Thirty Three By The Sea — Restaurant in South Hams

I really wanted to offer a five-star review but there were a couple of little moments in our experience, last night, that just left it wanting: particularly for a place that sets itself out as a luxury dining establishment.

Firstly, the location is superb and the decor is very complimentary. Open views of the sea in a modern, yet relaxed dining room is ideal, particularly as the venue actively welcomes passing travellers stating, on its website, it has a relaxed dress code.

The food was excellent. The haddock fish and chips special was insanely good (with some super in-house made accompaniments) while the asparagus was sensational. Yes, the portion sizes are on the smaller side, but this is a to be expected for a fine-dining venue.

However, on a couple of occasions the music ceased playing and staff were very audible in remarking about how awkward this was. It was, and not their fault but I don’t think it needed to be quite so commented on.

Secondly, we requested dessert menus and a drink at approximately 7:45. Shortly thereafter the specials menu blew over in the wind and completely shattered. Not the biggest object but obviously needed dealing with - it took about five minutes to sweep everything up. A waitress came over at 8:05 asking if we needed menus, which we still did. It wasn’t until the second waitress walked past us at 8:10 that we were able to ask her for menus; at this point I had been suggesting settling up and skipping dessert.

25 minutes, in spite of the mishap, is unacceptable. Particularly as during this time other patrons had full on table side discussions with waitresses as well as being brought (audible) complimentary sides. While I appreciate they likely spent more than we did, with tip we still spent £170 and I feel if you’re trying to be that place that this falls short, in service, of what it is hoping to be.

Please use this feedback as a means to improve service rather than taking it as a “dig”. I have kept the review at four-stars in the spirit of goodwill. £170 is a lot of money, but whether ordering just a starter or a full on three course meal with addendums there needs to be an effort to make the customer feel there is a consistency of service and not preferring potential big spenders (or those from the nearby holiday let’s) over others. It is particularly upsetting as up until then I thought everything had been...

Visited on Sunday whilst doing a costal walk. Asked on the off chance for a table for sandwiches and a drink. An amazing woman called Gemma spoke to the owner who said yes and we were seated at 12:55. There 3 other tables being used - 1 already ordered and the other 2 sat around the same time as us. It took until 13:50 before we had a carafe of water placed on the table and our order was taken 14:05. In the restaurant there were 2 ladies - Gemma and another girl called Tammy(?) and a rather brusque gentleman called Alex. It seems that Alex is the only person that is allowed to take orders but then he also had to assist with drinks. When he finally came to take our order there was no apology of a thank you for waiting. We had witnessed Gemma reminding him of our table a couple of times. She is an absolute star and I really think she should have greater responsibility of what is happening as she spoke with EVERY table sharing pleasantries and a heart warning smile. She really is priceless!! The food - well was fine - a bit tasteless if I’m honest and needed some seasoning - but by this stage we were starving. The dinner plates that came out I have to say looked amazing - I was very jealous of the skate wing which smelt gorgeous. The pinot Grigio however was gorgeous and highly recommended at a great price! You may wonder why we waited. Well the rain had come down and we had a 40 min walk home. It just felt that the whole thing lacked management and organisation- apart from the wonderful Gemma. A real shame as the setting is beautiful. I think this could be a gem but it needs a...

Visited on Sunday whilst doing a costal walk. Asked on the off chance for a table for sandwiches and a drink. An amazing woman called Gemma spoke to the owner who said yes and we were seated at 12:55. There 3 other tables being used - 1 already ordered and the other 2 sat around the same time as us. It took until 13:50 before we had a carafe of water placed on the table and our order was taken 14:05. In the restaurant there were 2 ladies - Gemma and another girl called Tammy(?) and a rather brusque gentleman called Alex. It seems that Alex is the only person that is allowed to take orders but then he also had to assist with drinks. When he finally came to take our order there was no apology of a thank you for waiting. We had witnessed Gemma reminding him of our table a couple of times. She is an absolute star and I really think she should have greater responsibility of what is happening as she spoke with EVERY table sharing pleasantries and a heart warning smile. She really is priceless!! The food - well was fine - a bit tasteless if I’m honest and needed some seasoning - but by this stage we were starving. The dinner plates that came out I have to say looked amazing - I was very jealous of the skate wing which smelt gorgeous. The pinot Grigio however was gorgeous and highly recommended at a great price! You may wonder why we waited. Well the rain had come down and we had a 40 min walk home. It just felt that the whole thing lacked management and organisation- apart from the wonderful Gemma. A real shame as the setting is beautiful. I think this could be a gem but it needs a...