Northcote Manor in North Devon

I had brought a gift voucher for my in-laws who due to health couldn’t use it. We therefore were asked to use it and so after paying £100 went online and chose this venue as a special treat and were informed it required an additional £80 to go here. Due to the reviews we decided to make a weekend so booked into a local B&B for another additional cost as it’s an hour and a half from where we live. Expectations based on cost and knowing we had additional costs for wine etc meant this was not a regular night out. I then rang to book a night as the site said bar Christmas Day etc any night was available. My first call I was told I couldn’t book Friday,Saturday or Sunday which now meant my other half needed to take annual leave however when I rang the next time I was told we could come on a Saturday. We booked in and on arrival found 2 people backs to us behind the bar and stood and waited for at least a minute or two before anyone acknowledged us. We were then told to make our way to an area to order an ore drink. I passed the plinth which had the 3 course set menu (£55 per person) on and only about 5-6 bookings all guests apart from us. We were given said menu for 3 courses although our vouchers were for 4 and noted a limited option of 4 choices for starter, main and dessert and a dish of the day for each. I explained when they came that we had paid for 4 and was told we would get that . During the meal I noted that the guests had same menu and same addition hor’dorves as us so actually no different. Bread was ok then 3 dessert full spoons of a bland soup that I had to ask what it was. Starter looked great but was unseasoned and just no flavour and bland. Main was good but unseasoned again. I advised about seasoning issue and when asked I was told the chef didn’t season as he leaves it up to guests to season as levels can vary ! I was always told a chef would be disappointed if a person added more as it meant they hadn’t got it right. The dessert was the best but I then decided to compare the cost of our meal and wine against a meal we had earlier this year at Kota in Porthleven( Michelin star). Their 6 courses including paired wine is £ 119.50 so £239.50 . Cost for 4 courses here with wine was £250 and was absolute no where near as good. Service and overall experience was disappointing at best . Tegan our waitress was nice though. Place is lovely but walk from car park is not ideal at night as limited lighting. Seems to be living on past rosette awards. As it was a Saturday night it can’t be the chefs night off. I’ll be interested if they respond .

Secluded, quiet, peaceful, lovely helpful staff, amazing food, uncrowded, romantic, beautiful location, lovely old house sympathetically renovated

The food at the Northcote Manor hotel is by any measure wonderful. The dining experience begins in the lounge with canapes and pre-dinner drinks, and continues in the lovely dining room with multiple courses of immaculately cooked and presented dishes served by fantastic staff. An absolutely wonderful experience.

The service is very well polished. The staff are friendly but not intrusive. The room is gorgeous. The food is incredible!! There are also a lot of added extras like the canapés and a pre starter included with our three course meal. There is big selection for vegetarians:)

We visited Northcote for an Afternoon Tea as we were in the area and we were not disappointed, the ladies serving were very polite and welcoming and the afternoon tea was lovely! Lots of variety and all fresh and tasty. We had visited on a red letter voucher and purchased additional drinks. My only feedback would be that the lady on the reception of the hotel by the stairs could have been a bit friendlier as she wasn’t very approachable and perhaps the option of being able to take away any left overs as a lot of food was wasted as we couldn’t manage it all, we had to approach reception for a bill so wasn’t able to ask to take the afternoon tea that was left away as it felt a bit awkward so maybe this could be offered to people prior to this, But that didn’t put a dampener on the lovely experience it is just a bit of feedback ☺️ we would still highly recommend.

We have stayed at this lovely hotel before. Unlike many hotels during the pandemic they have maintained a really high standard. From beginning to end of our two night D, B&B stay the staff were efficient, attentive and friendly. The room (Honeysuckle) was spacious and clean. The gourmet dinner and wine flight included in the offer was excellent. Pace yourself everyone…the portions were not small, just right, but six courses. We were surprised and delighted that dinner on the second night included canapés and a pre starter not stated on the menu. We got confused, but delightfully so. Breakfast room service was excellent. Good vegetarian options, thank you. The breakfast menu is extensive and very generous. We also ate in the breakfast room. Despite staff wearing masks and guests encouraged to do so (very happy with that as cases are soaring again ), the room was warm an unventilated making us feel a little nervous. My only other disappointment, very minor, was that we could not order our own weekend newspaper to read with breakfast. It is clear that this hotel and spa have many return guests, and it is so easy to see why.

