Lighter Inn - Exeter

Ignored on arrival, so we sat at a table which was not designated reserved. We helped ourselves to menus, selected our main course and ordered at the bar. The pub was near empty but a waiter consistently kept his back to us and when he turned to face us gave us the feeling we were invisible. The food arrived within a fairly acceptable time. My friends fish was ok 'ish. My chicken dish, given as coq au van was very poor. The vegetables were old and reheated and only the limp carrots had a little flavour. The chicken was tasteless and the skin had not been removed, which is standard practice as no one likes soggy white chicken skin. The sauce was worse of all. The colour and taste suggested gravy granules had been used, there was barely a hint of wine, whether red or white was impossible to determine. The dish it was served on was damaged, a black rim around the inner bowl. In over 40 years as a professional cook this meal is one of the worst. However, to add to insult to injury, the response by the member of staff I complained to led to a very insincere apology. This was negated by her declaration that she was very surprised as this was a favourite dish of their customers, with no complaints at all. She forcefully reiterated this point. The black rim was explained away as caused by the dishwasher and all their plates were affected this way. The pudding tasted ok, but evidently a pre-made product microwaved. However, it was served on a mini 'frying ' pan with a tiny amount of syrup. This was then placed on a flat platter with custard in a tiny sauce boat. More importance and emphasis on 'clever ' presentation than on ease of eating. Also, a fork is essential to go with the spoon in order to prevent having to chase food around a flat based platter! We only had a spoon each. This pub has gone downhill. Poor quality food, pricey and poor service.

We received a very warm welcome, attentive staff, good service and delicious food. The atmosphere is most cordial. I am looking forward to a return visit.

We had a super family get together in the relaxed , friendly environment of the Lighter Inn ! The staff were friendly and attentive!

Lovely teatime meal for Mothering Sunday. The food was plentiful and the staff and service very good.

This is a cosy and quirkily decorated pub on the quayside at Topshsm, with lots of outdoor seating too. Its a nice place for a drink. There is always something vegan on their menu, but little choice. First time I ate there some years ago they did a great vegan aranchini with roast veg, but more often than not now it is either the ubiquitous chickpea and butternut squash curry (which I refuse to pay £15 for) or a vegan burger (similar price). This seems to be the going rate in Devon for a vegan burger, but I still baulk at it, though it is tasty enough. The days of casual dining in pubs are sadly over; these days i need a good reason to pay that sort of money for something you know has just come out the freezer .