Beach House Cafe in South Hams

We recently visited the Beach House for a family lunch, bringing a group of 15 people (8 adults, 7 kids). The adults ordered starters and mains, the kids had mains, and we enjoyed wine and cocktails. The final bill was £484. However, the experience was ruined by the restaurant’s inflexibility. My daughter is a vegetarian, and unfortunately, there was nothing on the menu that catered to her dietary needs. We knew this would be an issue so we brought a sandwich and some fruit for her, since she had no other option. But the waitress informed us that outside food was not allowed, without any understanding of our situation. As a result, my wife and daughter had to leave the restaurant to eat their meal in the car, while the rest of the family stayed inside to eat. It felt incredibly unfair and left a very sour note on what should have been a pleasant family meal. For what we were spending, I would expect more accommodation for dietary restrictions or, at the very least, some understanding and flexibility in such situations. We were paying customers, and my daughter simply couldn’t eat what was on the menu. The lack of compassion from the staff was disappointing, and it’s unlikely we’ll be returning.

We booked 2 tables for 8 adults and 7 children ( one 2 years and another 4 with real dietary issues) . The mother of the two children brought some food for the 4 year old and a small snack for the two year old . She was informed that no food could be given that was not purchased in the restaurant meaning she had to leave to feed the 4 year old in the car and cancel her order . Totally ruined the special day . Will make sure we never visit again and also the food was not great .

£22 for fish goujons and chips eaten out of a box on an outside bench. Small amount of fish as well. Wife ordered Burrata salad for £16, which turned up as a lump of cheese on sirupy figs - where were the tomatoes and it was pretty inedible??!! Kids had goujons as well. With 4 small bottles of water it came to just under £100. Most expensive ( and disappointing ) take-away I have ever has and we live in west London.

What a find, very relaxed atmosphere, lovely food, had the Italian fish stew, really good, lots of fish and shellfish in it.

We dined early here on the last night of our holiday - the position is wonderful, the vibe excellent, brilliant music and the manager is a gem. The food was amazing - a crab linguine and a crab salad with fries - so fresh and beautifully presented. The wine was good - a bit pricey but for the whole experience we were well happy and will definitely go again when we are next there.

We have been visiting the area for a number of years now and one of our staples is to walk from Hope Cove to South Milton Sands which always includes lunch at the Beach House. We won’t be doing so again. For a family of 6 (4 adults, 2 children) the bill came to £125 for absolutely tiny portions of low quality food. The fish finger sandwich had three of the smallest fingers of fish in it on stale bread. The Bang Bang prawns consisted of 4 very small seemingly frozen prawns. The mackerel pate was almost missed on the plate it was such a small portion and only had one slice of sourdough toast with it, and the calamari was also poor. The kids sausage and chips were actually good but when we only had 3 small beers and soft drinks, the cost was ridiculous. We’re not cheap skates at all and eat out all the time, but this felt like we’d been ripped off. What was so frustrating was that the new Roxbox cafe which is only 1 min around the corner offered loads of atmosphere and far better value meals and drinks. Take my advice, walk past the once lovely Beach House and go to the Roxbox instead!

The food was nice. It is fairly basic but tasty and a good lunch option. My crispy squid was lovely and my Panzanella salad was good (although they did forget to add the croutons)! The staff are friendly. However, I feel that the food is slightly overpriced. But still, a good place to drop in for a bite (can be busy though so look to book if you are relying on eating there).

Just off the beach this 'diner style shack' has a lot going for it. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. The staff were great too. If you want to eat inside, then you'll need to book. But on a sunny day it's just as much fun to eat outside. We were two couples and had a great time. Can't wait to go back.

We have previously had a good experience here but it was very different on our most recent visit. The food was fine but seriously overpriced and the atmosphere poor due to being packed into this small resteraunt so tightly that we could hardly move. We had a cramped uncomfortable, greasy night then paid a high price for it!

