The New Angel Restaurant & Rooms

The TV serialisation of John Burton Race's exploits in setting up this place (and his French Leave series) have helped draw the crowds to this wonderful, half-timbered Tudor building on the waterfront. It's incredibly busy peak season, a testament to its success and the quality of the cuisine, while menus outside attract throngs of interest from passers-by. There are two floors, both simply but stylishly decorated and both with fabulous views over the busy river Dart estuary and harbour. Pale grey floorboards, darkwood tables, comfortable wicker chairs and antique chandeliers set a relaxed modern edge. The lively ground-floor room has an open kitchen with all the theatre of the chefs on show, which bumps up the atmosphere and volume, while upstairs provides a quieter, more intimate option. Service is relaxed and friendly but appropriately professional. Burton Race's kitchen shows polished skill and self assurance, with great respect paid to the simple treatment of the very best and freshest local Devon produce; take roasted rump of Blackawton lamb with a herb crust, dauphinoise potato and tomato minestrone, or perhaps roasted fillet of John Dory with crab brandade, Parmentier potatoes and a light chicken juice. The cooking's modern approach is French-orientated with daily specials supporting the repertoire and reacting to availability, and there's no obligation to have more than one course - a further nod to the restaurant's philosophy for easy and relaxed dining. At the present time this restaurant is closed but is subject to reopening.

Dartmouth centre, on the water's edge
Nearest station: Totnes

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