James Duckett at the Old Custom House, Barnstaple

We went to James Duckett at the Old Custom House in Barnstaple for our anniversary dinner the reviews were very good so we thought it would be a good place to go. We were taken upstairs and it was cold and had very little atmosphere. Not to be deterred we ordered our food. The waiter was quite charming and asked us if we had enjoyed our first course which we did.

We ordered two mains and two side orders of potatoes and veg. It appeared on the menu as 'selection of vegetables;potatoes' We naturally assumed we would be getting vegetables and potatoes but apparently the semi colon (which I failed to notice anyway) means OR so if you want both you have to order two separate dishes, at £4.50 a go this makes your main course VERY expensive.

To make matters worse our main was served with spinach (which I dislike) and they then included this in the selection of vegetables which was hardly a selection as we only got two, spinach and broccoli. I think is sharp practice as they should have a different veg from the one they are serving already on your plate. Our friendly waiter disappeared and was replaced by a frosty, young woman who asked us long after we had finished our main course if we had enjoyed our food. When I said that we had ordered potatoes she told us in no uncertain terms that the menu clearly states vegetables or potatoes. IT DOES NOT. I also pointed out that I did not think it was appropriate to have spinach twice. (not when you are paying £4.50 for a selection of veg)

We received no apology and it completely ruined our special meal. I will not be going back nor would I recommend it. There are lots of nice restaurants in Barnstaple where the menu is clearer, the room warmer and the service more polite and friendly. We saw our charming waiter downstairs as we left.

For the lady or gentleman who wrote the last review we were on the next table to you and with regards to the potatoes james sent you some mashed potatoes and the manager did not charge for these and offered his apologies for this to which your reply was and i quote as i was fully aware of your discretion on the matter 'I Jolly well hope so, I want a discount for this' The manager kindly gave you free coffee and offered even digestifs to rectify the situation but you still carried on moaning,

Personally i found The Old Custom House absolutley Fantastic and the food exceptional but did you know Mr/Mrs whoever that all the staff are new NO!! I recommened no one listens to this and make your own Judgement my judgement Brilliant

The staff did not have a clue, had no knowledge of the few main courses on offer, served the wrong potatoes and muddled up the number of fish dishes and meat dishes for our party of six. The manager made matters worse by not apologising in a gracious manner. The next night we eat in Zena's also in Barnstaple where the standard of service and presentation was far superior. We will never go to the Customs House again and advice potential customers to do likewise.

The most striking first impression of James Duckett restaurant was the sheer professionalism of the organisation. We were greeted by the sharply dressed Manager and made to feel most welcome. Over a glass of bubbly at the bar we learnt the Manager was also a professional sommelier, so choosing a good wine to compliment our meal was an educational experience. Our meal was, without doubt, first class. There were zero negatives to report and we have no hesitation in recommending The Old Custom House for a truly fine dining experience.

James Duckett at the Old Custom House is not to be confused with the previous Old Custom House which closed in 2007. Chef James Duckett opened the restaurant in late summer 2008 having come to Barnstaple after a distinguished career in an impressive line up of top restaurants in London, across Europe and beyond. He makes great use of local ingredients with imaginative twists. Amuse bouche of parsnip and vanilla; starters may be Lundy crab bisque on noodles or fabulous risottos leading onto perfectly cooked local lamb with Moroccan influences. Everything is made on the premises including delicious ice creams, breads, pastas, etc. In just a few months the team have established his restaurant as the place for fine dining in north Devon. Try it!