Riverford Farm and Field Kitchen Restaurant, Buckfastleigh, Devon
Inspired by a visit to Alice Waters’ restaurant ‘Chez Panisse’ in San Francisco, farmer’s son Guy Singh-Watson, started growing organic veg on the family farm at Riverford in Devon in 1987. His restaurant – the Riverford Field Kitchen, is one of Britain’s best farm restaurants.
Riverford Farm in Devon home to an organic restaurant – the Riverford Field Kitchen
It’s worth travelling miles just to have Sunday lunch at the Riverford Field Kitchen – Riverford farm’s restaurant in Devon.
It’s ideal for large gatherings of family or friends and offers the perfect combination of a hearty field to fork feast followed by lashings of fresh air and a farm walk.
My advice – arrive with a big appetite and wear your best elasticated trousers. Come home with one of Riverford’s excellent cookbooks although it’s unlikely you’ll feel peckish later!
Riverford Organic Farm
The Riverford box scheme began when Guy Singh-Watson started delivering vegetables locally to 30 friends in Devon.
Now, working with farms across the country, the farm distributes over 50,000 boxes of seasonal, organic produce each week, including meat, to hungry households across the country. A Riverford veg box is packed every 3 seconds.
If you’re visiting Devon, book a table at The Riverford Field Kitchen on Wash Farm in Buckfastleigh, to see the inspiring ways Riverford’s own chefs cook their vegetables.
The Riverford Field Kitchen is located next to the fields on Wash Farm
Have a Riverford Farm Feast
It’s a friendly set up at Riverford Farm restaurant. You’ll be seated at communal farmhouse tables where the food is presented on large sharing platters so you can help yourself.
Of course, vegetables are the star of the show on the daily set menu. Starters are imaginative. We tucked into dishes of kale Caesar salad and delicious roasted romanesco with cavolo nero pesto and almonds.
Comforting veggie dishes – rosemary and garlic roast potatoes; roasted beets and Puy lentils; carrots with white cabbage and dukka; are all served alongside a sturdy meat dishes like beef blade with braised shallots.
The home-baked puddings are a triumph and the good news is that you can choose two. Dip your spoon into the frangipane tart or the divine salted caramel chocolate cheesecake.
Kale Caesar salad
Salted caramel chocolate cheesecake and frangipane tart
Enjoy a Local Tipple
Order local drinks to enjoy with your meal including organic red ale with blood oranges from the Atlantic Brewery, Ashridge cider or a bottle of Sharpham Estate, a citrusy white wine from Sharpham Vineyard in nearby Totnes.
Riverford Field Kitchen restaurant is on the farm
Watch the chefs preparing the food in the open kitchen
Do The Farm Walk
At any time of year, you can top up your fresh air quota with a farm walk after lunch. It usually takes around 1.5 hours. Pick up a map and an MP3 player with audio from Riverford founder Guy Singh-Watson.
Take The Riverford Farm Tour
From April-October, you can take a guided tour around Wash Farm but also their farms in Peterborough and North Yorkshire (booking required). Learn about the history of Riverford and the Watson family and then pick and taste produce straight from the ground whilst taking in countryside views and local wildlife.
Interior Riverford Field Kitchen restaurant
Do the farm walk after lunch
Buy Riverford Veg at Ben’s Farm Shop
Just a 4-minute drive away, you’ll find Ben’s Farm Shop at Staverton run by Guy’s brother, Ben.
In the nearby town of Totnes, a town that’s steeped in history and home to a Norman castle, he has opened Ben’s Wine and Tapas store and another farm shop. While you’re there, take a look at Butterwalk, a passageway which dates from Tudor times where dairy products were once sold.
Tips
- At Riverford Farm Restaurant, pre-booking is essential. There’s an alternative choice for vegetarians (although food allergies aren’t catered for)
- If you want to enjoy a pre-lunch drink, arrive early as all the tables are served at the same time
- Bring your wellies if you’re planning on doing the walk or you can borrow them at the farm
- Keep a look out on their website for details of special events such as ‘Fish Fridays’ and Master Veg classes held at several locations across the country
- Londoners can enjoy a taste of Riverford at the Duke of Cambridge Pub in Islington, London’s first and only certified organic pub
Cook’s Tip
Freeze your vegetable peelings and use them to make stock for soup.
Ready to Cook Riverford Field Kitchen Recipes?
Where To Stay in South Devon
If you’re looking to book a seaside break in Devon try the Salcombe Harbour Hotel. The hotel attracts both couples and families and is located right on the waterfront (book a room with a balcony and estuary view). The hotel has a contemporary bistro, a cinema room and a spa with a pool.
Ready to book a Devon weekend break?
Check out these recommendations for the Best Places to Stay in Devon.
Dogs
Please check with the Riverford Field Kitchen.
How To Find Riverford Farm Restaurant
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.