Discover Coldharbour Field Kitchen – East Devon’s modest new farm-shop-cum-café/restaurant, perfectly perched on the side of the Otter Valley, just above Ottery St. Mary. Here, a mixture of all ages and backgrounds come together for a ‘field-good’ celebration of local food, informal socialising and love of the outdoors. Oh, and an incredible view.

Coldharbour is a real lockdown success story. The idea initially came as a way of protecting the existing farm shop and internal café, where owner Andrea set about creating an outdoor space for people to eat outside during the restrictions. 

“What is now the toilet building, was then a small makeshift kitchen serving simple dishes”, says Andrea. “The local support was astounding. Not only did we survive, but the field kitchen idea really thrived.” 

The decision was made to make the site a permanent fixture, and so Coldharbour Field Kitchen as it now stands officially opened in July 2022.

It’s a true farm-to-fork experience. Pork, beef, eggs, veg and more come direct from the farm, while local producers such as Creedy Carver and Sampford Orchards supply everything else.

Expect hearty breakfasts fresh from the farm, including their signature bubble & squeak, while lunch and light bites take over from 12pm – 3pm, with an ever-changing menu to reflect seasonally grown ingredients. Smashed chickpeas on home-baked griddled flatbread anyone?

An unassuming barn exterior reveals a cosy, welcoming, rustic-chic ambience. Wooden ladders are hung horizontally, decorated with flowers and farmyard decorations, and complemented by vintage-style bulbs for warm, intimate lighting. Reclaimed materials – including corrugated metal sheets recycled from the roof of a barn on the farm – make for thoughtful yet fashionable choices. A large woodburner in the corner completes the interior, keeping you nice and toasty, and no Ottery St. Mary eatery would be finished without a nod to its flaming legacy – in this case, some subtle artwork.

It’s a sustainable operation too. 30 solar panels provide almost enough energy to power the entire kitchen and restaurant area. Plans are underway to add more to ensure the whole building runs entirely on solar power.  

Its the large outside deck that steals the show in spring and summer. Sit out here to enjoy spectacular views across the Otter Valley from up high.

The passing of Easter brings Coldharbour’s Summer Sundowners – a chance to enjoy a selection of evening tapas and a range of drinks, including their very own Flaming Barrel gin. See their Facebook page for more information on dates.

Coldharbour Field Kitchen is a welcome new addition to the local foodie scene. Sunrise or sunset, simply turn up, sample some delicious food and soak up those stunning views.