Exmouth, Devon
A food lover’s paradise and the brainchild of Michael Caines one of the UK’s most acclaimed and celebrated chefs, widely credited with bringing modern British cuisine to the world stage. The holder of two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years, and now one Michelin star at Lympstone Manor, Michael has long championed the outstanding larder of Southwest England. It is Michael’s brilliant creativity allied with his global taste and vision that allows him to transform the seasonal and regional into dishes of rare precision, focus and flavour at the five-star Lympstone Manor. An historic Grade II listed Georgian manor house set within 28 acres of garden and overlooking the mouth of the Exe estuary you can take time to explore the hotel’s vineyard, indulge in afternoon tea or stay and relax in one of the 21 suites.
Foodies will love:
Canapés served in the lounge with pre-dinner drinks
Dinner in one of the three dining rooms
The wine room and cellar
Rooms from £280 a night.
Exeter, Devon
Forming a unique setting for both formal and informal lunches and dinners is this award winning wine bar and restaurant which lies beneath the historic streets of Exeter, and a stone’s throw from the renowned gothic Exeter cathedral. Rendezvous is nestled in the basement of a Grade II listed building, in the Southernhay district of the city centre. This fabulous little wine bar is a real delight. Sumptuous West Country fare and moody atmosphere, flagstone floors and a beautiful walled garden, guests come here to experience a rustic and relaxed atmosphere. The bar boasts an array of wines from around the world, and the knowledgeable team will happily give you a superb paring for your meal. Work up an appetite by enjoying the area’s fantastic independent shopping and fascinating history, or simply combine it with a weekend stay in one of the many hotels close by.
Foodies will love:
The alfresco walled garden
‘The monthly wine choice
Two course menu from £20 per person
Plympton, Plymouth
Dating as far back as the Doomsday book, this grand Devonshire manor house was once the former home of The Earl of Southampton. ‘Borringdon’ from the Saxon ‘Burth-Y-Don’ meaning ‘enchanted place on the hill’ is a firm favourite, ideal for those seeking to get away from it all and explore nature’s bounty. Nestled in the grounds is the award-winning Gaia Spa, voted by
Conde Nast Johansen Best Destination Spa in the UK & Ireland 2020, your swimming costume is therefore a must for any trip. Head Chef Scott Paton has devised a series of menus to suit all tasted in one of the three dining rooms, including their eight course tasting ‘Through the Ages menu’ which refle3cts the history and happenings of this enchanted place.
Foodies will love:
The seven or eight course dinner with wine pairings
Try cocktails in the ‘secret bar’ (hidden behind a bookcase)
Rooms from £190 a night
Babbacombe, English Riveria
The Cary Arms is sheltered in a little bay, along a single-track road tucked away in the most romantic and unspoilt corner of South Devon in Babbacombe Bay. The Cary Arms combines traditional seaside charm with cool contemporary beach side living. This a hotel to retreat to when you want to get away from it all, go for walks along the beach, relax in warm and comfortable surroundings. Dining is relaxed and cosy in the inn, still holding the charm and character of when it was built in the 1880s. Lovingly restored, the historic inn is warmed by a log burner on cooler days. For special occasions in summer months a sure-fire way to impress your guests is to book the Captains Table, seating six, or the Pod, seating four, probably two of the best tables in Devon! The team know how to make even a pint of prawns have panache!
Ten elegant sea facing rooms, four restored fisherman’s cottages and eight brilliantly quirky deluxe beach huts and beach suites
Foodies will love:
Alfresco dining overlooking the bay
Gastro nights from Head Chef Steve Poyner, paired with wines chosen by Head Sommelier Antony Rios
The little things……
Rooms from £125 per night
Topsham, Exeter
Fans of fresh, excellently prepared seafood can’t miss a visit to this perennial favourite in the historic maritime town of Topsham, just four miles from Exeter. In a cosy, relaxed dining room with exposed brick walls, works by local artists, and less than a dozen wooden tables, you’ll find a near-constant stream of diners—die-hards and tourists alike. Ten years old, they have simply strived to serve the very best of Devon on a plate they also follow the mantra, ‘keep it simple, keep it local, keep it fresh.’ Sourcing the very finest produce from local providers and the very best prime fresh fish and seafood from local waters straight to the plate.
Staff are attentive and can help you navigate the menu; they, and the Head Chef Jason Mead know their stuff, so it’s often best to defer to them when it comes to preparation. As seating is limited, and the place is both beloved by locals and frequently recommended to tourists, to make a reservation for dinner.
Foodies will love:
Whole Dover Sole is a must – pre order essential though!
The local wines won’t disappoint
Three course meal £27.50 per person
Haytor, Dartmoor
Drive along the single-track road to the Ilsington Hotel and feast your eyes upon the stunning scenery along the way. At the end, a quintessential hotel with a big personality awaits. The Hassell family, 4th generation hoteliers have been at the helm since 1998, and here the emphasis is firmly on the environment around it. Head chef Mike O’Donnell cooks using produce sourced and foraged from the hotel’s kitchen garden and surrounding area to make the most of the Dartmoor larder. Inside, the traditional character and a laid-back vibe combines with smouldering fires and squishy sofas so there’s a homely feel, not forgetting a fabulous spa to boot. Outside, Dartmoor National Park is a walker’s paradise and adventurers dream. The bedrooms are comfortable and homely, and perfect after a brisk walk or an afternoon spent swimming, pampering and relaxing in the hotel's sumptuous spa.
Foodies will love:
Fine dining in the restaurant using the best produce from Dartmoor’s larder
The Devon Cream tea
Restaurant views over Haytor
Rooms from £155 a night.
Rockbeare, Exeter
A stop at The Jack in The Green is a must. Its fame has spread far and wide because the Jack has been under the same hands-on ownership for nearly three decades- and for 25 of those years its food has been prepared by the talented head chef Matthew Mason. Matts cooking has confidence, precision and excitement in equal measure. A warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere is delivered by landlord Paul and his team as you stop off on your exploration of the Jurassic coast, then venture further south into the county and beyond. If gastro pubs are your thing then we’d definitely recommend paying a visit. The ingredients travel no distance at all and are as much a part of the pub’s success as the talent in the kitchen. The team will always exceed your expectation and the accolades achieved over the years are testament to this.
Foodies will love:
Preprandial drinks in the bar
The magnificent sticky toffee pudding
Three course menus from £30 per person
