Meet The Team – Claire Carrington

Say hello to Claire Carrington, our housekeeping manager, who is now into her seventh year at The Carlton. Claire leads a very busy team of five room attendants. Between them, this team deliver the high standards in room servicing and cleanliness, that all our guests receive, in bedrooms and public areas.

Since January this year, Claire and the team have looked after nearly 10,000 hotel guests. That’s a lot of linen changes! Thank you, Clare.

Why do you enjoy working at The Carlton?

I like the team spirit at The Carlton. And because I am very proud of my team’s work, it is very rewarding, especially when we get positive guest feedback.

What keeps you in the hospitality business

I have always worked in the tourism industry, since first leaving school. I love making our guests comfortable. I am a trained chef as well as turning my hand to waiting on tables. But the housekeeping role is the one I prefer. It suits my work-life balance for sure.

Tell us how you relax

I relax most at home, whether it’s watching TV (my favourite program at the moment is Gogglebox) or in the bath with a large glass of red wine. If I am off, I try and get to a local pub or live music venue to listen to a band gig.

What do you think of Ilfracombe, and do you enjoy living here?

I really enjoy the North Devon area and Ilfracombe. The natural beauty of the area is just so stunning. Like everywhere and in many other towns, we have our issues, many of which are a result of the pandemic. The Ilfracombe community spirit really makes up for anything negative.

Food preferences. What is your favourite dish on our menu? What do you enjoy eating at home?

Well, I enjoy eating in the hotel’s Brasserie from time to time with friends, and right now the Venison dish is right up my street! At home, I am getting into slow cooking, and enjoying trying new recipes and ingredients. It’s great to get home and know supper is nearly ready!

Tell us a secret about you.

I am a feline fan, a secret cat lady. And have just taken over the responsibility for a four-year-old cat called Ollie, which I’m enjoying.

Meet The Team – Dan Priestman, Second Chef

Meet Dan, who, as many of our diners know, has been part of the team in The Brasserie kitchen, since summer 2020. Dan joined us with a great knowledge base and practical experience, having worked in busy kitchens in Cheshire prior to relocating to beautiful Ilfracombe.

We asked Dan a few questions, to gain a little more into about what makes him tick.

Why do you enjoy working at The Carlton?

I enjoy working at the hotel primarily because (for a hotel) it allows me sociable working hours. I feel more like a human than a robot. My role allows me to be myself.

What keeps you in the hospitality business?

I’ve worked for many years in hospitality and what really keeps me engaged is the team and customers I look after. In my role being creative is a big plus. Also, the fact that every day is different is a bonus.

Tell us about your college and your apprenticeship course?

The opportunity to attend Petroc weekly has really helped me gain confidence in areas of cooking I haven’t practised as much in the workplace. Personally, I have found college learning doesn’t seem as pressured as school was. The opportunity to include my learning in the Carlton kitchen has been an extra benefit.

What do you think of Ilfracombe, and do you enjoy living here?

I love living by the sea as it is. It’s great that Ilfracombe has a slower pace of life and being close to family that are here has been great.

Food preferences. What is your favourite dish on our menu? What do you enjoy eating at home?

If I had to choose just one dish it would be our Scotch Egg, from our Brasserie menu. The way we make it involves slow cooking key elements and combing these with other quality ingredients. Whilst at home I really enjoy cooking and eating pasta carbonara.

Tell us a secret about you?

Ha, ha, if I did it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. Mind your own business ?

$Afternoon Tea in Ifracombe, With A Devonshire Twist$

Afternoon Tea in Ifracombe, With A Devonshire Twist

Devonshire afternoon tea

Traditionally the quintessential English treat created in the 19th century for the peckish Duchess Of Bedford, afternoon tea is still enjoyed today throughout the UK and beyond. Here at The Carlton, we like to keep things fresh, our afternoon tea offers a classic Devonshire element with the inclusion of a freshly made Devon Cream Tea along with other delicious homemade treats; freshly cut, filled breads, fresh cakes and mini desserts all prepared from scratch using ingredients from our local larder. Here, you can always enjoy gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options so no one needs to miss out.

Enjoy an afternoon graze, whatever the occasion

Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just treating yourself, afternoon tea is the perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon graze with a few drinks and good company, of course. Add a glass of Prosecco or champagne for added sparkle!

Choice of menu & location to suit your preference

Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed inside in a Brasserie, Lounge Bar, Restaurant or Café setting or outside on a sun terrace, patio, decked or garden area making it fully adaptable to your place of preference. With a choice of menu to suit your taste and dietary requirements, you really can make it something very special. At The Carlton, you are guaranteed some of the best local ingredients, including fresh fish from the market caught from the day boats at Appledore, Exmoor’s finest meat and salad from the great Field of Braunton. Menus adapt to the seasons, but there’s always something new to excite your tastebuds. Discover more

2021 Travellers’ Choice Award Winners!

It’s not often we like to blow our own trumpet, especially considering the challenges over the last 15 months, however we are absolutely delighted to have received the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award for Hotels from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform.

This means that our 19th century Ilfracombe hotel has been named among the world’s top 10%, reaffirming that North Devon should be one of the must visit UK destinations for everyone.