This beach restaurant was the nearest restaurant to the apartments we had booked for our holiday in Devon but we decided to try other restaurants in Devon instead after we read a lot of negative reviews about this beach restaurant. But I’m glad we decided to try it as it turned out to be the BEST restaurant in Devon. So I’m not sure why there are so many negative reviews. We ended up having 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners at The Beach Restaurant and we all loved it. It is an expensive restaurant but the food is superb. All freshly made and its a great menu. We booked the indoor tables for our two dinners. It was always very busy. Everything we tried from the menu was fantastic such as the crab linguini, mussels, prawns, squid and their salads. The sourdough bread and butter was very good with olives. Great kids’ menu. The icecream tubs for dessert were great so we all ordered them both nights. They had THE BEST Affogato dessert so I had it for both dinners. For breakfast we sat outside with views of the beach. It was the best breakfast we have had. Very good quality. We tried the full cooked breakfast as well as the breakfast baps and the waffles. Great drinks too. We could have easily eaten at this restaurant every night for the whole week of our holiday. Highly recommend this restaurant. Lovely friendly staff and great service.

As far as we were concerned this place was a total rip off. The prices were ridiculous in comparison with any other place within 25 miles - made London cafes feel cheap.

We made a reservation for 5 people for a special occasion in July and paid a £25 reservation fee. Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to cancel giving 3 months notice!!! They refuse to reply or refund our reservation fee - we are regular customers and feel incredibly let down. Beware and avoid.

Poor customer service , rude staff , no common sence , its a rained, tables outside wet and did not even offer to clean , just served the food with no serviette, will never recommend to any body , i am a hotelier, never seen such unfriendly staff ,

You wouldn’t think it was hard to get a cheese and chutney sandwich right but they certainly didn’t here. The thinnest layer of mild cheap cheddar with a scraping of orange jam like chutney on the thickest door step white bread that was provably at his freshest about 2 days prior. And at £11 it was totally overpriced. Won’t bother going back

Fabulous place. Insane views - even on a mizzley day - across a stunning stretch of National Trust beach. Super-sociable long wooden tables with benches, fresh-as-a-daisy menus chalked up on a board, great staff - for whom nothing was too much trouble. Huge garlicky shell-on prawns, bang bang prawns, a phenomenal mackerel club and beautifully-executed mackerel pate were the stars of the show. Wanted to order everything on the menu. Frankly, I’d drive the three hours to Devon just to go there.

Always a wonderful experience at the Beach House. Food is very tasty, cooked fresh and service bang on. It is one of our favourite destinations when we come to Salcombe. Not to missed. The atmosphere is lively as the space is cosy but it lends itself well to the overall experience.

Over priced very average food. £11 for sausage sandwich!! But very below average food . Cheap white bread and undercooked mushy onions. The bill for 3 soft drinks and a sandwich was over £25 ! The chap serving was pleasant enough but am disappointed the this once wonderful place is still getting worse.

Massively overpriced. Staffed by rude passive aggressive teenagers, evidently only wanting to accommodate the 0.01% of the population who don’t think twice about spending such prices! £6 for half a portion of chips. £6 for a sausage roll. £8 for a sausage bap. You only even get half a cup of tea! Not even allowed to read the menu inside unless you have booked a table seemingly months in advance. After a blistering stroll along the beautiful beach, one is entitled to a slice of cake and a coffee, without being treated as a second class citizen! The National Trust should ashamed for granting a lease to this lot! Take a flask and save your money!

I must say I was very disappointed with the cost of this place. We decided to have table service out side, and when I got the final bill I was charged table service of £2.20. Not to mention an extra charge for oat milk and an extra charge for decaf coffee. I my eyes “A total rip off”.

As soon as we walked in, the staff were instantly rude. Wouldn’t let us read the menu inside so forced us outside in the freezing cold wind. Secondly £6!!!! For a small portion of chips. Take away cup of tea was tiny as well. Wouldn’t recommend.

This cafe should be renamed Cafe Pass Agg... South Milton Beach is stunning but don't be fooled into thinking the tatty little shed will yield ruddy smiles, cakes and reasonably priced tea. My teenage son and I were told off immediately for not having a reservation when the place was empty at 5pm... then a teenager in board shorts sprints up to the table red faced and tells me off for intending to vape... literally just put the contents of my back pocket on the table which included a small vape and phone... never have I been chastised for intending to do something that I wasn't intending to do in a place where all I intended to do was spend money! I gulped down the remaining thimble of tea and gently stomped outside into a gale force storm muttering about the fact they forgot our overpriced handful of chips... only to be pursued then lectured by a waitress with a fake smile and cocked head telling me how I've never worked in hospitality which I have.. then said the most pass agg thing I've ever heard... 'It's not our fault you're having a bad day' ahahha... I was having a lovely day until I went in there. Guys your dilapidated shack aint the Ritz. Delusions of grandeur by a bunch of patronising children who want to rip you off. Beware!!!!!

