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The Blue Ball Inn, Sidmouth, ENG

The Blue Ball Inn

4.2 (1124)
£25 and under
Pub
Stevens Cross, Sidford, Sidmouth, ENG EX10 9QL

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
A resplendent thatched-roof Inn, located in the heart of Devon, two miles from the coastal town of Sidmouth. With eight recently renovated rooms, the Blue Ball is a snuggly, seaside treat of a place. Locally sourced seafood specials are the order of the day, supplied by renowned Cornish fishmonger Flying Fish, coupled with a well-stocked bar of real ales, liveners & pick me ups! Our cosy corners, eccentric finishing touches and curiosities make for quite the venerable experience. Only heightened by our splendid rear garden which promises to provide a welcome haven.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    Blue Ball Inn has a lovely function room to be hired for any kind of function, receptions, celebration. Just get in touch with Blue Ball to book a viewing and discuss your event details with the management team!
  • Neighborhood
    Sidmouth
  • Parking details
    A big parking area is just in front of our Pub!
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,124 people are saying

The Blue Ball Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.0Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • East Devon

    Great for brunch

  • East Devon

    Kid-friendly

  • East Devon

    Great for fine wines

  • East Devon

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Blue Ball Inn offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent quality of food" and a varied menu catering to all tastes. Guests appreciate the "friendly staff" and "good value," though some report occasional service delays due to high demand. The atmosphere is charming, contributing to memorable visits.
1,124 Reviews
  1. Philip

    Devon6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The service is always excellent at this hotel, and the staff are more than welcoming. The food is good, though typical of its type. There is rarely a long wait. They have a good range of ales and ciders and a good but modest range of wines. There is a large DOG FRIENDLY area, and this can fill quite quickly. The staff even make sure the dogs have water. On warm days there is an excellent outside sheltered dining area. I can thoroughly recommend The Blue Ball.

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  2. F

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had such a lovely meal. We were 2 groups of 4 who booked separately but the pub were very accommodating and allowed us to join up with each other. The food was spot on. The sharing Camembert was the best I’ve ever had, I want to try to replicate at home. Great pub. Have recommended and would go again.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    thank you for your comments we love the way that you enjoyed our food, its our aim to deliver good service and food. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  3. Sandy

    London6 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Pre booked celebration menu for my friends birthday. Arrived and waited by car for at least 5 minutes as only one member of staff working and she had a queue of people to deal with including leaving the bar to make coffee! Said we had a reservation and were seated in a completely empty area and given main lunchtime menus. I went back to cltge bar and said we had booked celebration menu (5 courses for £39.00). She said she hadn’t been told that and that we were the 2nd party that had done this. She called to another member of staff who gave us the correct menu. We also asked if we could move to another table. After more than 20 mins of no-one coming to our table to take our orders or bring us the celebratory glass of champagne (as advertised on the menu) we left. Meanwhile the bar had even more people who had resorted to ordering their food at the bar. So there was no way that only one member of staff (the other had disappeared) could cope with the demand in the main bar for food and drink let alone bring us our champagne and take our order so we decided to leave. There was no one at the bar to be able to tell them that we were leaving so no-one even noticed we’d gone! Completely understaffed and felt sorry for the girl behind the bar who was trying her best to fulfill the demand but it must have been very stressful for her.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Sandy, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am very sorry to hear about the issues you encountered during your visit, We appreciate your feedback and will address the staffing and communication issues you mentioned to ensure this does not happen again. Your understanding of the staff's efforts under difficult circumstances in todays climate is appreciated, Thank you again for your feedback. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  4. Rab VIP

    London45 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had dinner here on 2 evenings. On both occasions the food was excellent. There is a varied menu, so there should be something for everybody. There is a good selection of beers and wine too. The service was very friendly and we didn’t have to wait long for our meals. There is a very large car park opposite the pub. We’ll be back if we are in the area.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Rab, thank you for your comments we do appreciate everything people say, Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  5. Geoff

    Devon2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delighted we had a ‘Dog Free’ section.Food all good except for wife’s fish &Chips was very dry and peas not good.Anyway XAVIER looked after us very well. Pleasant evening with friends who had travelled from Bristol.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Geoff, Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased you enjoyed the 'Dog Free' section and had a pleasant evening with your friends. We're sorry to hear about the fish and chips and peas; we'll certainly look into this. It's great to know Xavier took good care of you. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  6. Karen

    Devon1 review

    4.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was delicious and prices perfect we would definitely return
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Hi Karen, Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the food and found our prices just right. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  7. Geoffrey

    Devon1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sunday lunch...I had vegan mushroom bourguignon pie which was delicious, served with roast potatoes vegetables and gravy all cooked to perfection. The waiter was attentive and polite. All made a change from the usual vegan burger option. My partner had the roast beef and was very pleased.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Geoffrey, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the vegan mushroom bourguignon pie and that it made a nice change from the usual options. It's great to know your partner was pleased with the roast beef as well. We'll pass on your kind words to our attentive waiter. We look forward to welcoming you both again soon. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  8. Glyn

    London6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Good meal, enjoyed crab burger and pie. Glad that have reverted to table service, makes it more of an occasion. Sweet menu limited so did not partake, need light summer desserts.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Glyn, Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you enjoyed the crab burger and pie, and that you appreciate our return to table service. Your feedback on the dessert menu is noted; we'll certainly consider adding more light summer options. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  9. Lesley

    Devon2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Friendly staff and good service. Nice meal and good value too.
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Lesley, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed our friendly service and found good value in your meal. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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  10. Tracey

    Gloucestershire/Wiltshire4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Their Sunday roast is amazing - choice of beef, chicken or rolled pork. Loads of tasty veg and delicious Yorkshire pudding. Friendly staff and dog friendly pub. Well worth a visit
    The Blue Ball InnResponded 2 days ago
    Hi Martin, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed the venue and food. Apologies for the slower service; we appreciate your understanding given the busy period. Looking forward to welcoming you back soon! Best regards, The Blue Ball Inn Team

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FAQs

The Blue Ball Inn is rated 4.2 stars by 1124 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Devon
  4. East Devon
  5. Sidmouth

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for The Blue Ball Inn

Stevens Cross, Sidford, Sidmouth, ENG EX10 9QL

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Sidmouth
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    A big parking area is just in front of our Pub!
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Blue Ball Inn has a lovely function room to be hired for any kind of function, receptions, celebration. Just get in touch with Blue Ball to book a viewing and discuss your event details with the management team!
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