Bowl Inn

We have stayed a the Bowl Inn several times, we have also noted its recent decline since taken over by Butcombe Pubs and Inns. Prior to the takeover it was excellent, now it is looking very tired and shabby . Our room was adequate, however, the toilet seat was not attached to the actual toilet ( the screws were absent ). We did report this in the morning, so hopefully it will be fixed , but beware of this if you stay in room 15. We had a light dinner as we had been to Chepstow races, the cheeseboard was so disappointing, I once remarked several years ago that it was the best cheeseboard I had ever had ! Pate was tasteless , butter appeared to be rationed for both. Breakfast was average . In a nutshell we were very disappointed and will probably not stay here again ... such a shame as it used to be excellent.

Very disappointing My room was nicely appointed but had tiny bathroom with a very tight shower cubicle. Unfortunately, as the room was located above the bar, it was quiet noisy until closing time. The front of the pub is illuminated throughout the night and, despite the heavy curtains to the window, a lot of light came into the room. Dinner was a huge disappointment. The menu was quite limited and so I chose the Brixham Market fish stew. I asked the waitress what it contained but she had no idea but returned from the kitchen with the answer: haddock, prawns and mussels. I was completely shocked when my meal arrived a few minutes later which automatically made me question the process in the kitchen. The dish was disappointing with a heavy tomato base which killed any flavours. The saffron potatoes were completely smothered in the heavy sauce so it was impossible to taste the delicate flavour of saffron. Again, staff training was lacking: no receptacle for my muscle shells, no finger bowl which was essential with the tomato gloop and nobody asked if everything was ok. The man who I would assume was in charge, had an irritating habit of stroking his beard which, in a restaurant, was quite unpleasant. Nobody enquired if they could get me anything else so retired back to the bar for coffee. Breakfast was a shambles: there was no coffee available as the machine had been ‘turned off’. A lack of professionalism and poor service.

I stay in hotels every week but at this price £135 one night the breakfast should’ve been included it is but a full English is an extra £4.50. There was no cereal no fruit no fruit juice and no eggs. You got half a tomato, one mushroom one rasher of streaky bacon, one sausage and a slice of toast extremely disappointing. Nice location with free parking and good amenities in the room but overpriced and asking more for breakfast is ridiculous. Sorry will not be back.

Excellent stay Fantastic pub to stay at in a quaint village. Much better than the chain hotels!

Happy customer The hotel was first class. Very welcoming and very friendly. Food was great. Would definitely recommend

Great place Lovely stay well recommended