The Manor Inn

Georgie is the sort of person who seems to do everything, from welcoming guests to serving behind the bar and cooking breakfast. She was always smiling and laughing, and nothing felt like too much trouble. The pub has a friendly mix of locals and visitors, children and dogs are welcome, and there are high chairs for little ones. There’s a music quiz on Sunday and a general quiz on Wednesday, where locals are happy to invite visitors onto their teams. It makes for easygoing, friendly conversation. We stayed in room 5 because I can stand, walk a few paces, and manage steps. Georgie suggested it after we asked about access for my needs. It’s reachable from the car park, a bit like entering a chalet, with two steps up under the porch and two down into the room. Once inside, there’s plenty of room to move around the bed, chairs, and settee. It has its own shower and toilet, plus a large wall-mounted Freeview TV. It isn’t an accessible room for wheelchair users who can’t stand or walk a little. I’d suggest bringing suction grab rails and a shower stool, though I’m sure the owners would consider getting one after this is mentioned. The place feels homely, clean, and fresh. The food was lovely, especially the home-cooked evening meals. There’s a good choice on the menu and a couple of specials. If you like French onion soup, you’ll be happy: lots of onion, croutons, melted stretchy cheese with cheddar on top, and bread. Breakfast is freshly made to order, with eggs however you want them. They have cereal, yoghurt, a full English, bacon sandwiches, eggs on toast, and more. They’re generous with the food, and it wasn’t greasy. It’s a pretty village pub, and the photos on the walls show some of its history. Dartmouth and the surrounding area are a short distance away. I’ve stayed at plenty of pub B&Bs over 48 years of marriage, and this is the best I’ve come across. It feels like home. I don’t know why it has only three stars rather than four. I saw certificates for beer quality and food hygiene, and the hygiene rating was first class. We’ll be back, and will just ask, “Is room 5 available?”

After not visiting for about 20 years, I was glad to find the place still full of character, with friendly staff. My wife and I stayed one night and got such a warm welcome that we’ve already booked a few more nights. The rooms were perfectly fine for an amazing price, and breakfast was plentiful, cooked just right, with excellent service and no fuss. It’s in a lovely spot, well placed for seeing friends and family.

We really enjoyed staying here. It’s in a leafy, peaceful area, about a 10-minute drive from the sea. Our room was clean, very spacious, and had all the comforts we needed. Downstairs is a proper English pub, with a tasty range of food, beers, and ciders. We’ll definitely come back.

The young server was warm and welcoming, but the roast was a real letdown for the price. The lamb roast cost £18.50 and a pint was over £7. The meat was okay, though drowned in gravy, and the portions were generous. Still, I left a lot because the rest was so disappointing. The roast potatoes were hard and dry, as if they’d been under heat lamps since morning. The good variety of vegetables was mushy and overcooked, almost as if they’d all been microwaved together in the serving bowl. Even the Yorkshire pudding was dry. I can get a better, cheaper roast and pint in Bristol or London. I wish I’d said something at the time, but after a long, emotional weekend I was worn out and didn’t have the energy. I’d hoped the roast would be a restorative treat. What a shame.