Riviera - East Devon

Travel back in time, to an age of elegance, an era, when people 'dress ', for dinner, cocktails in the bar, before, to the sound of tunes, on the piano. Service... read more Travel back in time, to an age of elegance, an era, when people 'dress ', for dinner, cocktails in the bar, before, to the sound of tunes, on the piano. Service is of the highest quality, with attention paid to the smallest detail. And food, is excellent. This is how we feel, when dining at The Riviera. It was lovely to see and be reminded by John, who recommended us and also gave top quality service.

Fantastic dinner, beautiful presentation and tasted absolutely delicious. The staff were so helpful served with style, I felt very special with lots care and at... read more Fantastic dinner, beautiful presentation and tasted absolutely delicious. The staff were so helpful served with style, I felt very special with lots care and attention making my evening dinner a wonderful and very enjoyable experience. The owners have a very high standard the tables were immaculate. Definitely be going back for dinner, lunch again.

Looking for a short stop for coffee we decided to try the hotel as it's position on the seafront was very attractive. Having taken a seat looking out to sea, we... read more Looking for a short stop for coffee we decided to try the hotel as it's position on the seafront was very attractive. Having taken a seat looking out to sea, we waited and waited and waited to be served. During that time two other potential customers came and left due to the wait. To make things worse a waiter was in full view all the time chatting to two ladies, it would appear just passing the time of day. Ultimately I approached him to enquire if it was table service or whether I had to go into the hotel to order, He replied I will be with you shortly. He continued to chatting to the two ladies for another 5 minutes and then came and took our order for two coffees. The disappointment continued as the coffee was extremely weak and tasted like instant coffee with hot milk. The good part is it did come with two delicious biscuits. The final insult was a bill for £11.40 for two coffees. Never again, be warned.

We visited on a Monday lunchtime 21st September sat on a table on their terrace . First warning was that the table was vacated by someone who had waited a long... read more We visited on a Monday lunchtime 21st September sat on a table on their terrace . First warning was that the table was vacated by someone who had waited a long time for no service . We were told they had stopped serving lunch but afternoon tea was at 3 it was 2:10 so we waited. The table next to us asked about the sandwiches they ordered 45 mins ago they appeared immediately, table in front asked where their food was it appeared upon asking . At 3 I summoned a waiter to place an order he brought me a bill we had no food or drink so I guess it wasn’t ours! and he said that afternoon tea had moved to start at 3:30. At no point after about 2:15 to my summoning this waiter had any staff enquired if we wanted anything . The afternoon tea is £24 each we were prepared to spend about 70 80 on this plus champagne . We left in dismay. They had plenty of staff apparently just standing about from my observation but no management . We walked round the corner to the Dairy Cafe where we had a superb lunch with a very personal touch and homemade scones with Devon jam and cream at a fraction of the price . Go there instead you will love it. They got a big tip !

Firstly I would like to say how good the food and service was. My dissatisfaction is that we were sitting at a table outside when the wind blew the umbrella, wh... read more Firstly I would like to say how good the food and service was. My dissatisfaction is that we were sitting at a table outside when the wind blew the umbrella, which was down, into my wife’s new glass of wine and knocked it over. The waiter was great in cleaning up the mess. My disappointment was that we were charged for the replacement glass by the management. We paid our bill and tipped the waiter but frankly I am disappointed with the managers attitude to customer service. Paul