We are blessed with a wide variety of restaurants within easy reach of the cottages. We even have several celebrity chefs nearby, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls River Cottage near Axminster and the Michelin starred chef, Michael Caines, has the spectacular Lympstone Manor near Exmouth. The Pig Hotel group took over the Combe House Hotel and spent millions on it, and it is a great option for lunch, tea and dinner or just a pizza in the Orangerie. We even have a floating restaurant, just off Exmouth, The River Exe Cafe is only accessible by Water Taxi and serves the most amazing Exmouth Mussels grown just yards from the cafe.
The Holt in Honiton is a must visit, they home-smoke a wide variety of foods and with a constantly changing menu remains a firm favourite with guests along with the eccentric Rusty Pig in Ottery St Mary. Whatever you are looking for dining-wise, you will be spoilt for choice.
The Holt, Honiton. 5 Miles
Our favourite bar serves an interesting menu and a good selection of wines as well as Otter beer and their wonderful award wining local Tarka Lager. Good value and as is becoming more common, you can see into the kitchen to see the food being prepared. Have their “Smoking Jacket Foods” a really good selection of smoked produce, the smoked prawns an absolute must as a starter if on the menu. Very highly rated by our guests. Dog friendly in the bar. Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings and Friday and Saturday Lunchtimes.
The Holt, 178 High Street Honiton, EX14 1LA
Telephone 01404 47707 www.theholt-honiton.com
The Mason Arms, Branscombe, 5 miles.
The Masons arms is a 14th Century thatched inn at the heat of Branscombe Village. Described as one of Britains most picturesque villages. The pub has just been completely refurbished and is popular with both locals and guests alike, so booking recommended. Pub open 11 – 11 every day with food from 12noon – 9pm everyday.
The Mason Arms, Branscombe, EX12 3DJ
Tel: 01297 680300
www.masonsarms.co.uk
Jefferys Kashmiri Cuisine, Ottery St Mary, 5 miles.
This is a brilliant addition to the local dining options. Really good quality Indian food. An instant hit with guests at Higher Wiscombe. It gets busy so booking on Facebook as early as possible is advised. Closed Monday. Tuesday to Thursday 5 – 10pm. Friday and Saturday 4:30 – 10pm and Sunday 4:30 – 9:30pm.
Jefferys Kashmiri Cuisine, 22 Mill Street, Ottery St Mary. EX11 1AD
Tel: 01404 812694
Facebook Jefferys
Glebe House, Southleigh, 2 miles.
This new restaurant is in the same beautiful valley as Higher Wiscombe. Recently opened as a restaurant with rooms, it has been a hit since day one. Has recently been rated as on of the top 20 restaurants in the UK. The food is really local, innovative, brilliantly prepared and not over-priced. Open Thursday to Sunday, the setting is delightful, and it’s only about two miles from Higher Wiscombe. Booking absolutely essential. Open Thursday -Saturday for dinner at £55pp. Sunday Lunch at £40 pp.
Glebe House, Southleigh, Colton, EX24 6SD
Tel: 01404 871276
To view menus and book a table check here. Glebe House Devon
River Exe Cafe, Exmouth 18 Miles (plus water taxi)
This is a unique dining experience on a floating custom built barge on the River Exe. It has featured on TV and is hugely popular. Some of the seafood offered comes from mere yards away, and one of their most popular dishes is Exmouth Mussels. You do need to book and plan the visit as it gets very busy. You need to catch a Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina to get to the Cafe. The postcode for the Marina is EX8 1XA, which is just outside the Point Bar. When booking the Cafe they will tell you what time Taxi to get. £7 return per person, cash only. Open Tuesday to Sunday Noon till late April 1st to September 30th.
River Exe Cafe, Exmouth. EX8 1XA EARLY BOOKING STRONGLY ADVISED
Telephone 07761 116103. www.riverexecafe.com
The Rusty Pig, Ottery St Mary. 5 Miles
This is a very special place to eat. Robin, the owner and chef, prepares really interesting food, and whether you pop in for one of their famous breakfasts, quite probably the best in Devon, or a set evening tasting menu at £48 pp, you won’t be disappointed. He does all his own charcuterie and you can buy his sausages, bacon, chorizo etc. Booking though is a must as it’s full of locals on the shared tables. Check opening times. Currently closed until September as they cater for the festival circuit in the summer, otherwise open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for dinner, Thursdays for breakfast. Thursday and Friday for lunch.
The Rusty Pig, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1HD
Telephone 01404 815580 www.rustypig.co.uk
The Pea Green Boat, Sidmouth, 5 miles
Reopened after a major refurbishment this spring, The Pea Green Boat is on Sidmouth Promenade overlooking the sea. Has a good reputation for food and a good selection of drinks. Booking essential. You can see menus and book a table on their website. Opening times are 7 Days a week. Lunch 12-2, Dinner 5-8:30. Booking highly recommended.
The Pea Green Boat, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, EX10 8BB
Tel: 01395 514512
www.thepeagreenboat.com
Lympstone Manor, Lympstone, 17 Miles
Recently opened by celebrity chef Michael Caines, this this two starred Michelin chef, now has his own restaurant and hotel in East Devon. Open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Food will be exceptional, lunch in the pool house a good option.
Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ
Telephone 01395 202040 www.lympstonemanor.co.uk
Smugglers Kitchen, Beer. 5 Miles
Smugglers kitchen is a popular bistro restaurant serving fresh local produce, which includes fresh fish and seafood from the beach. Friendly atmosphere and an excellent selection of wine and beers. The Smugglers Kitchen has been almost solidly booked since opening so booking is strongly advised, even out of season and essential in season. Open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 – 9pm.
Smugglers Kitchen, Fore Street, Beer, Devon, EX12 3JH
Telephone 01297 22104 http://www.thesmugglerskitchen.co.uk
The Pig at Combe, Gittisham. 5 Miles
This is a brilliant hotel/restaurant and part of the renowned Pig Hotels Group. A hugely varied menu featuring local produce and great seafood. They also have an Orangerie where they make stunning Flat Bread Pizzas for lighter meals. Good wine, spirits and bottled/draught beer selection. Set in 3,500 acres it has wonderful views whilst enjoying a drink outside. Consistently rated highly by our guests. Always busy, even in the week so booking strongly advised.
The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton,EX14 3AD
Telephone 01404 540400 www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/
Dukes Seaside Inn. Sidmouth. 5 Miles
On the Sidmouth Esplanade Dukes provides covered outside dining and inside dining. Good local menu with specials. Good selection of wine and beer and Great service. Highly recommended. Open Tuesday to Friday 12 noon to 8:30pm casual dining, and Saturday open east 9AM to 8:30pm. A firm favourite with our regular guests. Booking recommended.
Dukes Seaside Inn, The Esplanade, Sidmouth, EX10 8AR
Telephone 01395 513503 http://www.dukessidmouth.co.uk
Blinis Cafe Bar. Sidmouth. 5 Miles
Popular cafe bar near the Sidmouth seafront and Esplanade. Open for brunch, coffees and lunches. Good menus and a well stocked bar. Open Monday to Saturday 9 – 5.
Blini’s Cafe and Bar,, York Street, Sidmouth, EX10 2AL
Telephone 01395 572920 http://www.blinis-cafe-bar.co.uk
Flipside Burgers, Seaton, 5 miles
This is a great addition to the local food scene, a proper burger restaurant and take-away. Really proving popular with guest at Higher Wiscombe. If you are a craft beer fan then this is the place for you, also available as take-outs. To see the menu and ordering details. Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 – 10pm.
Flipside Burgers, 40 Harbour Road, Seaton, EX12 2NA
Tel: 01297 20314 Flipside Burgers and Beer
The Hideaway Cafe, Seaton. 5 Miles
Open daily 10am to 4pm casual dining, teas and coffees overlooking Lyme Bay, a firm favourite with our regular guests.
The Hideaway Cafe, The Esplanade, Seaton, EX12 3TY
Telephone 01297 24292 https://www.thehideawayseaton.com
The Railway Inn, Honiton, 5 miles
The Railway offers a good men and is really good value. They occasionally do Tapas nights too, which get good reviews. Closed Mondays. Tuesday to Friday 5 – 9pm, Saturday 12 – 3pm and 5 – 9pm. Sunday Lunch 12 – 3pm. Recommend booking ahead.
The Railway Inn, Queen Street, Honiton, EX14 1HE
Tel: 01404 371007 The Railway Honiton
Honiton Wine Bar, Honiton 5 miles
Really popular restaurant on the High Street in Honiton, Would have been called a Brasserie years ago. Great food and drink and a lively atmosphere. It’s quite small, so booking definitely recommended. Open Tuesday to Saturday 1030 – 3PM and 6:00 – 11PM. Steak night on Wednesday from 6pm.
Honiton Wine Bar, 79 High Street, Honiton, EX14 1EQ
TelL 01404 47889 Honiton Wine Bar
Rockfish, Exmouth. 17 Miles
Fabulously located fish restaurant right on the harbour at Exmouth, Great views and good value food. Lots of local specials and a good selection of wines and beers. Highly recommended. Would book early if possible as it can get really busy. Run by Mitch Tonks, a great local foodie and chef. Monday to Sunday, 12 noon – 4pm and 5pm – 9pm.
Rockfish, Pier Head, Exmouth, EX8 1DU
Telephone 01395 272100 http://www.therockfish.co.uk
Mickey’s Bar, Exmouth. 17 Miles
Great location overlooking Exmouth’s lovely long sandy beach. This is a new restaurant, created by Michael Caines, the Michelin starred Chef, to provide lighter eats. Excellent menu and service, booking recommended. Open 11am – 11pm everyday.
Mickey’s Bar, Sideshore Queens Drive, Exmouth EX8 2GD
Telephone 01395 206888 http://www.mickeysbeach.co.uk
The Ivy, (off Cathedral Green), Exeter, 22 miles
Newly opened in late spring 2021, The Ivy is a really good addition to the dining options in Exeter. Located just opposite Exeter Cathedral, there is plenty of parking in central Exeter. The menu is wide and varied and the food is beautifully cooked and presented. Early booking is necessary. Open Monday to Thursday 830 – Midnight. Friday 0830 – 0100 AM. Saturday 0900 – 0100. Sunday and Bank Holidays 0900 -11pm.