Our Restaurant

“Given the background of the last 15 months, it’s challenging to get an award like this. It’s special.”
“I think the fact that this award was due to the reviews of our customers means more in a way. It’s a more direct award because the direct feedback of our customers, many of whom return here, means a lot to us.”

Eliot Seabourn-Wren, co-owner of the Carlton Hotel for five years.

We know we’re a hidden gem, we’re so very happy that so many of our guests feel the exact same way about us, and we honestly cannot wait to see you all return to visit us this year.

We’ve been unable to trade for most of the year so far, so we opened up our Brasserie for food deliveries to local residents, it’s been a hit! Again, we don’t always blow our own trumpet, but our food is rather good.

Food from our Brasserie

“We are having people come in after eating one of our delivery meals and wanting to enjoy the food again in-house. There is a strong, loyal crowd that want to help our local businesses and I feel this award just reinforces that.”
“We are a classic hotel business in that we aren’t just welcoming to visitors, but also to our local customers. When we had Sunday lunch last week, we had a really good crowd and the majority of them were local.”

Eliot Seabourn-Wren

Tripadvisor spokesperson, Hayley Coleman, said: “Congratulations to the Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe for its win in the 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels. The past year has been extremely challenging for the tourism industry but businesses like the Carlton Hotel have adapted to ensure that they continue to deliver a top rate service to their guests.”

“The Travellers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent – delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working. Based on the quality and quantity of reviews from customers over the past year, this award speaks to the great service that the Carlton Hotel provided guests in the midst of a pandemic,”

“I think everyone is looking forward to a great couple of months. We are looking forward to delivering great service to our regular customers and give them an opportunity to relax after what has been a challenging year.”

Eliot Seabourn-Wren

So, please do come and visit us this year, whether local or from afar, we welcome you to enjoy our gem of a Victorian hotel and fantastic restaurant, in the lovely coastal town of Ilfracombe.

North Devon Best Walking Routes Guide

Five Best Walks Around Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe, offers a plethora of scenic walks that cater to all levels of hikers and nature enthusiasts. From rugged coastal paths to serene countryside strolls, Ilfracombe’s diverse landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for exploring on foot. Here’s a guide to some of our favourite and best walks around town, designed to help you discover the area’s natural beauty, wildlife, and historical sites.

1 South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

– Approximately 8 miles

– Moderate to challenging

– This section of the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel, rugged cliffs, and lush countryside. Starting from Ilfracombe Harbour, you’ll pass the iconic Damien Hirst sculpture, “Verity,” before heading towards the picturesque Lee Bay, and eventually reaching the golden sands of Woolacombe Beach. It’s a fantastic route for spotting marine wildlife and enjoying panoramic sea views including South Wales and Lundy Island. Stop off in Lee at the Grampus Inn or (during the peak season) some cosy cafes.

2 Tunnels Beaches Walk

– 2 miles (round trip)

– Easy

– Ideal for families and those looking for a short, leisurely walk, this route takes you through the historic Tunnels Beaches. Hand-carved in the 1820s, these tunnels lead to unique sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool. Along the way, you’ll learn about Ilfracombe’s Victorian heritage and enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline. And it’s right next to us at The Carlton!

3 Torrs Walk

– 3-4 miles

– Moderate

– The Torrs Walk combines coastal scenery with green countryside, offering a varied terrain that’s both refreshing and slightly challenging. The path ascends to the high Torrs above Ilfracombe, where you’re rewarded with expansive views across the town and out to sea. It’s a great option for those looking to experience the natural beauty of North Devon without venturing too far from Ilfracombe. It’s a very dog friendly walk too.

4 Hele Bay to Watermouth Cove

– 2.5 miles (one way)

– Easy to moderate

– This pleasant coastal walk starts at Hele Bay, just east of Ilfracombe, and meanders to Watermouth Cove, a picturesque harbour with a sheltered beach. The route offers lovely views of the Bristol Channel and passes by Watermouth Castle, an impressive 19th-century fortress now housing a family attraction.

5 Hillsborough Hill Local Nature Reserve

– 1-2 miles

– Easy to moderate

– Known locally as “the sleeping elephant,” Hillsborough Hill is a prominent landmark offering several gentle walking trails through its nature reserve. The ascent to the top is rewarded with spectacular views over Ilfracombe and the surrounding coastline. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying a peaceful retreat into nature. There’s the remains of an iron age fort to be discovered as you cover Hillsborough, as well as dramatic coastal drops and secret coves.

Good to know:

Good sensible footwear. The terrain on some walks can be rough and slippery, especially in wet conditions.

Coastal weather can change quickly; be prepared for sun, wind, and rain.

Please stick to marked paths, take your litter home, and keep dogs under control to protect local wildlife and habitats.

Some routes, especially the longer coastal paths, have limited access to facilities. Carry water, snacks, and a map or GPS device. Why not pre book a packed lunch from the hotel?

Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike along the dramatic coastlines or a gentle amble through picturesque countryside, Ilfracombe’s walks offer something for everyone. Each route provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, delve into the area’s rich history, and take in the stunning vistas that make North Devon a special place to explore on foot.

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