Langdon Court Restaurant

Langdon Court Hotel is another of those wonderful West Country substantial houses that have survived most of the flak thrown at them over the years. Henry VIII was a previous owner and would have doubtlessly approved of the victuals on offer to enthusiastic diners.

Start with rilette of spiced duck terrine, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and poppy seed and grape chutney, or seared Brixham scallops served with pea puree and vegetable a la greque. Then move on to try roasted fillet of hake with a cockle chowder, baby spinach and macedoine of vegetables. West Country cheeses are superb and outclass any desserts that could be offered, with the possible exception of a baked chocolate fondant with a terrine of iced white chocolate parfait.

The wine list may possibly not do total justice to those ideal temperature cellars lurking beneath the Langdon Court, but it is more than adequate for most needs.