Places to Eat and Drink
Devon and Cornwall are, of course, renowned for their cream teas and a visit to the area woudn't be complete without one. But we can't live off cream teas and so below are a few of our favourite places where you can find a more substantial menu.
Dating back to the 1600s, The Olde Plough Inn was once three cottages and has had a varied history, becoming a pub in 1857. Adrian and Jools Keightley are the hosts, who offer all their guests a warm welcome. The interior is charming, with exposed stonework walls, beamed ceilings, and open fireplace and a cosy, intimate ambience.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this relaxed pub serves traditional favourites such as beer-battered cod and steak and ale pie along with chicken curry and spring rolls. All are home-cooked and home-prepared to order.
And to drink? A good range of beers, including two real ales and a changing guest ale, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits, soft drinks, teas and coffees. The charming beer garden is filled with urns and tubs of flowers, and offers a lovely riverside view.
Open 12noon-3pm (Not Monday in the winter) and 7pm-11.30pm Monday to Satuarday. Lunch and Evening Meals served daily from 12-2 and 7-9pm. For more information call The Plough on 01822 840358.
The chef Shay Cooper sources the very best local and regional produce, cooked simply the diverse menu features numerous dishes which are prepared according to traditional English recipes. Experience a three course lunch or dinner overlooking the immaculate views of the garden and open countryside to Dartmoor beyond. Meals are served in the original dining room decorated with the crests of the Bedfords' family and friends.
Non-residents are extremely welcome for lunch, afternoon teas and dinner, please contact the Hotel for details by calling 01822 870000 or visiting the website.
The Chipshop Inn
The Who'd Have Thought It Inn
Traditional 16th century inn located in pictureque village adjacent to Buckland Abbey. Comprehensive home cooked menu always available together with fine wines and real ales. Separate non-smoking lounge/dining rooms and outdoor stream side seating. Children most welcome. For more information call 01822 853313.
15th century public house overlooking the River Tamar, former nunnery becoming the Packhorse Inn when monasteries dissolved. King Charles 1st stayed here and left his seal in doorstep, from that day forth it became the Royal Inn. A traditional country pub serving real ales and home-cooked food, open fires, slate floors, outdoor seating areas. No jukebox or machines.
A few others that are worth a mention...
The Cantonese Kitchen in Tavistock is a very reasonably priced Chinese takeaway. Be warned! The portions in here are huge so make sure you've got a hearty appetite or someone to share with. If you want to sit down and eat in try the Birds Nest in Tavistock or Jasmines in Yelverton is probably the best chinease restaurant around and not too pricey.
There is a fish and chip shop in Bere Alston but it's worth checking opening times before you go and remember that all their food is cooked to order so you may be in for a wait.
The Boot Inn in Calstock has a fantastic reputation for food which is well deserved but it's not 'pub grub' so expect to pay restauant prices.
For Indian and Bengali Cuisine try the Tandoori Indian Restaurant on Fore Street in Saltash or The Ganges in Tavistock.
If you want to push the boat out a little The Horn of Plenty has a reputation for fine food and wine and is one of the most spectacular hotels in the area so you can drink as mush as you want and not have to drive!