Restaurant 1685 at Colcombe Castle Hotel

Every boutique hotel needs a sidekick stellar restaurant to help lure discerning diners. Restaurant 1685 by chef-patron Chris Chatfield is just that, having cranked up the dining credentials of restyled Colcombe Castle Hotel in east Devon.

Chris sharpened his culinary skills at notable South West dining destinations including The Horn of Plenty, Alexandra Hotel and Winslade Manor, before embarking on this new venture in Colyton.

Located in a pretty patch of Devonshire countryside near the Jurassic Coast, the boutique hotel continues the pleasing aesthetics inside thanks to a recent refurb. The restaurant’s vaulted ceilings, attractive tableware and inviting hues of copper, sea blues and greens create a polished vibe, which is matched by the food served.

Chris’s commitment to sourcing local ingredients and forging long-lasting relationships with nearby growers and fishermen is documented in smart à la carte and tasting menus brimful of fresh produce.

The restaurant is open three nights a week, so it’s worth scheduling a trip accordingly to sample the confident cooking with thoughtful flavour combinations. Warm up with Lyme Bay scallops dressed in mango, curry, coriander and Oscietra caviar, before delving into venison loin with fermented blackberries, tarragon, black-pudding brioche and cocoa jus.

Trencherman’s tip

Time for an aperitif? Imbibe a local ale or cider, or explore the globetrotting wine list at the relaxing lounge bar.