Dining with dogs in North Devon: where to refuel after a walk

Seafood is the star at Beach House Bar and Restaurant, and it’s cooked to perfection here, with delicate flavouring that lets the taste of the ocean really shine through. Try West Country mussels, tiger prawns and pan-fried hake, or come for a classic Sunday roast with Exmoor lamb and beef on the menu. There are treats available for dogs, who can join you to sit anywhere you like throughout this bright, breezy restaurant.

Dogs are welcome throughout Oak Room in Lynton, but at lunchtimes only. Here, Spanish food is on the menu and it’s all about sharing, tapas style. Don’t miss the piquant chorizo cooked in red wine, garlicky prawns and traditional Spanish tortilla. There’s a tiny, sun-trap garden for warmer days, and plenty of excellent Spanish wines on the list to pair perfectly with the Iberian cuisine.

If it’s classic fish and chips you’re after, look no further than the Dolphin Chip Shop. Sitting right on the quay and overlooking the boats that slump on Harbour Beach when the tide’s out, the fish is so fresh it’s as if it’s leapt out of the ocean and into the fryer’s itself. Dogs are welcome inside, so bring them along for a classic battered fish, breaded scampi, jumbo sausage or prawn sandwich – all served with moreish chips.

It’s walk-ins only at Bar Electric, so try your luck and find a table for a snack or main meal with the dog – they’re allowed to sit anywhere with you here. For lunch or dinner, try their poke bowls, loaded fries with chilli, or pizzas. Drinks wise, it’s all about the cocktails here, or local West Country cider. The terrace is the place to sit, with its views over the village below down to the sea, and look out for their open mic nights and live music evenings if you fancy something a little more lively.

Open all day every day, the eccentric Tarko Lounge is a reliable option for those with endless appetites. There are enormous, hearty breakfasts with eggs and pancakes and avocados, while lunch is all about the Philly cheese ciabatta or Lebanese flatbreads. There are burgers, tapas plates and excellent sides if that’s not all enough. Plus, cakes and desserts aplenty for afters. Best of all, dogs are allowed throughout – just not on the furniture, please.

You’ll want to book ahead for a table at The Yard, an intimate restaurant in the heart of quaint Appledore that's popular with locals and visitors alike. Dogs are allowed throughout and will enjoy a fuss from the staff, while humans can imbibe on carefully selected wines and local craft beers from Devon microbreweries. The food is exciting: expect Asian-inspired tuna, scallops with chorizo, slow-cooked Dartmoor brisket and Middle Eastern vegetable platters. In low season, there’s often live music and film nights, too, so check their Facebook page for their dog-friendly events.

Set back from the beach at Woolacombe, Captain Jack’s is a firm favourite for comfort food: expect sticky chicken wings, wedges of deep-fried brie, steak and ale pies and chilli beef loaded fries. Dogs are well loved here, allowed in the bar area but not the main restaurant. But for the best seat in the house, head to the sunny beer garden. In summer, you’ll dine to the dulcet tones of live acoustic musicians in the garden, while in winter the best spot is by the bar where a vas rum collection will tempt you to cocktails.

If it’s something simple but effective you crave, Flame Factory is a crowd pleaser thanks to its inventive pizzas. There are classic toppings – myriad cheeses, pepperoni, ham – but a few left-field options, too, including pulled pork and pear. Bases come in gluten free, there’s vegan cheese for those going meat and dairy-free, and carnivores will love their Clovelly longhorn steaks. Dogs are welcomed with open arms here as they’re allowed throughout the restaurant.

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