Another fantastic visit. We managed to use the spa facilities this time too. Great massage followed by time in the pool and sauna/steam rooms. Stunning views across the hills whilst sitting by the pool. A really nice addition to the hotel. Very friendly staff there too. Food as ever was excellent as was the service.Particular thanks to Will in the kitchen, plus Mitchel and Simon for their hard work front of house. Nice to see Richie again too. It’s hard to get across what a unique place Northcote manor is. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Northcote to anyone.

Very good 2nd time visit for friends birthday. Lovely time lunch was yummy. Massage wonderful. Beautiful views. One point jacuzzi was not working first thing maybe should have been checked on opening . Soon sorted however.

The chef created some excellent dishes and even catered for my Autistic Grand daughters dietary requirements. The Sommelier was well informed and selected some great wines to accompany our meal.

We had a voucher for an afternoon tea for two valid at lots of locations around the UK and after looking at the locations local to us Northcote Manor stood out and we were not disappointed at all. The setting itself is lovely, a beautiful, traditional manor house, set in lovely grounds with great views. Upon arrival and being shown to the lounge area where lunch and afternoon tea is served, we were promptly brought our tea and coffee, and told our afternoon tea would be out shortly, and also jokingly warned "I hope you're hungry". Minutes later we were presented with an array of treats, and now we knew exactly what the gentleman meant by "I hope you're hungry". We've had afternoon teas at many different hotels but we've not been presented before with such an array of delicious afternoon treats. First up we had a selection of sandwiches, tuna and cucumber, ham and egg mayo, all with plentiful and fresh quality filling served along with some crisps. Next up were the scones, 2 scones each one fruit and one plain with jam and clotted cream, served still warm and cut in half ready to cover in cream and jam. My only criticism here would be maybe a touch more jam and cream would have been nice. Next up an array of sweet treats. Lemon drizzle cake, fruit cake, mince pies, shortbread biscuits, strawberry tart and a sticky toffee cake. All delicious. This has to be one of the best afternoon teas we have had, and great value for money (even without a voucher) considering the location and portions. Staff were friendly and left you to enjoy your food but around if you had any problems. Would recommend.

Visited Northcote Manor yesterday for Afternoon Tea. The whole experience was perfect. A warm friendly greeting followed by delicious well presented food. We opted for coffee rather than tea which was also lovely. There was so much food we couldn't finish it Staff are friendly and helpful. I would recommend visiting Northcote Manor

We ate three nights running as part of our stay and all meals were great quality and offered a good selection. The gourmet menu was great to try things you would not normally eat. Cheese and beef stood out for us, we will return.

Tried to make a reservation for four but asked all kinds of unnecessary questions and adding injury to insult by demanding £50 deposit!

We have just had the king or queen of takeaways !! We had no idea what to expect the food was absolutely fantastic!! We had to do a little bit of cooking but worth the effort !! Looking forward to getting back to the restaurant!!

the food was 5 star and so delicious we cannot wait to visit again the staff are so attentive and very proffessional

Superb gourmet food, varied choices and beautifully presented and served. Lovely location and very peaceful environment.

The meal we had at Northcote Manor was stunning. We loved our crab starter and my beef was cooked to perfection. We also enjoyed our baked Alaska, which great.

Attended a lovely wedding of friends here. Food was good although we were on one of the last tables and it was not really hot Staff were very helpful and attentive. Venue worked well with different areas to hang out. The grounds are in a quiet and peaceful setting. Well off the beaten track in Devon countryside. My only complaint is we paid for a suite which was expensive compared to our normal budget but we thought we would enjoy the pool in the morning before breakfast but it wasnt open. We may well not have stayed over if we'd have known that as we only live an hour from there but we thought it was included in our stay and were really looking forward to it so quite disappointed. Our room was very nice and comfortable and the countryside views over the grounds were lovely however we personally didn't feel that there was anything exceptional for the price of the room. We expected something more exceptional for £250 a night The venue is great for a wedding and we did enjoy ourselves and would recommend it for this purpose.

