Diners should make a date with delicious Devon
Visitors to the countryside and coast love the beauty and charm of the leafy lanes and sandy seashores, but let’s not forget the joy to be had in the variety and quality of local Devon cuisine too.
Foodies can enjoy many great restaurants, pubs and cafes when visiting Colyton and the surrounding towns and villages. We’ve put together our top five favourite eating houses sampled since arriving in this fabulous part of the country six months ago.
Guests staying at The Old Bakehouse can travel less than 15 seconds by foot for quality food to match the convenience. We’ve enjoyed glorious seafood at our neighbouring pub, with locally caught scallops being our top treat. Sunday lunch is also very generous, and with a fantastic beer garden for the summer, there’s plenty of room to cater for large groups
The Merchant Tea Rooms, Colyton
Housed in a 16th century Grade II Listed building, this is a cosy café for tea and cakes which also hosts a cracking little haute cuisine restaurant. The carefully considered menu offers sophisticated fare at real value for money. Creative and friendly chef Dariusz cooked us a warming tomato and chorizo soup followed by succulent duck breast in a fruity cherry sauce. Customers can even bring their own wine (for a corkage fee).
Much admired pub and restaurant in beautiful Branscombe village, less than 15 minutes from Colyton. With all the hallmarks and charm of a traditional seaside pub – thatched roof, low ceilings, roaring fireplace – the fine food is a mix of contemporary and classic. We enjoyed a tasty West Country sirloin steak, washed down with pints of real ale. The well-stocked bar also sells divine Lyme Bay wine.
We joined friends for a smashing Sunday lunch at this tucked away gem in the small village of Dalwood, about ten minutes drive from Colyton. A fabulous 12th century country pub with daily specials and a menu which adapts to the seasons, we ate in mid-winter and loved the good sized portions of beef, pork and turkey, two veg (or was it four!) and spuds. Hearty and very filling!
The Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis
Last but by no means least, we helped celebrate a friend’s birthday with a visit to this classy restaurant run by renowned chef Mark Hix. Set on the hill overlooking the historic Cobb harbour, customers can enjoy panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast while choosing from a sumptuous menu of locally sourced seafood. Our party enjoyed mussels in breadcrumbs and garlic, melt-in the mouth hake with fries and generous portions of monkfish. Those with the sweetest tooth will love the creatively titled dessert of credit crunch ice cream with hot chocolate sauce.