We didn't plan on eating at the River Cottage Canteen and Deli in Axminster, we thought it might be too much of a good thing in one weekend. However some googling and an honest discussion with Kathryn from our B&B assured us that this really was the best option for food - I am so glad we did!! Luckily we managed to book a table online that Saturday afternoon for the evening, but I would recommend allowing more booking time, especially in the busier seasons.
Although the canteen appears small from the outside, it goes right through to the back and opens up into a lovely high ceiling-ed room. There is a small stage area at one end and they regularly have bands on. I would love to come back for one of those evenings, live music while dining!
The menu itself consists of 'small plates' which you can either order like tapas or have as a starter and then the 'bigger plates' for mains. The menus are very healthy sounding, often with minimal carbs in them, but don't let this put you off. Mr Owl went all meat, with beef tartar and horseradish to start and then beef rib with lentils for his main. I had crab to start and Merguez lamb with rhubarb (I can never resist rhubarb) and quinoa for the main. For once neither of us had food envy, we both loved our own dishes and the other's dishes equally. It was outstanding. We finished off with a cheeseboard and a coffee with chocolates which we shared between us. Thank goodness we had a nice stroll back to our bed to help walk it all off.
I couldn't finish this without mentioning the fantastic staff at the canteen. Our own waitress was brilliant, she was able to help on queries about the dishes and was friendly and attentive. When she realised at the end we were attending a course at the HQ the next day, we even got 20% off the bill.
If you are going to be in Devon/Dorset then I would highly recommend making time to visit the River Cottage canteen. I know we will be back!
Although the canteen appears small from the outside, it goes right through to the back and opens up into a lovely high ceiling-ed room. There is a small stage area at one end and they regularly have bands on. I would love to come back for one of those evenings, live music while dining!
The menu itself consists of 'small plates' which you can either order like tapas or have as a starter and then the 'bigger plates' for mains. The menus are very healthy sounding, often with minimal carbs in them, but don't let this put you off. Mr Owl went all meat, with beef tartar and horseradish to start and then beef rib with lentils for his main. I had crab to start and Merguez lamb with rhubarb (I can never resist rhubarb) and quinoa for the main. For once neither of us had food envy, we both loved our own dishes and the other's dishes equally. It was outstanding. We finished off with a cheeseboard and a coffee with chocolates which we shared between us. Thank goodness we had a nice stroll back to our bed to help walk it all off.
I couldn't finish this without mentioning the fantastic staff at the canteen. Our own waitress was brilliant, she was able to help on queries about the dishes and was friendly and attentive. When she realised at the end we were attending a course at the HQ the next day, we even got 20% off the bill.
If you are going to be in Devon/Dorset then I would highly recommend making time to visit the River Cottage canteen. I know we will be back!
Little Owl
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