Eating out in South Devon...

Devon is a county that really is rich in quality eating, with many restaurants having Michelin Stars and AA Rosettes. We think Ermington village has to be one of the best when it comes to eating out.

We are spoilt for choice with 3 restaurants - all serving excellent food and each with a totally different ambiance. Two of these are within walking distance and the third is in the next village.

We always advise booking in advance to make sure of getting a table. It is the policy of the majority of restaurants in Devon to use fresh local produce.

FIRST AND LAST BISTRO offers an excellent bistro menu with a mediterranean influence in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere; it is a family owned and run business and the proprietors Tony and Karen Philippou have 30 years experience in the restaurant trade. Open Tuesday evening to Sunday lunchtime. There is a set menu with 2 courses - £17.50 and 3 courses - £22.00.

Location: opposite the Church in the centre of Ermington village. Phone no. 01548 830671.

PLANTATION HOUSE is a stylish small boutique hotel and restaurant, its gourmet restaurant serving excellent cuisine is open to non-residents. Again this is family owned and run by Richard and Magda Hendey; Richard is the chef/patron with 20 years experience. Phone no. 01548 831100.

Plantation House was mentioned in the Michelin Guide, 2008.

Directions: Turn left outside our main gate, right at the end of the lane and Plantation House is on the right hand side after about a 1/2 mile and just as you come to the end of the village houses.

THE SHIP INN at Ugborough is a pub and restaurant, serving excellent pub food and with a blackboard menu which is always changing according to the availability of local produce. Ugborough village is approximately three miles from Ermington. Phone no. 01752 892565.

Directions: Turn left outside our main gate, left at the end of the lane and follow this road for 2 to 3 miles, turn left at the second signpost to Ugborough (this is an easier route) and you should drive past The Ship, on your right, just before you reach the Church.

First & Last Bistro

Plantation House

AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS IN DEVON

Devon cream teas

For many people, when holidaying in Devon, finding that perfect Devon Clotted Cream Tea is a must. We recommend two tearooms - and of course the scones and cakes are all homemade.

Both also offer light lunches.

PRIMROSE COTTAGE TEA ROOM has tables outside on its pretty garden terraces and also indoor seating. It is set in the enchanting and picturesque village of Lustleigh, an unspoilt village full of thatched cottages, many of them around the village cricket pitch - ideal for walking off that delicious tea you have just enjoyed! Lustleigh is on the edge of Dartmoor just north of Bovey Tracy, signposted off the A382. Phone no. 01647 277 365.

HILL HOUSE NURSERY and TEAROOM. Enjoy your cream tea either indoors in the old vicarage or outside in the lovely old leafy garden. Afterwards wander around the family owned and run Hill House Nursery, the majority of plants are propagated and raised here; the owners say this is very much a nursery and not a garden centre. Phone no. 01803 762 273.

Directions: Take A38 towards Exeter - at Buckfastleigh take A384 towards Totnes. 1/4 mile past the Dartbridge Inn, take the first turning left signposted Landscove, Hill House Nursery.

Something a little different

THE RESNOVA FLOATING INN is a converted 19th Century steel Dutch barge permanently moored in the middle of Dartmouth Harbour. It had a major refurbishment in 2005/6 and its interior is surprisingly luxurious and comfortable. The main Bar and Restaurant areas are on the Main Deck with open-air dining on the Fore Deck. Usually open from Wednesday dinner through until Sunday lunch, please phone for confirmation and reservations. A courtesy Water Taxi takes you the 3 minute journey to and from the Resnova; the collection point at Dartmouth is from the pontoon just by the Station Cafe (opposite the small harbour), down the ‘Double Steps’ on the Embankment. Phone no. 07770 62 89 67.

(Parking in Dartmouth can be a problem so you may wish to consider the ‘park-and-ride’)