please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is called The Quay again (see my review on The Quay thread). On another note, there is another pub in Instow (apparently not on BITE) called The Instow inn (next to the Boathouse). This was also excellent with Cotleigh Barn owl and a lovely local cider called Sams...
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Yes, a disappointment on a number of fronts when we were regularly there at the end of September. The quality of the food is good, but most of the problems seem to emanate from the landlord who seems to be devoid of personality, leadership skills or any desire to offer good customer service.
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The location is perfect and this is the first pub when leaving the Tarka trail.
My ales were good and enjoyed quite a few in here!
However the service was the most appalling unprofessional service i have ever seen and not just to us!
People were waiting ages to get their food and the barmaid was struggling to keep up behind the bar.
Just not enough staff here at all and the place could be real gem but it isn't.
The only reason we stayed was because we couldn't be arsed to walk to the other pubs in Instow.
Shocking! 3/10
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Things must have changed here then. Filthy tables and floors of spilt drinks and food. Bar staff standing around oblivious of the state of the place. Half a dozen morans in and outside being a pain. Nice location but wouldn't go back. 4/10.
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A very nice bar/pub with well selected ales and a barrel of strong cider perched on the bar.Very clean, reasonable service in a pleasant seaside( technically an estuary but there is sand etc) village whiich is probably known for its signalbox and 20 metres of track. The pick of the ales was the Forge blond ( a saucy handpump clip) followed by the Clearwater Dympsy.I imagine that two of the ales regularly change. The done thing here seems to be to cross the road and sit on the wall of the estuary.
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Good family pub, with great upstairs restaurant overlooking the harbour.If you like real ales..and proper local beers correctly kept,then this is the place!
Lovely atmosphere in downstairs bar : everyone made very welcome...even our 4 legged friends...free biscuits located above fireplace. Nice cosy woodburner with sittee/lounging chairs. In winter just the place to sip mulled wine...
Complimentary daily newspapers / free Wifi and good drink make this the best venue to go out to in Instow. Judging by the number of friendly locals who are evident on a daily basis, no doubt assisted by the generous happy hours in the afternoon(!), this is proper Devon hospitality!
The food is the icing on the cake! Simply the best quality and at prices that put others to shame.
You will not encounter mass-produced microwaved/frozen food at The Bar ...
I dismay at the many other food establishments in the area who misrepresent customers by saying things are local/homedade/fresh, when in reality they are cheap - often imported pre-produced/frozen meals being sold on at premium prices under false pretences.
At The Bar ..when it says local or homemade..they really mean it! They specialise in sourcing West Country produce, and you will frequently see the farmers passing through the bar area with the produce..be it free range eggs, potatoes, meat....oh and of course we mustn't forget the fisherman with the fresh fish either!
Overall this is a real find....the best value and quality by far in this part of Devon. The Chefs clearly have a real passion for what they create..the presentation is spot on...and the taste is just divine. I have eaten at Marco Pierre White's restaurants, Gordon Ramsays etc....and The Bar in my opinion beats them on so many counts...be it in terms of quality, generous portions and terrific pricing . Lets hope it stays this way for ever! It's no wonder that celebs have frequented in recent times...Freddie Flintoff, Sienna Miller, Jude Law, James May to name but a few!
The new team at The Bar since September 09 put all before them in the shadow..they make everyone so welcome..the perfect place by the water whether you just want to sit outside and drink their famous scrumpy watching the world go by; if you wish to dine either in the atmospheric bar area or in the upper restaurant.
A great place to stop and 're-fuel'(!) when on the Tarka Trail..being minutes from the old Instow Signal Box! Alternatively there's even free car parking at the Quayside Jetty just for patrons..I'm off there again now!!
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Nice family friendly pub, good range of beers, friendly staff. Food good value and the Mackrell was very nice, plenty of seating out the front and down the side of the pub, also in bar area and upstairs in restaurant.
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Nothing special but okay for a pint after a walk on the Tarka Trail.
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Went here for a couple of pints and lunch. Seemed rather understaffed for a busy sunday lunchtime.
Beer was good, enjoyed a pint of St. Austells Doom Bar and Otter (I don't remember which local brewery that was from but it was much tastier than the former).
We ordered the plaice, but was told it would be flounder instead. This took ages to arrive and was bland, undercooked and uninteresting. Vegetables were lacklustre too. Atmosphere was good however and the decor of the pub a light and open.
Overall I'd say go here for a pint but visit a local fish restaurant for lunch.
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What a hash mothers day was.
Booked in at 14:15 and had starters at 14:50 main meal at 15:45 and finished dessert at 16:45. Never have I had to spend so long waiting for food, my 83 year old grandmother was devbouring the vegetables brought to the table before her actual meal arrived, my kids were stir crazy by the main meal. (food was very tasty though. The staff were hacked off as they were rushed off their feet, no restaurant manager present no organisation. Do not book if you want to enjoy the rest of the day!!
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I went to the Bar last night, 15th Feb 2008, with some friends. The salmon was a very cheap cut with lots of brown meat which made the fish taste bitter and was very dry, overcooked and did not appear to have been grilled as stated on the menu. The vegetables were totally overcooked. The hollandaise sauce was the best bit. We had to wait ages for a menu which we had to ask for. The room upstairs was freezing and a few other people kept their coats and jackets on. I managed to turn the radiator on, but by 10 PM the system was shut down. Very poor qulity food and cooking. Did not complain as did not want to spoil my evening with my friends. Will not visit again , even though I live locally.
