East Dart Inn

The northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna provides the inspiration behind this classic osteria set within a former bank in the centre of town. The daily changing menu is chalked on the door of the old vault, which now houses the wines, and from the tiny kitchen comes forth flavoursome and generously priced dishes that you feel are doing you good. There’s a daily offal dish and the pasta is made in-house.

It feels like nothing ever changes at The Cornish Arms – and that is meant in the best possible way. This traditional high-street pub continues to serve up proper pints, flavour-packed food and a joyous atmosphere. A mix of locals and tourists, drinkers and diners, are all well looked-after by the gregarious team, while the kitchen does its part with a menu of dishes that combine no-nonsense appeal with detailed and careful execution. The result is dishes like 'The BFG Trifle', where a Black Forest Gateau fuses wonderfully with a fellow staple pudding.

The team behind Emilia, situated just a few doors down, have imparted another gift to the residents of Ashburton with this delightful rustic bistro. Where its sister operation is all-Italian, Le Vin Perdu is full-blooded French in its approach, so don’t be surprised to find the likes of pork terrine or rotisserie chicken on the menu. The décor is understatedly chic, with the bar making a great place for a cocktail or a glass of wine from the blackboard list. If you’re sweet of tooth, the tarte Tatin is a great note to end on.During autumn and winter, Le Vin Perdu runs limited opening hours.

You couldn’t meet a friendlier family than the parents, daughter and son-in-law who run this rustic roadside pub. With its cosy, shabby-chic style, it's an undeniably charming and characterful place where everyone feels welcome. The bar area is filled with locals and their dogs enjoying a drink, while diners are spread across several dining rooms in which they enjoy the straightforward, satisfying cooking that derives plenty of flavour from the quality local produce.