The location of this cafe is fantastic with amazing views. So when I saw the shed/cafe, I got really excited that we could have a few drinks and some snacks after a blustery visit to the beach. Sadly I was mistaken. I was met with a sour faced, passive aggressive upstart. As soon as I walked in, I basically felt like I was an inconvenience. I hadn’t booked, the menu was snatched away from me whilst I was reading it. Really, I was just in the way. I had hungry children waiting outside and coming out empty handed wasn’t an option. £35 later for some measley portions of chips, cans of drinks and half a cup of tea. I’m always up for supporting small local businesses, and I’m well aware of the cost increase within this industry, but it costs nothing to be friendly and welcoming. A shame really, as all I’ll remember from South Milton beach is the overpriced passive aggressive shed. Top tip- be a more organised parent than I was that day and pack some flapjacks and a flask!

I asked the Mrs for a Lemonade, cost £4.80, I thought she was joking but nope… £4.80 for a 300ml bottle of Lemonade. I sat there drinking it thinking to myself, this one Lemonade has firstly, annoyed me, secondly, make me not want to return and thirdly, tell people not to bother.. All that for one Lemonade…

The price is what it is in this location. We always enjoy brunch here, love the view, friendly service. Been coming for years if irregularly, don’t remember a disappointing moment. If I could choose I would have something green in the veggie breakfast - kale maybe? - but that might just be me!

After queuing nearly 20 minutes, me and my family waited another half an hour for our food to be served. We were disgusted to pay £7 for a medium size of cheesy chips! Then, to find 2 black hairs showing awful hygiene in this takeaway cafe. After paying this price for a side I realised I couldn't afford to pay £4.80! for a 330ml bottle of lemonade. However south Milton beach is lovely.

Another amazing meal is this fabulous, quirky, beach front restaurant! Will was brilliant and advised us on menu choices. Gluten free was not a problem. We’ll be back again soon! Thank you!

Stopped off for a few cocktails after walking from Hope Cove to our accommodation in Thurlestone. Good choice of good and drink. Staff friendly. Great location near the beach. Dog friendly. Public toilets next door.

Delayed 50th birthday dinner with my wife - we were put on a table with a group of 4x people who were out for a noisy dinner (they looked as uncomfortable as us). I never order lobster but as it was my 50th I thought...

What a find and right on the beach. Service super friendly and the food exquisite. Fish obviously the speciality, prawns stunning, mackerel pate, fish finger sandwich all lovely. Highly recommended.

Absolute gem of a beach side cafe! The staff were all really friendly and helpful, and the food was amazing! I could have chosen anything off the menu! Everything is made fresh and tasted delicious. Prices were really reasonable for fresh seafood and great portions....

Biggest disappointment ever. Food very average at extortionate prices. The service was not very good either. Definitely one to avoid.

This is a gem of a place. Only 5 tables as a small venue but the food they conjure up is excellent. We had a breakfast and they have clearly spent alot of time sourcing good ingredients. Proper Sausages, thick crusty bread, bright orange eggs....

Great Breakfast today. Good food, I had a breakfast bap and a black coffee. Quick and very friendly service. Enjoyed the trial pursuit cards on the tables

I ordered my sandwich and drink outside, ( sandwich was £6.50) then my friends decided they’d like to eat inside. I should’ve returned my “Black Bomber” sandwich as soon as it arrived. The bread was dry and hard and the tasteless grated cheese was all...

I know this is late review for August… But…. Still reeling from paying £150 Per platter (had lobster but no crab) We had 2 platters so total was £300! Family have had a difficult year so didn’t want to make a fuss about it Is...

A regular spot for us when staying in the area at this delightfully rustic beach café in a beautiful location. Excellent, if albeit a tad pricey, food and coffee. A delicious bang bang prawns with chillies and spring onions today. Curiously the cheesy chips were...

