Laughing Monk Restaurant, The

Whether the Laughing Monk, whoever he was, would have approved of the local school being transformed into a house of pleasure, so to speak, is not known, though it sounds rather as though he might. Whatever, here is this jolly place well run and properly hosted by Ben and Jackie Handley - Ben is a long time member of the Guild of Master Chefs of Great Britain.

The restaurant is situated in the beautiful village of Strete on the main costal road between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. As might be expected, the local produce features largely, particularly the deliciously fresh shellfish and fish from nearby Brixham, but there is plenty else such as char grilled rib-eye steaks, 8 hour braised shoulder of lamb, free-range chicken and crispy belly pork, and with prices as reasonable as these one can afford to be indulgent.

The simple wine list carries numbers from around the world; you could also enjoy organic cider, local beers and good house offerings.