A Food Lover’s Guide to the West Country: Must-Try Delicacies and Dining Spots

The West Country boasts an exceptional culinary heritage. From hearty pasties to world-class seafood, the region offers an array of flavours that showcase the best of British produce.

One of the highlights of a West Country trip is the chance to explore its diverse food scene. From the artisanal cheeses of Somerset to the fresh seafood of Devon, the region’s offerings are a celebration of local ingredients and culinary expertise.

If you’re planning a visit, knowing where to eat and what to try can make all the difference in your experience. Let’s dive into the must-try delicacies and dining spots that make the West Country a food lover’s paradise.

The Cornish Pasty
No trip to the West Country would be complete without sampling the iconic Cornish pasty. This humble yet hearty pastry has been a staple in the region for centuries, originally crafted as a portable meal for miners. A traditional Cornish pasty is filled with beef, potatoes, swede, and onions, all encased in a golden, flaky pastry crust. The crimped edge of the pasty, designed to be held with dirty hands, kept the filling clean and ready to eat.

Today, the Cornish pasty has evolved, with numerous variations available to suit every taste. Whether you prefer the classic beef filling or something more adventurous like chicken and chorizo, there’s a pasty for everyone. Many bakeries across Cornwall, such as the award-winning Warrens Bakery and the Pasty House, offer freshly baked pasties that provide an authentic taste of this regional delicacy.

Cornwall’s connection to the pasty is so strong that it was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union in 2011. This means that only pasties made in Cornwall following the traditional recipe can be labelled as “Cornish pasties.” This protection helps preserve the heritage and quality of this beloved food item, ensuring that visitors to the region get an authentic experience.

Seafood Delights in Devon and Cornwall
The coastal counties of Devon and Cornwall are renowned for their fresh seafood, making them prime destinations for seafood lovers. The abundance of fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies caught daily in these waters ensures that the seafood served in local restaurants is as fresh as it gets.

In Devon, the fishing town of Brixham is a key player in the UK’s seafood industry. Brixham Fish Market is one of the largest in the country, with daily auctions that see tonnes of fish sold to markets and restaurants across the UK. Dining in Brixham, whether at a casual fish and chip shop or a fine dining establishment like Rockfish, offers a chance to enjoy the catch of the day, often including favourites like mackerel, crab, and scallops.

If you’re staying in one of the many hotels near Bristol, such as the standout Berwick Lodge, it’s worth making the short trip to these coastal areas to savour the seafood. Whether you’re tucking into a plate of oysters in Falmouth or enjoying a seafood platter in Dartmouth, the flavours of the sea are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Devon Cream Tea

Devon’s cream tea is another quintessential West Country treat that you simply must try. This afternoon delight consists of freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam, all served with a pot of tea. The Devonshire way of preparing cream tea is to split the scone in half, spread on the clotted cream first, and then top it with jam. This differs from the Cornish method, where jam is applied first, followed by the cream.

Clotted cream is the star of the show, made by slowly heating rich, full-cream milk until it thickens and forms a golden crust. This luxurious spread is unique to the region and adds a rich, velvety texture to the scones. The origin of the cream tea is believed to date back to the 11th century when monks at Tavistock Abbey would serve bread with cream and jam to workers restoring the abbey.

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