The arrival of spring is being marked by the much-anticipated reopening of Devon's famous floating restaurant River Exe Café with some exciting changes to look forward to later this year. Located in the middle of the River Exe by Exmouth, it will be welcoming diners again as of Easter Monday, April 1.
It will then remain open until the end of summer. The award-winning dining spot is unique in that it can only be accessed by boat via either a water taxi from Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina or via people's own boats or watersports equipment from kayaks to paddleboards.
Last month, the owners of the restaurant revealed that a giant yellow buoy put in place beside the café is going to be used to build high-specification floating holiday pods enabling people to enjoy an experience unlike any other they would have had before.
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It will create a 'new luxury escape, nestled on the gentle currents of our tranquil River Exe'. An opening date has not yet been confirmed other than being 'launched in 2024'. The holiday lodges have been described as 'eco-innovation' including leading-edge solar panel technology.
The seasonal café describes itself as being a family and dog-friendly restaurant that is fully covered with outside dining areas when the weather is nice. Outside tables are offered on a first come first served basis. A new upper deck was added in 2022.
The café is renowned for its 'line to plate' menu. It has permission from DEFRA to have freshly caught fish delivered to the restaurant from local fishermen to offer the freshest local catch daily served from its floating 'gastro shed'.
Its long list of local suppliers includes fresh fish and seafood from S&J Fisheries in Ivybridge; Teignmouth Mussels; Darts Farm; Forest Fungi in Dawlish; Dartmoor Ice-Cream Company and dairy fruit and vegetables from Westcountry in Newton Abbot.
The specials menu at River Exe Café is updated every two months. The diner's menu includes mains such as whole Brixham crab and Darts Farm roast sirloin. Chef specials include truffled lobster mac ’n’ cheese and wild mushroom and tarragon risotto.
The 'boaters' menu offers light bites and hot food such as Panko squid rings and BBQ pulled pork bap. It also hosts events and has advertised this year it will be holding a pirate party but the date has yet to be announced.
Advanced booking to visit River Exe Café is recommended due to its huge popularity.
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