Great food, excellent wine list, and a great breakfast cooked to order. Room spacious and very clean with all the facilities you will ever need.

Went for an afternoon tea to this quite beautiful location. The old Manao and surrounding grounds are amazing so tranquil. The tea was outstanding and the staff could not do enough for us. Wholeheartedly reccomend this place.

Excellent menu of locally sourced produce. Professional and friendly service; good value; sensible wine prices. The Eton Mess Baked Alaska really was something else!!! We'll be returning!

Lovely old house set in pretty garden; beautiful, quiet location; comfortable bedroom (suite); delicious food with interesting flavours; very welcoming and attentive staff who made one feel as though one was staying in a private country house; good area with many interesting sites to visit. Shall definitely return again.

We come two or three times a year for a 24hour break and have never been disappointed. This occasion we went for the 5 course gourmet meal with matching wines and had an excellent balanced high quality experience.The entree of tomato based soup with red mullet diamond, chicken and duck liver pate and cheesecake with blackberry support were particularly delicate and memorable.The wine choices were really unusual and complementary. A Californian Chardonnay and the Rioja were delicious and our evening was made by the Monbazillac, not on the menu but provided because they knew it was my birthday and had (very quietly) found out it was a favorite since we have a house in that region of France!Shows how attentive the service was and made the occasion

Had an overnight stay here as was inspecting a nearby venue for my daughters wedding. I needed to research hotels for other family and friends to stay in. Paid top dollar for a superior room which was a good size, large bed with a good size clean bathroom. Bizarre arrival at lunchtime to find the hotel empty, I walked all round through every room but could not find anyone about. Left to meet the rest of the family and returned at 5.30 and finally managed to check in! There is a bell to press for service but it takes some finding! (rather like the hotel itself, you will need sat nav). We did not have dinner as there was a Valentine gourmet supper being held. I later found that on what we paid for the room, I could have added a five course dinner with wine for two of us for an extra £25.00! Which did not much please me! Having said all that when we finally got in, a comfortable nights stay and a really excellent breakfast with very cheery efficient service. There are clearly some great deals to be had, but I did feel I had been ripped off slightly. Even after discussing the fact I wanted to book for several people later in the year no discount on my bill was offered.

Had the 6 course menu with matching wine, and thoroughly enjoyed it. All the food was beautifully presented, and was perfectly seasoned with lovely flavours. We enjoyed the wines too apart from the desert wine, which was like drinking the sweet Refreshers! Also there were only 4 wines— with the number of courses 5 would have been better.Service was excellent. We never felt rushed, or were not left hanging around either. The food portion size was just right too. At the end we felt comfortably full, but not stuffed.Our meal was part of a package, but £90 for the experience I think is pretty good value.

Staff very friendly, excellent service. Great attention to detail.Lovely setting and ambience. Nice for gardens for a walk.

Este restaurante es todo y más que cabe esperar de las grandour del edificio para la atención a los detalles en el interior. Un lugar impresionante, ambiente relajado y el servicio excepcional. El menú gourmet es deliciosa, deliciosa y fascinante. Cada curso está servido por un personal amable bien informado. Cada curso está intrincado que traerá su paladar viva. Son sumamente atentos para alergias a los alimentos. Comida fabulosa y acabados con un licor de café irlandés sin duda vale la pena una visita, no os decepcionará.

El hotel está ubicado en grandes terrenos. Teníamos el almuerzo, el personal era muy amable. El menú de la comida era muy buena relación calidad-precio. Las tiras de filete de ternera eran deliciosos y un verdadero lujo en el precio. Buena carta de vinos, con una gran variedad. Murales impresionantes mostrando la historia del hotel, que comenzó como un monasterio. Muy agradable, un almuerzo tranquilo.

Stayed 13 march as a birthday gift for my husband and two dogs excellant food brilliant hotel and friendly staff enjoyed my stay caroline

Esta fue la tercera visita a este hotel y su restaurante precioso país magnífico. Aunque sospecho que el chef ha cambiado la comida no tiene. Un menú degustación con vino incluido y fabuloso fue todo servido por el personal que claramente cuidado. No puedo esperar para el próximo chnace a experimentar las delicias de este restaurante.

