SALMON, OTTERS&DUCKS The Daily Telegraph wrote: Henry Williamson, born in 1895, served in the trenches during the First World War. This extremely sensitive, highly strung and romantic soul never recovered from the horror and the disillusionment he experienced in Flanders. From 1921 onwards he buried himself in the little North Devon village of Georgeham, seeking an escape from inner torment by exploring and writing about the wild and unfrequented landscapes of Exmoor. Growing up in the London suburbs, I was eternally gratefully for his highly-acclaimed works ‘Salar the Salmon’ and ‘Tarka the Otter’ which would instantly transport me to my beloved North Devon, where I spent so many happy times visiting family during the summer school holidays; a real home from home. My parents went back to their original home there upon retirement and I still visit my mother there when possible. Tonight we must go the Rock at Georgeham, she announced during a recent visit, so go we did. I had a vague memory of having gone there many years ago, but vague it remained. It is essentially an old timbered pub, with a modern conservatory. Food is served in both areas and we decided to sup some Rioja in the traditional area. Photo link: The menu is very convincing and even more so the specials menu, which is displayed on a board but also available in print. Photo link: I thought that that the ‘Georgeham cured ham’ sounded pleasingly alliterative, poetic or whatever, and it certainly did not disappoint. The pan roasted duck breast was sensational, although I did not take so well to the ‘gooseberry tarte tatin’ which was ‘tarte by name and tart by nature’. I think duck really deserves something a bit sweeter, but if anything it was my fault because I chose it. La contessa and la dowager contessa were delighted with their choices. Reasonable prices, excellent food, great ambiance and also friendly staff who definitely seemed just that bit more professional than average. Do take a look at the excellent website and if you are in that neck of the woods, you will not regret visiting.
Emma L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Braunton, United Kingdom
Amazing! The food, the welcome, the décor and comfort! Open fires in the old bar in the winter and sun-trap garden in the summer; all with stunning and delicious food. Coffee is great(and even better with their delicious home made truffles ;) Beautiful, traditional Devon longhouse, interesting photos of times gone by. Definitely a linger and savour establishment than eat and run venue. Dan and his team are knowledgable and enthusiastic about the menu; the veg roulade is fantastic and they serve the best salt n pepper squid I’ve ever had. Good wine list and great choice of real ales. Definitely book as word has spread about my favourite local ever; it just get’s better and people will insist on telling their friends! ;) Roll on my birthday! p. s. I hear the sunday lunches ARE the best around. and they even do take-away dinner at Christmas!
LukeWa
Rating des Ortes: 5 Newbury, United Kingdom
I’ve been to The Rock a few times now and every time the food and the atmosphere are fantastic. The conservatory really is pretty special and it’s a great balance between the pub and restaurant feel. I would be there far more often if it wasn’t for the 200 mile commute from Berkshire! Saying that it is pretty tempting sometimes!