Dining with a difference this summer: our South West top picks
Posted by Bridget March on Updated on
Takeaways, tipples and al fresco soirees
As visitors return to the South West, a top priority for local food and drink businesses is to keep everyone safe following lockdown. While they’ve been careful to stick to government guidelines, they’ve also tapped into their innovative side and made some exciting changes to their offering.
The South West’s open spaces and fresh produce lend themselves well to socially distanced dining. From beachside takeaways by the sea to restaurant-quality food delivered to your door, there are so many ways to dine with a difference this summer. For a touch of inspiration, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite options in the South West.
Farm shops and fresh ingredients
From Padstow Farm Shop in Cornwall, to the Jurassic Farm Shop in Dorset, Ben’s in Devon and Rumwell in Somerset, the South West is dotted with wholesome local shops. Bursting with homemade goodies and healthy treats, stock up for a picnic or lunch in the garden.
Offering next day delivery across the South West, Veggies and More are an online service bringing local produce to your doorstep. Perfect for the weekly food shop or gifts to take home, choose between a fresh fruit, hearty vegetable or sweet treat hamper.
Based near Looe in Cornwall, Nippers is a wholesale shellfish merchant delivering mystery boxes of local seafood. Ranging from handpicked crab meat, lobster, scallops and mackerel, these boxes are designed for putting your culinary skills to the test.
Top takeaways
Whether you’re ordering fish and chips from Catch to enjoy on Mawgan Porth Beach or grabbing a scone and coffee-to-go from Withypool tea rooms in Exmoor, sampling local favourites while out and about is a must.
After opening in March, Appleton’s Restaurant had to adapt quickly to a challenging first few months. Now offering fresh pasta from the deli, a mouth-watering takeaway menu and a recently reopened restaurant, visitors and locals have flocked to show their support.
Pre-prepared boxes
© Côte at Home
Sometimes, a busy day calls for an effortless meal in the comfort of your holiday home. Many companies, both local and UK-based, are on hand to send your favourite cuisine to your door.
Fi Sells Sushi
Sushi aficionados rejoice, as the highly esteemed Fiona Were is travelling around Cornwall hand-delivering seaweed wrapped goodness. Keep an eye on Chef Fiona’s website and Instagram to secure a slot for the next sushi delivery date, recently announced to be 7th August.
Côte at Home have packed their signature flavours into delivery boxes for you to enjoy in your holiday home. Order ahead and choose from a range of chilled French bistro meals, or select prime cuts from the butchery, the finest blue from the fromagerie and your favourite French wines from their extensive cellar. When it arrives, simply pop in the oven.
All of our guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of Crémant de Bourgogne with orders over £40 at Côte at Home. Please speak with our concierge team after booking for more details.
Fee’s Food at Home offers everything from barbeque boxes to three course dinner menus and weekly curry nights. Available in varying portion sizes and adaptable for specialist diets, simply order online, select local delivery or collection, then reheat your restaurant-quality dishes at home.
Dining out with a difference
As small doses of normality continue to crop up in daily life, many of us are yearning for the simple pleasures of a restaurant experience. Venues across the South West have adapted to ensure guests can enjoy a delicious meal while remaining socially distanced.
From the moor to farm and coastline, The Angel forages high and low to keep Devon produce at its heart. Since reopening on 4th July, this waterfront gem has reduced its tables, yet kept the food and experience exceptional. Due to limited availability, booking in advance is a must.
The Pig, Dorset and Harlyn Bay
With the Dorset Pig on the Beach now open and the Harlyn Bay branch set to follow suit on 31st July, these country house restaurants are devoted to excellent service and fresh ingredients. Walk around the grounds before tucking into a dinner sourced from their own kitchen gardens. For peace of mind, view the latest information on their Covid-19 adaptations.
Following the success of The Taphouse in St Agnes,The Tap Room in Rock is set to open safely at the end of July. This sea-view bar and restaurant is perfect for a post-sail or post-swim bite to eat.
If you’ve reserved a table but can no longer make your booking, please stay mindful of the challenging climate for local restaurants and always let them know in advance.
Make it personal with a private chef
Although the practical dynamics of private dining have shifted in post-lockdown times, many chefs have embraced the opportunity to try something new whilst keeping everyone safe.
The inevitable surge in al fresco dining has led Chef Natasha to fully embrace the great outdoors. Experienced in the art of wood fire and barbeque cooking, let Natasha whip up a bespoke menu in the comfort of your back garden.
Responsibly safe yet refreshingly niche, private chef duo Sam and Meg have introduced Landy Lunches. Perfect for remote picnics or garden banquets, none of the great flavours have been compromised in this shift of business model, with a sample menu boasting smoked salmon, quail and custard tarts.
Take your dinner party to the next level with a beautifully bespoke picnic package. Featuring delicate table settings, tempting grazing boards and the location of your choice, these signature set-ups promise a one-of-a-kind experience.
Tempting tipples
Whether your drink of choice is a fruity cider or a glass of fizz, there are plenty of options in the South West to satisfy any craving. If you’re in need of a cocktail but would rather not head to a bar just yet, Dirty Martini deliver their bottled cocktail creations nationwide. Alternatively, Salcombe Gin have worked hard to create a safe environment for gin masterclasses.
Renowned for its crisp whites and rich reds, BinTwo in Padstow is a must for wine-lovers. If you’d like to visit in person, the winery is ready and prepared for some stellar (and safe) wine tasting. Alternatively, discover bespoke selections available for delivery on their website.
Making use of Somerset’s forgotten orchards, Tricky Cider take classic apples to produce a rich and complex flavour profile. To combat difficult times, Tricky has launched a home delivery service, bringing the sweet, floral, tangy and dry ciders to your doorstep.
© Main image courtesy of Côte at Home.
