First visited The Sloop [a dog friendly pub] during the New Year holiday in 2009. We were seated in the dining room at rear and side of pub which felt rather bare and uninviting however the staff were very friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. [Our accommodation was at the very comfortable Owl Barn 2 miles inland from the Sloop.]

We returned to Bantham in November 2010 staying at Bantham Cottages[also very comfortable]' which are behind the Sloop. Initially staying for the weekend we had two excellent meals with good beers in the Sloop however my husband returned home and I stayed on for the week. As a female on my own, I wasn't too sure about dining alone at the Sloop however the staff welcomed me warmly with "you're still here" and ensured that I was well looked after as I sat at "my table" and read a book whilst sipping one of the superb white wines on offer [sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio]. Over the week, I indulged in delicious and well cooked meals including fish and chips, the Sloop fish pie [full of flavours], ham egg & chips [tender tasty ham] and salmon [salmon simply melted in the mouth]. The other clientele were very friendly too so never felt lonely.

July 2011 found me back at the Sloop for a lunch of fish and chips washed down with superb NZ sauvignon blanc. Again, the staff were welcoming, fellow guests chatty and the food was fantastic.

I have no hesitation in recommending the Sloop which is situated in a wonderful thatched cottage row set along a busy street when in season though quiet non season times. There is parking available at the rear of the Sloop which is fortuitous as there is no parking on the street. However, if the Sloop car park is full drive on down the street into the beach parking. There is a fee to be paid during the season - prices vary according to how long you are likely to stay and the time of day you are wanting to park.

To walk the cliff tops and to be on Bantham beach looking over to Burgh Island [one of the Poirot locations] is to be in paradise. Thoroughly recommend a walk over to Thurlestone, South Milton and Hope Cove, returning to the Sloop for superb dinner washed down by a pint or two or a bottle of wine chosen from the extensive listing.

Will be back at the Sloop New Year holiday 2011. See you there!

Nice surprise, room clean and warm,food high quality pub food ,beer well kept,staff/owner friendly and helpful.Extra choice of cask ales would top it off nicely.Location fantastic , best beach in Devon /uk 150 metres.

Winter offer at £25 pppn if you ate in the pub - great value. Rooms better than expected at this price and very clean. Friendly service and good food. Perfect for a short, value for money break in a fantastic location. Would recommend.

Sunday lunch, 2nd sitting, the pub was packed - so far so good. We waited a short time to be seated (and then we were sent and not guided) ok, then waited 20 minutes to be served, when we asked we were told orders for food to be given at the bar. We then overheard, but could not be sure, that the only roast, beef, was sold out! Sunday lunch with no roast! We went to the bar with a reserve order each. When we asked for 5 beef, we received a surly, "there's no more beef". We ordered our reserve choice at 2 50, 5 plates arrived at 3 35 and the last one at 3 45 with no hint of an apology, 5 meals were half eaten at the time the last arrived.
My point, the communication to the customer at the Sloop was poor, we received no assistance, no updates, no enquiry as to how our meals were, no apologies and no care - in fact, that was the point, they did not care about us at all. In their defence, there was a sign
which said order food at the bar, but you needed to know where to look, and the food was
basic but good.. This was my first and last visit.