Good foodie breaks in North Devon

2nd December 2020

Categories: Visitor News

It is a fact universally acknowledged that North Devon’s food and drink is some of the best in the UK and luckily, there are plenty of places to get a hearty meal chock full of locally sourced produce.

If you’re on the hunt for a tasty meal full of festive flavours, North Devon is the place to be. Ilfracombe is steadily growing in popularity when it comes to local food and drink and there are markets and food festivals planned throughout 2021 as restrictions continue to lift.

While we’re talking about Ilfracombe, Fore Street is the place to go for a range of eateries, from independent, local cafes where everyone knows your name to familiar chain restaurants with all your favourites. One place that you can grab something to eat while in the town is at the Pier Café at Ilfracombe Aquarium. The Pier Cafe provides a wide variety of deliciously, sensibly priced quality products available to enjoy in a relaxing and beautiful harbourside environment. Can you think of anywhere better to enjoy an Afternoon Tea?

Image: The Pier Cafe

The Aquarium itself is one of the region’s favourite attractions and has a host of fascinating exhibitions providing plenty of entertainment for all ages. If you want to work up an appetite before making your way to Ilfracombe to enjoy dinner at the Pier Café and the exhibitions, make sure to visit Keypitts Offroad Adventures where you can take part in quad biking, archery and more! You’ll certainly be in the mood for a hearty meal once you’re done!

Another excellent activity for getting your appetite up is surfing – luckily North Devon is the place to be for watersports – whatever the weather! Once you’ve finished tackling the waves, head to the Surf Church aka The Red Barn  a welcoming home for locals, visitors and surfers alike with superb views over Woolacombe’s beach. The Red Barn has a unique collection of classic surfboards and is a sponsor of the Museum of British Surfing as well as serving incredible Great British Pub Food. The menu is served from 11 am until 9pm every day with chef’s specials, roast lunches and an extensive ever changing seasonal menu. Plus, you’ll find a host of amazing guest ales to sample!

Image: Red Barn

Of course, no trip to Woolacombe is complete without heading to the coast. From the Red Barn you’ll have plenty of choice, Woolacombe Beach, Barricaine Beach and Combesgate Beach are all close by and provide excellent walks and wave watching, whatever the season.

Another option for fabulous food is the Captain’s Table, which is also in Woolacombe. Whatever you’re in the mood for you’ll find it here. The menu features a range of fresh, locally sourced fish straight from the North Devon coast, plus the ever popular all day breakfast and a host of evenings meals including vegan and gluten free options – you can even try a vegan fish and chips meal!

Image: Captain's Table.

These are just a few of the eateries available to you in North Devon – you can find more options here. With the current situation, please prebook your tables and use contactless payment where possible.

Please be aware that currently North Devon is in Tier 2, restaurants, pubs and other eateries are able to open and visitors can eat in provided they stay in their household group or support bubble.

The Tier system is being revised every two weeks, so please check local restrictions before visiting, you can find out what the latest updates are on gov.uk/coronavirus.