Known for its picturesque national parks and breathtaking sandy beaches, there are so many reasons why tourists flock in their thousands to Devon every summer. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic stroll as you soak up the sun and admire Devon’s windswept bays and rolling hills, explore the many postcard-perfect towns and villages lined with quaint cottages painted in pastel colours, or journey to the county’s historic and lively cities to get in a bit of shopping or make the most of the vibrant nightlife, Devon won’t disappoint.
As you would expect from a county famous for its cream teas and fantastic local produce, Devon’s foodie scene is one of the finest in the country, boasting an impressive choice of traditional pubs, elegant restaurants, and cosy tearooms. But picking the best places to eat and drink from such an impressive choice of restaurants, pubs, and cafes can prove challenging. Here at Fed Up & Drunk, we’ve rounded up 8 of our favourite dining destinations in Devon we think deserve a visit this summer.
For a more comprehensive guide to eating out in the county, be sure to pick up your FREE copy of our recently released Devon Food & Drink Guide 2019 here or read a digital version of the guide here.
Boasting a friendly and inviting atmosphere where everyone is welcome, including your four-legged friends, The Fig Tree @ 36 in Plymouth is one of the highlights of Devonshire’s food scene. Featuring a menu that showcases an enticing choice of home-cooked favourites made with the finest local and seasonal ingredients and a garden that is home to the restaurant’s eponymous fig tree and is perfect for soaking up the sun, there are few better ways in Devon to while away the hours than at this rare gem of a restaurant.
Full of delicious dishes, the à la carte menu is guaranteed to delight. Start with the likes of sweet celeriac, parsnip and apple soup before moving onto an impressive main like the vegetarian butternut croquette or the tender confit duck accompanied by beetroot, red cabbage and rich jus. Finish your feast with an indulgent popcorn panna cotta served with biscotti and peanut brittle and you’ll be so impressed that you’ll quickly be planning your return trip here – perhaps to try out their top-notch Sunday lunches served every week?
Surrounded by stunning scenery thanks to its idyllic location situated within the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park and resting on the banks of the West Dart River, Two Bridges Hotel offers the perfect countryside retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
With ever-changing menus expertly created by the restaurant’s executive chef Mike Palmer, tuck into elegant dishes that showcase Devonshire’s exceptional home-grown produce and which have earned the restaurant two coveted AA rosettes. Start with the likes of tender Devon chicken complemented by prosciutto, sage and wild mushrooms or delicate crab ravioli in a beautifully rich bisque with brown shrimp and crayfish before moving onto a mouth-watering main like the succulent Creedy Carver duck with chorizo, pineapple and gnocchi or the innovative Dartmoor venison enhanced by parsnip, pink peppercorn and pistachio praline.
Whether you’re visiting for an unforgettable evening meal, a relaxed lunch, a hearty breakfast, or a spot of afternoon tea, Two Bridge Hotel is a real Devonshire treat.
Situated in Cullompton’s High Street, The Bakehouse is a charming café and restaurant just bursting with character and warmth. Step through the doors and you’ll immediately feel at home as the venue’s exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and enticing smells welcome you in.
After a morning spent searching for bargains down Cullompton High Street, The Bakehouse makes the perfect spot to stop by for a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake, or even afternoon tea complete with scones, cake, and your choice of sandwich. But it’s not just coffee shop fare which The Bakehouse is exceptionally good at. Whether you fancy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are ample options available here. The lunchtime menu boasts a tempting selection of light bites such as sandwiches, toasties, soup, and mozzarella-filled arancini, whereas the dinner menu centres around Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as mouth-watering meze and antipasti platters and the likes of pan-seared hake fillet and lamb koftas.
Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Winkleigh, The Kings Arms is the quintessential British pub home to all the traditional comforts you’d expect to find in your favourite watering hole. Said to be home to two resident ghosts George and Cecilia, landlords Rich and Faye weren’t put off by this when purchasing the pub early last year, and since have transformed the pub into the lively and welcoming community hub it once was.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, unwind with a pint of local ale, cider on draught, or a glass of gin and tonic at the bar while you catch up with friends, or dine in the pub’s cosy restaurant and enjoy a delicious pub meal created for you by talented head chef Dan Kennedy. Expect to find a pleasing range of traditional pub classics on the menu as well as more imaginative and exciting dishes, all of which are meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The menu also recently welcomed a must-try and scrumptious cream tea, which is perfectly enjoyed this summer alongside a cup of tea or a glass of Prosecco.
Dating back to 1644 and boasting an outstanding setting overlooking the breathtaking Blackdown Hills, 17th Century Hotel, previously known as The Poachers Pocket, is a popular base for tourists visiting local attractions such as Knighthayes Court, Cothay Manor, Tiverton Castle, Diggerland, Dulverton, and the expansive Exmoor National Park.
Sit in this gorgeous hotel and function venue’s bar area on a cosy sofa and catch up with mates over a pint, or alternatively, when the weather is good, relax in the large rear garden with covered seating and admire the simply stunning views. Whether you’re craving classic meat and fish dishes or you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, the menu will impress you with its delicious range of home-cooked dishes prepared fresh-to-order using the highest-quality, locally sourced produce.
Located within the grounds of the tranquil Cranberries Hideaway – a sustainable self-catering holiday retreat set within 100 acres of private countryside – The Butchers Block prides itself on its commitment to quality. If you’re looking for wholesome hearty food in a laid-back and friendly environment, there are few places in Devon that can rival this.
Talented head chef Henry has worked hard to create a menu that places flavour above all else. If you’re visiting in the morning, The Butchers Block’s full English is the perfect way to start your day, and if you fancy something sweeter, you can’t go wrong with syrup-drenched French toast and light, fluffy pancakes.
The exciting lunchtime menu, featuring Chinese steamed buns filled with crispy duck, chargrilled chicken tikka breast served with hot madras sauce, and cornflake-crusted pork steak burger with cider relish, is sure to hit the spot, while the incredible evening menu adds luxurious plates such as surf and turf to the mix.
Situated along the picturesque North Walk trail in Lynton, The Seawood Hotel provides the perfect escape from the everyday stresses of modern life thanks to its idyllic location along the cliffs, elegant dining options, and five-star pet-friendly accommodation. Boasting exquisite views and a regularly changing and mouth-watering seasonal menu in the restaurant, if you’re looking for a grand setting in which to make the most of the beautiful Devonshire countryside, The Seawood Hotel is the ideal destination for you.
Sit in the light and airy bar area with a glass of fine wine, a pint of West Country beer, or a choice of spirits and mixers and admire the chandelier and period furniture that emphasises the history of the building, or stop by in the evening to dig into a feast in The Seawood Hotel’s bistro-style restaurant. Start with the likes of smoked salmon on Melba toast served with caviar or a traditional prawn cocktail before moving onto mains like grilled rack of lamb with roasted potatoes, or mussles cooked in a rich bacon, cider and tarragon sauce and served with rustic bread.
From pan Asian tastes at wagamama and Japanese delights from YO! Sushi to modern European dishes from Café Rougue and Carluccio’s, there are few destinations in Devon that even come close to rivalling Princesshay when it comes to offering so many enticing dining options.
Boasting incredible views of Exeter Cathedral and located close to the city’s historic Roman wall, no day out in Exeter is complete without a visit to Princesshay. After a busy day emptying your bank accounts in the shopping centre’s many shops, which include some of the very best high street brands as well as some more specialised and independent stores, rest your legs with a coffee in Coffee #1, Costa, Starbucks or the award-winning Chandos Deli, or make your way to Coal Grill & Bar, Giraffe, or Nando’s for more substantial grub.
Offering 13 terrific places to eat and drink, including Byron, known for serving proper hamburgers made with great Scottish beef and Lloyd’s Lounge, an atmospheric cocktail bar famous for its inventive menus which offer creative twists on classic tipples, Princesshay is the place to be.
