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In an area rich for its produce, Head Chef Brendan Carroll takes full advantage of all that is available resulting in a menu that combines the best of English with the flair that comes from an open culinary mind. Fish comes from Brixham and Looe and such starters as pan fried smoked haddock with mustard potatoes or a lobster omelette with rocket salad together with main dishes like pan fried brill with braised chicory, roasted salsify and a crab broth, or poached turbot with leek and Hollandaise tart seldom come any fresher.

From the surrounding estate roast partridge with braised white cabbage and sautéed butternut squash competes with glazed slow-cooked Devon beef with parsnip and vanilla puree. Follow this with an apple crumble with roast rhubarb and caramel ice cream, or the truly indulgent trio of chocolate, hot chocolate sponge, chocolate and hazelnut ice cream with white chocolate mousse.

Should you be assailed by gastronomic recrimination at any point promise yourself very sternly that later you will avail yourself of some of that wonderful moorland walking.

A passion and lifestyle for Nick Coiley, formerly Head Chef at The Carved Angel in Dartmouth, for many years one of Britain's top restaurants. The simple concept is based on brief but ever changing menus employing local ingredients which are patently fresh. It was opened by him and his wife, Sophie, in 2000, and has quickly garnered an excellent repuation both locally and nationally, with good ratings from most of the top food guides.

Friendly and engaging staff serve the well thought out favourites and more daring touches from the Orient or Mediterranean with enthusiasm and skill. Dishes could include choices as diverse as: braised squid with tomato, white wine, saffron and black noodles or twice baked squash soufflé to start, followed by grilled whole John Dory with a watercress & crème fraiche sauce; steamed lemon sole fillets with a prawn mousseline and prawn sauce or pan-fried Devon lamb steak with an asparagus tart and rosemary gravy.

While puddings could be iced ginger meringue with coffee sauce or chocolate pot. They have a brief wine list which does not lack quality, with house wines at £14.95. During the week they offer a light lunch at £11.50.