Short answer: Claytons & The Glasshouse is the best dinner in Barnstaple, with a calmer covered roof terrace upstairs. Bull & Bear has an exceptional gluten-free offering, and the Muddiford Inn has a children's play area.
Claytons & The Glasshouse. The bar downstairs is buzzy; the covered roof terrace upstairs is much calmer and the better choice with children or if you want to hear each other.
Bull & Bear on Boutport Street. Quirky, and the gluten-free offering is exceptional rather than token — a full menu rather than two swaps.
Tarko Lounge in the centre, open nine till late, dog friendly, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a wide menu. The easy default when you have a group with different ideas.
North of town, with a children's play area, a good beer garden and a 7.30am opening — useful if you have an early riser. Well regarded for Sunday lunch. Closed Mondays.
The Pannier Market has a Thai food stall among the traders, which is a cheaper and more interesting lunch than the high street. Tuesday to Saturday.
Tarko Lounge, Bull & Bear and the Muddiford Inn all welcome dogs, and the Pannier Market is dog friendly too — rare for an indoor market. The Tarka Trail starts at the station for the walk afterwards.
Devon's good rooms are small rooms. Book at weekends and always for Sunday lunch, and ring rather than trusting a booking form out of season.
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