The Crab Shed, Salcombe, Devon

The Crab Shed, Salcombe, Devon

The Crab Shed in Salcombe

This rustic-style restaurant, situated near to the Fish Quay in Salcombe, has only been open a year but has already established a good reputation for fresh seafood, in particular crab and lobster.  This may not be surprising as the restaurant is perched over their own crab factory where they produce hand picked fresh crabmeat.  They also source fish and shellfish directly from the local boats.  As always, the key to the best seafood is freshness and quality and in these respects The Crab Shed hits the mark.




Whole fresh crab was an obvious choice here and we were not disappointed.  The large crab provided had been caught and cooked within the previous 24 hours.  The crab arrived prepared and on a bed of crisp, fresh mixed salad.  A side order of fries completed the meal !  At the Crab Shed they remove the brown and white body meat from their crabs and mix together before pressing back into the shell.  The claws are intact and contain the usual high quality white claw-meat.  This ensures that all the crabs served are of consistent quality and crammed with a generous portion of the freshest crabmeat. An alternative dish which we tried was the crabmeat on fresh bread with avocado and salad.  Again the emphasis was on quality and freshness of all the ingredients. If you want an unbeatable fresh crab experience then head down to The Crab Shed in Salcombe - you won't regret it.

South Sands Hotel, Salcombe, Devon

South Sands Hotel, Salcombe, Devon

South Sands view

Pan seared scallops

This contemporary boutique hotel is situated right next to the beach in South Sands Bay just over a mile from Salcombe. 

The beautiful beachside restaurant serves fresh local seafood expertly prepared and presented.  An emphasis on local produce ensures freshness and quality in their flavoursome dishes. 






For starters I opted for the pan-fried scallops with minted pea ketchup, Parma ham crisp and lemon pea dressing.  The lightly seared scallops were fresh and succulent and melted into the subtle flavours of the pea and lemon. 

Pan fried turbot

River Exe mussels

For main courses we ordered the River Exe mussels and the 'fish of the day'. The mussels were described as 'mariniere style' and the chef certainly produced a delicious variation of the French classic dish.  The sauce was creamy, almost Béchamel in texture, and packed with flavours of garlic, ginger and herbs.  The 'fish of the day' was pan-fried Turbot with a sweet chilli chutney.  Always a favourite of mine this did not disappoint.  The meaty fish was white and moist with a  crispy skin which was a tasty treat.

Fish sharing tapas plate

Grilled sardines

Other dishes worthy of a mention included the beachside sharing tapas fish dish which comprised calamari (in a light batter), smoked salmon and char grilled prawns along with the grilled Cornish sardines with tomato chili and lime dressing.  Both superb as starter, main or just to share with a beer or glass of wine.







These are just a few examples of the wide range of excellent seafood dishes on offer at the South Sands Hotel.  We look forward to returning to enjoy some more of them.