Ser vegetariano no me doy cuenta de que presentan un alto grado de desafío a un chef y equipo de cocina, pero este fue un muy buena tanto para significar yo y mi carne para comer esposa.

Reservamos una estancia de cuatro noches en la habitación de azalea ya que tiene un baño independiente en el dormitorio y un cuarto húmedo. Pagué el depósito de tres meses antes de mi estancia. Llegamos y nos llevaron a una habitación que no era lo que yo hice. Me dijeron que el equipo de administración habían cometido un error y que la habitación no estaría disponible hasta el día siguiente. Instalamos en la habitación azalea al día siguiente, estaba mucho mejor, sin embargo, había algunos problemas. La habitación tiene un olor desagradable de goma, posiblemente desde el colchón y la cama y las almohadas son bastante incómodas. También es el punto de luz más extraños colgando en el centro de la sala a una altura que cualquiera de más de 5 pies 3 a pie. A este precio (225 libras por noche) Habitaciones camas incómodas, olía mal y la falta de una nevera / minibar no se compara favorablemente con propiedades similares. Hay algunos puntos buenos, aunque la ubicación es tranquila y pacífica, el personal es muy amable y los desayunos son de buena calidad. A fin de cuentas no me alojaría aquí de nuevo ya que hay mejores opciones en este precio.

Apartado de la carretera principal hasta una carretera serpenteante woody encontrará su casa señorial con césped hermoso y amplio aparcamiento.

La comida era excelente. Nuestra habitación estaba en el nuevo edificio anexo y las paredes son finas como el papel.Los jardines eran preciosos para pasear después del desayuno

First off, we had the 3 course £45 meal. It was superb. The Manor clearly takes pride in its service, and has aspirations of fine dining. The lounge area is very relaxing, where orders and canapes are served prior to seating. Service overall is friendly, accommodating and that nice blend of attentive yet not overbearing.The food itself was well presented and fantastically flavoured, served in excellent time and in just the right portion size. I felt satisfied but in no way overburdened by the meal. Happily eat here again, very impressed all round.

i cannot praise this Manor House hotel enough.The staff are superb and although the majority of the staff are young they are confident and very friendly ,helpful and professional.Our suite Haven, was delightful, luxurious and so elegant.The views are the best of our lovely countryside and it is so relaxed and peaceful.Our meals were all excellent, the dinner menu was very varied and the meal was mouth-wateringly good.Will certainly be returning here.

Great building, plenty of parking. The pre-lunch lounge drinks were excellent with great canapés and a very extensive gin menu. Lunch itself was superb, large sized courses. Lovely place to visit.

Having received vouchers for Christmas we finally found time to get a Sunday out for lunch. Great atmosphere, service and food. The only downside is that it's not closer to my house!

We went for lunch on a Saturday having visited several times before. The main building had been undergoing some construction work which has now finished, and looks stunning. Lots of parking space.The bar area/ pre lunch searing is very well decorated. Very extensive gin menu. Nice canapés. Previous visits had a meet and greet and order taker whose style wasn't quite in keeping with the ambience. Very good now. Saturday has an a la carte menu, a fixed all table tasting menu and seasonal menu which can be mixed and matched with the a la carte. All dishes were excellent. It's not multi nibble course fine dining, but excellent normal portion sized food, prepared very well with some quirky ideas, that we thought all worked.Given its location, probably the best restaurant in a radius of 50 miles.

From the moment we stepped in from the cold we were warmly welcomed, with our bags put in our room for us we were shown around and we felt nothing was too much trouble. We went on the offer from travelzoo and were very pleased with our room and the food (although if we were paying full price for the gourmet menu we would have thought it abit steep. Breakfast was lovely. We only wished we had booked the second night but maybe next time.

Just stayed the one night on an inclusive room, gourmet dinner and English breakfast deal. Great value for money. Clean, warm, comfortable public rooms with roaring log burners. The gourmet dinner was excellent; wide variety of dishes (was it six or seven courses - don't know I stopped counting) most served with recommended wine. I'm fussy and the choice made for us was spot on.We stayed in a standard room overlooking the front lawn. Lovely views, decent sized room, comfortable double bed and plenty of really hot water, but the bathroom really needed an update; clean, but tired.Staff all polite, unobtrusive and helpful. Have already recommended to others and plan to return.

