Safe dining at The Carlton
In the current pandemic emergency we are following Government advice and regulation. This means you will see some sensible changes to our food and drink service at The Carlton. You can find out more about our general Covid-19 Stay Safe policies and procedures.
When you dine with us we’ll require your contact details. This is so we comply with the NHS Test & Trace scheme. You’re required to pre-book your table/space so we can ensure that we can accommodate you and have the resources on hand to look after you safely. Please accept these limitations as they are mandated.
We are passionate about safety. Safety of you and equally our team. So behind the scenes (and in front) you’ll be comforted to know we are cleaning touch points, high traffic areas and frequently disinfecting your dining area to combat the virus better. Our procedures in working safely are assured by Visit England and the AA.
And when it comes to food we are equally as passionate. About the ingredients, preparation, cooking, delivery and service. We’re buying as much from our local producers and merchants as is possible. Our top 5* hygiene and food safety accreditation has been maintained through recent assessment of North Devon District Council.
And because we want to keep the team as safe as our guests we’ve revised our menu and service. Our key changes include:
- At breakfast, all food is plated (the majority of our meals always have been) including fruit, cereal & yoghurt
- We’ve revised our Brasserie dinner menu, retaining firm favourites whilst introducing some summertime options. This allows for safer working in the kitchen.
- In The Brasserie as before we’ll only offer table service – to pre-booked guests.
- There is no at bar counter service. Drinks can be ordered at seat in the lounges.
- You’ll be directed to your dining table, and you can only dine together according to the current distancing rules.
- You’ll be able to order from laminate menus or our new phone app*.
- The team will deliver food and drinks to your side or on trays avoiding hand contact as much as is possible.
We are offering in room dining where this is feasible to our overnight guests. Our Deli boxes are ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and can be ordered to enjoy in your room or take away outside.
Be reassured we are doing this for everyone’s safety.
* arriving Winter 2020
Fresh food, locally sourced.
Our Brasserie at The Carlton is still the perfect setting to enjoy a meal, freshly prepared in our kitchen using some of the best local produce around. Simple dishes that are prepared from scratch – without fuss. We serve an informal dinner menu seven days a week, with a lighter all day and lounge menu to complement our dinner offer.
Local provenance
We love to find new suppliers, whether they’re Devon families who’ve been growing, rearing or selling produce for generations or new, artisan makers of craft food and drink products – of which there are many in the county. We were thrilled to discover Justin of the Madrigal Brewery over in Lynmouth and his bespoke craft beers; Tony the Butcher, who works out of Muddiford for consistent West Country meat; Farmer Bob from Barnstaple, and really seasonal local vegetables from Broadlands Farm Braunton.
Naturally fish and seafood are key ingredients in our larder. And you are guaranteed to enjoy some of the best fresh fish from the market at Appledore. Why? Because this is where our fishmonger goes each day, and in turn returns to our kitchen, with quality produce landed off local day boats. Add to that mussels that are picked at low tide in Westward Ho! then cleaned in Phoebe Chopes tanks at Instow. In all a great basket of local and seasonal ingredients that are truly sustainable.
Menus adapt to the seasons, so there’s always something new to try whatever time of year you arrive – you may even catch the local asparagus season if you’re lucky!
Open to non-residents
We are open to locals and visitors, with prior reservation. At the moment walk-in guests will be refused. Also be aware you will be asked to give us complete contact details, a requirement of eating and drinking out as part of HMG Test & Trace regime.
Breakfast includes all the lighter options, to full English breakfasts including thick-cut bacon and Exmoor pork sausage, our famous bacon or sausage sandwiches and not forgetting kippers and poached haddock – with those wonderful Farmer Bob eggs.
Above all, we like you to feel relaxed when dining so you can enjoy traditional favourites as well as more specialised options, from steaks and burgers to curries and veggie risottos – but do make sure you leave room for one of our classic desserts.
Sunday lunch is a highlight, leaving you ready for a countryside walk, or armchair snooze, and the well-stocked bar is always available for a chilled-out drink or to sample something from our carefully curated wine list.
Breakfast is served daily from 7.30am (8am at weekends).
Dinner is served from 6.30pm, and our kitchen opens even earlier during the summer.
An all-day menu is available, and also room service.
