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hand picked restaurants

It seems to be a fact of life that the east side of Devon, whilst being one of the county's most attractive corners, tends to be sidelined by the majority rushing westwards. For discerning connoisseurs of special places this is good news, especially as the unspoiled village of Beer on the Jurassic Coast is not least amongst them.

Steamers Restaurant and Wine Bar picks up the atmosphere, adding it own distinctive contribution in the form of some of the best ingredients that Devon has to offer, served in friendly and informal surroundings. The menus, which are out of the I-want-to-order-it-all school, and are regularly changed, cover lunch and dinner with the same formula.

Starters of bouillabaisse are inspired by the classic Marseilles dish, local crab and white fish cakes are in a class of their own, Devon pork and apple terrine is made by the Head Chef, Andy Williams, and thinly sliced local smoked salmon is served with lemon and olive oil. Andy also makes the delicious bread, and ice cream which is virtually irresistible. Some starters can be taken as main courses, and a number of the main courses can be scaled down in price and size for the children in your party.

Main courses embrace home made steak and kidney pudding, tender and slowly braised Devon lamb shank, or a selection from the fine array of local fish and seafood, the ingredients bought on the beach as soon as the boat comes in, from a grilled whole lemon sole through sautéed fillet of local wild sea bass served with king prawns in a tomato concasse, to local mussels in a peppered tomato cream with Parmesan cheese. Puddings offer a good selection of which summer pudding is but one, and cheese buffs should look out for the delightful but little known local versions, Curworthy cheddar, Vulscombe goat and Harbourne Blue.

Situated in the beautiful fishing village of Beer in Devon, The Barrel o' Beer is a traditional family owned restaurant serving a varied menu of fine Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of flavours from all over the world. Built around 1900, the beautiful white-washed building originally served as a tollhouse before being converted into a pub in the early 80s. Extensive renovations in 2001 saw the kitchen extended and the snack menu replaced by a full restaurant service with emphasis on dishes using local seafood, Devon meat and local game which are seasonally available.
 
Diners can enjoy a varied menu that combines traditional fare such as potted crab or dive-caught scallops with home-made bread served in a comfortable dining space, with old wooden furniture, intimate seating and walls adorned with pictures of Old Beer and the Quarry caves. Other dishes display a marked Mediterranean influence such as fillets of red mullet served with sautéed potatoes, and beurre blanc or locally reared duck with crispy pancheta and risotto bignet. The Barrel o' Beer also provides a number of organically prepared vegetarian options and a luxurious seafood platter complete with lobster, crab, clams, oyster and scallops when available.

Guests can enjoy the delectable food while also taking in the stunning views in and around the area.

A splendidly welcoming pub with rooms and restaurant, in its present form it dates from 1973 when Murray Inglis started improving the facilities from its original status as a Devon cider house measuring 8 x 4 feet. Things have expanded a bit since then. As you sit musing on the lobster you are about to relish, it is heartwarming to think that it may well have made landfall on the beach half a mile away. Lobster is only one of the many traditional and more modern dishes on offer, nor is there any lack of unusual and lip-smacking real ales to accompany them. However, should your imbibing be of a slightly more aspirational kind there is a handy wine list, starting off with house wine at £11.00.

There is something compelling about a Devon pub by the sea, particularly when the beer garden is located strategically on the cliff-top. The Anchor Inn meets all the specifications, a colour-washed hotel, an integral part of a former smuggling village. The area is famous for its Beer stone, used in many prominent London buildings and in pottery. Our concern however is with the food, good wholesome fare that draws from the locality and certainly pulls in the punters.

Start with Thai crab, locally caught and dressed with Thai spices, mixed peppers, lemon juice and mayonnaise, with brown bread and butter, or grilled sardines (not local but served crisp-skinned on a bed of salad and finished with lemon butter). The grill produces excellent steaks but for real men there is no option but the Anchor platter, with rump and gammon steaks, sausage, pork chop, ribs, quarter chicken and a fried egg. It says "to share" on the menu, but most men I know would react to any such intrusion like a disgruntled terrier seeing off the house cat.

Every day brings it own flavour of homemade curry and bangers and mash comprises a whole Cumberland sausage on the traditional bed of mash with onion gravy. One of the specialities is the double of peppered gurnards and mackerel.

An inspiring and well-travelled wine list offers excellent choice, service is brisk and cheerful.