Birds flying overhead, sea breeze tingling the nostrils and calm settling over everything, Topsham, Devon, is an estuary town built on a rich history as a shipbuilding port, still boasting much of its past architectural charm with its crooked cottages and winding streets.
Nestled within this setting is a true culinary gem. This jewel is the family-run Bib Gourmand and Harden’s award 2023 awardee, Fish and Seafood restaurant The Galley. With a view of the river and its position skirting the coast and countryside, fresh, local produce is not a question but a promise.
Set beside seaside houses just as quaint as it is itself, painted blue with white windows and blue and white striped fabric awnings, it is every bit as seafood oriented as its décor implies.
Within a city that looks like something from the past, this old-fashioned traditional establishment has stood, and continues to stand, the test of time. Retaining a cosy, rustic atmosphere, its small size makes for a personal dining experience of simplistic yet impressive flavours letting each and every element of the food speak for itself.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch from 12- 2 pm and dinner from 6:30-9 pm, alongside a fine selection of wine, with recommended pairings for each course, its menu, adapted daily, offers the option of two or three courses.
Under the leadership of Recently appointed Head Chef James Checkley, though serving the very best seafood that the region has to offer, The Galley doesn’t stop there. Providing mouth-watering meaty dishes such as the Lamb Rump with Goats Curd, Anchovy and Pommes Anna; vegan dishes, a gluten-free menu, as well as an impressive selection of desserts—White Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel, Peanut and Miso Ice Cream making quite the splash—expect top-class food worthy of the highest of praises.