When coronavirus closed pubs, restaurants and cafes across the country, some decided to keep their kitchens in operation and switched to offering a takeaway service - including these excellent Devon eateries which feature in the 2020 Michelin Guide.
In Tavistock, between Dartmoor and the border with Cornwall, the Cornish Arms restaurant has switched to doing takeaways every Friday and Saturday evening, with a menu that changes each week, It’s a move that was welcomed by customers. General manager Steve Eperon says: “We have had an amazing amount of support from the local community. Can’t wait to get back to being open again though.”
The Cornish Arms used to be the last coaching inn before travellers reached Cornwall. It’s now famed for its food and has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for years, recognising its good value. The Michelin inspectors lauded appealing dishes that mixed classic elements with some unusual modern twists.
From the menu: Maple glazed smoked pork belly, crisp hen’s egg, chips, sweet and sour pineapple.
On the North Devon coast the team at The Antidote in Ilfracombe quickly realised that takeaway was worth investigating. Chef patron Paul Becouarn says: “We decided to hit the takeaway side of things when we realised it was the only way to keep the bills at bay and also keep ourselves busy. It’s been a real eye opener in terms of how totally different it is compared to our normal offering.
“We quickly realised it would be too hard to offer our normal menu, so we decided to look at what works from a street food way of things. Obviously spicy stuff works well so we went down that route and we offer a choice of three dishes. The menus are on our Facebook page and we change the menu every week to keep it interesting. We’ve been really chuffed by the support we’ve had from our local regulars and new ones.”
From the menu: Slow cooked pork shoulder Goan style, coconut and black pepper.
In the Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead acclaimed pub and restaurant The Horse has launched a takeaway service on Wednesday to Saturday evenings. Owner Malene Graulund says: “As well as our trademark thin crust pizzas we are also offering a delicious curry menu - proper sauces made from scratch. Over the last few years we have offered an Asian feast on New Year’s Eve, so our regulars were extremely excited when we announced that we were offering a small Asian menu. Chef proprietor Nigel cooks outstanding curries, to be honest - not your regular kormas but more inventive takes. Currently he is using locally picked wild garlic for the most delicious Sag Aloo - with homemade paneer cheese, pine kernels, spinach, grilled potatoes and crispy onions. It has been very successful. It keeps us going for the time being - and keeps the wolf from the door until we can reopen.”
The takeaway menu is on the landing page of The Horse website.
From the menu: Lemon chickpea Chana Masala. Delicious chickpea curry with fresh tomatoes and confit lemon.
Six Devon cheeses and the drinks you should try with them.
The family-run Rodean restaurant at Kenton won praise from Michelin Guides for its constantly evolving menus which have a classic base and modern overtones.
After lockdown forced Lizzie and Matthew Tilt to close the doors they decided to start doing takeaways on Thursday to Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime.
The owners say: “It has been a real lifeline over the past months. It’s been great being able to stay in touch with our regular customers and keep some form of working routine.”
From the menu: Cornish hake, linguini, tomato sauce, samphire grass.
On Exmoor, the oldest pub in Bampton, The Swan , is providing a takeaway service on Friday and Saturday nights.
The menu is changing weekly and orders can be placed by phone on Wednesday and Thursday.
The multi-award winning pub run by Paul and Donna Berry is a hit with the 2020 Michelin Guide whose inspectors praised neatly presented, unfussy pub classics showcasing local farm produce.
From the menu: 8oz 28-day dry aged single muscle rump steak, confit vegetables, blue cheese bon-bons, port sauce.
In the Exe estuary town of Topshan the historic Salutation Inn has introduced Tom’s Table, which operates from 9am to 3pm Thursday to Sunday. As well as takeaway coffee and bacon baps prepared by chef director Tom Williams-Hawkes the table has a selection of fresh fish from Greendale Farm Shop and other essentials like flour and yeast.
On Saturdays and Sundays customers can collect an Afternoon Tea for Two which includes scones, patisserie, jam, cream and a Salutation treat.
Meanwhile at the Dartmoor Inn , which has been closed during lockdown, they are looking at running takeaways alongside the main restaurant menu when they do open, because social distancing will reduce the number of diners they can get into the restaurant. The pub, on the A386 at Lydford, was praised by Michelin for its flavoursome satisfying classics and emphasis on local produce.
Have you joined the Devon Life Facebook page yet?
