Devon boasts some of the UK’s best beaches where visitors flock for water sports, coastal walks, family days out, dog walking, and so much more. And with a hundreds of stunning bars, cafes and eateries scattered along the waterfronts of the county, it’s also a top spot for laidback seaside socialising. After all, when the sun is as scorching as it has been during this July heatwave, many would agree that you simply can’t beat a seaside pint or beach cocktail with friends and family. So, after chatting with our community online and visiting some spots ourselves, we’ve narrowed down ten of the best seaside bars and eateries in Devon!
The Breakwater Bistro & Bar, Brixham
This family run bistro and bar is nestled behind Brixham’s breakwater, offering magnificent panoramic sea views with a buzzing atmosphere, whatever the weather. The team at The Breakwater offer locally sourced food and drink from breakfast through to dinner, with the evening bistro offering a completely different atmosphere with intimate and relaxed dining as the waves roll into the beach ahead.
The food menu changes seasonally to ensure you have a good choice of the best and freshest produce that South Devon has to offer, including local seafood, burgers, salads, and appetisers! Due to Covid-19 the bar is unfortunately only offering takeaway food, but not to worry, as they’ve kept their takeaway menu just as updated and fresh as always!
https://www.brixham-restaurant.co.uk/
Anstey’s Cove Beach Cafe and Bar, Torquay
Hidden away in a very secluded Anstey’s Cove, this stunning beach Cafe and bar offers incredible views of Babbcombe Bay and the South Devon coast. On a sunny day, this charming cove is a popular spot for sailing boats to drop their anchors, as well as a haven for paddleboarders and swimmers who can enjoy the small beach and tranquil waters.
The Cafe itself offers a wide range of food, from breakfast, to paninis, sandwiches, cakes, and ice creams. And those just looking for a refreshing drink can enjoy a menu of beer, cider, wine and soft drinks. Grab a table in the sun, enjoy your food and drink, and keep an eye out for any local seals!
https://www.facebook.com/AnsteysCafe
The Beachhouse, Kingsbridge
This sun-blushed seafood restaurant and bar sits on the glorious beach of South Milton Sands near Kingsbridge, and with its incredible menu and dreamy views, it’s no surprise that so many flock from around Devon to try it for themselves. Sit with the sand between your toes, watch the sun set behind the ocean, and see the kite surfers jump high into the sky whilst you enjoy a wide range of locally sourced drinks and stunning sea food.
With a choice of food on offer that changes regularly, choose from appetisers, mussels, seafood platters, whole crabs, lobsters, the catch of the day, desserts and much more. Enjoy local beer, cider and fine wines with your food, or if you’re passing on a cold day, treat yourself to a warming tea or coffee.
The Venus Cafe, Dartmouth
After serving fresh food with magnificent views for over 60 years, the team at the Venus Cafe on Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth know exactly what they’re doing. With stunning views of the glistening sea and Devonshire coastline, sit with your feet in the sand as you enjoy the Cafe’s popular food menu made up of grass-fed Devon beef burgers, local seafood, light meals, breakfasts, appetisers and much more. Choose from local beers and ciders, wines, and soft drinks as you bask in the sun, and make sure to make the most of their equipment to hire! Grab a paddleboard, kayak, or surfboard and head for the water whilst your friends and family watch on from their beachside table.
https://www.lovingthebeach.co.uk/
Seabreeze Cafe, Torcross
This cosy Cafe sits right on the waterfront, on the southern tip of Slapton Sands at Torcross. Welcoming dogs all year round, the Seabreeze Cafe is the perfect spot to stop as you explore the stunning Devonshire coastline and is positioned far enough up the beach to be away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds heading to grab a spot on the sand.
The Cafe is known in the area for its beautiful, fresh home-made food. Try their famous scones, fluffy pancakes, soups, and cakes. Cool yourself down with their thick ice-cream and milkshakes, or warm yourself up in the colder months with a tea or coffee.
http://www.seabreezebreaks.com/cafe
Three Degrees West, Torquay
This gorgeous venue sits on Oddicombe Beach in Torquay where you can watch the waves roll in, just metres from your feet as you sit in a Mediterranean styled eatery enjoying fresh food and drinks. Surrounded by red cliffs, look over the glistening waters of Babbacombe Bay whilst you enjoy a wide range of appetisers, tapas, burgers, local seafood, pasta dishes, salads, sandwhiches, and much more! Choose form draft and bottled beer, spirits, wines, soft drinks and hot drinks as you bask in the sun in this glorious spot.
https://www.oddicombebeach.co.uk/index.html
Wesup Torquay Marina, Torquay
This harbourside coffee house and stand-up paddle board centre is the perfect place to hangout for a drink and bite to eat whilst you explore South Devon’s coastline. With a busy calendar of events, activities, water sport lessons and equipment hire, Wesup is always buzzing with the things to do.
From the menu, enjoy their popular brunches which include a choice of French pastries, try their stone baked pizzas made from sourdough and Napoli-style sweet tomatoes, or try their famous ‘waffle pops’. Boasting a wide range of wines and spirits, local beer and cider, bubbles and cocktails, you’re sure to find your tipple behind the bar at Wesup.
The Ferry Boat Inn, Shaldon
Another spot for anyone looking to enjoy a pint with the sand between their toes. Known locally as the FBI, this seaside pub has a stunning beer garden just steps from the water’s edge where you can watch the boats sail by with a local drink in your hand, and fresh food on your plate. As well as busy calendar of live music, the pub is known for their food menu and drinks selection behind the bar.
From the menu, choose from sharers to nibble on together, Ferry Boat Burgers, hot dogs and steaks. And from the bar, enjoy everything you’d expect from a well-stocked pub, including local beers and ciders, wines, spirits, bubbly, and soft drinks. Sit indoors in the historic pub or cross the road to the beer garden to get your tan on!
https://www.theferryboatinn.co.uk/
The Floating Bridge Inn, Dartmouth
Set alongside the beautiful River Dart in Dartmouth, this quaint old-fashioned pub offers a warm atmosphere where you can sit in the sun and enjoy some delicious local food and drink whilst watching the boats and paddleboarders glide by. Relax with a glass of wine or Pimm’s, enjoy local beers and cider, and taste their award-winning food!
With fresh seafood caught from Brixham and Plymouth, The Floating Bridge has gained a reputation for their stunning fish and chips, making the batter from locally sourced cask ale every morning. The team also offer pub classics, grills, burgers, daily specials, and other fresh seafood for you to enjoy. From the bar, choose from locally sourced beer and cider, wines, cocktails, bubbly and soft drinks.
http://www.thefloatingbridge.co.uk/
The Start Bay Inn, Torcross
Based in Torcross, the Start Bay Inn provides famous fish and chips and seafood specialities.
As a family run business, they use fresh local produce, real and local ales, local ciders, and friendly customer service to provide the perfect dining experience beside the sea.
Choose from a range of seafood starters, including calamari, fishcakes, shell on prawns and more. If you don’t fancy their famous fish and chips, then why not try something from the daily specials board which features seafood all caught locally that day. And if fish isn’t your thing, the kitchen offer beef burgers, steaks, pies, salads, sandwiches and plenty more!
https://www.startbayinn.co.uk/
