“Alfresco April’ (and May) is nearly here! If all goes to plan with the roadmap, from 12th April, outdoor hospitality will be able to open serving food or drinks. This is great for those who are itching to venture out locally or further afield (and who’ve waited patiently after the ‘stay-at-home’ rule lifts on 29th March), hungry to enjoy some edible delights or liquid refreshment in a garden that is not just out the back of their own kitchen or living room door.

Sadly for some venues, operating outside-only just isn’t viable either due to lack of outdoor space or balancing the operating costs vs income from limited number of covers, made harder due the unpredictable Spring weather.

Below is a roundup of venues who are open outdoors, which we will be constantly updating – some businesses have let us know, and others we have seen on socials. They include a variety of ‘secret’ gardens, balconies, courtyards, waterside views with some even offering online booking too. As always, we try and share correct information but as things change constantly, please check with the venue direct to confirm what’s on offer – all entries link to their Facebook page or website.

Remember groups of 6 or two households only – please don’t put hospitality businesses and their staff in a difficult position by not adhering to these rules.

We have also found out that NHS Trace and Track will be a legal requirement still – everyone in your party will have to check into the venue on arrival, not just one member of your party. Failure to do so will mean a possible fine to the venue. If you don’t have the app you’ll each be required to sign in.

Enjoy yourself, stay safe and most of all – be kind!

• 

• 

• 

Exeter & Surrounds

Topsham Brewery and Taproom, Exeter Quay – outdoor seating overlooking the Quay

Bishops Blaize, Exeter Quay – a modernised traditional drinks-led pub serving drinks in their recently renovated beer garden. Booking recommended but some tables will be kept for walk-ins.

Rockfish, Exeter Quay – outdoor tables at the Quay right next to the water, you can enjoy the big traffic free square and watch the boat and water activity whilst enjoying drinks and the best south west seafood.

No5 Exeter, Exeter City Centre – a brand new venue opposite the Cathedral serving delicious food and a variety of drinks outside in their courtyard, pre-booking available.

Rendezvous Wine Bar, Exeter City Centre – from Wednesday 14th April this very popular Exeter institution on leafy Southernhay Gardens, will be opening their gorgeous sunny garden from Weds – Sat, serving drinks from the Garden Bar (12:00-21:00)and a light Garden Menu (12:00 – 20:00). Enjoying direct side access to the garden, bookings will be taken for the tables with shelter, leaving the rest for walk-ins who can judge the weather.

Margoux, Exeter City Centre – a very popular venue, with a lovely garden will be open from 14th April. Online booking available on their website.

BrewDog, Exeter City Centre – finally opening in the Queen Street Dining Quarter, they will have outside seating serving drinks and food, as well as food to go.

Grow Coffee House, Exeter City Centre – large outdoor decking with lots of seating on South St. which is a lovely sun trap and en route to or from the Quay.

The Farmers Union, Exeter City Centre – garden and patio seating available.

The Daisy Cafe, Exeter – this breakfast and lunch hotspot will welcome you to their ‘Secret Garden of Heavitree’ with gazebos, blankets and patio heaters, from Thursday 15th April, open Thursdays to Saturdays. Serving brilliant breakfasts, and lunches plus licensed too and will continue takeaway. Tables can be pre-booked.

Hotel Du Vin, Exeter – Now open for their terrace menu and drinks in their walled garden.

The Lord Nelson Pub with Goose and Gander Kitchen, Topsham – from Tuesday 13th April, alfresco seating with additional covered marquee area, food and drink, outdoor sports TV and online booking available.

The Passage House Inn, Topsham – gorgeous outside seating area on the estuary. Booking can be made by calling them.

Winslade Manor, Clyst St George – this brand spanking new venue, with Head Chef Matt Mason previously of Jack in the Green, have opened their terrace overlooking the lawns – online booking here. For more details about the beautiful inside offering keep an eye on their socials or ‘join the list‘ to be the first to know! This is the latest new opening in Exeter area and it’s gonna be a hot ticket.

The Puffing Billy, Exton – they have a large covered outside seating area with heaters! Booking is essential. A great position to walk before or after along the exe estuary trail.

The Grove, Exmouth – with plenty of outdoor seating just a stone’s throw away from Exmouth seafront, online booking available.

Beer Factory and Kitchen at Hanlons Brewery, Newton St Cyres – what an outdoor space this is! All undercover with great burgers and more, plus beer brewed onsite at Hanlons. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings and online booking is available.

The Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke – A few fantastic options here; the ‘Secret Garden’, beer garden and summer garden pods! Secret Garden offers views of the orchard & vegetable gardens from the comfort of their giant tipi nestled in the fields behind the inn. With spacious seating for over 200, no reservations are needed. Guests are welcome to bring a blanket and find their own space too! Friendly dogs are welcome on leads. The three open-ended tent shaped pods include heaters, throws, and cushions for a super cosy feel. Re-opeing Monday 12th April 12noon, then they will be open from Tues – Sun 12-10pm, incl Bank Holidays.

