Kate W
21 November 2018
Harking back to the 1800s, the great British tradition of a Sunday lunch has always been a perfect way to end your week. Whether it’s in a secluded country pub gathered around a roaring fire with the family, down the local tavern while sharing a couple of ciders with a large group of friends or outside on the lawn of a country house with your loved one, there are many ways to enjoy a mouth-watering carvery on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Devon.
This county may well be famed for its country pubs and tasty grub, but it’s also known for a range of other delicious foodie customs too. Head over to our Devon food and drink guide for more inspiration on what to eat and where to dine during your holiday to the beautiful South West. If you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best, take a look at our guide to Devon restaurants with a Michelin star for some high-quality dining.
How much? ££
Where? The Green, Shaldon, Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 0DN
Listed number one in Devon for a Sunday Lunch by Devon Life, this relaxing home-from-home offers hearty meals and classic British dishes that change to suit the seasons. Affordable yet quirky and contemporary, it’s ideal for a group outing.
Take a look at the London Inn menu here.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Teignmouth.
How much? ££
Where? 108 Shiphay Lane, Torquay, Devon TQ2 7BY
With a warming fire crackling away in the winter and a beer garden to make the most of the summer months, this large and friendly public house is just the place for a traditional Sunday roast dinner.
Find out what’s on the menu here.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Torquay.
How much? £
Where? 14 Hobb's Hill, Croyde, Braunton, Devon EX33 1LZ
You can choose to size up or down on your portion size here, and the casual surfer vibes mean you can wear your elasticated waist trousers and face no judgement. They also often have open mic nights or other live music events on a Sunday adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
View their Sunday lunch menu as well as a range of tasty alternatives.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Croyde.
How much? £
Where? Near Tavistock, Devon PL19 9NN
At the edge of beautiful Dartmoor, this charming 15th-century pub welcomes walkers, cyclists, dogs and children, so you and your guests could enjoy a full morning exploring before heading here for some great food and local ales.
Get an idea of what’s on offer with one of their sample menus.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Tavistock.
How much? £
Where? 248 Union Street, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5QU
Their tagline is ‘expect the best’ so be prepared for a wonderful experience. This cosy restaurant has rustic upstairs seating and is the perfect place for a quiet family meal on your first night in Devon.
See the menu at Frederick’s Torquay.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Torquay.
How much? ££
Where? Torquay Road, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5HH
Serving up delicious dishes for over 20 years, this stylish pub uses local produce including best quality West Country beef. Perfect for families or groups of friends, enjoy a carvery and a tipple from the wine list at this elegant establishment.
View the menu for their Sunday carvery here.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Torquay.
How much? ££
Where? Clyst Hydon, Cullompton, Nr Exeter, Devon EX15 2NT
A superb establishment, this restaurant has won an award for best Sunday roast - making it one of the top locations in our list. They offer real ales, fine dining, traditional pub classics, and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere for the perfect Sunday.
Have a look through their Sunday Lunch Menu.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Cullompton.
How much? ££
Where? Merley Road, Westward Ho!, North Devon EX39 1JU
Popular with locals and holidaymakers
Download their menu to see what’s on offer.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Westward Ho!
How much? ££
Where? Double Locks Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon EX2 6LT
On the Exeter Ship Canal, this pub is in a fantastic location for a little Sunday dining. They have two log fires and snug rooms to hide away during the winter and a large beer garden to spend summer days in. It holds events including live music, cider festivals as well as an annual dog show. Unsurprisingly, dogs are more than welcome here.
Take a look at the menu here.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Exeter.
How much? ££
Where? The Square E St, Bishop's Tawton, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0DQ
Hidden in a pretty village, your dog is welcome to join you for lunch at this 15th-century thatched inn. The pub roasts are great but be sure to leave room for dessert – especially if the brownie is on the menu.
Browse the delicious dishes on their main menu.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Barnstaple.
How much? £
Where? Caen Street, Braunton, Devon EX33 1AA
Although it’s not strictly a pub but instead a chic little café in a really great location, it is still a strong contender for best Sunday lunch in Devon as they provide a hearty roast dinner popular among locals.
Take a look at what’s on the menu here.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Braunton.
How much? ££
Where? Chapel Street, Georgeham, North Devon EX33 1JJ
This pub is rustic, wholesome and there is always a welcoming atmosphere. You can sit by the fire during the colder months and order a camembert to share as a warm up to your roast. This thatched roof pub champions local talent, and as such, they have live music most weekends.
Look through their sample menu for some foodie insights.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Braunton.
How much? ££
Where? 60 New North Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4EP
Serving traditional food with a contemporary twist, this stylish gastropub uses locally-sourced ingredients and its menu changes with the seasons, ensuring a variety of delectable dishes that vary throughout the year. Apparently the oldest cocktail bar in Exeter, they also have a range of cheeky aperitifs to choose from and if that doesn’t take your fancy, a selection of craft beer.
Pick out a menu option at The Oddfellows.
Stay nearby in one of our cottages in Exeter.
The perfect Sunday lunch
All excellent places in which to end the week, pick from one of these pubs and discover a new favourite Sunday lunch haunt. Enjoy a hearty meal at one of these locations in Devon for a true South West experience, cosied up in a warm and welcoming English country pub.
Feeling hungry yet? We have a further selection of establishments for dining out in Devon in our post on restaurants with a Michelin star and our guide to Devon food and drink. Make the most of the whole day and check out the best pub walks in Devon.
Already decided where you’d like to enjoy a classic British Sunday lunch? Then browse our fantastic collection of self-catering cottages and pick out the perfect place for a holiday in Devon.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.