The View Restaurant

This restaurant on the eighth floor of Courtyard by Marriott at Sandy Park is breaking the hotel-dining mould, having cultivated a family-run restaurant vibe in its sleek penthouse location.

Chef Matt Mason (dad) crafts the beautiful food for which he’s long been recognised in the area. Joanne (mum) runs front of house as senior maitre d’ and restaurant manager/sommelier Charlie (son) impresses with his wine knowledge. The experience combines warm hospitality with a distinct passion for Devon’s quality produce.

Matt is the driving force behind the vision. The chef has long had a fan club of foodies – garnered from his 25-year tenure at The Jack in the Green and chef-director stint at Winslade Manor. However, this new venture with the rest of the Mason clan could be his most pivotal yet.

A concise three-course menu reveals refined dishes that reflect Matt’s experienced hand and the long-established relationships he’s nurtured with local producers and suppliers of note.

Roast monkfish tail, rack of local lamb with orzo pasta, and slow-braised pork belly with pickled kohlrabi are all standout creations on the attractive menu. In the mood for something more casual? A Mibrasa charcoal-grill menu delivers quality dry-aged steaks cooked over flame.

Trencherman’s tip

The M5 beneath you fades into insignificance amid the vast panorama of lush countryside that rolls out beyond it. Arrive early to soak up the views from the bar area. The slick spot has low sofas beside vast windows – the perfect space for lounging with an aperitif.