Had sea food platter with half lobster and fries to share. Food was ok although lobster was overcooked. Price was eyewatering. Over £130 for half a lobster, prawns and mussels. Difficult to justify.

A very busy little beachside cafe that if you want to eat in the small indoor seating area, you have to prebook online giving your card details for your deposit. If your more than 15 mins late you could loss your deposit. You are given...

Absolutely amazing food and very quick service. I had the Salcombe Smokey which was amazing. Would highly recommended. Also they take dogs. Would def come again 🙌🏻

Outrageously expensive for what is ok food on a bench, outside or in a shed. They don’t care if they ever see you again. These prices would be hard to justify in Mayfair. Double what you pay in Hope Cove or Salcombe. Avoid.

We spent so much time before booking reading the reviews trying to work out how something that looked so good on the plates of food, the look and feel of the restaurant and value for money could get such a mixed bag of reviews. We have been fortunate to eat in many places around the world where we lived and worked and this Restaurant is great, much like an Australian Beach Shack. Simple menu, great seafood, mussels in divine sauce with sourdough bread my favourite. Great value, lovely staff who could not do more for you behind and in front of the counter. Kids had Fritto Misto fish which was light and delicate, Bang Bang prawns, Gordal olives, Goujons fish to share with great chips. Really enjoyed it and hope you get more favourable reviews. Thank You

Six of us including Baby Bonnie aged 13 months had a tasty lunch here. We shared three starters being Arancini, mackerel pate and bang bang prawns (+ large olives) then mostly had mussels. I had a T bone pork dish with delicious sauce. The service and food were very good indeed and the price pretty reasonable. It was a busy sunny day with a lot of takeaway sales but we thought John and his quite small team handled it all calmly and competently. I am aware that staffing in quite remote places can be a challenge at various times of the year so well done to you all.

I was a bit wary about going here because of the mixed reviews I've read online, but I thought we'd give it a try, see for ourselves. Our family was very impressed with the service, absolutely impeccable. The food was a bit pricey, so it...

We were warmly welcomed and seated inside, it’s lovely and friendly and was fairly busy despite being a breezy Tuesday in October. The food was good, we ordered cheese and chutney sandwiches, one bowl of chips and two local beers (cans). The chutney was delicious...

This used to be a destination & the seafood platters were the best we’d ever tasted! Food now nowhere near as good - most of original menu gone! No prawns for sustainability reasons waitress explained! Better stop serving the fish then🤦🏽‍♀️ Other restaurants in the...

Such a disappointment. The place is in a great location and could be an incredible destination, but far too many issues. First off, adding service charges and vat to the bill wasn't advertised and made this one of the most expensive meals we'd eaten in...

We (family of 4 , all adults and our dog) had a thoroughly enjoyable evening last night. I must admit I hesitated having read some of the reviews, but very glad I went ahead and booked. The place has a lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and...

The service here was dire - we queued for so long for coffees that we gave up on food. The outdoor tables were all dirty with plates etc and in poor condition generally/needed a good tidy up. The lady writing on the chalk boards rather...

The Beachhouse was always a highlight of our holiday every year. Today, we were terribly disappointed. The changed menu has removed all our favourites, most of the seafood, and is now worse than pub food. Fish burgers, for heavens sake, and no more Bang Bang...

We are local and live this cute little beach shack cafe.. it’s as good restaurant as any in Devon as they use fresh produce and make the food to order. We were walking on the beach and had time to stop in about 7pm sat...

Friendly service, and beautiful location but you really do pay for the latter! We ordered a fried fish platter and a portion of fries to share. The fries came in a very small ramekin and cost £8! (They’re just potato with sophisticated salt). The fish...

We absolutely love the beach house x amazing food and service. Over the summer we have got to know Sam (the chef) and John (the mng) who have been incredible x great food and service and feel truly spoiled! I love this place and look...

Situated at such a great location, this beach shack always previously had a great reputation locally. We wanted a snack lunch really, something like a sandwich or ploughmans as we'd left all our stuff on the beach. There was nothing like that available we were...

We were on holiday in the area and knew of the cafe from many many years ago and so wanted to return. Booked a table late last year (!) but the reviews had been concerning. So glad we did not cancel, the six of us...