Loved everything - the manor house hotel, our lovely room, the fantastic, delicious food, the location for walks - we had a delightful experience.

Attended one of the obsession15 evenings......we decided to try chef Gaggan due to being a lover of Indian food. This was more than just a meal, this was an experience we shall never forget. We visit Bangkok quite often and on our next trip we are planning a trip to Gaggan Bangkok. Staff are absolutely wonderful, very well trained and a delight to deal with.......a credit to any restaurant. I would recommend the obsession evenings to any food lover and we will be back soon to try Nigel Howarth's menu at Northcote

Loved everything from gorgeous room - we stayed in The Manor Suite, to excellent food including afternoon canapes, evening meal and breakfast, through to first rate staff who couldn't do enough to make our staff a thoroughly enjoyable one.

Loved it all....nothing to dislike - except leaving. Can't wait to return for another blissful visit.

very good food, but ask sommelier for his recommendations for the wine for your meal, you will not regret it

My husband and I sampled everything on the £45 three course menu during our stay and can recommend everything for quality and taste. By informing the restaurant in advance, they were able to cater for lactose intolerance easily.

We had an excellent one night stay at the manor.The staff are excellent and the whole experience is very relaxing. The gourmet menu was delicious and the main course was changed with no fuss.Look forward to another longer visit.

We loved the place, loved the food, loved the service. We visited in July 2013 and are hoping to go back again soon. The tasting menu was delicious for all of the courses and we lingered in the lounge with coffee and petit fours for a long time with gentle piped music lulling us in a serenely comfortable atmosphere.

This review is just for the restaurant, not the hotel.The restaurant is lovely, whenever the family are celebrating something we come to Northcote Manor for a meal! Whatever time of day the staff are always attentive and friendly, with excellent service. I've only had one bad experience where a waitress was cleaning the table behind me and spilled the remains of their dessert down my back and onto my dress, but after informing the manager they offered to cover the dry cleaning costs and did so promptly.It has become a new family tradition to come to Northcote Manor in the run up, or just after, Christmas for one of their seasonal set menu's; there's a variety of days to choose from with various different menu options, and they accommodate vegetarian and dietary requirements. The atmosphere is always lovely, the staff always give excellent service, and the price for the set menu is very reasonable for what you get. The food is always exquisite, and the choose of wine to accompany is excellent.I would recommend Northcote to everyone!

i went here for tea with a group of friends having been four years ago when the food and service was delightful.Oh how things have changed!Sandwiches the size of doorstops,cakes which were obviously bought from a local shop,something masquerading as scones.and nothing home made or appetizing in sight.not what we had expected at all.We were served by very pleasant young girls but the man who also waited on table neither spoke a word or acknowledged us.Again not what we had expected at all.

2 couples stayed on a Travelzoo deal. What a great stay we had, lovely rooms, the most attentive staff, stunning gourmet 6 course dinner. I have read other reports on tripadvisor and recognise some of the minor criticisms, but you will never find complete perfection. At the price we paid we thought it was fabulous value. Go and treat yourselves.

Just returned from Northcote Manor. Deal with Travelzoo. Excellent hotel in the wisteria room. The staff were excellent, very friendly. The room was excellent looked as if it had just been refurbished. The gourmet menu was excellent throughout. For the price you pay with Travelzoo it is exceptional value. Those people who have nit picked about £3.50 for coffee at end of meal are just nit picking. What do you expect for the price. Many thanks to all staff.

Ideal for a romantic break. Food amazing. Room spacious and clean but needs a refresh. Bed comfortable. Ensuite good quality.

The Manor is off the beaten track - so not for everyone - but the setting is ideal if you want some peace and quiet in a beautiful setting. The staff are very attentive. The food is good but not out of this world - the bread rolls could have been fresher and the cheese and biscuits was served without and chutney. I would go back.

Once again an excellent Sunday lunch at Northcote. Nothing fell short of expectations, but having become a bit of a connoisseur of sticky toffee pudding I have to say that today's was the best I've ever had. Wonderful end to an excellent meal.

