Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01803-327110;
www.caryarms.co.uk
; Babbacombe Beach; d £225-275, ste £375)
The great British seaside
has just gone seriously stylish. At this boutique bolt-hole New England tones are jazzed
up by candy-striped cushions; balconies directly overlook the beach and children are giv-
en a fishing net and bait on arrival. A stick of rock with the hotel's name running through
it is even placed on your pillow. There's a cluster of gorgeous cottages (two/three/six/
eight-person cottages per week £1550/1950/2500/3000), each with sea-view terrace, too.
Osborne
MAP
HOTEL
£££
GOOGLE MAP
( 01803-213311;
www.osborne-torquay.co.uk
;
Hesketh Cres; d £140-230; )
The terrace of this
grand, crescent-shaped hotel is more St Tropez than Torquay: think palm trees, white
parasols and utterly bewitching sea views. Rooms feature brown leather and neutral tones,
beds range from four poster to brass-framed and sleigh. Work out in the gym, swim in the
cliff-side heated pool, then settle back in a bay-view room, which comes with binoculars
to watch the boats go by.
Eating
Number 7
MAP
SEAFOOD
££
GOOGLE MAP
( 01803-295055;
www.no7-fish.com
; 7 Beacon Tce; mains £15; noon-1.45pm Wed-Sat year round, 7-9pm daily
Jul-Sep, Tue-Sat Oct-Jun)
Fabulous smells fill the air in this buzzing harbourside fish bistro. The
menu is packed with super-fresh fruits of the sea, with specialities including local crab,
lobster, skate and monkfish, often with an unexpected twist. Try the king scallops with
vermouth, or fish and prawn tempura.
Elephant Brasserie
MAP
MODERN BRITISH
££
GOOGLE MAP
( 01803-200044;
www.elephantrestaurant.co.uk
; 3 Beacon Tce; mains £17, 2-/3-course lunch £17/20;
noon-2pm & 6.30-9pm Tue-Sat)
The setting may be less formal, but the bistro below Torquay's
Michelin-starred eatery (Room in the Elephant) is still supremely smart. Treatments in-
clude open ravioli of ham hock with spring pea foam, and poached haddock with truffled
macaroni cheese. There are real treats for dessert fans, too: the treacle tart with vanilla ice
cream is a memorable way to end the meal.
