The Ruffwell Inn, Thorverton Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★☆
“Why all the bad reviews, are we talking about the same...”
Written on: 26/08/2012
Why all the negative comments? Could it have anything to do with the way you approach the staff? My wife and I have eaten at the Rufwell on countless occasions over the past couple of years. Rarely have we had a meal we have not been entirely happy with, and the staff are mostly pretty friendly and helpful, but on occasions over worked. The carvery 99% of the time is excellent although nearly always the same. It would be nice to occasionally see lamb on the menu and a better choice of... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“not good food”
Written on: 04/07/2012
we went into the ruffwell just after lunch time the carvery was still on it all looked very drynot many potatoes hardley any veg not enough for one leave alone two so we decided to have lasange my lasange was so runny ineeded a spoon to eat it im sure it was left over bolonaise there was one layer of pasta with cheese on the top a very poor i can do much better myself i am not a trained chef we would not go there again the service was very slow (read more)
★★★★★
“Brilliant”
Written on: 12/04/2012
Don't listen to the other reviews. Ruffwell is the best restaurant around by far, the interior is very cosy and pub like, the staff are helpful and friendly and asked if we enjoyed our food which we replyed 'deffintly'. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Avoid This One”
Written on: 24/03/2012 by aaron.evans93 (2 reviews written)
The Ruffwell Inn didn’t live up to my expectations. Frankly speaking, I was disappointed. I didn’t enjoy the food at all. Moreover, their staff didn’t serve us well. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Shambles From The Moment We Arrived”
Written on: 19/03/2012 by bmrcsr (2 reviews written)
We were booked as a party of 18 for Mothers Day. When we arrived we were told they weren't quite ready for us but to have a drink at the bar and they would call us in which wasn't a problem however, when our table was ready we found that they had only set places for 14 people but this was sorted out by the chef who dragged another table along and placed on the end of our seats. All of us except a couple people had the carvery although one of the people who didn't have carvery found the menu... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Booking service very poor”
Written on: 04/09/2011
Rang to book. Very unfriendly and quite rude. Food was quite good last time but they've just lost our custom. Again. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Disappointing - after two really good meals”
Written on: 17/08/2011
We took some Maltese friends to eat there recently for a celebration. Three of us had the Carvery and one a steak............ sadly the meal was extremely pedestrian and our friends commented that it was the worst meal they had eaten in England: not exactly a glowing testimonial! We based our visit on our two previous meals there when the service was excellent and the food well cooked and well presented. We left, feeling somewhat sad that what had been anticipated as a happy occasion had... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“mothers day family get together, what a disaster,...”
Written on: 04/04/2011
mothers day family get together, what a disaster, seating was arranged next to carvery table so ques of people all round use, meal was basic no verity of vegetables, would never waste my time and money again (read more)
★★★★☆
“we visited here on spur of the moment as wanted to...”
Written on: 22/03/2011
we visited here on spur of the moment as wanted to see if it was as good as the owners previous establishment near sidford. The place was packed but they still found us a table within 3 mins on a very busy sunday lunchtime. We had the carvery and this was an excellent choice. cooked to perfection only wish that they had lamb as well that day. The barstaff that served us was a young chap and made us feel welcome and special straight away, nothing was too much for him. This visit was on... (read more)
★★★★★
“Excellent food to our table within 10 minutes, good...”
Written on: 23/01/2011
Excellent food to our table within 10 minutes, good value, happy staff, could not ask for anything else to be better. Will return for sure !!!! (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 36 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Visited this place for a 50 th birthday nice decor,...”
Written on: 21/01/2011
Visited this place for a 50 th birthday nice decor, but when I went to order steak for myself and crispty belly pork for my wife which where 2 of the menu meals was told they had run out of both? This was on a Saturday evening, I then asked for a different steak to only be told that was sold out to! I find it unbelievable that a restaurant can run out of not just steak on a Saturday night but 3 of a fairly short menu meal, chefs specials I can understand but not menu meals.when I asked the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Went for lunch couple of weeks ago with a friend. Very...”
