Review October 2018
Home Farm Café

Located on the National Trust’s Parke estate near Bovey Tracey, Home Farm Café is the ideal place to round off a good walk with family and friends.

I was curious then, to find out what it’s like in the evenings; it’s open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a three-course dinner.

We were warmly welcomed at the door and shown to our table. Twinkly lights added to the cosy farmhouse ambience. Nothing felt rushed; it was relaxed and efficient, and our order was taken in good time.

My friend Rebecca and I shared the steamed broccoli, Devon blue cheese, pickled carrots and toasted hazelnut salad starter, served with sourdough bread, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It was the ideal warm-up to the main course, providing plenty of flavour and texture to whet the appetite.

Having seen the home-grown squash on the café’s Instagram page, I was keen to find out how the chef would transform it into the roasted Lurcombe Farm squash and chickpea wellington (as described on the menu). Looking like a perfect parcel on my plate, the flavours of the smooth sweet squash and savoury chickpea centre were intensified by the fiery rocket pesto and chilli oil.

Rebecca’s lamb came in two different cuts – a braised shoulder and a roasted loin that was perfectly pink in the middle, served with a lamb jus. The main dishes were accompanied by roast potatoes and a medley of organic vegetables, all deliciously different in shape and size.

To finish off our feast, we indulged in the sticky toffee pudding and chocolate mousse for dessert – pure pudding heaven.

With fresh produce from farm to fork, this is as good as it gets.