Northcote Manor - North Devon

I had brought a gift voucher for my in-laws who due to health couldn’t use it. We therefore were asked to use it and so after paying 100 went online and chose t... read more I had brought a gift voucher for my in-laws who due to health couldn’t use it. We therefore were asked to use it and so after paying 100 went online and chose this venue as a special treat and were informed it required an additional 80 to go here. Due to the reviews we decided to make a weekend so booked into a local B&B for another additional cost as it’s an hour and a half from where we live. Expectations based on cost and knowing we had additional costs for wine etc meant this was not a regular night out. I then rang to book a night as the site said bar Christmas Day etc any night was available. My first call I was told I couldn’t book Friday,Saturday or Sunday which now meant my other half needed to take annual leave however when I rang the next time I was told we could come on a Saturday. We booked in and on arrival found 2 people backs to us behind the bar and stood and waited for at least a minute or two before anyone acknowledged us. We were then told to make our way to an area to order an ore drink. I passed the plinth which had the 3 course set menu 55 per person) on and only about 5-6 bookings all guests apart from us. We were given said menu for 3 courses although our vouchers were for 4 and noted a limited option of 4 choices for starter, main and dessert and a dish of the day for each. I explained when they came that we had paid for 4 and was told we would get that . During the meal I noted that the guests had same menu and same addition hor’dorves as us so actually no different. Bread was ok then 3 dessert full spoons of a bland soup that I had to ask what it was. Starter looked great but was unseasoned and just no flavour and bland. Main was good but unseasoned again. I advised about seasoning issue and when asked I was told the chef didn’t season as he leaves it up to guests to season as levels can vary ! I was always told a chef would be disappointed if a person added more as it meant they hadn’t got it right. The dessert was the best but I then decided to compare the cost of our meal and wine against a meal we had earlier this year at Kota in Porthleven Michelin star). Their 6 courses including paired wine is 119.50 so 239.50 . Cost for 4 courses here with wine was 250 and was absolute no where near as good. Service and overall experience was disappointing at best . Tegan our waitress was nice though. Place is lovely but walk from car park is not ideal at night as limited lighting. Seems to be living on past rosette awards. As it was a Saturday night it can’t be the chefs night off. I’ll be interested if they respond .

We ate three nights running as part of our stay and all meals were great quality and offered a good selection. The gourmet menu was great to try things you woul... read more We ate three nights running as part of our stay and all meals were great quality and offered a good selection. The gourmet menu was great to try things you would not normally eat. Cheese and beef stood out for us, we will return.

We have just had the king or queen of takeaways !! We had no idea what to expect the food was absolutely fantastic!! We had to do a little bit of cooking but wo... read more We have just had the king or queen of takeaways !! We had no idea what to expect the food was absolutely fantastic!! We had to do a little bit of cooking but worth the effort !! Looking forward to getting back to the restaurant!!

Tried to make a reservation for four but asked all kinds of unnecessary questions and adding injury to insult by demanding £50 deposit! read more Tried to make a reservation for four but asked all kinds of unnecessary questions and adding injury to insult by demanding £50 deposit!

Attended a lovely wedding of friends here. Food was good although we were on one of the last tables and it was not really hot Staff were very helpful and attent... read more Attended a lovely wedding of friends here. Food was good although we were on one of the last tables and it was not really hot Staff were very helpful and attentive. Venue worked well with different areas to hang out. The grounds are in a quiet and peaceful setting. Well off the beaten track in Devon countryside. My only complaint is we paid for a suite which was expensive compared to our normal budget but we thought we would enjoy the pool in the morning before breakfast but it wasnt open. We may well not have stayed over if we'd have known that as we only live an hour from there but we thought it was included in our stay and were really looking forward to it so quite disappointed. Our room was very nice and comfortable and the countryside views over the grounds were lovely however we personally didn't feel that there was anything exceptional for the price of the room. We expected something more exceptional for £250 a night The venue is great for a wedding and we did enjoy ourselves and would recommend it for this purpose.