Written on: 02/11/2010
Went for lunch couple of weeks ago with a friend. Very clean, very tidy, food was lovely - homemade lamb curry and a scampi & chips. Nice salad with the scampi which was wholetail and good portion sizes. All together a really nice pub lunch. Going for the carvery today. Good luck guys!! (read more)
★★★★★
“Congratulations on a fabulous Halloween party!! This...”
Written on: 01/11/2010
Congratulations on a fabulous Halloween party!! This pub is getting better every week. We bring more friends and relatives along each time who also love it. There is always going to be an odd customer who does not like something but everyone I bring along goes back! Staff great, food good and a great atmosphere with cosy fireside sofa etc. Love it! (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“AVOID THIS PUB! ”
Written on: 31/10/2010
AVOID THIS PUB!
The ruffwell inn in thornverton had advertised a kids halloween party we went as did maybe 30 other families with children all dressed up and excited.
We asked a member of staff where the party was she had no idea.
We asked the owner and she shrugged and walked off
it was all false just to get people to turn up and spend money
the food was poor left for too long under the heat lamp i gauge a pub on the quality of the chip and these were rubber
and the wait at the bar once...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Second time going since the new management. Hard to...”
Written on: 31/10/2010
Second time going since the new management. Hard to rise from the disasterous previous owners, but new management friendly, accommodating and a massive improvement. Food excellent, good variety, well cooked and delicious. Went on a very busy night, but still had good service. Only criticism, wine a bit on the pricey side, but meals good value. We will be going again and recommending to friends. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“First time visit to The Ruffwell at Thorverton last...”
Written on: 16/10/2010
First time visit to The Ruffwell at Thorverton last evening since the reopening. I had the carvery - meat was good but had obviously been there sometime as top pieces were dry which they tried to hide by putting the dry side down on the plate - the roast potatoes had probably been out all day and were dreadful and the yorkshire puddings were very dry. The veggies had obviously been out all day as well. Another party member had the gammon steak which he said was good and was obviously... (read more)
★★★★★
“Visited the Ruffwell Inn the other day and found it to...”
Written on: 28/09/2010 by Victoriab (1 review written)
Visited the Ruffwell Inn the other day and found it to be a great place. The staff were really friendly and the food was good too. Well worth a visit and i will definitely be going back. (read more)
★★★★★
“Wonderful. Nothing more to add, the new management and...”
Written on: 27/09/2010
Wonderful. Nothing more to add, the new management and staff have really worked hard to make the place a friendly well kept establishment. I had a wonderful meal and could not fault the food at all. A nice selection, from a newly created menu. Lets hope the curse of The Ruffwell has finally been lifted and the good service and food continues. (read more)
★★★★★
“I've been visiting the ruffwell from the local area...”
Written on: 26/09/2010
I've been visiting the ruffwell from the local area for about 3 weeks now and i must say it has been coming on leaps and bounds. First there was a menu that suited most peoples tastes and now recently there is a new menu that covers everyones tastes,the atmoshpere has always been a great one with the front of house always putting up a good service. Carvery is never one to miss but also try have a look through the menu. I will now make this my local and will frequent this establishment. Good... (read more)
★★★★★
“Unfortunatly I was a local at the Ruffwell before it...”
Written on: 17/09/2010
Unfortunatly I was a local at the Ruffwell before it was closed down, this was not a pleasent place and was ran with what only can be called rude, unfriendly people. However I am now happy to say that the pub is now a very friendly place with some pleasent bar staff and brilliant managers. The Cavery was very nice on the first day and has only got better. I have now started to become a regular here again and wouldnt change anything down there. Brilliant atmosphere! Congratulations! (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 36 Reviews
★★★★★
“It may be this recently re-opened pub has had some...”
Written on: 09/09/2010 by Fleurie1 (1 review written)
It may be this recently re-opened pub has had some teething problems at the start, however, I had my first visit to The Ruffwell this week and was very impressed. This pub has been closed for a long time and what the new proprietors have done in such a short time is praiseworthy. The carvery I had was very good with good quality produce and excellent value for money. There is a sense of space with a casual yet professional atomosphere. The staff are polite and friendly and Miranda in... (read more)
★★★★☆
“ The Ruffwell has been missed by many local...”
