Introduction
Fancy the essence of a pub crawl but without the negative connotations and instead with great food? Well Brixham is the place to go! With a horseshoe-shaped harbour, it is lined with independently owned venues that are blessed with fantastic views across the masts of many a boat or the vast ocean beyond. Brixham features on Route 4 Exeter to Dartmouth.
You could start with drinks at one end and grab a bite to eat from a few venues, or just pick one to dive hook, line and sinker into. If you’re an early bird, you may want to catch the worm (well fish), so do read on!
Words by Lauren Heath
An early start?
Let’s start with the early bird outing; this is not a deal on dining out but rather a visit to Brixham fish market that starts at 6:20am. Brixham is now England’s largest fish market by value of fish sold, and if you want to get behind the scenes of this busy fishing port then here’s your chance. You’ll get to see what’s involved in getting the fish from sea to plate, learn about day boats & trawlers and as it’s in conjunction with Rockfish in aid of The Fisherman’s Mission, you can enjoy a fabulous fish breakfast afterwards whilst knowing you have contributed towards this tough industry.
If that is too early for you, then swing on by Rockfish’s very own fishmarket to pick up a perfectly prepared fillet from their own boat’s catch, or head to the restaurant if you’d rather have it cooked for you. They have their usual seaside cool interior or a fantastic sea facing terrace, alternatively grab a takeaway for harbourside consumption.
For poolside vibes, situated above Shoalstone pool and the big blue, is Shoalstone on the Lido. This cabin sized former pool storage room, is a uniquely small but perfectly formed café and is quite a find. With double the blue view if you sit on their decking or grab the table in the window, you’ll be rewarded with delectable seafood and personable service across lunch and dinner with breakfast on offer on the weekend.
All-day Eats
Prefer and easy-going alfresco pub feel or a funky, luxury interior for relaxed all day dining then head to The Prince William Restaurant and Bar. Think flower walls, plush velvet seating, vibrant colours and quirky lighting, where they have procured a fantastic varied menu of local seafood, meat and veggies with something on offer for all. Great for a sunny day sipping whilst overlooking the harbour.
For dinner with uninterrupted harbour views, Beamers Seafood Restaurant is situated on the first floor of their building and without any disruption of passers-by. A classic interior of simple wooden seating with nautical accents around the room, they offer great local British fayre including seafood, meat and veg. If you can’t decide on a fish main, why not indulge in the seafood platter for two?
Feeling Curious?
If you’re hungry for something different then head just 200 yards inland to The Curious Kitchen, it’s great stop for coffee and cake, breakfast and lunch, plus the occasional evening event too. Their infamous brioche donuts are made by hand and sell out quickly pop them high on your to do list! They serve excellent coffee, extreme hot chocolates and alternative hot delights. Indulge in brunch of crab benedict or burrito wraps, and with lunch of gooey maccie cheese with kimchi, many a food craving can be fulfilled here.
And to drink…
Drink desires are sure to be satisfied with the options a stone’s throw from Brixham’s salt water.
Gin is still riding a wave of popularity and local brand, Brixham Gin, produce award winning gins with flavours including crab apple, strawberry, Christmas spiced and a hopped IPA version in addition to their London Dry. Pop into their venue ‘The Bottle Shop’ for a cool rustic interior where you can buy their gins plus local and international beers, or sit on a bench seat and quench your thirst.
Another local liquor is Deck Chair Gin who also offer interesting flavours in addition to their London dry gin. Choose from Raspberry, Lemon, Cucumber & Watermelon, Ruby Grapefruit, Cranberry & Lime, Sloe, Damson & Plum, plus their Riviera Rum. Enjoy it in many local venues including their Grade II listed cosy drinks-led pub, the New Quay Inn which dates back to the 1700’s, or purchase a bottle from Inspirations Brixham.
More drink options
This leads me on nicely to telling you that Inspirations Brixham is quite the shop! An emporium of gorgeous house and kitchen wares (new foodie gadget perhaps?) but also a boutique of booze – there’s an incredible array of local spirits to choose from, be sure to pop your head in.
Last but not least on the drink’s menu is Wine Loft of Brixham, a great place to indulge in a glass of wine, and savour their carefully chosen Spanish and Portuguese deli food alongside. With over 400 wines for sale over half are £15 per bottle or less and they find delight in helping you choose something in your budget to takeaway. If you don’t have room in the boot, you can buy online from them for nationwide delivery… perfect to solve those post road trip blues.
Somewhere to stay
If you can’t bear to leave this harbourside haven behind and wish to extend your stay, then head to the peak of the hill and find refuge at Berry Head Hotel. Situated on the edge of 6 acres of grounds, yet a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Brixham, this 4 star hotel harbours leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi & sauna to soothe your body and mind. When it comes to fulfilling your appetite, you can enjoy formal dining in their Bonaparte Restaurant or casual dining in their The View brasserie, with both offering their endless clifftop sea views.
And lastly…
For further inspiration check out our Food and Drink partners.