Lympstone Manor Hotel Restaurant & Vineyard - Relais & Chateaux

We had an really lovely set birthday meal for my mum here. Food was gorgeous. Had a walk around afterwards & the garden is nice. Pool bar area looks nice aswell although didn't go in. Would definitely go back. We saw Michael Caine after the meal.

We just stayed for the night (& dinner) before going on to holiday in Cornwall. This was our third visit to Lympstone. So how did it compare to previous visits? The hotel is in a beautiful location, especially if the weather is kind and the sun shines to show off the delightful views. Fortunately that was what we got and so I’ve uploaded some photos. We choose yet another different room. Last time was Oystercatcher. This time was Kingfisher. Both of these mini suites / rooms have uninterpreted views do to the estuary. With the afternoon sun temperatures were quickly in the 20c’s and it was lovely. We enjoyed light refreshments and enjoyed the views after our drive. Dinner as always was a delight. The man can sure cook. On a serious point, I fail to understand why Lympstone doesn’t warrant a second Michelin star. Our experiences of a recent 1*’s & 2*’s says Michael Caine is still at the very top of his game. One slightly disappointment, echoed by the guests at the next table to us as well, was breakfast. Why does it take a short order chef over 20 minutes to produce poached eggs? So the whole breakfast thing was slow and correspondingly disappointing.

A fantastic place to stay and the welcome,service. room and food were all excellent, I left feeling I had had a really wonderful experience

This hotel is expensive but worth it. It is world class with every need catered for. The staff are very friendly and attend to your every need. It has the atmosphere of a country house and so much thought has gone into every aspect of guest comfort. We arrived at the front door (Sat Nav required), a gentleman offered to park our car & take luggage to our room. We walked around the grounds which includes a large Vinery and a lovely walk by the River Exe down to Exmouth. Aperitives and a Michael Caines dinner followed - wow! Our room was stunning. Every item you could possibly need was provided, every thing was luxurious and the impression was of no expense spared. Breakfast next morning was also top class in one of the three small restaurants which all usually served the same food but it made you feel you were in that country house. Through out our stay the general manager Alex was present, but not intrusive and always available to advise & help as indeed were all the very friendly staff. It is a wonderful place.

An absolutely gorgeous hotel with amazing food made for a very special stay for our 30 wedding anniversary.

Lympstone manor is a wonderful hotel set in lovely grounds overlooking the Exe estuary. The staff were both professional, helpful and personable. The rooms are very nice and the whole experience first class. We met Michael Caines by chance in the lounge and had a very pleasant down to earth chat, he is an excellent chef and clearly a good businessman.

We dined in the Pool Restaurant as it was a treat for my wife’s birthday. We had dined a few times in the ‘Main’ Restaurant but had only heard that the Pool Restaurant was a less expensive but more limited menu. When we arrived we could not see any sign on where to park for the Pool Restaurant as friends had told us it was a walk away from the hotel. Someone took the car keys and then drove us in a Buggy to the Pool Restaurant- it was raining. On arrival we discovered we were the only diners and had our own Chef and Server. Not surprisingly the food and the service were great. There were 3 starters - plus salady dishes which also could be starters- and 8–9 mains. Two courses for £48. Whilst the meal was really tasty and well presented not sure it was worth £48. What was impressive was keeping our solo booking instead of asking us to dine in the main Restaurant. Whilst the weather was awful and it was dark I suspect the pool Restaurant would be a great occasion in the Summer months as it would have lovely views When we finished the buggy picked us up and took us to our car. To conclude - great location and service but probably a special occasion place rather than regular dining

The most obvious reason for visiting the Manor is to eat at Michael Caine s table . The hotel over all is clean and slightly outdated . Four of us stayed there one weekend and we were all disappointed with the lack of personality in the staff, the general feeling was that they were all just doing their jobs , the friendliest one being the doorman. We all opted for the taster menu . The first disaster being the sommelier who had absolutely no idea of the wine list if we had chosen the wines paired with the courses she would have been able to recite the recommendations off by heart when we asked for advice on bottles rather than glasses we were told there were dozens of choices which there were but she had no idea on the taste or acidity of any of them . After the first course we had to wait 45 minutes for the duck pate and it didn’t get much better after that . The following courses were brought by two waiters who stood at either side of the table and nodded at each other and discussed who was going to give the spiel on each course , it got worse with each course . Overall the food was mediocre nothing wrong but definitely nothing inspirational, sadly lacking in individuality. We were surprised they were part of the Relais & Chateau group having stayed in many we didn’t feel it was up to their standard

As you'd expect the food at Lympstone Manor was exceptional from Breakfast to Dinner. Such delicate dishes using wonderful produce in fascinating combinations. I was left with an overwhelming desire to be a better cook and try some of them although I don't think I'll ever manage to achieve the delicate presentation. Catered for food intolerances and preferences with ease. A wonderful and memorable 40th anniversary experience.