The Cridford Inn, Trusham, South of Exeter (between Dartmoor and Chudleigh) starting Thursday 15th April with brunch and dinner, open Thursdays – Sundays.

East Devon

Lacemakers Cafe, Honiton – ‘secret’ patio garden and pavement seating.

The Pig at Combe, Honiton – ‘The Big Outdoor Lunch, dig into a simple 25-mile lunch menu on their outdoor terrace from 12pm – 6pm daily, and you can book online.

Anchor Inn, Beer – they have just refurbished their sea-wall garden, overlooking Beer. Walk-ins welcome and bookings can be made online. They will be serving food and drink, and if the weather is bad, they will package items up in takeaway packaging for you. There will be garden umbrellas for partial cover.

Exmoor/Mid Devon

The Cadeleigh Arms, Nr Tiverton – for more details keep an eye on their socials.

South Devon / South Hams

The Bull Inn, Totnes – serving in Rotherfold Square, at least 3 days a week – all day dining from breakfast to dinner, plus takeaway too.

The Durant Arms, Totnes – opening Friday – Sunday, with limited food menu but lovely local beers, ciders and other drinks.

Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh – Reopening 21st April,for brunch, lunch and dinner you can experience the delights of dining alfresco on their new garden terrace, surrounded by fragrant herb garden and pretty flower beds. Set on Riverford Organic Farm, the restaurant serves freshly picked, seasonal produce grown in the surrounding fields

Rockfish, Torquay – tables outside on the wide pavement right by the inner harbour, views of the yachts and water activity, fresh and fried seafood and drinks to be enjoyed.

Offshore Bar and Restaurant, Torquay – located on Torquay harbourside, as well as offering stunning views of the marina, this brasserie restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, cream teas, or just drinks as well as dinner from 12th April. Plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy al fresco dining, walk-ins and bookings welcome.

On The Rocks, Torquay – situated right on Torquay seafront the restaurant boasts glorious views of the English Rivera and surrounding countryside, serving great local produce. Head to their website to book online.

Halulu Bar, Teignmouth – hotdogs and cocktails on their terraces overlooking the seafront.

The River Shack, Stoke Gabriel – waterside cafe in a prime crabbing hotspot, perfect for families. Online booking available.

The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge – outdoor dining on their ground floor frontage and balcony overlooking the estuary, for more details keep an eye on their socials.

The Old Inn, Marlborough, Kingsbridge – for more details keep an eye on their socials.

The Bear and Blacksmith, Chillington, nr Kingsbridge – garden open for drinks and dining from this award winning hyper-local pub with their own farm and fishing boats.

The Oyster Shack, Bigbury – reopening 16th April, through April and May they’ll be open Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with very limited spaces available and will still be doing takeaway too.

Babbacombe Bay Cafe, Babbacombe – lovely outdoor terrace, across the road from the Babbacombe Downs with views for miles.

Joe’s Bar at The Seahorse Restaurant, Dartmouth – opening date slightly delayed due to furniture not arriving through Suez Canal, date TBC – they will be serving drinks and nibbles on the South Embankment (during fine weather) from underneath their large parasol. First come, first served basis, overlooking the riviera.

Rockfish, Dartmouth – on the embankment and right next to the River Dart, covered by umbrellas, casual seating and dining, great seafood ordered on the app. Just turn up, no booking needed.

The Kings Arms at Strete, nr Dartmouth- they will be opening their garden, which looks out over Start Bay, with a new Garden Menu centred around a BBQ together with several of their ever popular favourites. They’re taking online bookings on their website.

The White Hart Inn, Modbury – they have created a bespoke partially enclosed space in their courtyard.

Rockfish, Brixham – big outdoor terrace overlooking Brixham harbour and fishing fleet and the sweep of the bay. Fried and grilled seafood and drinks, covered from the elements but catching the sun when out.

South Sands Hotel, Salcombe – The bar and restaurant will be open for takeout, and those who order can dine on the terrace overlooking South Sands beach. Reservations via email reception@southsands.com and phone 01548 845900 – currently available Monday–Friday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00.

Dartmoor

Alder Vineyard, Okehampton – Vineyard with Kitchen and small producer shop, they will be open from 14th April for outside dining on the terrace with views towards Dartmoor, and tours will resume from Friday 16th. You can get an idea of what’s on offer from our visit when they opened late last year.

The Rugglestone Inn, Widdecombe in the Moor – for more details keep an eye on their socials.

Teign House Inn, Christow – will be serving food and drink in their garden.

The Tors, Belstone – ‘The Shed’ and gorgeous garden with Dartmoor views will be opening on the 12th April then Thurs – Sat 12-8pm and Sundays 12-5pm. Serving Devon Ruby Red, homemade gourmet burgers, smoked meats, Dartmoor Ales, Devon Craft beers, Sandford Orchard ciders & more. They will be weather dependent as they have no facility for covered seating.

