< return to search results
Devon
The Hare and Hounds
Location: Torquay Road, Kingkerswell, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 5HH [
map]
Phone: 0844 980 2070
Open: Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 6pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-3pm, 6pm- 9.30pm
E-mail:
Website: www.hare-and-hounds-kingskerswell.co.uk
Kingskerswell is one of those lucky villages that looks good in any weather. It also has the advantage of a great location (equidistant between Newton Abbot and Torquay) and facilities – the fantastic Hare and Hounds for starters. Our visit to this well-established inn was preceded by its reputation. It has been at the top end of the market in this part of Devon for some 20 years and shows no sign of abating. Blown in, as we were quite literally, by the wind, we were delighted to find ourselves in the light, bright interior of the bar.
The Hare and Hounds team have thought of everything. In the colder months there is the vibrant restaurant, bar and a family room with a large plasma screen showing children’s television programmes. When it is warm you’ll be heading for the award-winning alfresco dining area, adorned with a colourful display of summer flowers, where you can watch the children play safely on the fantastic jungle gym apparatus, which looked so much fun I almost wished I could join in – it seems they fully understand family dining here.
All this and I haven’t mentioned the food. Not only is there an inspired à la carte menu – including such treats as confit duck leg, avocado and bacon salad (starters from £4.50), and grilled sea bass and red mullet fillets with wilted spinach and parsley butter (mains from £9.95) – but there is also the awardwinning carvery. Delicious, plentiful and fresh, it exceeded expectation and, at £8.95 (£5.95 for kids), it is also great value.
The policy here is to use as many local ingredients as possible and, when you’re in Devon, there is plenty to choose from; you’ll find locally reared duck and pork, locally caught fish, fresh vegetables, local cheeses, chutneys, ciders and beers – I could go on but it is a long list. All these ingredients are used lovingly, respectfully and with inspiration.
< return to search results