The Salutation Inn

For those looking to break a journey to Cornwall – or seeking a stay on the outskirts of Exeter – The Salutation Inn remains one of Topsham’s best-known dining destinations.

At the heart of the town since 1720, the former pub was transformed into a restaurant with rooms by Tom and Amelia Williams-Hawkes in 2012. Since then, the couple have built a reputation for serving some of the area’s most accomplished cooking.

An all-day dining format means there’s something for every occasion, from cooked breakfasts, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts to tasting menus and three-course à la carte dinners. Seafood features prominently, though the menus also celebrate the region’s meat and vegetable producers.

Dishes are thoughtfully composed and attractively presented, including fruits de mer and hot fish platters.

While the main restaurant lends itself to an intimate dinner, lunch in the GlassHouse offers a different experience: a bright courtyard beneath a glazed atrium with a contemporary botanical feel.