Kept with tradition and started our holiday with a fabulous meal at this unique, cafe. Again we were not disappointed, fabulous service, fabulous local fish presented to a high standard. The staff were friendly, spent time chatting to us telling us where the fish was...

We have been coming to this lovely place for the last 3 years & had booked for tonight. I was a bit apprehensive after reading some of the recent reviews about portion sizes and price. But that was soon quashed as we had the most...

It was a mistake, but we went for the seafood platter based on older recommendations. They had no lobster (which they didn't tell us until we ordered). So we had crab for the 'main' in the platter, but when it arrived it only came with...

Incredibly overpriced for small portions of average food. We had the fritto misto - 4 small pieces of fish for £18, and the fish burger for £16. Even the coffees are tiny. I have been here before and enjoyed it, so something has changed. I...

Never again, biggest rip off ever. Poor quality at extortionate prices. Exploitation of the location.

I feel really said to write this review but I left so embarrassed I feel I need to share my experience. I popped in here after walking with my baby and dog on the beach for a morning coffee, the first member of staff I...

Have been visting this lovely little beach bistro for years and it never failed - until now! What's happened? Crab Linguini portion was small with almost zero crab (+ £3.50 for a thimble of pecorino). Frito misto fish over-cooked and dry. Chicken Milanese rubbery and...

A bit disappointing despite having been a firm favourite over the last four years. Views are amazing and a lovely spot. Nothing wrong with the actual food but a very limited menu and overpriced for what it is. Not in any rush to be returning.

Well I have just read JL’s review and I agree with the comments entirely! Don’t eat here! We come to Devon 3 times per year and I always wanted to eat here, you have to pay a £5 deposit and we booked a table for...

Beautiful location, friendly staff. Panzanella was a big disappointment. £9 for 4 croutons 4 cherry tomatoes and a couple of leaves. Please look at the images of what a panzanella should look like. Even tho its a small plate that really did take the mik....

SO disappointed… We’ve eaten here on a number of occasions in the past, including a magnificent seafood platter with crab, lobster etc, but what we had this evening was a very pale reflection of this. The menu was extremely limited - fish burgers, pasta and...

I like Milton Sands and this place is very conveniently located, perhaps more-so for those peddling their wares Think it’s a little more style over substance to be honest, and drives right into one’s holiday vibe to loosen thee purse strings whilst sitting under the...

A joke. Extortionate gourmet prices for basic fayre, terrible service, plus dog faeces and litter left where people are eating.

We waited a long time in the queue for take away. This place is not cheap. £23 for 2 pasties, 2 bottles of water and 1 portion of chips. Most of the menu were sold out. Our sister ordered "mumbai sandwiches" which looked cheap and...

Lovely relaxed laid back atmosphere in the most fantastic setting. Super food - nothing fancy - just delicious! Full of flavour. Great waitering. We used to come here when Rocky was serving coffee and bacon baps. It’s just as good now!

An amazing location and a good outdoor seating area. Best crab sandwich I have ever eaten, worth every penny. Can't wait to go back next year for another one!

Beautiful location, fabulous views but £28.50 for two coffees, a hot chocolate and three cold sausage rolls ridiculously expensive; this is simply not value for money.

Wandered into this place on a damp and grey July afternoon with my partner for some tea and cake. The beach was empty save for a one or two souls walking dogs, and we were heartened to see a couple of empty tables in the...

Very worried by recent reviews and thankfully pleasantly surprised. Lovely lunch - tasty mussels, superb Frito Misto and kids food devoured in silence. Simpler menu than last year but no issue - super friendly staff, lovely atmosphere and gorgeous views which don’t change. Cheer up

It’s always been stupidly expensive here but now the menu has been significantly reduced with few seafood dishes available it is even worse value for money. Also you can no longer order at the take-away kiosk at the side and sit on a seat outside...

This is a brilliant spot for it's views and especially the Sunset over the South Milton bay. But the real value of this appealing venue is the menu of fresh food, with fish taking a starring role. There are a good range of small plates...

Booked a table for 8 inside, paid £40 deposit. Arrived on time to be given a single picnic table; no where near enough space for 8 adults. 4 of our party had to go eat outside at a picnic table which are for walk-ins. There...

Thoroughly recommend this restaurant for a private party. The seafood platters were amazing. Very fresh food. And the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and helpful.

