The Puffing Billy Inn

The Puffing Billy Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. T

   Terry

   Devon1 review

   1.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Waited far to long for the meal to arrive, when presented with the bill it was inflated with drinks I didn't order.
   

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2. A

   Amanda

   Devon1 review

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Seemed short staffed. It took an hour to place a drink order and another half before our food order was taken. Then after 10 minutes we were told that one of the meals ordered was no longer available. An alternative meal was chosen, but when it came to paying the bill, we had charged for both meals. When the meal order was taken, one of our party ordered a second drink and this had to be chased. There was no real apology for all the waiting, for one meal not being available, or for the mistake on the bill. Definitely won't be going there again!
   

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3. N

   Natasha

   Manchester2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had looked at a few local pubs and they didn’t appeal , tried the puffing billy and it didn’t disappoint , the food was amazing. Tasty, cooked well and good quality, there was also a mid week offer on that was great value too, will visit again when next in Dawlish. Highly recommend if you like bistro pub food.
   

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4. A

   Alison VIP

   Devon2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on 20 March 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Service was very slow, poor staff interaction and food, when it arrived, was average. A shame.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Devon1 review

   4.0

   Dined on 20 March 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   5 stars for Warm welcome. Great service.Excellent food. Good variety and wonderful to have the option of smaller portions on the Lite Bites lunchtime menu. 4 stars: I had made a special request regarding the table which had been overlooked. It was quickly addressed but unfortunately it was close to the bar and not in a quiet area as I had requested - so one of my guests found the background noise very disabling.
   

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6. N

   Nigel

   Devon1 review

   4.0

   Dined on 16 March 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We were a party of 7, including two children. The food was well prepared and presented. Absolutely no complaints!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Devon1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 9 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food, people and over all great experience
   

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   The Puffing Billy InnResponded on 17 March 2025

   Opentable Diner, thank you for your review of Puffing Billy. All feedback is greatly appreciated, and we love to hear that guests have enjoyed their visit. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back soon.
   

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8. S

   Stephen

   Devon1 review

   3.0

   Dined on 5 March 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Restaurant was quiet but the room was too cold, heating was only put on when we arrived and it did not warm room sufficiently. Food was OK, but nothing special. One dish too salty. Deserts were good. Wine list was good, and the wines themselves very good.
   

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9. H

   Howard

   Kent1 review

   3.0

   Dined on 16 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   Usually the Puffin Billy is excellent. This time, having booked a table in the 'dogs are welcome area' of the restaurant for 1345 (we arrived at 1330) we were given a table in the bar at 1430. The bar area is always noisy and cold as it's by the front door... and right next to the toilet. For the five of us it was quite a long wait for what was a really disappointing table and family Sunday lunch. The food was nice but tepid. Sadly on this occasion they didn't live up to the usual high standard that, I guess, we have taken for granted. It could be argued that they were busy... but with a booking system and a 90 min allocation per table this should be manageable. We did ask if a warmer location was available but the waiter didn't seem to hear us over the noise. Again, usually the Puffin Billy is excellent - hopefully this is a blip.
   

   The Puffing Billy InnResponded on 20 February 2025

   Hi Howard, we regret your most recent visit with us was not up to the standards we strive for. This Sunday was very busy for us but this is no excuse for the poor service you received. We hope to welcome you back soon for a better experience with the service and satisfaction you deserve, and we strive to deliver. Thank you.
   

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10. P

    Phil

    London3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2

    Have eaten here a lot over the years but this wasn't a good experience. I think they were understaffed by at least 2 people in the restaurant. It took ages for our order to be taken and even longer to pay, we gave up and paid in the bar. The dining area was also freezing when we arrived. I noticed the menu has changed, not sure if it is a new chef. The previous menu seemed higher quality. The new menu was standard pub fare. The steak was not good quality (or at least wasn't cooked well/left to stand too long)
    

    The Puffing Billy InnResponded on 16 February 2025

    Good morning, we regret your most recent visit with us was not up to the high standards we strive for and that you have experienced with us before. We where short staffed last night and this was due unexpected illness within the team. We pride ourselves with offering great service and are disappointed to hear that you suffered because of this. We are also addressing the steak issue with our chef. We hope we will see you again soon for a better more improved experience.
    

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