Over 3,000 grape-bearing vines glisten in the spring sun at family-run Heron Farm – one of Devon’s newest vineyard kitchens. Thoughtfully-crafted, yet natural and honest, the unique landscape design sets the foreground to a stunning view over the East Devon countryside beyond. 

There’s no doubt from first arrival that this spectacular location is one to savour. The main building was previously featured on Grand Designs back in 2016, showcasing a contrast between modern design and traditional building methods.

As glorious as the garden setting is to behold, Heron Farm is very much a working kitchen garden used to grow as much produce as possible to put onto the menu. Over 40 apple trees of Devon varieties make up the cider orchard, plenty of fruit and vegetables are grown, and an unusual selection of edible plantings add intrigue in the form of Szechuan peppercorns, persimmon fruit, quince and Japanese plums to name a few. Excess produce is available
to buy from the on-site shop or online.

A great team of chefs work with the farm gardeners to offer varied breakfast and lunch menus that reflect their home-grown seasonal produce. 

Breakfast classics like eggs on sourdough toast, buttermilk pancakes and breakfast sandwiches provide the basis of the breakfast menu, and are delivered fresh and flavourful. While options like the smoked salmon, roasted squash or haloumi, courgette and sweetcorn fritters with swiss chard, poached egg and
a roasted red pepper relish add a bit of pizazz to the offering. 

The lunch selection is modest but mighty, with a selection of pub classics utilising farm flavours to fill the bill. A variety of options suit meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans providing something for all.

Heron Farm is as family-friendly as it gets too. An impressive children’s play park sits within view of outdoor seating to provide a great location for young and old to enjoy a day out. Children can even visit the animals, and buy feed from the on-site shop to interact. 

What’s more, from April – October the site offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about wine with a vineyard tour. Here you can learn about the challenges and benefits of growing grapes in Devon.

All of this from owners Christine and Peter who have created a viticultural haven in just over a year with no prior experience. Stop by and prepare to be seriously impressed.

Words and images: Jake Tucker