The Hope And Anchor, Hope Cove
Who doesn’t love a pub by the sea? A cosy bolt-hole when the wind is whipping the waves into white horses in winter, a laid-back spot for lunch alfresco in summer, a meeting place, perhaps even a hiding place! The Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove ticks all those boxes and more.
We booked for dinner on a Saturday night in early March. You might be able to rock up at some coastal pubs in Devon in March and find a table without a problem. But the Hope and Anchor in Hope Cove has built a reputation as a food and drink destination in a village that is fast turning into one of the coolest spots on the South Devon coast. It was busy; we were glad we had booked.
Eating at the Hope and Anchor
The Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove is a big pub, capable of coping with 400 covers in a night in peak season and it has had a recent makeover giving it a proper, relaxed seaside vibe with lots of wood and flagstones and decorated on a maritime theme.
The menu is simple and regularly updated, with local produce to the fore where possible. As a St Austell brewery pub, the range of beers is wide, augmented with some great local spirits and there is an imaginative wine list.
We ordered shared nibbles to start – warm mini soda breads with whipped rosemary and sea salt butter, spicy chorizo sausage and fat olives. For the main course, two of the party went for the fish pie; monkfish, smoked haddock, tiger and Atlantic prawns in a lobster-infused sauce spiked with cheese mashed potato. I chose the chicken wrapped in prosciutto and served with deep-fried polenta and a mushroom sauce which was excellent. Pudding was shared – chocolate brownie and poached pear, with a delicious hint of cinnamon. Service is prompt but not too in your face – and the chef brings out the main course, to add a bit of explanation to the dish.
Five reasons why you need to visit the Hope and Anchor, Hope Cove
1. Great for families with plenty of room for dining with kids, welcoming and a great children’s menu.
2. They love dogs! There’s even a jar of dog biscuits at the entrance to the pub to keep your pooch happy. They’re allowed anywhere in the pub with the exception of the restaurant.
3. This pub is rambling but still feels like a cosy local with a great vibe.
4. Location is spot on, just a stone’s throw from the beach and on the South West Coast Path, perfect for picking up a lunchtime takeaway or relaxing with a pint in the sunshine.
5. And finally the food; the changing menu is excellent, reasonably priced and arrives beautifully presented. A great option with a menu to suit all tastes.
If you have never visited Hope Cove get down there as soon as you can – with Salcombe just up the road, it is fast becoming the little brother of one of the swankiest resorts in Britain. And the Hope and Anchor is one of the top spots to eat and drink. My advice… book early. Cheers!
Visit the Hope & Anchor Hope Cove
If you are wanting to stay in Hope Cove and visit its delightful local, take a look at our range of beach-side properties and check out our Hope Cove guide.
