Steam Packet Inn — Restaurant in South Hams

Previously had a lovely lunch at the Steam Packet Inn, Totnes so, after travelling a few hundred miles from Suffolk, thought I'd have breakfast here.

Entered bar area at 9am - no other guests/customers around. Checked they were still doing breakfast (the board outside said they were) and whether I could have it outside at the tables on the terrace (view of R Dart). Fairly miserable-looking woman said I could have it in the bar area (cosyish but dark and no view) as otherwise places were reserved for their residents, who 'took precedence'.

I hadn't seen anyone anywhere inside or outside on my way in, so I checked what she'd said was correct in this case, so she went off to 'ask the Manager'. After returning, she took me through to the large indoor restaurant area, overlooking the river, where there was literally no-one else!

I thanked her and said it was a shame not to sit here if it was empty, but I really wanted to sit at the outside tables (also having zero customers) - was this possible. She repeated that this inside area is 'for residents in preference' but that I could take my menu etc outside if I ordered and collected my food from inside the bar - there would be no waiting service outside, which is only the other side of the restaurant glass wall.

Whilst I can understand all this in high season or at other times when there are myriads of people around, I don't get it under today's conditions. Common sense and a desire to welcome and serve have gone awol.

I've been sitting on Vire Island with my take-away breakfast (bought from some lovely local cafes - well done Curator coffee and Food for Thought), facing the Steam Packet, and there is still a dearth of customers.

Their 'computer says no' attitude and lack of welcome and service will unfortunately make it unlikely I will revisit or recommend it when I move house to just up the road fairly soon. The dearth of customers, at least this potential local/regular one, is on the cards...

My mum has been here before on a number of occasions, so invited me to join her for lunch today. We arrived at 11am and asked to reserve a table outside for midday - we were told they're given on a first come first served basis, so came back at 12.15 & managed to get one. It was in the shade and quite cold, so we asked a waiter if we could move to a table in the sun that we could see was now available. We were promised that we could sit there, but needed to wait for it to be sanitised. We waited for 10 minutes, only for the same waiter to then tell us we couldn't have the table after all because a regular customer had turned up so they would be having the said table (?!) We actually knew of these "regular" customers, and are aware that they live just around the corner - however,this should not be a reason to prioritise over other customers. Needless to say, we left very disappointed, without ordering any food or drinks. I was really looking forward to what would have been my first experience with you after my mum had recommended it. I have worked in the same restaurant for 18 years, and not once promised a customer something they can't have. We do not favour regular customers over any other. It should have been first come first served - like YOU told us. Won't be rushing back,if at all -...

What can I say. POOR all round. Booked a table for 5 girlfriends, from the moment we set foot in the establishment we weremet by a very 1. rude waitress!! Pointing out our table was needed at 6pm and we should of known that!! Even though we were intending on and left way in advance. Food has gone down hill, choices of.mest for Xmas dinner poor only 2 or nutrient, potatoes were certainly not roas but more like boiled, cauliflower cheese luke warm, vegetables put on the plates instead of brought out separately!! We all know nowadays what we want and require and almost demand from our hard earnt money. Another establishment that thinks that poor quality, lack of professionalism, charging over priced food will still keep the punters coming in the door!! Pubs are a dying trade, serve up food of this poor quality and with staff these poor manners then The Steam Packet won't be far behind. All very well and good looking after the summer trade, but if you don't look after your locals and winter trade then...... Won't be back in a hurry unless someone convinces me otherwise...