We stay at the sister hotel in Wales regularly and thought it would be a change to travel down to Devon. We were not disappointed, a warm welcome awaited us and our dog, he had a basket, water and treats in our suite. The food, we had the tasting menu, was excellent and the staff without exception attentive and helpful. We did find the hotel quite isolated and due to the terrible weather would have welcomed a leisure centre and spa.

Fantastic house and location in lovely Devon countryside. Staff were all friendly but the house was cold! Dining room lacked atmospere, and was a walkway into the additional hotel bedrooms. This backs onto the conservatory which was not heated at all! Just a curtain separated the extreme cold of the conservatory with the dining room, hence it was too cold for comfort. Nothing to do with the 1 hr electricity power cut - was cold all the while.There was a megre real fire in the lounge. Food on the whole was good. Dining chairs were stained. Has potential to be outstanding but not quite there.

I booked a meal here for a 'special treat' as part of our 'mini moon'. We were staying in a cottage near by. I was not let down.My wife and I had a lovely time. From the start we were made to feel welcome and the service was attentive throughout. We were served canapes with our pre dinner drinks. We went for the 3 course meal. The food was fresh, local and a pleasure to eat. We both had the pork as the main course - so melt in your mouth. Loved the cheese selection. We were served coffee in the lounge whilst we we waiting for our taxi.We came away feeling well looked after and special.

To be clear, no hint of a complaint here overall, excellent canapés, starter and dessert, good main, though bouche was a little short on taste. I feel though service remains excellent whether busy or quiet the quality of the food slips slightly. Don't get me wrong, the chef is properly talented and on his day arguably single handedly lifts the whole place from good to excellent. But when it's busy you do notice the edges rough up ever so slightly, and I guess that's the challenge, to maintain excellence no matter what. Then again I have to say that everywhere has off days no matter who is in the kitchen.

Have posted a reviw on the NM hotel site but wanted to post one on here as well to counter some previous adverse reviewsThe set dinner started with a drink in the bar then 5 courses of very delicious food in the restaurant. The choice of wines served with each course was well selected.There was a short wait for dessert but this was due to it being freshly cooked so no problem!I had no issues with the service, the food or the wine...

I booked the hotel as an anniversary treat having reviewed the hotel and restaurant. Northcote Manor looks lovely but a little tired but that is part of the charmThe staffMy thanks go to Mitchell Cohen, Sommelier you are truely a professional.However i would recommend customer service and table/silver service training for all other members of staff. I was concerned that service stopped in the restaurant a number of times whilst all staff served a party in the function room, and I marveled that when food was served in the restaurant, it did not appear to matter to the staff that the customer was not seated; i.e, using the facilities. accepted practice?The Tasting menu was not in my opinion a gourmet meal and a real disappointment, on all levels. Once again thank you Mitchell for your apologies and for the port and coffee (not charged for) however this does not make up for a substandard meal.

