Riviera - East Devon

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

For the past ten years or so we have visited friends in Sidmouth and whilst we do not stay at this Hotel we always look forward to a drink on the terrace on arr... read more For the past ten years or so we have visited friends in Sidmouth and whilst we do not stay at this Hotel we always look forward to a drink on the terrace on arrival, after a very long journey. This year drinks were served, although the service was not as friendly as previously and we were saddened at the sarcastic comment when paying that made us feel we had obviously not spent enough money! We ignored this and returned the next day for lunch. After a considerably long wait (20 minutes) my husband went inside to seek service. He was told someone would come and take our order. After another 20 minutes wait no-one arrived and so we left. Whatever has happened to the lovely waiters of yesteryear? We heard a resident complaining that people were using the Hotel facilities and leaving without buying anything, perhaps they were just experiencing the same poor service that we did.

My party of four dined at the restaurant on Sunday, August 31st and were extremely disappointed with the set menu. We found it to be overpriced for the minuscul... read more My party of four dined at the restaurant on Sunday, August 31st and were extremely disappointed with the set menu. We found it to be overpriced for the minuscule portion of lamb, mostly consisting of fat and bone, which was described as a rack of lamb and shoulder. The accompanying vegetables were barely visible, with only a flat potato skin and a small spoonful of what was supposed to be ratatouille. Despite waiting, we never received any additional vegetables. The bill came to £42 for this subpar meal. The staff never inquired about our satisfaction with the meal when clearing our empty plates. After complaining, we were given a £26 discount, but for a restaurant with such high ratings, we expected much better quality food. While we don't expect huge portions, we do expect decent servings of meat without gristle. The meal did not live up to the restaurant's fancy descriptions at all.

I don't normally make any reviews but my lunch I had today at the Riviera, gave me a good reason to make one.I had lunch at the Riviera with my family yesterday... read more I don't normally make any reviews but my lunch I had today at the Riviera, gave me a good reason to make one.I had lunch at the Riviera with my family yesterday and most of us ordered Sandwiches that weren't too bad. But really not worth the £8 each. Especially when they were using what appeared to be dry shop brought granary bread and wafer paper thin sliced beef...I pay £8 in London for top quality artisan sandwiches that are superior in comparison to the £8 ones at the Riviera...why is this? Not really any excuses. The poor elderly are certainly being ripped off. I however had the burger that had their name on it...I was very much looking forward to this but to much disappoint. The so called freshly baked bun was not anything to be proud of...it looked like a Morrisons white burger bap...the Burger was certainly not made on premises...even though for £15 it really should be...no excuses. It even looked like a birdseye frozen burger...I work in Hospitality as a Head Chef and dont understand why such a burger was on sale at £15 when this particular burger looked to only cost costs just £1.50 £2.00 to make...period. For a price of £15 You expect a decent burger. A proper in house made burger with homemade house slaw not brought in...a brioche bun from a good bakery...not a Morrisons burger bap...and perhaps some good pickles...And the fries could be alot better too...I know for a FACT this is not asking for much and can be achieved with a good profit margin made after still...So why are people being ripped off? People like me who enjoy eating out and don't mind spending their money can clearly see things here just simply are not up to scratch and people are being ripped off for the low quality and hight price paid . To the owner, please review the quality of the offerings and look for decent suppliers, they are out their and it CAN be done...I do this for a living...This place has so much potential for its food. 9 times out of 10 this isn't entirely the Chefs fault, its the unrealistic food costs they have been given by the owner and limited suppliers they can use. Until next time. I hope to see some passion in the food upon our next return.Kind regards, Chris Taylor