The Volunteer Inn - East Devon

Family of 4 meet up, and this was central No booking but found us a table, explained 2 more on way Very polite snd helpful, chose table and brought us water and glasses and menu Came back shortly after for our drinks whilst we awaited the other guests On arrival sorted drinks and went through food options Duration between ordering and arrival of good was good, all in the home made category My steak pie mash and veg good size and good quality My wife thai curry alternative to veg korma not available good size but not quite hit the mark Two other family ordered burgers of which slightly overcooked a shame as good quality beef But to be fair majority of elements were good Desserts ordered for 3 from knickerbocker glory with extra flake (thanks) bread butter pudding and sticky pear pudding with custard Staff were all helpful and had good level of chat So worth the visit for majority of food just a few tweaks and would have made top marks

The Sunday roast at this restaurant was excellent. The beef was very tender and was served with delicious roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, homemade Yorkshire puddings, and assorted vegetables. Unfortunately, we were too full to try any desserts.

We decided to have lunch in Ottery St Mary and chose to try The Volunteer. While the exterior was not very appealing, we were in a hurry so we decided to give it a chance. The service provided by the woman in charge was excellent and professional. The ambiance inside the restaurant was a bit gloomy and we felt like it was more of a pub for drinkers, particularly working men. We both ordered from the specials board - I had the sole which was tasty and served hot, but could have used an extra vegetable. My wife ordered the fishcakes, which unfortunately were a letdown despite being homemade. Overall, we would not return and would instead opt for the nearby Hare and Hounds restaurant.

Looking for a decent place for dinner, I wandered into the Volunteer Inn. A warm reception and I was shown to a table. The menu had a reasonable choice and prices were comparable to London gastro pubs. There were a few good ales on tap. I went with the local Otter ale. First time in a while that I had seen banana split or knickerbocker glory on the dessert menu very much a positive.

Very disappointing meal. We had heard good things but that must be from days gone by, certainly not now. I think that a lot of the food is straight out of a microwave. Gristley meat and overcooked (microwaved? veg. Could do much better.