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Obviously converted from old pub. Very contempory bit like someones large front room. Upstairs restuarant with lovely views over the river. Food was good quality and good value. Large portions. Good selection of real ales.
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Lovely oldy type pub. Restuarant lovely at this tiem of year with open fire. Food was of good value and quality. Prices were ok a meal for 3 with drinks �93. Good selection of real ales. Worth a visit.
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Well, it's all white walls and stripped pine down at Instow these days. I can't exactly say The Bar is an improvement on The Quay Inn (as was), but it's still very good. The food is excellent - generous portions, locally sourced and at the right price. Service is youthful and enthusiastic. Can't comment on the ales, but the imported Edinger and Lowenbrau were perfectly fine to a ex-Muenchener like me, and it was nice to see that the scrumpy barrel still on the bar. All in all, a great night - and I suspect even better in summer when you can sit outside (although the benches have been replaced by aluminium cafe chairs).
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I've been to a few pubs in my time and I like this one especily the view. The food was v.good value for the quantity and qaulity I had the fish pie.
I'm not an ale drinker but the bar had at least 4 ales on that seem to change every so often. The Hoegarden was nice and very refreshing. The cider is also good, although I had one called Rattler from Cornwall and that would do very well here just from my pocket!!
The staff were friendly and talked to me which I like them to as I'm getting on a bit now.
After getting suitably squiffy I got the bus as it stops about 20m down the road, so might be a nice place to go for a night out.
Will be back for sure.
anonymous - 28 Sep 2007 15:21 |
Great oasis just off Tarka trail[exit at level crossing/signal box at south end of village].Has fantastic seafood platter[huge!]and service was really quick and efficient.Handy for a rest whilst on the Tarka Trail cycleway/footpath and relaxing atmosphere.Left feeling recharged.Really friendly staff and most of all it seems to have very high standards of cleanliness -espec.the toilets!Upstairs has big restaurant overlooking the water-very nice setting.
anonymous - 19 Oct 2006 16:16 |
I cannot understand the last review,as I was in the downstairs bar area on the same day from 12 noon until 3.30pm.I was actually sitting at the counter throughout,and there was certainly no evidence of complaints or delays.On the contrary the staff were really helpful and cheerful to customers,and the food was complimented on several times.The only evident problem was a temporary fault with a coffee machine.
The food was really exceptional and good value for money.Unlike most places they don't simply rely on heating up frozen pre-prepared dishes.Instead this seems proper cooking that it is a great accompanyment to the wonderfully-kept selection of beers...the latter are the best I have experienced in Devon,and much cheaper than most outlets.You must try the Lowenbrau,or the truly wonderful Doombar-both real winners for lager/ale lovers and so well presented.The branded glasses are a nice finishing touch as well.
The place certainly did not warrant anything like the last review....I didn't see anyone leave or complain.My experience on the same date and at all previous visits rates alongside the other favourable comments on this site.Excellent venue,friendly and efficient service,and well above average to anything encountered in this part of the south west.Will definitely keep returning,as so many others do.Keep up the good work to all the team at The Bar,and I would recommend the Chritsmas Menu to everyone...last year was simply the best Christmas meal I have encountered whilst eating out....just like the very best of home cooking...most generous portions and a great all-round atmosphere..didn't need to eat for a while after!!
anonymous - 17 Oct 2006 13:00 |
service no better than when I visited 6 months ago.7-8 people waiting at bar, some obviously for some time to buy drinks, order food and to pay for meals.
lunchtime 13.40 Saturday only wanted a snack so we ordered BLT roll. After waiting over half hour enquired about food. Eventually someone came behind bar and she informed us that we had been told there was a 45 minute wait, TOTALLY UNTRUE!
food came after about 40 minutes, not acceptable for a quick snack
Overheard other people leaving complaining about slow service
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Well run family friendly pub, good range of beers, friendly service. Food looked very nice, though I didn't order any. Seating out the front and down the side of the pub.
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Must add my commendation to Chris' review. Wife and I booked for lunch after reading Chris' review and were there last Saturday (Bank holiday weekend). We had an excellent seafood salad and a splendid pint of Cotleigh Tawney. The staff are marvellous - courteous, knowledgeable, well trained and really helpful. After a 200 mile trip, we found The Bar to be a real haven, with a great view over the estuary from our upstairs table. Being a long weekend, it was very busy with loads of kids, but the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The staff were patient and good humoured and very efficient.
I was keen to try other ales, but we still had another 50 miles to drive. So was offered a taster of Bideford's Grenville's Renown. A truly excellent beer. Sharp's Doombar was also on.
I heartily recommend The Bar. Will be keen to return when next visiting Bideford.
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What a find! Simply excellent in every respect.The best bar/restaurant in the area without a doubt.What a vast improvement from the former Quay Inn that was previously here.It stands apart from other local outlets in terms of its oustanding food and drink.An excellent varied menu,unbelievably low prices,most generous portions and great service from very attentive staff.For real ale drinkers you will not find better kept beers.There is nothing in the area that comes close to offering what is available here...just right.Upstairs there is a stunning restaurant commanding excellent views over the water.Every time I visit it seems so popular ...they've definitely got it right.It's got a quality ambiance but at sensible prices which is at contrast with many places in the West Country.At peak times I'd recommend to book well in advance,as it's gaining such as good reputation for its great value food and drink.Well worth the trip from Lancashire..wish it was my local!
Chris Laithwaite - 11 Jul 2006 15:09 |
