Karen's Restaurant — Restaurant in West Devon

Karen’s – A Masterclass in Mediocrity at Premium Prices

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to pay fine dining prices for the privilege of eating subpar café food in a disorientating room filled with bad decor choices and worse hygiene practices, Karen’s is your answer.

Let’s be clear: this is not a restaurant. It’s a glorified café masquerading as something more just so they can justify eye-watering prices. I’ve dined at well-known upper-market establishments recently, and Karen’s somehow managed to be more expensive—and for what? A dry jacket potato with no butter, a burger sneakily sabotaged by an overpowering smear of relish (with zero warning), and coleslaw that was anything but fresh, despite our very specific inquiry.

The food isn’t just bad—it’s insulting. Everything tastes cheap and lazy. The only edible item was the chips, which I suppose is a miracle considering the culinary disaster that was the rest of the plate. Though to be honest, I wouldn’t have been shocked if they’d botched those too.

The interior? Chaotic. Imagine trying to relax while cake fridges block any chance of a view and specials are scribbled in reverse on mirrored surfaces like a riddle from hell. You don’t feel welcome or cozy—you feel trapped.

The most entertaining part of our experience was an old lady asking how much for eggs on toast? After some pondering they said it will cost £8.50! The lady almost fainted and they justified it by saying 'yes but it will be three eggs on top' Hilarious!

And just when you think it couldn’t get worse, the woman who appears to be behind this culinary catastrophe spends her time lingering in the doorway—coughing, no less. Appetite gone.

If you're considering a visit to Karen’s, do yourself a favor and don’t. Unless, of course, you're craving overpriced disappointment served with a side of wheezing for the small...

I visited Karen's a few weeks back during a sunny day and needed a cold drink due to both me and my friend having health issues. The coke we ordered was flat and we also weren't informed we would be served diet, despite asking for standard. As someone with a sweetner allergy I am glad I noticed early. My friends cake was stale and dry. Most importantly the service is absolutely diabolical. Our waitress was a lovely girl clearly trying her best, but on multiple occasions we witness the owner speak to her in a vile tone, rushing her around and treating her like she was stupid for double checking things. To top it off, got a lovelt view of her smoking out the back door with the residue gracefully hovering into the kitchen. My main reason for never returning will be treatment of staff. You are lucky to have young people willing to work. Don't dishearten them and have them walking around almoat tearful after asking you simple questions.

EDIT: I can see the owner response but unable to reply. I am happy to provide evidence that it was your establishment I was a customer of on this occasion. Far from a trouble maker. In fact, your lack of professionalism even in your responses on supports my initial complaint. Your attitude towards people is disgusting. Can you or can you not honestly confirm you sit out the back smoking into the kitchen? I can't think of many other food locations in Tavistock that allow such behaviour for obvious reasons. I would have happily come up to you to complain, but you were too busy out on your cigarette break to even confront you. I shouldn't have to be complaining to YOU about how you treat your own staff. You will only take it out on the staff member the minute customers...

Brilliant place, very kind staff, very accommodating and excellent service.. went in there this morning with my partner for breakfast she just had stomach bypass surgery in past couple of months so she couldn't eat much, they was very helpful and put the extras on a small separate plate for her to eat and the food was very good quality and cooked to perfection aswell, it was a lot bigger portion than what I expected it would be as first time there today so didn't expect it to be as big as it was but i managed to get through it all apart from leaving hash browns and 1 sausage I would of defo finished it if I wasn't full but it filled me right up was a lovely breakfast we both enjoyed it and will defo be going back here in future whenever we are around Tavistock again.. we highly recommend this place to everyone you won't be disappointed it's a...