complicated.

In my opinion, click and collect clearly doesn’t work at this shop unless you want your order messed up and to be treated like your concerns are a joke.

Very, very poor customer service. Will not...

Small portion sizes for your money, and bring a coat to wait outside in the rain!

Visited the takeaway (it also has a restaurant in the same building) on a recent trip to the area. My visit coincided with it being unseasonably cold and drizzly, so their "make you order outside and wait there" way of doing takeaway orders was not appreciated when you could safely have queued for the takeaway in my view. This ordering method also meant that you couldn't see the food you were ordering, and gauge portion sizes by seeing the orders being prepared. Unfortunately their portion sizes are rather small, even when you order large, and had I been allowed inside the shop to order I would have worked that out and ordered more chips. Sadly, as orders are brought out by the staff already in a bag etc, we didn't know this until we got home and realised that there wasn't enough to go round, so very disappointed and in my view not value for money. However, the food we did have was very nice, and we all agreed the fish and the batter was of good quality and cooked just right. Sadly I will not visit again when in the area, and instead will go to Sonia's in...

After a busy morning, decided to call in on the way home for lunch. In the words of the mother in-law "saves cooking"! The Pelican opens at noon and by ten past was already really busy. It's a big restaurant, so still plenty of room and we were offered a table of our choice by a friendly, enthusiastic chap at the reception area. I'm a coeliac and pleased to see a good few choices. I was told fish choices could be grilled as they couldn't guarantee no cross contamination in the fried fish oil. Chips are cooked in their own separate oil, so could order if desired. I love a curry so ordered the vegan Penang curry with rice. Advertised as "a gold, Taste of the West, award-winning fiery aromatic curry", they are not wrong. Delicious! As i wasn't driving I accompanied it with the gluten free Peroni, a match made in heaven. The wife ordered the American Chicken Burger with chips and loved every mouthful. Service was quick, considering how busy they were, staff were super efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. Couldn't ask for more! I will and already have, recommended The Pelican to...