Across Devon are so many charming pubs and restaurants all offering their own unique experience, from boutique restaurant hotels on the edge of the ocean, to riverside pubs and leafy village inns. And with this wide range of venues comes a fantastic choice of festive menus that celebrate Devonshire ingredients and culture! After hearing from our community online and visiting some spots ourselves, we’ve gathered five of our favourite festive menus across Devon this Christmas, you’re welcome!
The Cary Arms, Torquay
Nestled by the water and surrounded by the tall red cliffs of the South Devon Coast, the Cary Arms in Torquay is a breath-taking venue to head to this Christmas. Not only does the charming old pub and restaurant offer a seasonal atmosphere, but their festive menu is one of the most popular in the town! Diners have four options to choose from for each course including deep fried brie or smoked duck for starters, delicious turkey parcels or beef loin for main course, and a boozy Christmas pudding or sticky toffee for dessert! To view the full festive menu or book a table, head to the Cary Arms website!
https://www.caryarms.co.uk/dine
The Combe Cellars, Combeinteignhead
The riverside restaurant of Combe Cellars is popular amongst locals for its wonderful location right on the banks of the River Teign where diners can gaze out of the window at the passing boats, trains, and wildlife! And much like its stunning surroundings, the kitchen at Combe Cellars has once again delivered the goods on the festive menu front, with plenty of local delights on offer. For starters, options include seared scallops, duck parfait, and panko-breaded Brie. For the main course, guests can choose from hand-carved turkey, pork belly, or a vegetarian wellington, whilst desserts include Christmas pudding, crème brûlée, and a cheese board.
https://www.thecoombecellars.co.uk/christmas
The Swan, Bampton
The award-winning Swan Pub in Bampton is known in the area for its fantastic customer service, and high-quality menu made up from local and seasonal ingredients. And it’s safe to say that the Swan’s festive menu maintains the high quality and seasonal standards! The four-course menu features festive nibbles such as misto olives, and hummus and pitta bread, starter options include duck liver parfait, seared scallops, and pan-friend prawns. For the main course, diners can choose from beef brisket, homity pie, fillet steaks, fish and chips and plenty more! And for pudding, options include a brandy and rum Christmas pudding, sticky toffee pudding, and a local cheese board.
https://theswan.co/christmas-and-new-year-2021/
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor
The luxury hotel and restaurant at Bovey Castle is widely recognised as one of the best venues in the country due to its incredibly high standards of service and quality food and drink. Surrounded by 275 acres of rolling countryside, dramatic moorland and local wildlife, guests at Bovey Castle are in for a memorable and unique experience. And unique is definitely the word to describe the Festive Afternoon Tea on offer this December! The stunning selection of festive delights, mince pies, sandwiches, cakes and scones is a perfect way to get you into the Christmas spirit, and a good reason to meet up with any friends and family before we’re swept away by the new year (again)!
https://www.boveycastle.com/eat/festive-afternoon-tea/
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
Set in the heart of Tavistock at the foothills of Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside, The Cornish Arms is bursting with character and is perfect for guests on the hunt for a traditional, British pub! Known as the last coaching inn before travellers reached Cornwall, the pub offers plenty of history and exciting tales, and what’s just as exciting is the food and drink on offer to guests this December! The pub doesn’t offer a separate festive menu, but they have spruced up their A La Carte menu with festive delights and drinks, so we suggest you get down there and give it a go!
