The Start Bay Inn — Restaurant in South Hams

Tourists take a Battering.

Visiting the area we ate here last week, unassuming and a little scruffy, The Start Bay Inn had the charm of a musty old mussel. A surly beanie hatted young female, animated with all the enthusiasm of a sloth on sleeping pills, sulked over to our table. We both ordered the plaice (with boiled potatoes and garden peas); plaice a lovely delicate tasting fish that does tend to take on other flavours, so imagine our surprise when it arrived heavily coated in a blistering acrid batter, like a thick blanket of snow on a sunny day. Anyway, ever so British, we didn’t complain and instead dissected the plaice from its doughy duvet. But here is the rub - we overheard the blue-haired manager talking to the next table and clarifying whether they wanted their plaice in batter or grilled! When I gently enquired why we had not been given the option as to how we wanted our fish she actually said “Oh, they’re locals, in fact they are my neighbours”. I kid you not, she uttered these exact words. She then added with the greatest of indifference that she was sorry we didn’t enjoy the meal. Not that she gave one though, seeing as she made sure to check that we had pre-paid ahead of ordering before sauntering off. It was only when she spied us leaving and checking our phones, (oops they may be on TripAdvisor) that she came over and went through the painful motions of offering a free dessert. What an attitude, got a downer on tourists - only good for...

A few weeks ago we went there for a meal with family down visiting. We had an amazing evening, great food and service. Yesterday 5th August 2022 we again went for a meal with family for a birthday celebration. I was totally embarrassed with the entire evening as we had told our party how good it was. I appreciate that they were extremely busy but that they should expect knowing where they are situated and the weather the way it was. I was a chef for 30 years and although we all have bad days for one reason our another, I could and never would send out a dry hard burger that looked like it was dropped and stepped on. I cannot understand how anyone can think sending that out at £11 plus is acceptable especially knowing they are capable of so much better. Standards need and should be consistent. I hope next time, if there is one, standards will be back to normal. I gave up catering but yesterday I wanted to jump in there. Hope things go back to what they were a...

My partner took me here when he unexpectedly earned some extra cash, he had bigged it up to me as the best fish restaurant in south devon and I was expecting it to be a big restaurant, with fancy decor and fair to high prices.

When we arrived I was surprised how much it looked like a cafe cross traditional pub mash up with the layout, cheap looking menu and wooden seating. Not unpleasant but also not what I had imagined.

The food was absolutely exquisite, beautifully cooked and presentation was good. Service was also good, we didn’t have to wait long. The server got a little flustered when we asked about a tab so we paid cash.

From a brand point of view I think the reputation supersedes the overall feel of the venue when you’re there (I’m glad I didn’t dress up) and there is loads of potential for the restaurant decor and menus to give a higher quality or ‘fancier’ experience and therefore for a price increase to match.

I would definitely...