Behind the Scenes of The Roses in Salcombe

This summer, Salcombe quietly became the backdrop to Hollywood magic when Searchlight Pictures brought the filming of The Roses, a reimagining of the 1989 classic starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, to our shores. With Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman leading the cast and acclaimed director Jay Roach (of Meet the Parents fame) at the helm, it was an extraordinary moment for our little corner of South Devon.

We spoke with Jane Tyler, one of the owners of The Winking Prawn, and took a closer look at filming on North Sands beach and around Cliff Road, to uncover what it was really like when Hollywood came to town.

How It All Began

Back in March, when filming was still a closely guarded secret, location scouts approached The Winking Prawn with an unusual request: would they consider closing for a couple of weeks to host a film crew? 

As the details slowly emerged, it became clear this was no small project. “We were told very quietly that it was a reimagining of The Roses,” Jane explained. “When they said Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman would be starring, I couldn’t quite believe it.”

Lights, Cameras, and a Closed Beach

In June, production took over The Winking Prawn and North Sands beach for almost three weeks, a surreal experience for a business that’s usually buzzing with summer visitors. Car parks were closed, giant rigs and camera cranes filled the beachside space, and around 180 cast and crew descended daily.

“It was like a summer’s day every day. So many people running cables, setting up equipment, rehearsing lines. We had to put up signs saying we were closed for a private event, and people were very curious!” Jane said.

Locals and visitors walking along the seawall had a perfect vantage point to peek into the action. While photographs were discouraged, there was no hiding the excitement as passers-by craned their necks to catch a glimpse of Cumberbatch and Colman in action.

Star Sightings & Local Hangouts

The cast stayed at the Beach Club, with security ensuring their privacy, while the crew were spread across Salcombe’s many holiday cottages and hotels – some likely with Finest Stays. 

“They became part of the community very quickly,” Jane recalled. “They’d pop into local pubs, bakeries, and cafés. The crew especially loved the pubs like the Ferry Inn and The King’s Arms.”

The buzz didn’t just stay on set. Locals loved sharing stories of spotting Benedict on his way to set, or Olivia enjoying the seaside air. One of Jane’s favourite memories was sneaking into the production tent to watch scenes being filmed on the restaurant’s tennis court, “a huge moment,” she laughed.

A Family Affair

For the Winking Prawn team, the filming became an unforgettable family experience. Jane’s grandchildren even appeared as extras in the background of a few scenes. “They might be cut, but they were there, that’s something they’ll never forget!”

And for the staff? They received three weeks of paid leave in June, something of a dream in the hospitality world.

Looking Ahead

Though the restaurant was closed to the public during filming, the excitement has already paid off. Since the trailer dropped, locals have been flocking in with questions and stories: “People come in saying they saw Salcombe in the trailer at the Kingsbridge cinema, it’s surreal!” Jane said.

The Winking Prawn has even embraced its Hollywood moment with a playful twist. For the summer and early autumn of 2025, it has taken on a temporary new identity as “We’ve Got Crabs,” serving the same much-loved specialty seafood with a few fun menu additions to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event. Visitors can enjoy the reimagined dining experience until late September 2025.

With the UK release due on the 29th August, anticipation is building. Salcombe’s distinct beauty is hard to replicate, and once the film hits cinemas worldwide, there’s no doubt fans will want to retrace the steps of The Roses.

Retrace the Film’s Footsteps

If you’re planning a visit and want to experience a slice of Hollywood in Devon, there are several places you’ll want to add to your list. The Winking Prawn itself is a must-see. For three weeks, it was transformed into a bustling film set, and now with its “We’ve Got Crabs” facelift, guests can experience both the restaurant’s classic charm and a nod to its silver-screen moment. 

North Sands beach is another highlight. Usually a haven for swimmers, dog walkers and families, it was temporarily closed to become a backdrop for key scenes, and it is sure to be instantly recognisable when you see the film. Stroll up Cliff Road and you’ll find more familiar sights. This elevated stretch of Salcombe was also captured on camera, showcasing sweeping views that only enhance the film’s setting.

Of course, no visit would be complete without stepping into the pubs and bakeries that became firm favourites of the cast and crew. The Ferry Inn and The King’s Arms welcomed many of the production team during their stay, while local bakeries supplied croissants and pastries that quickly became part of the crew’s routine. 

Exploring these spots gives you the chance to enjoy Salcombe as the stars did, immersing yourself in the same atmosphere that made the town feel like home to them during filming.

A Proud Moment for Salcombe

Looking back, Jane reflects: “We still can’t believe it happened, it feels surreal. To have Disney and Searchlight paperwork arriving in our inbox, to know Jay Roach was directing on our doorstep, and to see our town showcased on screen. it’s something we’ll always be proud of.”

As The Roses prepares to premiere, one thing is certain: Salcombe is about to be seen in a whole new light.