Lewis's Tearooms - West Somerset

Nice place to stop for a lunch, very good indeed. Food quality is great but if busy service can be a tad slow but worth waiting for.

Poor service, 12 minutes to be asked what we wanted, that was after me asking. Then a further 12 minutes for drinks to arrive without the tea cakes we ordered. Finished drinks still no sign of the food, no explanation or apology. My coffee cup was half full when the table beside ordered the same and got a full cup with a biscuit. This was about the worse café experience I have ever had.

We were glad to find a cafe where our dog was welcome, a good varied lunch menu and lovely clean loo. We tried really hard to get that 'English tea shop feeling ' but came away having enjoyed the food but not the eating experience. The one young waiter would perhaps benefit from a bit more training/experience as he was unable to answer questions about the menu. We saw tables being cleaned but ours could have been cleaner. The food was fresh, tasty and good size portions but the fish cakes had very little fish considering they cost £8 and were served only with salad, no chips or bread. The panini seemed much better value full of cheese with large mixed salad and crisps.Our young waiter was polite and helpful but needed more managerial support.

We have tried this cafe several times over the past few years and it never seems to get better. The food is OK and they are often open when other places aren't but the service is terribly slow (and confused) with little room and lots of people wishing to pay or order whilst the staff flap about. There isn't anything here that couldn't be fixed by some staff training and a new service system. They are always pleasant enough but clearly hurried and confused themselves.

We have visited this tea room many times over the past twenty years whilst on holiday in Devon. We can honestly say we have never found anywhere better (and have tried lots). the staff are always polite and courteous. the food is truly excellent and we never leave feeling hungry!! So much so that around 10 years ago my daughter (then 4) exclaimed to all on the premises, quite loudl I 'M STUFFED , a phrase she still makes referance to many years later. Quality food does take a time to arrive but if you want quick and dirty then go to a burger joint. As I 've intimated we visit the area at least once a year and always ensure that we go to Lewis 's at least 3 times during our holidays. We simply cannot rate this establishment highly enough.