Blue Ball Inn

We take a break on Exmoor most years, and always try to fit in a lunch at the Blue Ball. Never had a bad experience and this year was no exception. The young man behind the bar and serving was very friendly & efficient without being "in your face" and the food was excellent.

A pleasant and sociable evening out. The food was really good. Would definitely recommend the fish pie and the linguine. The sticky toffee pudding was a delicious alternative when they ran out of brownies (the table next to us were more than a little anxious when they thought we'd got the last portion of STP). The service was excellent and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. An enjoyable evening meal.

Day one before check in, met with friends for lunch. Food (steak & Ale pie) was rock hard, cheesecake base was also like rock, ran out of many beers at 1pm on a Saturday! My friends food was also cold. Plus lot of things on the menu, they didn't have! Room was okay, but dated and no shower, only a bath, carpet had seen better days!. Next morning breakfast was okay. We thought we would try the food again, this time in the evening, options again missing from menu and lack of beer. Breakfast next morning, mine was overdone and burnt, wife's egg was only just cooked! Top it all, the gardener was cutting the grass outside our window at 08:30am!! It was our Wedding Anniversary, which I mentioned before arrival, but not a hint regarding this from staff!! We stay in the area about four to five times per year, I would only stop here again, if I couldn't get in anywhere else!! Not the best by a long chalk!!!

We were visiting with family from Canada and having stayed here before, were really looking forward to our stay. Unfortunately we were disappointed. The rooms were as before, clean and nicely decorated but the food was a big disappointment. Service was awful and when it eventually arrived was sometimes very dried up and hardly edible. We shall not be returning

This hotel is the best. I have never stayed in a hotel that does more that mouth platitude's about being dog friendly. Not only a hamper in the bedroom with dog treats, feed bowls, a ball, poo bags and BEER all complimentary. But the best is dogs are not banned from the restaurant. This team are the best helpful supportive group I have ever met. Great beer, great food and really comfortable accommodation. 10/10

We have stayed/visited the Blue Ball on many occasions over the years, and has become one of our favourite places to visit. We called in on Saturday lunchtime for a drink and snack on our way through to Lynmouth. Ordered drinks and grabbed a menu to peruse. Although there was several items to choose from, there was no sandwiches/rolls etc in the lite bites section. We didn’t want a full meal. So enquired at the bar if it was possible to make some sandwiches, to be told. It’s only what’s on the menu, and there was no other conversation to see if there was anything else that may be acceptable. So, we purchased some crisps and left. It’s not like they were busy (only 6 customers in), so I’m sure a cheese & pickle sandwich wouldn’t have been too difficult to deliver! Previously, nothing was too much trouble if you wanted something slightly off menu, but ‘the corporate’ approach now seems to be very much in place, which is a real shame. On a summers lunchtime it was always busy, both inside and outside, but certainly not the case this time. Perhaps a little more flexibility in your approach Blue Ball, is what is required!

Lovely spot after a long journey. Poor communication and definitely very ‘tired’ around the edges. Nice enough clean accommodation. Slept well and nice touches but the very young team clearly need some additional hospitality training they’re nice enough but just a bit non caring, a bit laxidasical and sat back on their laurels as they clearly get enough business. The breakfast was lovely and the lady running that should probably be running the team as she was much more on the ball. We left clean and comfortable but not entirely sure I’d recommend with so many other places to stay nearby.

If I want to take the wife out for a nice meal in a great setting this is my go to place. Yet again we had a lovely meal served by a very friendly waitress, in relaxed chilled surroundings. You come away with a content tummy and a smile on your face. Knowing that you are going to come back again soon.

Visited the pub twice last year, the food was excellent. Visited for a third time last week and unfortunately the food was poor. Fish Pie - no fish, no stock of Duck, or Mussels, ran out of Lamb, no Creme Brulee and sausages were burnt at breakfast. Very disappointed, apparently the chef has changed. A lot of younger staff with nobody obvious in charge to complain to at the time, however when we mentioned the issues at check out we did get a partial refund which was much appreciated. (this review was written on behalf of my mother who stayed with you last week)