Devon, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“Wonderful food and excellent service” are a given at this peaceful Georgian manor house near Barnstaple in north Devon that has been a hotel for more than 50 years. Richie Herkes joined as head chef in 2003 and later added the role of general manager, ensuring a rare consistency of performance that is reflected in the excellent ratings. Dinners of three courses for £55 per person or six courses for £70 per person are served in a dining room with murals; and there is an “interesting wine list presented by a sommelier who knows his stuff without being patronising”.

“What a remarkable find!” – “the freshest produce served in the most delicious and inventive ways” makes any meal at this canteen on the veg box operation’s south Devon farm “a very special occasion”. Established by Guy Singh-Watson 21 years ago, “the emphasis is on the fresh organic produce picked in the surrounding fields, possibly that same morning” – “every time you go there are more surprises, there’s more flavour, and more dishes that amaze meat-eaters and veggies alike”. (“I still miss the pre-Covid long tables with sharing bowls, and especially the pudding buffet” – but it’s “still very reasonably priced”).

2022 Review: “A lovely estuary view” accompanies a visit to this 400-year-old pub right on the water at this scenic fishing village – “a great find” to the uninitiated with a “very good” traditional pub menu.

“Moved from a nearby location into the cliff-top space formerly occupied by Hamilton’s” – this relaunched venue “is a new ‘Top Gun for the retirees of Babbacombe”. Too few ratings so far for a rating, but such feedback as we have is promising, regarding its conventional but well-prepared cuisine which can be enjoyed up till Thursday with a prix-fixe deal (two courses for £30, three courses for £34 – at weekends the same dishes are ordered à la carte). Top Menu Tips – “Creedy Carver duck breast, and the accompanying blackberry purée and duck jus was enriching and affirming. Creamy, rich and heart-warming gratin potatoes, with assertive nutmeg. Beef cheek braised in Guinness, with bubble and squeak, topped with beef fat crumb was submissive, crumbly meat with intense umami flavors embracing the starch and vegetable crack-house addictiveness of bubble ’n’ squeak”.