Mill End Hotel, Nr Chagford – the heated ‘outdoor lodge’ will be open for lunch and afternoon teas.

The Cornish Arms, Tavistock – Beautiful beer garden with covered space and patio heaters. Booking highly recommended for this award winning venue.

North Devon

Beachside Grill, Saunton, outside dining on the terrace, no booking available – first come first serve. Click and collect takeaway too.

The Beaver Inn, Appledore – alfresco seating on the edge of the River Torridge.

Golden Lion Tap, Barnstaple – Old English Pub in the town centre, with covered beer garden and front of house seating.

Escape Down The Rabbit Hole, Barnstaple – An escape room venue with restaurant and micro brewery, they will be opening their courtyard garden serving food and drink all day.

Latitude 48, Barnstaple – Alehouse and eatery, they will have seating at the front of the restaurant and in their garden, drinks are a certainty, food offering to be confirmed, so keep an eye on their socials.

The Park, Barnstaple – Overlooking Rock Park and the River Taw, the terrace will be open for drinks.

The Bell Inn, Monkleigh, Bideford – Opening 16th April, this traditional country pub, has a South facing beer garden, sun terrace and patio with views across to Dartmoor. Some areas will be covered, and the pub has a large car park. You can book ahead, but walk-ins welcome too.

The Silk Lounge, Bideford – Cocktail bar with outdoor bar and garden.

Quay 22, Bideford – cafe with outdoor seating on Bideford Quay, who will be continuing takeaway as well.

The Crealock Arms, nr Bideford – Opening Friday 16th April, it has a large south facing beer garden with fantastic views.

The Westleigh Inn, Nr Bideford – spacious beer garden overlooking the River Torridge. First come, first served only.

Rock House, Lynmouth – perch yourself in the garden of this waterside venue, sitting on the West Lyn River and Lynmouth Bay.

The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham, Bideford – 15th Century pub with great outdoor pace, including covered areas. DM on FB for booking, or book on their website.

The New Inn, Roborough – thatched country pub with beer garden.

Pig and Olive, Westward Ho! – stonebaked fermented dough pizzas, served on their lovely covered decking area, right next to the beach, open daily 12 to 9pm.

Fortescue Arms, Woolacombe – South facing beer garden with lots of space, serving drinks and food to enjoy there as well as takeaway.

The Boathouse, Instow – Overlooking golden sands and the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers, The Boathouse in Instow is a beach bar and restaurant with a great outdoor space, online booking available.

SQ Bar and Restaurant, Braunton – from 12th April they will be opening their outside and terrace space. Takeaway Squires Fish & Chip Restaurant, Braunton will be allowed for this period only, with tables up to a maximum of 6. Booking online highly recommended.

The Naked Cake, Ilfracombe – Tea room with table service on the front courtyard.

The Hele Bay Pub, Ilfracombe – family pub situated by the sea in the pretty village of Hele Bay on the outskirts of Ilfracombe, serving food and drink in their garden.

STACC, Ilfracombe – A patisserie, cafe and cocktail bar with outdoor seating.

The Terrace Tapas and Wine Bar, Ilfracombe – opening 15th April on Saturdays and Sundays only, and with a bijou terrace of just 3 tables, reservations are required for both their afternoon tea or dinner offering. There will be some protection from the elements in the form of brollies and heaters.

Hele Corn Mill and Tearoom, Ilfracombe – A unique 16th century water mill located just 300m from Hele Bay Beach. They have a new covered area outside, and will be opening on Monday 12^th April, open every day 11am-5pm until and including Sunday 18^th April. After this, they will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays increasing in the Summer.

The Exeter Inn, Chittlehamholt – a 16th century pub offering dining and drinks on the terrace.

The Thatch and Billy Budds, Croyde – Sister businesses both with different styles of outdoor space. The Thatch are planning an outdoor bar, whilst Billy Budds will have their full menu available in their outdoor area. No pre-booking available.

Plymouth

Pier Masters House, Plymouth – alfresco seating overlooking the Barbican.

Rockfish, Plymouth – New marquee covered outdoor eating area, feeling like a pop-up festival but permanent! Lights, cover, seating, overlooking the Plymouth Sound next to the aquarium. A lovely short menu for outside eating with all your favourites, an app to order plus a drinks list and Salcombe Brewery bar.

Salumi Bar & Eatery, Millbay Plymouth – Bar & Eatery with gloriously sunny beer garden.

The Morley Bar & Eatery, Plymouth – bar and restaurant is based in the heart of Plymouth, set just off the riverbank with fantastic views.

HonkyTonk Wine Library, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth – Casually combining the love of fine wine and sharing food, based on Sutton Harbour is a haven away from the hustle with a tranquil harbour view. Online booking will be opening April 1st with a small booking deposit required.