The story
The Royal George sits at Irsha Street, Appledore, in the Bideford area of North Devon, and serves modern British food with estuary views. The Good Food Guide lists it as a Local Gem (2026), and the kitchen holds 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence (2026).
The à la carte menu changes monthly and is backed by daily specials at lunch and dinner. Beef comes from Aberdeen Angus and Devon Ruby Red Cross cattle, lamb from Horn Cross, and fish is landed at Appledore and Ilfracombe. Bread arrives from Da Bara in Cornwall, and fruit and vegetables come from a Bideford farm when in season.
Reviewers and the Good Food Guide both point to the everyday range: moules marinière, an Exmoor beef burger with sriracha mayonnaise, sticky toffee pudding, and Sunday roasts. A children's menu and local ales and ciders round out the offer.
The building was rebuilt and refurbished in 2017/18 as a contemporary restaurant over two floors. It seats more than 80 people at one sitting. On warmer days, the first-floor terrace looks out over the estuary.
Dogs are welcome in the restaurant, and staff are known for bringing water bowls over. Ask for a table by the large windows if the view matters to you.
Recognition
Details
History
Readers love the ‘stunning views over the water’ at this pub with rooms on the Taw estuary in arty Appledore. Ask the charming staff for a table by the huge windows or bag a spot on the terrace to make the most of the vistas. Book ahead for breakfast (a favourite of local dog walkers), drop by for a lunchtime sarnie or dip into the daily carte, which might offer the likes of moules marinière or an Exmoor beef burger with sriracha mayonnaise and pickled onion rings. Dessert could be sticky toffee pudding. Sunday roasts and a full kids' menu complete the family-friendly offer, while drinks include local ales and ciders as well as plenty of wines by the glass.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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