Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Eating Out in the West Country


The West Country is full of amazing scenery and has a reputation as a foodie destination: many of its restaurants have a great local sourcing ethos and imaginative menus. Why not combine fabulous views with tasty fresh food? A great way to refuel and make the most of your break.

Here is a selection of waterside eateries, to help you fill up on sea views as well as seafood, sandwiches or a good old pasty and a cream tea.

The Venus Café, Blackpool Sands in Devon, is right on the beach and is top of the list when it comes to locally sourced produce. This is one of several Venus Cafes across Devon and Cornwall and it’s popularity keeps it in demand all year round, serving as a café by day and restaurant by night.

Hix Oyster and Fish House in Dorset overlooks the Cobb in Lyme Regis, with stunning views over the Jurassic Coast. The informal atmosphere and simply cooked seafood makes it an easy place to fit in to your itinerary at least once during your visit.

Kota (pictured above), which means shellfish in Maori, is a very popular restaurant in Porthleven, near Helston, Cornwall. It is run by Jude Kereama, who is well known for his subtle Asian twists on local organic produce. This won him awards in his native New Zealand and London before heading west.

The Café, Porlock Weir, Somerset, is in the heart of Exmoor National Park overlooking the 13thcentury harbour. It’s easy to see the local sourcing in action here and the menu ranges from light snacks to full-appetite-busting seafood platters.

To find your perfect spot for restaurant hopping, go to the Helpful Holidays website or call 01647 433593.