Join us as we hunt down Exmoor’s best foodie haunts.
The Bridge Inn in Dulverton is a lively locals’ pub worth a visit for its very good home cooking, real ales and unusual and imported beers. Dine at The Culbone near Porlock, the highest inn on Exmoor, for stunning views and British dishes with a modern twist. The Quarryman’s Rest and its sister restaurant The Swan in Bampton are great for quality pub dining, or go to The Hunters Inn in Parracombe for hearty dishes such as belly pork with apple mash. Stop at The Cafe at Porlock Weir (previously called Andrews on the Weir) for homemade cakes and meals prepared by chef Andrew Dixon. Tuck into some fresh local lobster at The Rising Sun right by the sea at picturesque Lynmouth. Enjoy a cosy pub lunch with local ales at The Royal Oak in Winsford, which dates back to the 12th century. Or pick up new skills at Streamcombe Farm Cookery School near Dulverton, with courses covering everything from breadmaking to wine tasting – you can eat and stay there too.
Head to Gerald David and Sons in Dulverton for superb quality local meat prepared by its master butchers. We also like Farthings Farm Shop in the town which is a charming place to pick up lots of quality Exmoor produce. Just up the road is The Tantivy which is a family-run shop and cafe, or visit the lovely Lewis’s Tea Room for an excellent range of homemade cakes and light lunches. Stock up on supplies at Miles Tea and Coffee in Porlock – the coffee is freshly ground on site. Then indulge your sweet tooth with a trip to The Chocolate House in Dunster where you can buy handmade Nutcombe Chocolates.
Enjoy a country retreat at Binham Grange at Old Cleeve near Minehead. It grows and makes a lot of its food on site – including cream and cheese from its own dairy herd and jams made with homegrown fruit. Relax at the cosy 16th century Tarr Farm Riverside Inn and Restaurant above beautiful Tarr Steps and enjoy a great local menu including Exmoor beef. Wine lovers should make for The Old Rectory in Martinhoe, which won a Condé Nast Johansens Wine List of the Year award in 2011.
