Expert restaurant platform, OpenTable has curated a list of the top 100 outdoor eateries across the UK, including three hotspots in Devon. Introducing this list, the food site stated: "As the weather warms up, it’s time to dine outdoors."
It continued: "To help find the perfect alfresco spot, OpenTable has scanned diner metrics and over 2.2 million reviews to narrow down the restaurants where Brits love dining outdoors. The result is our annual Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, offering delicious food at alfresco hotspots nationwide. Want to dine out with your furry friend too? The list also highlights outdoor spots that are dog-friendly."
Devon restaurants: the Greendale Farm Shop Cafe and Restaurant - Exeter, the Greyhound Country Inn - Honiton and Shoals - Brixham have been named among the best. However, there are numerous outdoor restaurants across the region but what makes these three special?
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Greendale Farm Shop Cafe and Restaurant - Exeter
The highly acclaimed Greendale Farm Shop is located in the picturesque East Devon countryside and boasts a family-friendly cafe & restaurant on-site. It specialises in menus influenced by the plentiful range of goods sold at its shop and fresh, locally sourced produce from both its farm and fishing boats.
Whether you want breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just a simple tea, coffee, an array of cakes or the quintessential Devon cream teas, this eatery seems to have something for everyone. Customers who've enjoyed a meal here have rated Greendale Farm Shop Cafe and Restaurant a commendable 4.2 out of 5 stars.
One customer raved: "My family and I had an amazing breakfast followed by a spectacular shopping experience that I don't think I've ever had anywhere else. We all loved it!"
Another wrote: "This was the first time that we had eaten at Greendale Farm Shop Cafe despite having had lots of recommendations. The food was delicious and everyone was very friendly. Shame it took us so long to visit! ".
A third mentioned: "Pre-booked a table for breakfast, arrived early but that was no problem. Shown to our table, quick order and food arrived quickly nice and hot."
Greyhound Country Inn - Honiton
Boasting an impressive 4.7 stars out of 1232 reviews is the Greyhound Country Inn. Located in the heart of Honiton is this traditional warm pub with an oak-beamed bar and a restaurant that "oozes character." Owners Wayne and Tina took over the Inn in 2014 whilst their Head Chef Damien Spinks joined in 2016 after spending 11 years training and running the kitchen at the Globe Inn at Topsham.
The reputation of The Greyhound is so good that people travel miles to enjoy the experience. Dogs are more than welcome in the bar area, the restaurant's own dog, Patsy keeps a "secret stash of gravy bones behind the bar for their four-legged visiting friends."
One happy visitor at The Greyhound beamed: "Booked a table to stop for lunch on our way to West Cornwall. We had family on holiday in Devon so they met us there. One diner was gluten free and was amazed how many choices there was.
"We all had a different main course and each one was well cooked and presented. We also had desserts which were once again delicious. The atmosphere was very relaxing and we were made very welcome. Planning to call in again on our journey home in a couple of weeks."
Another agreed and said: "Yet again a most enjoyable lunch with friends. This time we ate in the restaurant but when we a dog with us are more than happy to eat in the spacious bar area. Tina and Wayne are excellent hosts."
Shoals – Brixham
Shoals Seafood Restaurant is third on the list and has an excellent 4.8 stars. Once a storage room for the open-air seawater pool, the Brixham eatery was transformed in 2014 by Sean and Sarah Perkes.
The small family-run restaurant and outside terrace provide beautiful coastal views across the bay and beyond. Food ranges from delicious breakfast meals such as the Local Day-Boat Scallops Direct from Brixham Fish Market and the Scottish Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg, all under £10.
Heavenly mains include a Grilled Loin of Hake in Garlic Butter, Moules Mariniere in White Wine, Cream & Garlic or Cider Bacon Sauce and Westcountry Chicken Breast with Chips and Roasted Vegetables or Salad. The restaurant also offers starters, a children's menu, deserts, sandwiches and vegetarian options.
A happy visitor reviewing the restaurant said: "Food was excellent and the location is brilliant, watching the sun go down after a beautiful sunny day as we have a glass of wine and some excellent fish. What more do you need?"
Another added: "This is a gem of a place in a stunning location. Went as a family of 6 plus 2 spaniel dogs. The food was fantastic and the staff were lovely. The inside is small but has a great atmosphere and we wouldn’t hesitate to return."
The best-voted outdoor restaurants in the South West:
- Greendale Farm Shop Cafe and Restaurant – Exeter
- Greyhound Country Inn – Honiton
- Shoals – Brixham
- The Old Thatched Cottage – Weston-Super-Mare
- The Cross House Inn – Bristol
- Pandora Inn – Falmouth
- Porthminster Beach Café – St Ives
- The Bank At Bude – Bude
- The Dumb Post Inn – Calne
- William’s – Stroud
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