For many of us, the most memorable breaks are measured in meals: a long lunch looking out to sea, an evening savouring a tasting menu, a proper Devon cream tea after a blustery clifftop walk. If that sounds like your idea of a getaway, a food lover's break in North Devon should be at the top of your list.
Perched above Combe Martin Bay on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Sandy Cove Hotel is home to two very different restaurants, each with sweeping views across the bay – and you're never more than a few steps from your room. Here's how to plan the perfect foodie escape on the North Devon coast.
Fine Dining at The Seacliff Restaurant
The heart of any foodie break at Sandy Cove is The Seacliff Restaurant. Awarded three AA Rosettes and listed in the Michelin Guide, it's one of the finest places to eat in North Devon – and one of very few where you can enjoy a tasting menu with views stretching across the bay.
Our chefs create dishes that blend the traditional with the contemporary, with everything made from scratch on site using the best local, seasonal produce from Devon's waters and pastures. As the menu changes with the seasons, there's always a reason to return.
Good to know: The Seacliff is open Thursday to Saturday from 6.30pm. Tables are popular, so we recommend booking ahead – especially if you're planning your stay around it.
Relaxed Dining at The Cove Restaurant
Not every meal on holiday needs to be an occasion. For something more laid-back, The Cove Restaurant serves an Italian-inspired menu every day from 12pm to 9pm, with pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven alongside steaks, burgers and generous desserts.
On sunny days, grab a table on the terrace with a glass of wine or a cocktail and watch the light change over the bay. When the evenings draw in, the fireplace makes it one of the cosiest spots in the house. With a dedicated children's menu, it's a firm favourite with families too.
Afternoon Tea With a View
Few things say "Devon" quite like a warm scone piled high with clotted cream and jam. Our Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12pm to 5pm in The Cove Restaurant or out on the terrace, with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of handmade cakes and pastries.
Make it a celebration with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne, or keep things simple with a traditional Devon Cream Tea after a morning exploring the coast.
Work Up an Appetite on The North Devon Coast
Part of the joy of a food lover's break is earning your dinner. The South West Coast Path runs right past the hotel, so you can set off on a clifftop walk straight from the door, or follow the woodland path down to our private beach.
Prefer something gentler? Spend the afternoon in our swimming pool and thermal suite before dinner. And if you'd like to explore more of the local food scene, our guide to eating out in Ilfracombe is packed with ideas just ten minutes down the road.
Plan Your Foodie Weekend
Because The Seacliff opens Thursday to Saturday, a Thursday or Friday arrival is ideal. Here's how we'd spend it:
- Arrive: Settle into your sea view room, then enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace.
- First evening: Wood-fired pizza and a glass of wine by the fire in The Cove.
- Next day: A morning walk on the coast path, an afternoon in the pool and sauna, then the tasting menu at The Seacliff.
- Before you leave: One last leisurely breakfast – and a table booked for next time.
Our restaurants are open to non-residents too, so if you're staying nearby you're very welcome to join us for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.
Ready to Taste North Devon?
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply love good food, a stay at Sandy Cove brings together award-winning dining, spectacular sea views and the warm, relaxed welcome our guests return for year after year.
Check availability and book your stay, reserve a table, or browse our latest special offers. Looking for a gift for a food lover? Our gift vouchers make the perfect treat.
