Last night I went to the Instow Arms for a good friend’s 30th birthday celebrations with about 15 other girls I didn’t know. I had a fab time with good company and I’m sure a good night was had by all.

So the venue was the Instow Arms and from the majority of people I have heard nothing but good reviews, however the only time I had eaten here previously it had been anything but good. So I was very pleased that this time I had a much better evening and experience.

The first time I ate here we were downstairs in the bar (even though we booked) rather than upstairs in the Restaurant.  And the restaurant was so much better, the views across the estuary were stunning and away from the bar buzz so you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed environment.

Firstly I cannot praise the service enough, it’s been a long time since I have eaten out and been able to say this. The girl who served us was so happy, smiley and efficient, nothing was too much trouble – it really did help make the evening more enjoyable.

So to eat… I had Exmouth Bay Mussels with Thai Chilli Sauce usually a starter but served with chips to make a main course.  For my taste the sauce could have had more chilli, the mussels were really juicy and a good size so perhaps you could argue more chilli would have been too strong for them. In fact these were the best mussels I have tasted for ages.

It appeared the chips had been forgotten to accompany main course size starters ordered, including mine, but this was dealt within minutes and covered very well. We were even treated to extra portions of chips for the whole table… and they were homemade, hand cut and delicious.

A couple of others had the Half Duck with Orange Sauce, chips and salad. This was presented beautifully on a chopping board with the sauce in a mini gravy jug. A little unpractical as it was hard to pour the sauce on the chopping board without it running off the edge.

I cannot say the food was absolutely amazingly mind blowing but it was very tasty and I’m already looking forward to going back to the Instow Arms with just my hubstar for a romantic meal for two (but it must be upstairs in the restaurant!) The bar downstairs does have a great buzz for a drink and if you just pop in for a bar snack rather than a special meal I don’t think you would be disappointed here either.