The Hartnoll Hotel Restaurant in Mid Devon

I attended the Hartnoll Hotel for a early wedding event, having afternoon tea for 10 people.The afternoon tea was actually really good, fresh sandwiches and a decent selection of sweets. Large pots of tea and pleasant scones with large pots of jam and cream. Each tea was presented on three tier desert stands and looked lovely (see my pictures)The hotel has a fresh clean look about it being in keeping with the local area and not too modern but not too old, a good balance.Reception was friendly and inviting and the foyer had offers and little items you could buy as gifts.The toilets were clean and tidy and didn't have any smells, the handwash was good quality and moisturiser was available also. Loved the fact they put a note on the door saying a bin was also outside of the toilet for you to put your wet tissue in after you have pulled the door open - 5* on that (Helps keep the germ spread down!)The parking was ample and free, if raining it's gravel so be aware of your shoes!The serving staff in the dining room were friendly and attentive for the most part. Drinks service was awefully slow, and a few additional drinks outside the tea and prosecco were requested and took ages and a reminder (it wasn't busy) but the staff kept a smile and again assisted without complaint.My only negative comment was the I assume manager gentleman... He was a little abrupt and gave the air of not wanting to be asked questions... which didn't bother me as my request became an instruction rather then a request which after repeating myself the photos were taken, where I wanted them rather then where and when he desired... Very odd we all looked a bit shocked...I've never had anyone tell me when and where I can take a photograph in a room that isn't busy and when we are not causing a fuss ... Very odd.Otherwise a great place to visit with a really nice afternoon tea.Friends have been there before and they also recommend having dinner as that's supposed to be good to.Would happily go again!

Great experience, i booked a table of 7 to celebrate my Mums 80th and it was spacious ,welcoming and the maître d'hôtel Nelson was attentive and nothing was to much trouble. We all had different starters, mains and desserts and they all arrived hot and aesthetically pleasing as well as full of flavour. The Duck was perfectly pink and the Cod just right. Yes the prices are top end but well worth it, will be back

Exquisite food, beautiful surroundings, the young staff were wonderfully mannered.But the elder member of staff was just plain rude. (Possibly named Yoland?) Didn't listen to our lunch order, rattled off the choices so fast we couldn't catch them and then was irritated that we needed them repeating. Had no interest in my mother being coeliac, or any awareness of an elder persons needs. Maybe it's just his manner, but in that case you're in the wrong job.Shame, it's such a lovely place, but this one chap is the sole reason we will not return.

Was a lovely venue with beautiful furnishings. Kids loved walking around the small garden. Food was well presented and quite delicious. Would recommend, just a little pricey

We saw a post on Facebook “Hartnoll Hotel now presenting a fine dining experience like no other with a 9 course tasting menu paired with fine wines every Friday & Saturday night exclusively in River View Restaurant”It sounded absolutely perfect, an ideal way to end a busy week and an ideal prefix for an upcoming holiday.We booked it for the 5th February and were asked to be there at 6.30 sharp to be ready to sit down at 7.00 o’clock.We arrived promptly at 6.30 as requested and could see that there was a wedding taking place.As the door to the restaurant was closed, I asked the front desk (nice lad) who told us to just enter which we did.The conservatory was empty, which was a surprise.Nelson came over with a face like thunder and repeatedly jabbed his reservation book telling us “it’s been cancelled – we tried to telephone you but you didn’t answer”.We both work from home and said that no call had been received (on checking a couple of days later we had no calls from the Hartnoll all week).Nelson begrudgingly offered us a seat in the conservatory but only to dine – it was completely empty. I mentioned this to be told that is was only 6.30 so what did I expect.I asked my wife who was looking upset what she’d like to do - it’s not what we booked so was disappointed and wanted to leave.Nelson bizarrely tries to blame us, it was obvious we were not wanted and would be an inconvenience to them.We decided to leave, my wife stating that her evening was ruined we might as well go home.On leaving the restaurant, the front desk guy saw we were disappointed and asked me what the problem was.I told him and he offered to get the manager.I was expecting the nice girl (can’t think of her name) who has been restaurant manager for a quite a while to appear and sort things out.What we got was someone akin to a doorman, large, overpowering and frankly nasty.He was not one bit interested in our situation and told me and my wife to F*@! off.I couldn’t believe what he said so asked him to repeat it.We were again told to F*@! off and physically pushed through the door – Nelson also being abusive.To think we have been visiting the Hartnoll for many years, have spent nearly a £1000 supporting you through the pandemic and the fact we’re both in our 60’s to be treated like this is appalling.I imagine the blame will be passed on to us somehow but I’m very happy to discuss it over the telephone – you have my number.An absolute disgrace – we’ll never ever return.

Stayed here for our wedding anniversary in a mini suite room number 1. Lovely comfy bed, really nice waterfall shower and toiletries. Plenty of tea and coffee in the room. Plus ironing board, iron and fan in wardrobe. The room was very warm at night so i opened the window. Lovely to be woken up with so many birds singing. The gardens are very nice with a little bridge over a stream and different ornamental figures.We ate in the restaurant, lovely meal, nicely unrushed, I had Exmoor beef which melted in your mouth, my husband had duck, he said it was the best duck he had ever had.Breakfast was a lovely unrushed start to the day, I had avocado, toast, smoked bacon and poached egg, my husband had full English.We also had lunch which we felt a bit pricey 2 beef sandwiches, gin and tonic and pint of beer £36.A very nice stay.

The location, the staff, the room and the food were all fantastic. Nelson the Maitre de was outstanding. It was our anniversary and he really went the extra mile. We had a champagne cream tea when we first arrived then a lovely evening meal. Our room overlooked the Devon countryside which of course is perfect. We’ll definitely be back.

Met friends for a birthday high tea today. Fantastic spread, lovely atmosphere out in the conservatory. So glad Nelson and his staff are bringing us some normality in strange times. Thank you

we have never received service like we did at the Hartnoll, particularly from Nathan, his service was unrivalled. He was kind, courteous and informative. We both agreed he has the potential to supersede his current position, and wish him well on his career path.

Wonderful service.We had afternoon champagne tea.Which consisted of a selection of beautifully made sandwiches and a plethora of cakes.Our waitress was wonderfully lovely as well.Extremely recommended ☺️