Review
The Crabshell Inn

Eating out will never be taken for granted again after two years of uncertainty for our pubs and restaurants. It’s a real treat, and one that’s even better when you’re met with friendly smiles and excellent service, which is how we found service at The Crabshell Inn. 

It sits beside the quayside on the Kingsbridge estuary, with seating inside and out. Even on a grey day, the waterside location offers views along the river, where wildlife watchers and watersports lovers are in their element.

I arrived with my partner Andrew, two children and our puppy, and we couldn’t have been made to feel more at home. We sat beside a window in the restaurant where we were able to enjoy watching the outside world, while appreciating the warmth of this family-run business.

An extensive menu ensures there’s something for everyone. The kids found their favourites, which made ordering for the little ones as easy as pie. A pepperoni pizza for Charlotte, fish and chips for Toby.

For us adults, local seafood and world food favourites jostled for our attention. I went for the Panko coated squid rings, while Andrew opted for the wild mushroom and black truffle arancini for starters. The squid was perfectly crisp on the outside with tenderly cooked flesh, while the risotto balls packed an umami, moreish punch.

For the main course, I chose the bouillabaisse as I wanted to try the complete local seafood experience. Feel-good food doesn’t get better than this. Andrew had the tempura soft shell crab burger, for a twist on the classic crab sandwich, which he enjoyed for its texture and fuller flavour. To complement these fruits of the sea, the glass of Chablis served each dish well.

Dessert was a family affair. Sticky toffee pudding was devoured by the boys, while the girls shared a hot chocolate fondant with hazelnuts and salted caramel ice cream. Divine!