Taste of Summer: A Food Lover’s Guide to Devon
There’s something truly magical about summer in Devon. The golden evenings, the scent of sea air mixed with barbecues, and the slow rhythm of countryside living. Whether you’re staying in a spacious holiday home with friends and family or hosting a wellness retreat in the South Hams, food is often at the heart of the experience.
Devon’s vibrant culinary scene is built on its rich agricultural roots, its access to the coast, and its community of passionate producers and chefs. From private chefs who come to you, to doorstep deliveries of organic wine and veg, and charming farm shops that overflow with local treasures, there are endless ways to savour the season.
Here’s your guide to the very best food experiences in Devon this summer, a blend of indulgence, simplicity, and connection to place.
Private Chefs & Food Catering in Devon
Hosting a dinner without lifting a finger is one of life’s ultimate luxuries, and in South Devon, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, gathering your favourite people under one roof, or running a catered retreat, a private chef allows you to relax and enjoy the moment while someone else takes care of the kitchen.
Devon’s private chefs bring a wide variety of culinary styles and specialties to the table. Le Guest Chef, headed by a former chef of The Millbrook, is known for their elegant, Devon-inspired dishes using local, seasonal ingredients whilst Nick Pearce Cooking and Stewart King come with a passion for local, seasonal produce. For something with a royal edge, Kate Pennell, once the personal chef to King Charles III, crafts bespoke menus with precision and flair, ideal for refined dinner parties.
If you’re looking for Mediterranean flavours and a relaxed al fresco feel, chefs like The Wandering Cook and Wild Garlic infuse their menus with sun-soaked simplicity. Their experience in fine dining meets Devon’s abundance of fresh produce in the most effortless way. Meanwhile, Devon Cooks, led by Nina Groves, is perfect for families or laid-back groups looking for wholesome, flavoursome meals made with heart.
New to the scene but already making a strong impression, Katie Michaels combines Cordon Bleu training with Michelin-starred experience to deliver refined, seasonal menus with creativity and confidence. Based between Somerset and North Cornwall, she travels across the South West to cater for private dinners, group stays, and celebratory events.
Want something a bit quirky or off the beaten path? Eat Nice Be Nice serves up ethical, home-grown food from a converted Land Rover Defender and will soon be opening their own private restaurant in a walled kitchen garden. And if you fancy something to take away or enjoy without the formality of a sit-down dinner, Wild Artichokes and The Greedy Table both offer creative drop-off catering, from rustic feasts to refined dishes ready to reheat and serve.
Booking a private chef isn’t just about the food, it’s about turning your evening into an event, with thoughtful touches, warm service, and the chance to experience Devon’s flavours in the comfort of your holiday setting.
Food & Drink Delivery Services in Devon
If you’d rather take the DIY approach to dining but still want convenience and quality, Devon’s food and drink delivery scene is bursting with fresh, local goodness. From organic farm boxes to boutique wineries and independent producers, everything you need can be delivered straight to your door.
Riverford Organic, based just outside Totnes, is one of the UK’s best-known organic farms, and for good reason. Their vegetable boxes are filled with seasonal, hand-picked produce from Devon soil, and their recipe kits make it easy to create fresh, nutritious meals for groups without the hassle of planning. Whether you’re catering for vegetarians, feeding a family, or preparing a wellness retreat, Riverford is a summer staple.
Wine lovers can enjoy a real taste of the region thanks to Sharpham Wine & Cheese. Nestled in the Dart Valley, this award-winning vineyard produces elegant English wines that pair perfectly with sunshine and seafood. You can order bottles of white, rosé, sparkling, or red, along with their creamy Sharpham cheeses, direct to your door for a ready-made Devon tasting evening.
Looking for local meat for the barbecue or artisanal baked goods for a relaxed brunch? Many independent producers also offer delivery, including Aune Valley Meats and South Devon Chilli Farm. Whether it’s fresh sourdough, spicy preserves, or sausages and steak for the grill, Devon’s larder is just a click away.
For larger groups or longer stays, consider pre-ordering grocery boxes or hampers ahead of your trip. Many delivery services offer flexible packages tailored for self-catered holidays, so you can arrive with a fridge stocked with the best the region has to offer.
Farm Shops & Foodie Spots in the South Hams
Part of the charm of holidaying in South Devon is the chance to explore its country lanes, market towns, and farm shops, each one filled with character, community, and culinary treasures. If you’re keen to build your own feast, plan a barbecue, or pack the perfect beach picnic, these are the places to go.
Ben’s Farm Shop in Yealmpton and Staverton is a must-visit for organic produce, sourdough bread, and handmade deli items. Their commitment to sustainable farming and low-waste packaging makes them a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for eggs and leave with a basket full of Devon-made delights.
Near Loddiswell, Aune Valley Farm Shop is a go-to for premium cuts of meat, sausages, and marinated skewers, ideal for summer barbecues. Their adjoining café is perfect for a pit stop, offering hearty breakfasts and fresh coffee.
Stokeley Farm Shop, just outside Torcross, is another gem. It offers a well-stocked butcher, bakery, and local wines and ales, along with an on-site café and a huge outdoor seating area, great for kids and groups. It’s a proper one-stop shop for a day of exploring and provisioning.
In Salcombe, the Salcombe Deli and Salcombe Meat Company make it easy to stock up without leaving the town. Meanwhile, Valley View Farm Shop near Loddiswell offers beautiful views along with seasonal fruit and veg, local dairy, preserves, and ice cream, plus picnic benches to enjoy a bite with a view.
Many of these shops also sell gift items, from locally made gin to eco-friendly homewares, so you can take a little piece of Devon home with you.
Your Summer, Served
Whether you’re enjoying an elegant meal prepared by a private chef, sipping chilled English wine on the terrace, or browsing a farm shop for the evening’s barbecue, Devon makes it easy to eat well and live well.
This summer, immerse yourself in the tastes, stories, and traditions that make this region such a special place to visit. From field to fork, coast to kitchen, South Devon’s food scene is a celebration of flavour, simplicity, and togetherness. And for those unforgettable moments shared around the table, Explosures, a local photography team led by Kathryn, can be on hand to capture it all, creating lasting memories of your stay.
