Amazing foodie hotels in North Devon

3rd September 2021

If you love incredible food and drink, North Devon is the place to be! Quickly gaining a reputation for being a real haven for foodies, North Devon has everything from locally distilled gins to Exmoor Ruby Red beef to Clovelly lobster and much, much more! If you love a comfortable stay with plenty of delicious culinary treats on offer, take a look at these amazing foodie hotels located in North Devon!

One of the most popular places to stay in the region is Barnstaple, as North Devon’s largest town and with easy transport links to the rest of the area, it is an ideal destination. Barnstaple has regular markets in the historic Pannier Market area and the high street is full of lovely eateries. There are also some lovely hotels to choose from with incredible fine dining options.

One option is the Barnstaple Hotel, which is part of the Brend Hotel group. The hotel is located just 15 minutes from Barnstaple town centre and is a short drive from the coastline that make this area so famous. The hotel is home to the Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie, which is a contemporary and light restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their imaginative menu bursting with fresh, local produce. Diners can choose from the table d’hote menu, which changes daily so you can be sure of the very best in seasonal food and drink, or the a la carte menu. There is a tempting selection of fine wines and drinks available too, which complement the meals perfectly.

Also in Barnstaple is the Park Hotel which can be found in the centre of the town with lovely views across the park. It is well away from the hustle and bustle yet is well placed for exploring the surrounding area. The restaurant is an award winning two AA rosette establishment and there is also a stylish bar which is open to both guests and non guests. The hotel’s Seasons Brasserie offers fine dining, while more relaxed options can be found at the Seasons Bar. Alternatively, dine al fresco with views overlooking the park.

Another option in Barnstaple is the Royal York and Fortescue. This blissfully serene hotel can be found at the top of Barnstaple’s main street and is housed within a former coaching inn which was once visited by royalty. When it comes to dining, there are two great restaurants on site, the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 the Bank. The Lord Fortescue offers first class cuisine in a lavish setting, while 62 The Bank is a fashionable bar and bistro that adjoins the hotel. Whichever you choose, you can be sure of excellent service and the finest fresh foods all locally sourced from around Devon. Not only does this cut down on food miles – a sure fire way to ensure great taste, but it also means that the menus are regularly updated to include the latest in seasonal fare.

Nearby in Bideford, you’ll find the Royal Hotel, stunning and impressive building which dates back to the 17^th century. The hotel’s Kingsley Room still contains the original pine panelling and ornate ceiling, making it the perfect retreat for history buffs. The Royal doesn’t just excel in looks, the onsite Regency Restaurant has a long tradition of hosting the very best fine dining in Bideford, with everything from fine dining to relaxed dining. The more informal Regency Suite Bar serves a tempting selection of light meals throughout the day and the hotel’s chefs create truly magical recipes with locally sourced ingredients from around the West Country.

The Imperial Hotel is a flagship of the Brend Hotels and is within easy reach of the picturesque sights of the North Devon coast, while still being central to Barnstaple. Like at the Royal York and Fortescue, there are several options at the Imperial. There are fabulous fine dining experiences to be had at the Arlington Restaurant where you’ll find outstanding cuisine in elegant surroundings, or there is the Colours Bar Bistro, a smaller more informal restaurant situated just off the hotel bar. Whether you are looking for something for a special occasion or something a little more relaxed, you’ll find high quality food and drink at both. The menus offer both classic and contemporary dishes and includes creative meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. In fact, the Arlington Restaurant is known as one of the best restaurants in the region!

If you’d like somewhere more coastal, you can’t get a better sea view than the one on offer at the Saunton Sands Hotel in Croyde. The hotel is right on the beach and overlooks three miles of Croyde bay and Saunton Sands Beach. The beach itself is an award winning location and one of the most popular coastal retreats in the world, particularly among water sports enthusiasts. As a luxury hotel, you’ll find a whole host of wonderful facilities, not least of which are the award winning eateries. The Beachside Grill is a beautiful place to eat, located right on the sea front, while the Terrace Lounge gives you a more relaxed option.

Watersmeet Hotel in Woolacombe also offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the ocean. Complete with an award winning two AA rosette winning restaurant, an informal bistro and plenty of facilities, it is a luxury 4 star hotel with one of the finest coastal locations in the whole region.
The hotel features both the Rocks Restaurant and a bistro. This is a great place to visit with the kids, especially if you want to introduce them to the concept of the cream tea – the Watersmeet do their own child friendly version!

Alternatively, for a dramatic view, book a stay at the Hartland Quay Hotel. Located right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and in the stunning village of Hartland, with its huge cliffs, beaches and the view across the ocean towards Lundy Island, this is one of the best views in North Devon.

Hartland Quay has been a hotel since the 1880s, with the original stables having been converted to the Wrecker’s Retreat Bar. The Wrecker’s Retreat serves locally sourced food and ales all year around from 11 am and feature memorabilia charting the history of Hartland Quay. The breakfasts are particularly well rated, but there is food served throughout the day.

One of the most up and coming foodie locations in North Devon is Ilfracombe. If you fancy a trip to this beautiful harbour town famous for the Tunnel Beaches and the plethora of quaint pubs, traditional tea rooms and fresh seafood. The Carlton Hotel has a reputation for producing tasty food from what they like to call their North Devon larder. Menus at the hotel encompass a range of daily eating occasions with everything from freshly cooked breakfast to Brasserie lunches and dinners. The Brasserie is the in house restaurant, open to non residents, the restaurant offers everything from a dedicated children’s menu to a popular Sunday roast menu. Don’t forget to sample the Devonshire delicacy that is the Cream Tea.

Have we tantalised your tastebuds with these suggestions? Find more amazing foodie hotels here.