The school and university holidays are the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your family and friends. And there are few better ways to do this than to go somewhere a bit special for lunch, especially if the sun is shining.
Fortunately, here in Devon we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places where the beautiful scenery matches the quality of the food. So to help you plan your next family lunch out, we’ve come up with a selection of our favourite spots:
River Exe Café – Set on a barge in the Exe Estuary, this unique venue certainly makes the most of the incredible river views. Surrounded by water, it’s a lovely place to relax while enjoying some of Devon’s finest produce. If you don’t have your own boat, you can get there by taking a river taxi from Exmouth Marina. The voyage is all part of the experience. http://www.riverexecafe.com/
Lympstone Manor – Overlooking the Exe Estuary, celebrity chef Michael Caines’s new country house hotel is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Set in 28 acres of gardens, grounds and parkland, the Georgian mansion will soon have its own vineyard. With fine dining cuisine and beautiful views, it’s hard to beat for a summer treat. https://lympstonemanor.co.uk/
Living Coasts Terrace Café Bar – You don’t have to enter the zoo and aquarium in Torquay to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Torbay coast from its café bar, which is open to the public. The café serves a wide selection of freshly prepared food with an emphasis on local produce, including fish from nearby Brixham market. https://www.livingcoasts.org.uk/plan-your-visit/food-drink
Occombe Farm Café – Enjoying a lovely setting in the heart of the countryside, Occombe Farm, near Paignton, is perfect for lunch. The menu includes homemade lasagnes, beef burgers and beer battered fish. And afterwards, you can take time to wander around the farm and say a quick hello to the animals before heading for home. https://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/occombe/cafe/menus
Tea on the Green – Proving that you don’t have to head for the coast or the countryside to enjoy a great view while you eat, Tea on the Green is located in a 16th century building overlooking Exeter’s historic Cathedral Green. Serving an extensive lunchtime menu and classic Devonshire cream teas, it’s an ideal place to relax while admiring the cathedral and watching the world go by. https://www.teaonthegreen.com/
