Hope and Anchor Inn, Hope Cove

Having spent a fabulous 4 days back in Devon (I grew up in Devon but have lived in London for the past 20 years) I was pleasantly surprised by the change in the eateries of the region, we had some truly fabulous meals and service, all that changed however with our attempted visit to the Hope!
I rang ahead at 2:10pm and was told that food was served until 2:30pm, being only 10 minutes up the road we immediately jumped in the car, 3 adults and 1 toddler and headed down, we arrived at just gone 2:20pm, I left my partner and friend to park the car and headed in to tell the pub that I would like to order food and that I had 2 friends with me who were just parking the car, as soon as I said I would like to order food the barmaids eyes shot straight at the clock, you are a bit late she said, I was told you served until 2:30pm I countered, well it's just nearly that now came the reply (no flies on her). I placed my order and repeated that 2 friends would be joining me shortly she shifted about uncomfortably and then said she would let the kitchen know that there would be another order coming. At that point my partner, son and friend joined me, it was just before 2:30pm.
The barmaid returned and before my the rest of us could order announced that the kitchen was closed and they had turned all the equipment off so no more food could be cooked, it was now only just 2:30pm. We attempted to remonstrate briefly that at least 1 of us had placed an order before 2:30pm and that the other 2 had arrived just before 2:30pm, but we were just told abruptly that the order had not gone through as she had not processed it fully on the till so now it was to late. This was all delivered with a complete air of (it's your fault for not getting here earlier) attitude. Needless to say we didn't stay for drinks.
To be frank, the Pub is the only one in the village, it is sloppily kept, greasy laminated menus, dirty carpets, funky smell and was certainly our worst experience which is a real shame as it is such a beautiful spot.
The sign outside states "A warm welcome from Ian & Emma" in our experience nothing could have been further from the truth, although judging from some of the comments above regarding the food maybe we had a lucky escape as we then drove to Salcombe, bought some amazing local produce from a Deli and had a picnic on the beach while little one ran around collecting stones and shells. True bliss.

29 Oct 2009 23:02