Having been here for the past two years we were disappointed tonight. Upon arrival we were told that our table was being shared with another couple. Not what you would expect when you have paid a deposit and booked weeks in advance. The menu is...

We have been regular visitors and whilst prices have been on the high side location views to die for plus a great sea food menu has meant our visits have been great. So we decided to treat our friends to a special night. How disappointing...

First and last time we visit the Beachhouse Cafe. We had crab linguine and sea bass fillets, each being £24 without any additional side order. Portions small and expensive which makes for very poor value. Drinks also very expensive, smallish glass of Whispering Angel £11.50,...

Love it here but a few buts..... Waitress throughout service was welcoming, big smile and attentive. - Starters, £7.00 for two slices of sour dough bread and seaweed butter is a hefty price, it could enhanced as a starter to maybe slightly toasted, garlic, rosemary...

AVOID - Ridiculous rules - you can order chips and eat at a table but not cheesy chips if you order these you have to take away and we were also told cheesy chips were too much work for the kitchen to serve to a...

Really inflexible menu, indifferent verging on rude staff, expensive food. They have the National Trust logo on their website & I think a member of NT should visit to see if they want to be associated

We visited this place last week and had booked for 2 people in advance. Inside it is tiny and they had absolutely packed people in - we had to share with a table of 4 and had people from neighbouring tables touching our backs on...

Three families ordered some chips for the kids' dinner. The chip portion was small and the price was large. The man who served us was incredibly rude, I think he had all the chips on his shoulder instead of in the mini chip boxes.

We’ve been coming to this this place for years, and have always had great experiences in the past. Very sadly it has declined into one of the worst rip-off destinations in the South West. Cynical owners and equally cynical or just plain disillusioned staff have...

A wonderful place, we visited twice and we were only there for a week! The seafood specials were divine, my talbot was the best ever. Fantastic views too, but it's the buzzing atmosphere that really makes it.

I’m sitting on the beach below the cafe writing this as we’re shocked. All we wanted was a takeaway pasty or decent sandwich to enjoy on the beach. Yes there were pasties and sausage rolls on the takeaway menu, but could only be served COLD!...

We have been going here now and again for ten years. Perhaps once or twice a year. Always love it. Very relaxed, good service and stunning food. I had Fritto misto which was absolutely delicious and we shared the scallop starter. Cannot fault it.

Over priced with a service charge as well. Really nice location and I suppose you have to expect high charges for a small full English

Having visited many times in the past I'm sorry to say things here have declined, considerably. Prices too high and food average. Plus, they have stopped offering Shrimp, King Prawns and Calamari. How can a seafood restaurant not offer these. These were key dishes in...

Busy inside and out. Told takeout menu only available at the table we’d found, so moved to share a table where waitress service was available. Service was slow but we made our choice, only to be told this £28 crab dish was only available if...

This was our second visit to the Beach House. We love it. Both times we have been the weather has been fantastic, and we watched the sun setting the first time. This time we were lucky enough to have a table to ourselves as it...

I have been here before and knew that it was expensive but usually food good. I did have quick friendly service from very nice assistant. AS it was so hot and most people sitting out I manage to get an indoor table w hich are...

This place has a fabulous setting but 2 main courses, chips, a ginger beer and a bottle of average wine cost nearly £100!! Food was nice but not very big portions. Portion of chips must have been only one potato at most and cost £5....

Nestled in a picturesque location, The Beach House Cafe is a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts. This beautique cafe not only offers delectable fish dishes but also boasts a delightful atmosphere. However, it is worth mentioning that the popularity of this establishment can sometimes lead...

Great location but adding 12.5% service charge to serve £4 tubs of ice cream and a pot of tea is a bit extreme!!

Staff are rude, pretentious and patronising. We arrived happy and excited to be back at one of our favourite places - we have been visiting this place for the past few years and we are so sad to have had such an awful experience this...

We wandered up to the cafe for lunch after a morning on the beach. My husband picked the fish burger and my toddler had a children's fish & chips. We also had 2 lemonades. I felt a little pressured to order quickly, but didn't fancy...

The food was good but the waitress was very rude she snapped at several people for just asking for their bills saying angrily that she was very busy! She was very rude to my guest and when it was quiet she ignored us even although...