Reviews Winslade

Decided to stop off in Exeter on our way to Salcombe for the weekend and wanted to get things off to a great start, with a fine dining experience. Winslade Manor is very grand. A beautiful building in lush grounds, presenting quite a site as you approach in the early evening darkness. It's equally grand inside with plenty of smiles to welcome you. We opted for the taster menu (in some ways to compare to our favourite haunts in Cardiff), accompanied with a bottle of English sparkling wine (a Lyme Bay Winery Brut Reserva, which was fantastic). As expected, the courses were well crafted, rich and flavourful - some a little too much (brie and truffle oil), but other striking just the right balance (the red mullet course and the Dartmoor venison with celeriac and blue cheese and pear amazing highlights). Overall, a lovely meal, in lovely surroundings - and we also enjoyed the eclectic mix of background music including some 80s and 90s classics (the barman's playlist apparently).

Afternoon tea was a special treat and as such well worth the price. The food was superb see the photos) and the staff were charming - nothing was too much for them. The only hiccup was finding the access for wheelchair users. But for that I would have given them 3 perfect 5s. I would definitely return for a special occasion.

1)Hidden gem that is a great gastronomic feast once found. Once found, being operative words. I have googled 'new places to eat' since 2000 and never has this delightful place appeared. A friend happened to mention they'd had tea here and I was on the case. She tried to direct us, but I got it woefully wrong, driving endlessly round an estate and then towards Topsham. I was trying to look for a sign, any sign, that said Winslade Manor but could not see one. The photos are a suggestion of the type of sign that could help. Even my SatNav and GP'S had us all over the place. Our Waitress said she had had the same problem. 2) Service. Our waitress was amusing, efficient, prompt, knowledgeable, considerate and kind. 3) Decor. The decor is amazing. It could be picked up and put down in Pall Mall or St James' and not be found wanting. It is chic, contemporary, but sympathetic, retaining original features. For a comparison of how NOT to 'renovate' I thought of the Pig at Coombe, Gittisham. An Elizabethan building totally wrecked. At least here, someone knew what they were doing and it shows. 4) Food. The food is a work of art and delicious. To present a course so elegantly, yet sufficient to satisfy a good appetite, is a real skill. No measly nouvelle cuisine here. The puddings oooh! Absolutely superb!. A word on Menus, both of us wear glasses and did struggle a bit. I don't know the font, but most fonts run from 1 to 48 or something, I would suggest if this was on 8, say, moving it to 11? Only a wee bit bigger would make a lot of difference for people with poor eyesight. I have cataracts and found it tricky. I could have asked for the waitress to read it out, but felt shy of that although sure she would have done. 5)Loos. Amazing. Decor wonderful, clean and sweet. 6) Carpark. Easy, oodles of space and well maintained. 7) Would we return. Having now found it, YES.

We booked for a table of 7 people for a wedding lunch. I cannot rate Winslade Manor highly enough. Attention to detail from staff, hot, delicious food and a personal touch given it was our wedding day. I felt really looked after here and nothing was too much. We had a table booked from 13:30-15:30 but ending up staying until 6pm with no questions asked! Highly recommend for a special occasion. Thank you for looking after us!

Had an an amazing 4 course dinner from their Elegant Dining menu. Food was fantastic, with great portion sizes (didn't feel over charged) and a good selection. Service was attentive but not intrusive and the decor is beautiful. The only feedback I would give is that the dining room becomes loud and echoey when full (lots of effort put in to reduce this- soft furnishings and wall decor), so would benefit from the music being quieter and maybe more gentle compared to the bar to allow guests to converse. Not sure if it would also be nicer to only have Elegant Dining in the restaurant on a weekend evening and keep the Lounge menu in the bar area where people can wear more casual clothing to elevate the dining experience in the restaurant? Will definitely be back and can't wait to try the cocktail menu!