Phoenix - East Devon

I visited for lunch as they were advertising a 2 course for £7.90, which on the face of it, represented value for money. It was a little after midday and I was the only one in there. I ordered chicken and sweetcorn soup, chicken curry and a pot of tea. The soup arrived fairly quickly, and was piping hot. I asked for some salt and pepper and the waitress managed to find a salt cellar without any salt in it. When she bought over the tea, the milk looked decidedly watery. I was informed that it was powdered milk. I declined any tea or coffee. The main course, a chicken curry with fried rice arrived and, on the face of it , looked ok. Why o why, do restaurants bring food to the table on cold plates? As a consequence, the food was cold in less than a minute. I know it was only £7.90, but, value for money? Not a bit.

Sat down to a sticky table so moved to another. Food was awful. Ordered 3 dishes and all were soaked in soy sauce and oily, including the fried rice with egg. None had any distinctive flavour. In fact all virtually tasted same. Maybe it was all that soy sauce. Not to mention the small servings for the price! The roast pork was supposed to include ginger couldn’t taste any and pork wasn’t roasted. Have often had roast pork at other restaurants and there’s a big difference. Garlic beef Korean style couldn’t taste any garlic and beef was tough. Bad experience other than waiter who was a friendly fellow and served to please.

Called in here for an early tea whilst on holiday. There was a mix up with our order, quickly rectified by the young waiter. We had set menu B the food was delicious and there was plenty. There wasn’t much atmosphere but it was 5pm so not very busy. They started getting busy with telephone orders so I think it is a popular place. If I was down this way again I would eat here or definitely have a takeaway. :

This place has a 1 star for hygiene. Dirty toilets, sticky tables, dirty floor, goodness knows what the kitchens are like. We should have realised that everyone else knew because we sat on our own for lunch. Food pretty rubbish. There are so many nice places to eat in Sidmouth but this isn't one of them and wouldn't dream of returning.

Highly recommended Excellent food we had lunchtime special We will definitely visit again. Excellent staff very helpful