A taste of Christmas: The best of festive dining in Devon
Delicious dining experiences are an essential part of the festive period – spending time with family and friends while tucking into classic Christmas favourites and tradition with a twist.
Devon is blessed with some of the most fabulous foodie suppliers in the UK, from local farmers to artisan producers, all of whom deliver their wares to the hotels and restaurants, providing the best ingredients for festive feasts.
So, with the air laced with the scent of mulled wine, mince pies and plenty of roast potatoes, here are some of our top places for the best festive lunches and Christmas dining in South Devon.
Christmas dining in the South Hams
From Dittisham to Dartmouth, Babbacombe to Bigbury, Christmas dining in the South Hams takes full advantage of the local larder, from cosy pubs to seafood specialists, roaring fires to spectacular sea views.
The Seahorse, Dartmouth
A restaurant specialising in a love of seafood, The Seahorse in Dartmouth is somewhere where fresh fish arrives daily from small boats landing just a few miles from the door. At once stylish but warm and welcoming, there’s a sense of occasion as well as a buzzy atmosphere as you’re welcomed with an aperitif before settling in for the afternoon or evening.
In the lead up to Christmas they have special hours for the holidays. Typically they host a Festive Dinner on their last night before closing for Christmas itself, featuring Christmas carols, chestnuts roasting on the grill and a seasonally-inspired menu to get you in the festive spirit.
Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe
The Cary Arms in Babbacombe is a truly magical location that makes you feel as though you’ve run away to another realm. In an unspoiled and romantic location, it’s in a sheltered cove and has a history dating to the early 17th century. The restaurant has a wide-reaching reputation for excellence, perched above the bay and taking in the most impressive views of the Jurassic coastline. From the catch of the day to grass-fed Devon beef they showcase the region’s finest flavours.
Over Christmas and New Year, the hotel and its restaurant go all out with seasonal dishes and an inspired gastro-inn twist, live entertainment and the warmest ambience. They even have a Spa-kle and Dine experience, which invites you to enjoy time in their gorgeous spa before a stylish dinner and plenty of Champagne.
The Oyster Shack, Bigbury
A firm favourite amongst those who live and holiday in Devon, The Oyster Shack in Bigbury is a rustic, award-winning and vibrant experience that’s perfect for sharing with friends. Potter along the tidal road past the Avon Estuary (don’t forget to check the tides), and you will find this haven of happiness, which has grown from what was once an actual oyster farm.
The daily-changing menu includes seafood like you’ve never tasted before, with a sustainability focus and flavourful inspiration. Naturally, oysters are top of the list of things to try (topped with Sriracha Mayo – yes please!), but there’s plenty of other items to tuck into as well (truffle mash we’re looking at you). Over the holiday season the cosy atmosphere is just what you’re looking for, while a fish feast in cracking style puts a coastal twist on your typical holiday meal.
The Bear and Blacksmith, Chillington
For a traditional pub lunch The Bear and Blacksmith in Chillington is tough to beat. Run by Lou and James, it feels like a hug from the second you walk in – the kind of place that has live music, quiz nights, and special evenings featuring food and drinks that celebrate local flavours, not to mention plenty of cosy corners to settle into and while away the evening.
Their festive menu is everything you could ask for and more. Available from 4th to 21st December for £45 per person, it features a glass of fizz as well as options including (but not limited to) smoked salmon balloting, truffle and celeriac velouté, pan fried hake, braised venison, and a delectable sticky festive pudding.
The Jetty at Harbour Hotel Salcombe, Salcombe
In the heart of Salcombe, with one of the best views of the estuary, The Jetty is the restaurant at the Harbour Hotel Salcombe – a light-filled space for waterside dining, and multi-award-winning fare. Elegant but convivial, it’s ideal for special lunches and dinners and welcomes guests of all ages and for all occasions, with its particular brand of yacht-inspired interiors and British seaside classics.
Over the festive period they have a series of menus available, from specific offerings for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day to a delectable festive afternoon tea featuring red velvet cake, layered with vanilla cream and white chocolate frosting, a tonka bean, caramel and orange macaron, roast turkey and cranberry sandwiches and more. There’s also a tantalising festive set menu available for the season (two or three courses) – we can’t wait to try the ‘Salcombe Smokies’ mackerel rillette, fillet of pollock with bacon crumb crust, and their classic Christmas pudding.
Gara Rock Hotel, East Portlemouth
Those who have taken the Salcombe Ferry across the water to East Portlemouth for a hike along the cliffpath will be familiar with the gorgeous Gara Rock Hotel – the perfect place for a mid-walk cake and coffee. However, this headland hotspot offers more than sweet treats, with a restaurant that offers outstanding views of crashing waves, while you tuck into the best of local fare from land and sea.
Head there for lunch or dinner over the holidays and you will be greeted with twinkling lights, a roaring wood burner, festive decor, and seasonal dining in style throughout December. Plan the perfect day with a jolly good walk to Christmas lunch in South Devon around the coast path, tuck into hearty fare, and then potter back to your holiday home for an afternoon snooze.
