The Globe, Topsham

Great food and drink selection, especially for vegans and celiacs. It’s the staff that really make the place though, like a home away from home. 11/10 would recommend 👍

AWFUL – Against my better judgement I allowed myself to be persuaded to eat here for a second time. So, this is my review in reverse date order. Last night we arrived at about 6 o’clock and were shown immediately to a window table. So far so good – only to go rapidly down-hill from here. The chairs were uncomfortable and the table sticky. Being coeliac I decided on three options (just in case). My first option had sold out; my second option (a chicken burger) was not available as a gluten free option; my third choice was a crab salad with a side of fries. This FINALLY arrived – the crab being conspicuous by its absence. In effect I had ordered a pile of leaves costing c£15.00. The fries were chunky-chips; hard on the inside so effectively uneatable. I had previously asked the waitress what exactly was available as a gluten free option. She said to scan the QR code – whatever that is – so I was none the wiser! The atmosphere was non-existent. The decor and lighting dingy (though perhaps some might say – atmospheric!). Our previous visit was on the evening England were playing Switzerland in the UEFA Cup and we were looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere. We had booked a table and already chosen our food from the online menu. Upon our arrival we were shown to a dingy back room where we sat for most of our meal alone whilst listening to the cheering from other areas of the restaurant and bar. Things went from bad to worse. The online menu from which we had chosen, it transpired, was time sensitive and was not available in the evening – but no mention of this on the menu. So – plan B. We ordered drinks and olives, the idea being to enjoy these whilst waiting for our meal. FINALLY, after a wait of some 30 minutes, these arrived just prior to the food. I had ordered a burger (yes, a GF option was available on this occasion). The meat was rubbery and chewy. This went into my wife’s handbag much to the delight of our dog upon arriving home! One of our guests, who had ordered linguine, had to ask for a spoon (rather than a knife and fork) – twice. Eventually TWO spoons arrived! We put this lack of communication down to the staff being busy who were coping as best they could in the circumstances. Such a disappointment and, on both occasions, a complete waste of money.

I popped in on a Sunday evening for a meal, everywhere else in Topsham seemed to be stopping serving food early, I'm glad they were as I had a superb meal at the Globe. The Sunday roast was beautifully cooked and presented. There was so much of it that I couldn't finish it even though I really wanted to. The staff were very helpful with my Gluten Free diet and were attentive and helpful. I will definitely be eating there again whenever I am near Topsham.