Food with a view in South Devon
Love food? Love a beautiful view? Then this list of fabulous eateries with incredible views is for you.
The Winking Prawn, Salcombe
The Winking Prawn by Salcombe's North Sands is a great little beachside cafe. It’s very relaxed with a slightly Bohemian feel and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. There are loads of great touches which create a casual, welcoming feel, including a kids dressing up box, a sand pit and fantastic shabby chic decor. As you’d expect the menu has plenty of seafood. If you want to splash out there is an amazing Fruits De Mer with lobster, crab, scallops and prawns, but many times my family like to go simple with chips and buttered baguettes.
Cantina, Paignton
At one end of the always popular Goodrington Sands in Paignton is the family-run Cantina Bar and Restaurant. Sit inside for views across the immaculately maintained Young’s Park with its beach huts and boating lake, or sit outside for a sea view. If you’re lucky you’ll see the steam train chugging past. They do fabulous rustic Pizzas and amazing ice-cream sundaes. My children love Cantina because they do a small pick-and-mix cup of sweets for £1. They also love the box of board games and like to beat me at Connect 4 and Master Mind.
The Beachhouse, South Milton Sands
Although it looks little more than a wooden shack, this place is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. In the summer it is heaving but even in winter it serves a lunch menu to walkers, surfers and beachcombers, and has a dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights. Burgers, steaks and grilled fish are all popular. It has terrific views out to Thurlestone Rock, an impressive arch-shaped rock formation which can be walked to at low tide. My family love South Milton Sands and often stop off here for an ice-cream in summer or a hot drink in winter.
Venus Beach Cafe, Blackpool Sands
This popular cafe is situated right on the seafront at Blackpool Sands with uninterrupted views across Start Bay. A lot of beach cafes can be a bit seasonal but Venus Beach Cafe is open every day (except Christmas Day). Understandably, its quieter in winter but even then it usually has a few folk huddling around the log fire who are attracted by the great food and great views. Try the organic steaks or fish and chips, or maybe have a scrumptious cream tea. As well as the sit-in cafe there is also a takeaway counter and ice-cream bar at busy times.
The Guardhouse Cafe, Brixham
Brixham has more than its fair share of places to eat with incredible views. I nearly included both Rockfish and The Breakwater Bistro, but I’ve plumped for The Guardhouse Cafe which sits atop the huge coastal headland of Berry Head. The cafe is very relaxed and welcomes dog walkers and children. The breakfasts and the cream teas are always popular. Berry Head is a great place for a walk with views right across Torbay and out to sea. You can see as far as Portland Bill on a clear day. There is always plenty of wildlife to spot on the ground, in the air and out to sea. My family have often spotted dolphins from here.