The Riverford Field Kitchen, Totnes
The Riverford Field Kitchen is a 100% organic dining experience for the whole family, where locally farmed dishes are the order of the day, in seasonal menus that use ingredients grown in their very own fields and garden. Leading the veg revolution since 1986, it’s in the heart of the Riverford farm just outside Totnes. Surrounded by walls adorned with dried flowers grown on site, dishes are ‘vegcentric’. There aren’t any starters or mains; it’s a set menu which they bring to your table in a long flow of deliciousness.
At Christmas all that organic goodness turns into a show-stopping feast that’s made for sharing. Their festive menu is available from 1st December, with a glass of one of their home-made organic tipples, a choice of festive puddings, and savoury dishes such as freshly baked sourdough, roasted duck with pickled red cabbage, fennel with orange and mint, roasted parsnips with honey, mustard and rosemary, and more.
The Sportsmans Arms, Dartmouth
On the outskirts of Dartmouth, The Sportsmans Arms is a welcoming, family-run pub that’s popular with locals and is masterful at the classic pub and carvery experience. The whole family is welcome (dogs can also join in the bar area), and there’s a range of areas, including a relaxed restaurant as well as a spacious marquee that’s perfect for larger groups.
For Christmas this year they’ve rustled up a special menu available as two- or three-courses, to get you into the holiday mood. Tuck into rich, comforting starters like roast cauliflower and thyme soup or duck bonbons, to classic mains such as Tideford Farm topside of beef and their cranberry and sage-stuffed turkey.
Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, Plymouth
If you want to go all out with something extra special this Christmas, pop over to Plymouth to the five-star Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, where their Àclèaf restaurant has a Michelin Star as well as four AA Rosettes to its name. In grand style, this ultra decadent delight is the masterpiece of Head Chef Scott Paton, who showcases inventive British cuisine, highlighting the finest locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the bountiful flavours of Devon.
Over Christmas, this 16th-century manor house becomes a chocolate box wonderland where opulence meets tradition, and food takes centre stage whether you’re popping over for festive themed afternoon teas as well as a seasonal menu. They also have special events for the season, such as a Santa’s Grotto in their magnificent hall, where you arrive to dance performances, afternoon tea and Christmas activities including gingerbread decorating and meet Santa Claus himself to receive a Christmas present. There are also Victorian Christmas themed Murder Mystery evenings including a three-course meal alongside an evening of wicked entertainment from the Candlelight Theatre Company – ideal for groups of six or more.
Seagrass at South Sands Hotel, Salcombe
In prime position looking out across the water from South Sands, the South Sands Hotel has been wowing guests for decades. A seaside haven, its Seagrass restaurant is the closest you can get to dining on the beach itself, and their traditional roast dinner is the perfect way to restore mind, body, and soul after a stroll along the coast path from East Soar.
Over Christmas they bring plenty of festive cheer complete with sumptuous Christmas feasts and cosy evenings by the fire. Whether you’re warming up after a bracing walk or you’re dressing up for dinner, it’s the ultimate destination for Christmas on the coast.
Calancombe Estate, Modbury
What could be more elegant than dining at an English vineyard? The Calancombe Estate in Modbury is nothing short of enchanting – a magnificent experience that spans tours of the estate, a gourmet restaurant, as well as the option to shop and take a little piece of the magic home with you. The fine dining experience is all about pairing locally sourced and expertly crafted small dishes with English wines, from brunch to lunch, afternoon tea to evening meals.
From 5th to 21st December they will be bringing Christmas cheer to all who visit, with a three-course Christmas menu crafted by Chef Nick to showcase seasonal flavours. Think – Sinoden hill goats’ cheese with char-grilled pepper and pesto bruschetta, roast guinea fowl on a bed of sautéed pear, and a Highland marmalade sponge with Drambuie custard. Alternatively, you can opt for a wine tasting accompanied by small plates, afternoon tea and delicious treats.
Top tips for Christmas dining South Hams
A holiday in the South Hams over the Christmas period wouldn’t be complete without getting the full festive dining South Devon experience. So, to make sure you don’t miss out, here’s our handy list of top tips to make sure you maximise the seasonal celebrations:
- Book early: Unsurprisingly, lots of restaurants get booked up a long time in advance (rumour has it one pub had their first booking for Christmas in July). So, make sure you get your booking in as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Look for Devon twists on tradition: While we all love a turkey lunch, don’t forget to take the time to sample some of South Devon’s finest local fare, masterfully incorporated into festive menus by clever chefs for a truly unique experience.
- Extend the celebration: Combine Christmas lunch in South Devon with a winter walk along one of the many stretches of the South West Coast Path to work up an appetite and really make the most of your culinary experience.
- Don’t limit yourself: There’s so much to see, do, and try when it comes to festive dining South Devon, so don’t limit yourself to one experience… book a couple!
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