Eating your way around Devon: seven dog-friendly restaurants
5 minute read
Oyster Shack, Bigbury
On the site of a former oyster farm, the appropriately named Oyster Shack doesn’t just serve molluscs. A menu of crab, buttery lobster, mussels, clams, torched mackerel and even the occasional chicken or tofu dish will have the whole family happy, and there’s indoor and outdoor seating for whatever the weather.
If you want something a little fancier, book in for their tasting menu of eight courses featuring the stars of the Devon coastline.
Stay at: the lovely Beech shepherd’s hut or spectacular Pheasant Treehouse at Dittisham Hideaways, just 30 minutes away by car.
The Point Bar & Grill, Exmouth
Sitting right next to Exmouth Harbour and Marina, The Point Bar & Grill is the sort of place you’ll want to dwell for a while to watch the boats come and go. If the sun’s out there’s a lovely patio, but otherwise, indoors you’ll find a bright and breezy restaurant serving scallops in their shells, fish and chips and superb garlicky prawns. Non-seafood lovers can order steaks or Sunday roasts, and there’s a cracking dessert menu, too.
They serve food all day here, so whether it’s breakfast or dinner, you’ll come away satisfied.
Stay at: the cosy Hill’s Cross Hide in the nearby Blackdown Hills.
Rockfish, Brixham
There are few better places to eat fresh fish and seafood than in Brixham, where the boats bring in their haul each day and sell it on at the largest fish market in the UK. You’ll get it almost directly from the source at Rockfish, a dog-friendly Devon and Dorset chain with succulent lobster and fabulous, fancier-than-your-average-chippy battered fish and chips on the menu. Dogs get bowls of water beneath the table and a chip or two at your discretion.
There are Rockfish branches at Exmouth, Plymouth, Sidmouth, Salcombe and Topsham.
Stay at: the delightful Hayloft in Totnes, just a 25-minute drive away.
Heron Farm Vineyard, Honiton
English wine might still be under the radar for many, but not at Heron Farm. This 17-acre estate has vines for miles and a beautifully-tended kitchen garden, the fruits of which can be snaffled in their lovely restaurant. Come here for hearty fry-ups, vegan sharing boards and warming Moroccan stews, and to sip a glass of Seyval blanc or pinot noir made from grapes grown right on this soil.
If only the dog could be the designated driver…
Stay at: Hill’s Cross Hide, which is less than 20 minutes by car.
Flame Factory, Appledore
Cute little Appledore is packed with lovely pubs, but for something a little different Flame Factory has you sorted. Bring the dog along for wood-fired pizzas and steaks right by the quay. The beef is rare-breed Clovelly longhorn and pizza bases come as normal or gluten free, and on top you can choose from normal or vegan cheese. There are classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, but the choice of pulled pork, pear and Devon-reared ham elevate your evening meal.
The Steamer Coffee House and Kitchen, Five Bridges
Coffee and comfort food is the order of the day here, where dogs are not just welcomed but totally swooned over by the staff – don’t be surprised if they down spatulas and come to fuss the dog on your arrival. The team at The Steamer source as much as they can from Devon-based growers, so sample a little local fare with eggs on toast for breakfast or bangers and mash for lunch. The coffee is exceptional, too, and there are sweet treats to go with it for afters.
Stay at: Hill’s Cross Hide near Honiton, which is a short hop by car.