Written on: 07/09/2010 by little yellow idol (1 review written)
The Ruffwell has been missed by many local family's.Local pubs lack the space for children to stretch thier legs after a meal whilst parents relax. We have now had several tasty carveries ,not one bad.Last weekend was topped and tailed,Friday and Sunday evening with a relaxed couple of pints .So if you like your nipper to play happily while you meet up with friends whats not to like! In these troubled times how about apat on the back for a new young bunch of triers!!Stop moaning about whats... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Having read the last review, Ryan, Check YOUR spelling...”
Written on: 05/09/2010
Having read the last review, Ryan, Check YOUR spelling before criticising others!!Anyway,if you want a basic meal it's ok, but a missed opportunity here for making the most of a large site. There will always be cars going past or stopping and if you are after a basic meal then this is fine. Liked the large car park, didn't like the decor.
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★★★★☆
“To the person which decided to have a dig at my review...”
Written on: 04/09/2010
To the person which decided to have a dig at my review I am sat on my bed chuckling for a few reasons. Number 1 you have no idea how to use the shift key therefore proving your not really worthy or voicing your poor opinion. Secondly leave your name next time or cant you spell that correctly either?? and finally correct I work at the ruffwell and I have eaten twice their as a customer and both times I have been completely satisfied (Carvery, Torte, Steak and guinness pie and treacle tart,... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“We went to the Ruffwell a couple of weeks ago for the...”
Written on: 27/08/2010
We went to the Ruffwell a couple of weeks ago for the Carvery which cost £8.50 per head. We had seen the poor reviews but decided that it couldn't be that bad - it was. Rather than write our thoughts on this site I emailed the proprietor to voice our concerns but he has not had the courtesy to reply. Being served sub-standard food and being ignored makes us very annoyed when they have pocketed our cash. So my advice to anyone who fancies a night out locally is to go to Thorverton or... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“oh dear the ruffwell has not got off to a good start...”
Written on: 24/08/2010
oh dear the ruffwell has not got off to a good start and ryan you would give it a good review as you work there!!!!! if people as you say have little or no catering experience why bother to try and take on such a big project. you are asking for trouble. it would be good to see it do well as there are not many good food pubs in and around exeter but first impressions do make a difference between what people think is good and bad. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“We drove over to the Ruffwell Inn on Sunday night from...”
Written on: 14/08/2010
We drove over to the Ruffwell Inn on Sunday night from Tiverton, arriving at 8.20pm - there were quite a few cars in the car-park and it looked fairly busy. We ordered a drink each, then asked for the Menu. The girl behind the bar said oh sorry, the carvery has finished. There is a big sign out-side stating food available until 9.30pm - I then asked what was available, and she said I think the kitchen has closed. After checking she came back and said sorry it's been so busy this weekend... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“We decided to go out to the ruffwell on a monday night...”
Written on: 12/08/2010 by jangokev (1 review written)
We decided to go out to the ruffwell on a monday night for a good carvary how wrong we were. After waiting 20 mins for the carvary i went up to the counter the meats were Turkey,Lamb and gammon, the turkey looked like it was yesterdays meat, i had a choice of veg which was new potatos, roast potatos,leak,very raw carrots,raw broccoli and swede mashed.
As i said the carrots were raw and i dont mean under cooked i mean very very raw!!! I complained about this and i think they cooked some more...
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★☆☆☆☆
“went to try as just reopened ”
Written on: 12/08/2010
went to try as just reopened
no menu 6items on blackboard plus carvery
carvery was the only decent meal from six
fish pie with veg was two mushy dollops each side of the plate (difficult to tell pie from veg) cutlery wrapped in a 25cm 1ply serviette. fish and chips frozen fish (tesco?) and overcooked! 45 mins wait from order and the owner? spent most of the evening telling customers they hadnt got it right yet but were looking to improve the menu soon.get it right from the start oh and put...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“First off all Id like to say that atleast Peter and...”
Written on: 11/08/2010
First off all Id like to say that atleast Peter and Miranda have decided to take up the opportunity of reopening the Ruffwell and after 2years of it being empty and having lost all off it reputation because of poor ownership before hand made this a brave decision. Another thing which doesnt help is people which come onto websites like this having been once and deciding that something was wrong and therefore they will cry about it in a review.
One day in a new work force with 80% having no...
