Michelin‑starred dining in Devon

Anyone who has had the pleasure of eating Scott Paton’s food in recent years knew it was only a matter of time before the ambitious chef earned a Michelin star for his immaculate creations. The moment finally arrived in early 2023, when Àclèaf was awarded the prestigious accolade.

The intimate restaurant, set inside Grade II‑listed Boringdon Hall (which featured in the Domesday Book) near Plymouth, hones in on hyper‑seasonal produce. Each dish is carefully planned, beautifully executed and precisely plated by Scott and his dedicated kitchen team.

Scott says: ‘Dining at Àclèaf is interactive — a menu with twists and turns along the way.’ The focus is fully on ingredients and the chef expends serious energy, including foraging, to source the best produce for his novel dining experiences.

Hero ingredients on the four‑course evening menu include Devon crab, Dartmoor lamb and Highland wagyu, and there are separate menus catering to vegetarian and vegan diners. Scott’s nose for palate‑pleasing pairings is showcased in an English‑led wine flight which takes the dining experience to yet another level.

Trencherman’s tip: Book one of the boutique bedrooms and soak in the state‑of‑the‑art Gaia Spa before dinner.