The Ivy, 65-67 High Street (off Cathedral Green), Exeter. EX4 3DT
Tel: Not given
To see menu and book… The Ivy Exeter
Kitchen and Store at River Cottage, Nr Axminster 11.5 Miles
Breakfast, Lunch and Cakes from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls newest River Cottage experience. Open 9 – 5pm seven days a week. Breakfast 0900-1130 and lunch 1200 – 3pm. Please ring to confirm availability.
Kitchen and Store at River Cottage, Park Farm, Trinity Hill Road, EX13 8TB
Tel: 01297 630300 www.rivercottage.net
The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Bridport. 21 Miles
National Winner of the Pub of the Year at the Visit England awards 2017, this pub is right on the beach, below Golden Cap, one of the best places to walk and take in the coastal views Excellent menu and service, booking recommended. Open Monday to Sunday food 12 noon to 8pm.
The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Bridport, DT6 6JU
Telephone 01297 489215 www.the anchorinnseatown.co.uk
The Five bells Inn, Clyst Hydon. 15 Miles
Lovely restored Thatched Pub. Fine dining provided by former Gidleigh Park chef with a great varied menu. Good local provenance and a good selection of local beers to go with a decent wine list. Dog friendly and nice garden to sit in.
The Five bells Inn, Clyst Hydon, EX15 2NT
Telephone 01884 277288 www.fivebells.uk.com
The Salty Monk. Sidford. 5 Miles
The Salty Monk is also a National winner in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2008/9 to add to many other accolades and features some really local produce including seafood from Brixham in a wide ranging menu. Good beer and wine selection.
The Salty Monk, Sidford, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 9QP
Telephone: 01395 513174 www.saltymonk.co.uk
The Fountain Head, Branscombe. 4 Miles
The Fountain Head is a very old, very small pub that serves locally brewed Branscombe ales and serves good local food. Completely unspoiled local pub. The pub has lots of atmosphere, particularly in the evening and it is commonplace to find yourself joining conversations with others. Children are only allowed in the back room. Parking can be a bit tricky and booking is advised if you wish to eat. Dog friendly.
The Fountain Head, Branscombe, Devon EX12 3BG
Telephone 01297 680359 No website
Alexandra Restaurant, Lyme Regis. 15 Miles
Situated overlooking the beautiful Lyme Bay and Lyme Regis harbour this restaurant with an AA Rosette serves a varied menu with a good selection of local produce. Good selection of beers and wines.The Alexandra Hotel, Pound Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3HZ
Telephone: 01297 442010 www.hotelalexandra.co.uk
Swim Restaurant, Lyme Regis 15 miles
Swim is a real favourite with guests at Higher Wiscombe. Overlooking the sandy beach at Lyme Regis the restaurant has a good, varied menu, local specials and a good wine and beer list. Always popular all year round so booking essential. Open 9:00 am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 9:00 am to 4pm on Sundays.
Swim Restaurant, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis. DT7 3JH
Tel: 01297 442668 Swim Lyme Regis
The Hare and Hounds, Putts Corner. 2 Miles
The Hare and Hounds is a large carvery pub with a relatively small bar area. There is always a good selection of meats and the carvery at under £10 a head is good value. It is a free house so there are always several local ales drawn directly from the barrel. Recently refurbished and extended. Extensively used by locals so booking advised.
The Hare and Hounds, Putts Corner, Sidbury, Devon, EX10 0QQ
Telephone 01404 41760 www.hareandhounds-devon.co.uk
The Old Inn, Kilmington. 10 Miles
Lovely traditional pub on the main road between Honiton and Axminster. Serves a wide ranging menu, featuring lots of local produce. Also has a wide choice of local beers and soft drinks. Specials board always has something tempting. Very good all round value. Dog friendly in bar and outside, but not in the restaurant itself.
The Old Inn Kilmington, EX13 7RB
Telephone 01297 32096 www.oldinnkilmington.co.uk
The Jack in the Green, Rockbeare. 8 Miles
The Jack in the Green is an award-winning pub. It has a varied menu and wine list. Split into two halves, we would recommend sitting in the old half rather than the new extension, which does not have the same atmosphere.
The Jack in the Green, Rockbeare, Devon EX5 2EE
01404 822240 www.jackinthegreen.uk.com
The Golden House Chinese Restaurant. Axminster 10 miles
The Golden House is a friendly Chinese restaurant that serves all the common dishes plus some of their own. It has parking opposite and booking at weekends recommended.
The Golden House Chinese Restaurant, 1, Lyme St, Axminster EX13 5AU
Tel: 01297 34375
The Cinnamon Tree, Sidmouth. 5 miles
Unlike most local Indian restaurants has a more upmarket presentation and modern decor. Next to cinema.The Cinnamon Tree
Radway Place Vicarage Road Sidmouth, EX 10 8TL
Telephone 01395 514190 www.cinnamontree-sidmouth.co.uk
