Sunday roast season: The best South Devon roast dinner
There are lots of things to look forward to when it comes to winter by the sea, from sunny, frosty mornings to cosy evenings by crackling fires, but perhaps chief amongst the seasonal joys is the traditional South Devon Sunday roast – especially if it follows a coastal walk or a bracing surf. This timeless ritual is the stuff that warm memories are made of, and with the wealth of South Devon farmers, producers, pubs, and restaurants, we’re here to make the case for why Devon does it best.
What makes a great South Devon roast?
South Devon is spoiled for choice when it comes to superb produce. We’re incredibly lucky to have fantastic local farmers and suppliers, who bring fresh fare to market, whether you want homegrown chillies, artisan cheeses, fresh eggs, seasonal veg, local meats, ciders, baked goods and more.
Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, roast dinner experiences in Devon hit different. You can even explore for yourself and cook at your holiday home, with a trip to some fantastic farm shops to stock up. Favourites include, but are not limited to:
Stokeley Farm Shop
If you’re in the South Hams, take a trip to Stokeley Farm Shop near Torcross, and you will discover a world of foodie favourites and artisan fare, all in one place. Have a cup of coffee, a slice of cake, and wander from the deli counter to the butchery, and the groceries for a whole host of Devon-based products.
The Village Farm
Over at East Portlemouth, The Village Farm is a certified organic livestock farm dedicated to celebrating all things local, as well as preserving the region’s wildlife. There’s a cafe and an organic farm shop where they sell their own produce as well as plenty of other locally made items.
Aune Valley
For culinary connoisseurs looking to create a Devon-inspired dinner, it’s hard to beat Aune Valley. A family business spanning three generations, they are farmers at heart, with a fantastic cafe at their site in Loddiswell, as well as a farm shop.
Riverford Organic Farmers
We can’t mention local farms without talking about the famous Riverford. Leading the veg revolution since 1986, it’s just outside Totnes, and offers produce that’s 100% organic. They’re best known for the veg boxes, but they also offer farm-fresh essentials like eggs and milk so you’re ready to whip up a fabulous South Devon Sunday lunch.
Best South Devon roast dinners
If you want to eat out, whether it’s a restorative late lunch or a delectable dinner, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to South Devon roast dinners. From fine dining to coastal inns, family-friendly locations to restful retreats for two, there’s something for every vibe and occasion. Amongst our top recommendations, you might like to try:
Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe
In a magical location with views of the Jurassic coastline, the Cary Arms is a beachfront inn that offers romance and natural splendour. Multi-award-winning, it dates to the early 17th century, and once hosted Prince Albert for tea! Its restaurant is a destination in its own right, serving an array of local fare, from Lyme Bay lobster and their catch of the day to grass-fed Devon beef. With that pedigree, it’s little wonder their South Devon Sunday roast is a hit, whether you opt for roasted topside of beef with garlic and thyme, or slow roasted stuffed pork belly with an apple cider jus.
The Cricket Inn, Beesands
A true Devon gem, The Cricket Inn is an unassuming beachside inn in the tiny village of Beesands, which is inviting whether you pop in after a daytime jaunt along the pebble beach, or for a leisurely South Devon roast dinner in the evening. Having opened in 1867, while the village once capitalised on its small boat fishing trade, the advent of large trawlers has left the sector diminished. Nonetheless, a few fishermen still work from the beach and proudly bring their catch to the inn as an addendum to a menu dedicated to local suppliers. They also add a charge for tap water, for the purposes of donating it to the Devon Air Ambulance. Having been awarded an AA rosette, their offering is complete with a South Devon Sunday lunch where ‘second innings’ includes choices like stripling of beef and roast pork loin, or alternative offerings like salt baked celeriac with honey roasted parsnips and seasonal greens.
The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge
In an enviable waterfront location in Kingsbridge, The Crabshell Inn is a buzzy cornerstone of the local community, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, a vibrant bar, and all-day dining. Watch the world go by as you sip on your drink of choice and tuck into seasonal fare that will leave you suitably sated. Their Sunday roast options mean there’s plenty to choose from, whether you opt for classic roast turkey; a delectable brie, cranberry, and mushroom wellington; or a plant-based apricot and chestnut roast.
The Dartmouth Arms, Dartmouth
In a beautiful riverside setting, The Dartmouth Arms is a traditional pub in historic Bayards Cove – an area famed for hosting the Mayflower on her way to America in 1620. Warm and welcoming, it’s the place to go for a ploughman’s or a pint, so it’s little surprise they are a contender for the best Sunday roast in Devon. Their three-course Sunday menu is a mouthwatering extravaganza, where the main event gives you a choice between roast beef, lamb, or a nut roast, complete with all the trimmings (stuffing, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, homemade gravy and seasonal veg).
A Sunday dinner in South Devon prepared by a private chef
Of course, if you really want to show off with restaurant-grade food in the comfort of your own holiday home, then nothing will make you feel indulged quite like a private chef preparing your very own South Devon roast dinner. Catering to your every want and need, when you book a holiday with Finest Stays, you can choose to step things up a gear with catering that goes the extra mile. Whether it’s a special occasion, or simply ‘just because’, top chefs can come to your home and prepare a South Devon Sunday roast of dreams, without you having to change out of your PJs. We can even arrange for a photographer to join if you want to mark an occasion like an anniversary or birthday.
Find our more about our private chef experiences
A Sunday roast and South Devon stay the Finest way
Whether you are looking for a cosy South Devon escape for two brimming with nostalgia; a family holiday; or a super-luxe getaway to celebrate a special occasion, at Finest Stays we have something for everyone. Enjoy beautiful places to stay as well as recommendations for the best Sunday roast in Devon. All you need to do is get in touch, and we can do the rest.