£411 a night......One night in Heaven was a classic song in the 80s by the group M People, Yes 80 nostalgia the title of this song can not be compared with the evening I spent at the Northcote Manor in Devon.I am an avid TravelZoo consumer, always looking for that little extra enjoyment and experience at an exceptional price, with the offers not compensating on package and expected class of luxury.On Saturday the 14th of January 2012 I arrived at the self advertised ‘unsurpassed level of luxury, offering short breaks,’ Hotel Northcote in Devon. The grandeur of the outside excited me, this looked the place to unwind and relax. I should have stayed outside and kept looking at the external facade and grounds due to my bubble bursting prematurely when I entered the grand front door...... I joined two couples hovering within the main body of what could be called either the grand hall, a bar, a living room or reception, none exact but none so apt. The weather out side had a lovely sun filled sky, but there was a chill in the air. Now it was my turn to introduce myself as the other guests arriving huddled in behind me. Have you been here before I was asked sharply, I thought what happened to the pleasantries of Hello and Welcome. Shocked I regurgitated a quick “No I have not” and flashbacks of being sent the headmasters office populated my mind. The temperature dropped suddenly as the chill changed to a frosty bite inside the unknown room. From no where her next bellow was “Where is your Travel Zoo Voucher?”, now looking sheepish towards the other guests in the unknown room as if I had now left the headmasters room I replied softly, “In my hand..........” Expecting to be marked with the plague the female member of staff grabbed the voucher and pulled it from my grasp, I had made it, I was now excepted, cleansed of the voucher.I had arrived after a long journey and the hotel had been my quest, but the challenges were not over my quest continued. I had missed the small print stating there would be a welcoming workout. I was frogged marched around the hotel and shown many wonders and my prize at the end of it, my room....... my precious. Now hungry for adventure and food I made my way through the confusing maze, OK rooms, Function room and Dining room, making my way back to the unknown room to announce I was suitably dressed and presentable (well I believed so) and ready for dinner.I was ready to indulge in the Gourmet Tasting Menu, booked for 08.00pm. I had arrived at the Unknown room at 07.35pm and found it full of private party guests battling with each other over glasses of bubbly, I knew they were battling as I was apologized too numerous times for being bumped into. I thought of my busy days in London either on the tube or being pick pocketed, I thought to myself I would need to make an appointment with a therapist if these flash backs continued.After the battle came victory, I had made it to the counter which I knew from other images I have experienced in my life to be a bar. The keeper of the bar looked tired and withered from the defending of his bar. I expressed my joy at my achievement at arriving through the piles of bodies with a great smile and a robust positive “Good Evening” I have battled hard and ready for diner.Surprisingly a female, unfortunately not the heroin in this fairy tale tale bellowed “NAME” and I know I waited too long for the further words MY GOOD KNIGHT when she repeated “Name”... A complimentary Drink before diner had its phase the Goat Cheese Canapé was burnt but I am not here to complain lets fast forward this epic tale tale , (OK I WILL PAUSE THE STORY WHILE YOU OLDER MEMBERS WISH TO MAKE A TEA OR USE THE FACILITIES)Welcome back, you find me now at the diner table now some 50 minutes after arriving at the room with no name and I was finding hard to find what I was looking for.Sat upon my table with apprehension and contemplation in good company so far I awaited my first course of five, The literature expresses Dining in Devon at Northcote Manor is an experience strictly reserved for pleasure, this evening numerous members of staff reserved the right not serve me with any experience, the battle I had won in the unknown room continued in the dining room. A female member of staff challenged me to a dual with forks as she laid down the gauntlet by throwing a fork into my lap. Being a gentleman I graciously refused and handed her back the fork, obviously handle first as I did not want there to be any confusion. On the down side of the evening the five courses which appeared in front of me were not the courses advertised on the website, had the Devon highway man intervened into the diverse local ingredients which were bound on route to the hotel. This newsworthy information was not relayed to the guests fearing a mass exodus of the hotel. On a lighter note I could not contain my chuckles and giggling of the advertised menu humorously pricing the meal at £70 a head.It is with regret that Disney had not been consulted and the menus from the rat in ratatouille been emailed to the kitchen. This menu was unimaginative and failed on artistic aesthetics and was sorrowful. At least that little rat was animated and colorful and yes watchable. I do hope the Chef was either being individually painted on new cells or more realistically on holiday. I would believe that as in ratatouille the staff rallied together to assist in cooking, as I personally found the menu insulting especially when the word GOURMET is in the title.Foot note apologies to the rat I can not remember your namePlease believe me when I state that I was not the only patron in the dining room to have reservations on the service and food. To my knowledge three other covers sitting in hearing of my table was enough to write this review. I and the others had complimentary Port or Coffee, for a confused establishment which charges £411.00 a night in a suite I expected so so so much more.The only member of staff who showed courtesy and professionalism was the Sommelier Mitchell Cehon who apologised on behalf of the chef and my ruined evening.The female member of staff who purported to be the head of staff this evening, the Maitre d hotel, not to be mistaken as the General Manager, did not convey to me any professionalism and was very obtrusive. In my opinion not suitable for this hotel which is wanting to achieve the dizzy heights of class.The evening passed and could not be saved I made my way to my suite to retire and recharge my batteries....... no I am not going to mention or compare my upsetting experience to another disney film or films.As another day dawned I awoke and felt safe and happy in the large room classed as a suite.Breakfast was OK Even I am now waining but we are near the end of this epic tale, I can not believe this was just less 19hrs.After breakfast I made my way to the bell to summons a member of staff to book out of the hotel. Once again the female purporting to be the Maitre d appeared. I said I am ready to book out and she replied with a stern face “You have nothing to pay you can go!” Maybe she had originally been a headmistress and had recognised the naughty schoolboy qualities in me.I packed my trusty Stead and went off to venture over the Devon Tors, never to look back.To all my fellow Traveller's and TravelZoo adventurers I do hope your experiences of Northcote Manor Devon is better than mine, I would like to close on a quotation that has been given great significance in these recent years which I would think is apt to any business especially hotels, Aleksandr Orlov“Simples”

