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Great places to eat in Devon this winter

2nd December 2020

Categories: Visitor News

As of 2^nd December, Devon has entered Tier 2 Covid Restrictions, so please be aware that you will be required to book tables in advance and that you must stay within your household or support bubble and your group should not exceed six people. You can find more information about the latest restrictions on gov.uk/coronavirus and here.

Just because Devon is in Tier 2 though, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the delicious local produce that the region is so famous for. Travel is permitted between Tier 2 regions and hospitality venues are allowed to open for meals, though they cannot take orders after 10 pm and must shut by 11 pm. If you’ve been desperately waiting for the chance to head out and sample some of Devon’s incredible seasonal menus, here are a few suggestions to get those tastebuds tingling.

One great option for a festive feast is one of the region’s many hotels. Devon’s hotels welcome both guests and non residents to their hotel dining rooms, but as with most places during the current climate, it is advised that you book in first to ensure that there is room for you. Some places will also require you to pre order your meals, especially as we head nearer to Christmas. For anyone in the north Devon area, you have a whole host of these incredible hotel restaurants to choose from, including the restaurant at Highbullen.

The Highbullen Hotel offers a range of different dining options, from fine dining to the simple (yet always amazing) traditional cream tea. For fine dining, make sure to book into their Devon View Restaurant. The menu changes every day and there is a stunning view of those wintery hills down to the Mole Valley and across Exmoor. The Cellars Restaurant is the more casual of the restaurants and is ideal for families with children. It is the ideal location for something tasty, yet informal and the specially created children’s menu will keep the little ones happy too.

Image: Regency Restaurant

Similarly, the Regency Restaurant in Bideford has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in town, with stylish décor and opulent surroundings, you can take your pick from traditional classics or more contemporary dishes. Whatever takes your fancy, you can be guaranteed that everything is locally sourced from around the West County – so you can really experience the taste of Devon.

Nearby is Lord Fortescue’s, the restaurant within the Royal and Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple. Again, both hotel guests and non guests are welcome to dine here and the mouth watering menus are complemented by a personal, attentive service – so you can feel like royalty while dining. Lord Fortescue’s is particularly popular on a Sunday when they have their popular carvery, so make sure to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment. While we’re in Barnstaple, you should also consider the Arlington Restaurant . Located within Barnstaple’s Imperial Hotel, the Arlington has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. The menu changes daily and is full of imaginative dishes created onsite by their team of trained chefs. With the restaurants chandeliers and paintings, it is the ideal place to escape the every day – perfect for those of you who have spent the latest lockdown staring at the same four walls of your own dining room!

Image: Lord Fortescue's Restaurant.

For those of you in South Devon, there is of course the incredibly popular Gara Rock . Based in Salcombe, which is beautiful whatever the season, Gara Rock easily combines a friendly, informal atmosphere with top quality service, incredible views and elegant décor. The restaurant features floor to ceiling windows, allowing you to gaze out across the bay and the locally sourced food is a delight. As everything is produced in the region, the menus are designed to reflect the season, so if you’re in the mood for some festive flavours, this is the place to be.

In nearby Newton Abbot you’ll find Gidleigh Park set alongside the River Teign and right on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. The hotel itself within an elegant Tudor-style country house and the award winning restaurant features dishes created with ingredients grown in the hotel’s own garden. The extensive menu’s Garden Salad for instance changes almost daily depending on what has been picked that day, while the cheese boards are served with chutney created from home grown gooseberries and honeycomb sourced from the estate. Not only that, but dining at Gidleigh Park will give you access to their internationally renowned wine cellar, so take advantage of the Tier 2 rules of having alcohol with your meal and enjoy a perfectly paired drink with dinner.

Image: Gidleigh Park.

As Devon is in Tier 2, accommodation providers are allowed to open and over night stays are permitted provided you stay within your household or support bubble, why not stay over at one of these great hotels as part of your visit? You can find more information about all the hotels mentioned above and more here.

It isn’t just hotels that have amazing onsite eateries. At the Cofton Holidays site is Amelia’s Pantry where you can find delicious, fresh local cuisine including the famous Cofton Cake. Similarly, their carvery is incredibly popular, so make sure to book your spot early to avoid being left out!

Sticking with South Devon for the moment, another great place to visit for dinner is the Regent’s Bistro at Old Walls Vineyard on the outskirts of Teignmouth. The Bistro was named after the Regent grape variety which can be seen growing in the slopes of the vineyard in warmer weather. The restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and opens on Fridays and Saturdays for evening meals. Booking is required and because of the current situation, we recommend contacting them to see what space is available before visiting.

If you like the sound of visiting the Torbay area, Torquay is full of great places to eat at this time of year including Bistrot Pierre . From 3^rd December, the restaurant will be running their all day menu, Festive afternoon teas and a Festive Soiree Gastronomique menu – with plenty of Christmas inspired flavours to tempt you. Set in a central location, Bistrot Pierre offers freshly prepared French food overlooking the famous bay, with something for everyone, including dedicated vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

These are just some of the incredible places you can enjoy a festive feast in Devon this December. For more inspiration, click here.

Devon is currently in Tier 2 which means that there are a number of coronavirus restrictions in place, travel is permitted between Tier 2 regions and eateries are allowed to remain open. Please do not travel to Devon from a Tier 3 area or if you are feeling unwell. Restaurants and eateries will require you to wear a face covering when entering and leaving the building unless exempt and many will have a one way system and table service in place for your safety. Please make sure to book your table in advance and to contact the individual restaurants with any questions. For the latest information about coronavirus and local restrictions, please check gov.uk/coronavirus.