Exmoor White Horse Inn

We stopped for a break on the way to Ilfracoombe and it was well worth it. The cider was refreshing on a warm day, and while we were there we decided to have scones and a pot of tea. We checked the local way to eat them, and the waiter confirmed cream first, then jam on top. Very nice. The clean garden has shaded tables, and it made for a lovely stop on the way to our cottage in West Down. We also found a hotel nasty box with eggs, so we’re sorted for breakfast!

The sandwiches were nice, especially the superb beef, but the white bread was dry and stale. We mentioned to the barman that it would be good if it wasn’t served to anyone else that way. There was no apology or even acknowledgment. His welcome hadn’t been great either, no smile, just “What do you want?”

We had a lovely lunch today with good friends in this beautiful, busy pub. It felt welcoming, the staff were lovely, and so was the food. We were in the main bar at a reserved table, with another group of six behind us enjoying lunch with friends, and a couple of families at the table opposite. Children can get restless or bored, and that’s understandable. What spoilt things was the response of two parents whose small children were screaming and crying loudly after the family beside them had said goodbye and left as their children became restless. The parents seemed unconcerned about the other diners, even though they’d finished eating, and just sat back while the children carried on. When someone finally asked them to take the children home, since they were clearly tired, both parents were rude and seemed astonished anyone objected to the children throwing a tantrum. Several people complained. To me, it was the parenting, not the children, that caused the problem. Maybe families could sit in a separate area instead of the main bar. Rant over. Happy New Year, and hopefully we’d love to return if the seating arrangements can be sorted out.

We’ve eaten here twice over the last couple of days. The welcome is warm, the staff are quick and efficient, and the food came fast, cooked to a good standard. The venison pie was delicious, though there was maybe a bit too much gravy for us. We also had lovely lasagna and an exceptional burger. Portions are generous, and there’s parking outside.