Extremely good tasting menu, but expensive unless you can source a special offer deal. Full menu choice is excellent, but priced accordingly . . .

I wouldn't go so far as to say it was the best meal I've ever had but it was very nice. We had the five-course gourmet menu with matching wines as part of a dinner, bed and breakfast deal. The menu for the lunchtime bistro looked like good value but we were full after late breakfast so didn't eat at lunchtime!

The best food I have eaten! Perhaps a little expensive but I think, worth every penny. The restaurant is a nice environment and the staff very attentive.

The venue, its locale and scenery, are all stunning. The staff tried to deliver to the standard we anticipated from a fine dining experience (a 5 course taster menu) but were not to that level. The food - well that really crashed out. The soup, if it was not from a can then the chef could be working for Campbells. The pate - well Lidl's own Duck and Champagne is far superior - this was just a standard liver pate with leaves (aka a few bits of green out of a mixed salad pre-prepared pack); main course duo of Cornish fish - mackerel overcooked and dry with whiting that may have been poached but the skin would not budge from it (no seasoning on either that I could notice), piped mash, some shredded leek and a strange paintbrush of pink stuff - no taste to that at all; tarte tatin was not as good as the supermarket "best of" varieties with clotted cream that was waxy (butterscotch sauce was like melted sugar and my other half said was foul - I could not eat it). Cheese OK though the camembert was inedible (like a lump of butter). So we could not recommend this at all, and especially as it normally would cost £55 per head for this; luckily we had a TravelZoo deal which has softened the blow but will not venture back. Compared to our experience this same week at tThe Purple Carrot at the Lewtrenchard Manor where the food, service and every aspect was exceptionally good (the best meal I have ever had) this was more than disappointing.

I live locally and so have the opportunity to dine at Northcote Manor several times per year. The welcome is always friendly without being intrusive. The ambience is wonderful with a comfortable lounge with wood burning stove for when the weather gets colder and comfortable sofas and armchairs in which to consider the menu and enjoy pre-dinner drinks.I have eaten in both the main restaurant and new bistro style restaurant and the food is always of a very high standard, using predominantly locally produce. It's more like visiting friends who have a lovely home and happen to be wonderful cooks than visiting a restaurant and I have no hesitation in highly recommending the 'experience' of dining at Northcote Manor. I'm looking forward to my next visit, in a couple of week, to celebrate my birthday.

Our three daughters treated us to a ruby anniversary lunch here and I have to say I found it thoroughly enjoyable. A warm welcome followed by a nice seat in the lounge to look at menus before we went through to the conservatory for Sunday lunch. We were on the tasting menu (offer through Travelzoo) and apart from one other couple we had the place to ourselves which considering it was in the middle of August I found quite surprising. Nice choice of food, together with suggested wines for each course, followed by coffee outside and a stroll around the grounds. The only criticism of the whole experience would be the drive up the hill from the main road and whether there is enough room to pass if you meet someone coming the other way.

I'll keep it brief. Excellent service from start to finish, made to feel at home without being chatty just for the sake of it. Food simply awesome. Knocked a 'point' off atmosphere this time round due to the children running round the restaurant. Mainly the parents fault of course but perhaps someone should have had a word. The food, setting and service ensured this was once again an excellent dining experience.

I recently took a trip to North Devon with my dog and needed somewhere to stay for one night. Googled dog friendly hotels and this one came up - what a find! It;s a beautiful old manor house set in it's own grounds with amazing views of the rolling countryside. Just £99 for B & B and thet couldn't have been friendlier - even left a water bowl and biscuits for the dog. With or without a pooch, this is a great spot and well placed for exploring Exmoor or the amazing North devon beaches and countryside.