Dukes - Exeter

Dukes is a spacious restaurant that we stumbled upon during our long weekend in Sidmouth. We made a reservation for Sunday lunch (they also offer roasts), but o... read more Dukes is a spacious restaurant that we stumbled upon during our long weekend in Sidmouth. We made a reservation for Sunday lunch (they also offer roasts), but opted for a couple of bowls of salt, chilli, and ginger squid instead. The squid, mostly whole baby squid, were delicious with the ginger and soy dipping sauce. It would have been nice to have a wedge of lemon and a sweet chilli dip as well. For our main courses, we had the traditional battered cod and chips and a fish pie. Both dishes were tasty, but I wish the fish pie had more variety of fish, as it only included salmon and white fish; some prawns and monkfish would have been a nice addition, especially considering the price of £19. We also enjoyed a non-alcoholic IPA and a cola, bringing our total bill to a somewhat expensive £66. The service was good, and we appreciated that automatic service charging is not customary in Sidmouth. We left a £7 cash tip for our efficient server. Sidmouth is a dog-friendly village, so be prepared to dine alongside well-behaved canine companions.

We had not dined at The Duke in quite some time, but decided to give it another try. Unfortunately, we regretted our decision as the roast beef lunch was not go... read more We had not dined at The Duke in quite some time, but decided to give it another try. Unfortunately, we regretted our decision as the roast beef lunch was not good. The only hot item on our plates were the potatoes, while the meat and vegetables were all cold.

The waitress was delightful and efficient, but unfortunately, that's where the positives ended. The food, a Hake for me and Plaice for my partner, was bland and... read more The waitress was delightful and efficient, but unfortunately, that's where the positives ended. The food, a Hake for me and Plaice for my partner, was bland and barely edible. The portions were disappointingly small for the price. We have no plans to return after this experience. To top it off, they insisted on only accepting payment by card, but I stood my ground and paid in cash. Still hungry, we ended up going to a chip shop. I strongly recommend avoiding this place altogether.

Disappointed. The vegetarian roast was meagre in comparison to others we saw brought out one tiny floret of broccoli and two of cauliflower. We also had to ask... read more Disappointed. The vegetarian roast was meagre in comparison to others we saw brought out one tiny floret of broccoli and two of cauliflower. We also had to ask for the Yorkshire pudding which was missing. The beef horseradish sandwich came without horseradish (but with a bonus hair). The management seem to have tried to take the place upmarket but don’t seem to have realised that you need to up the service and food and not just hike prices. You can’t drop in for a drink any more. We wont bother going back.

Dropped in here by chance really enjoyed it. Good friendly service all the way through. Cheeseburger was excellent. V tasty with an excellent coleslaw. Mum enjo... read more Dropped in here by chance really enjoyed it. Good friendly service all the way through. Cheeseburger was excellent. V tasty with an excellent coleslaw. Mum enjoyed her cottage pie. Lovely local beer served with it. It was raining whilst we were there but there is a great outdoor seating area for warmer weather. Well worth it.