Watersmeet Hotel

Dramatically perched on the cliffside, this elegant hotel is traditionally decorated throughout and has an old style charm and relaxing ambience. Floor-length windows in the west-facing dining room promise views of incredible sunsets at dinner; every seat in the house enjoys views of the spectacular coastline, sandy beach and across to Lundy Island. The kitchen takes high quality produce and delivers consistently well-executed food with some European influences, with dishes on the daily changing menu demonstrating an impressive lightness of touch. Home-cured pigeon ham (moist and tender) comes with an appealing combination of celeriac, beetroot, apple and hazelnuts - a dish of nicely contrasting colours and textures - while main-course loin and breast of lamb with flageolet bean purée, sweetbread and balsamic reduction is an equally well-considered plate of food. Caramel pannacotta, honeycomb and poached pear balances all the flavours perfectly or, for the savoury-toothed, the board of English cheeses, seasonal chutney and pickled celery is an alternative way to finish. The newly opened bistro offers more informal dining.