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 17/10/2011
wow did this waiter get his attitude from his staff training??? i hope not , not very professional and if the idea is to draw people in theyre going the wrong way about it .After all, weather you like it or not the customer is ALWAYS right .
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Showing 21 - 30 of 36 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“The carvery was ok not the best but just eatable. my...”
Written on: 08/08/2010
The carvery was ok not the best but just eatable. my food was good but nothing to shout about and the plates are small. We may pop back if our cooker brakes the the suppermarket stops selling food. As my boy said why did we bother comeing out. (read more)
★★★★★
“Popped in to the Ruffwell on friday for opening night...”
Written on: 07/08/2010
Popped in to the Ruffwell on friday for opening night after it has been boarded up for nearly two year, and found it to be very busy, we had the carvery which was great and found the new owners and staff very pleasent.
I wish the Ruffwell every success in the future and we will be back for that great carvery again.
(read more)
Grumpling's Comment
Written on: 16/08/2010
No name to the comments. Could it be from someone connected to The Ruffwell Inn? The reviews from other diners is most useful and the waiter should be applauded for his loyalty but I was under the impression that the owner had previous experience of running a pub/inn/restaurant and therefore should be well acquainted with the quantities and the expected quality of the food. It could have been the perfect opportunity to turn The Ruffwell Inn into an affordable gastro pub with locals and holiday makers flocking to it. Sadly, it sounds as though the new ownership is running it along the same lines as the previous people and, as we know, it was not a success.
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☆☆☆☆☆
“It is a Wednesday evening, but even so, I feel it is...”
Written on: 02/10/2008
It is a Wednesday evening, but even so, I feel it is not a good sign when the car park is empty. It is also not a good sign when the staff appear to be playing the one-armed bandit (the presence of which, just inside the door did not make a good impression on me). Things then got worse. I asked for the menu, but found nothing I could order (I'm a vegetarian). I asked if they have anything for a vegetarian. The barman did not seem to know. The person in the white chef's jacket riffled through... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Ruffwell Inn has recently been taken over by a...”
Written on: 30/05/2008 by davidmc1106
The Ruffwell Inn has recently been taken over by a couple from Buckinghamshire who are the nicest hosts I have met. The quality of the food is excellent and the service courteous and warm. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“On the roadside this place is nothing short of a...”
Written on: 21/10/2007 by jackdanielsdrinker
On the roadside this place is nothing short of a glorified Little Chef, however I feel I would get a better meal in a little chef. It didn't fill me with great confidence that when I arrived there was a large notice outside saying chef required. Anyway we had booked a table and I had heard that the restaurant had changed hands recently. We entered in a very narrow entrance, if you are in a wheelchair you ain't got a chance, a large chair had been backed up right by the doorway so it was a... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I have known the Ruffwell Inn for 23 years, having...”
Written on: 19/06/2006 by smeathers (1 review written)
I have known the Ruffwell Inn for 23 years, having started washing dishes there at 13 years of age. Back then you could rely on getting a well served meal, home cooked from the proprietor. The atmosphere encouraged people to sit and have a chat with each other. The menu was varied with plenty of tasty specials on offer. Since it was recently refurbished I visited a couple of times and felt the atmosphere had changed, no longer wanting people to sit and chat, but eat and run. The food... (read more)
Helen Of Troy's Response to smeathers's Review
Written on: 14/07/2006
We had our Xmas dinner there on Xmas day last year which for the money was very good! However my mother and I returned one lunchtime soon after and were very disappointed with the meals. She had the Senior Citizen special of cod. Not nice. mostly soggy batter. I had the lamb served with 3 tiny dried up new potatoes and a small amount of veg. No sauce or gravy. Dry and unappetising. Very small and not exactly cheap. We have not been back since and do not plan to return. My husband and I go out regularly for meals but will definitely give this place a miss!
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Fleurie1's Response to smeathers's Review
Written on: 12/09/2010
Misleading as it dates back to 2006, we are now in 2010!
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As rated by real users
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Little Yellow Idol's Comment
Written on: 07/09/2010
Don't worry Ryan word of mouth will beat mean spirited web reviewer's you keep the roasties coming we look forward to the new chef joining the team, an' thanks for some cracking grub so far.