On a sun-dappled Sunday in March, our content exec Larah, enjoyed a delightful, and rather unexpected South Devon experience…

Photo Credit: South Devon Railway

 

Beside The River Dart

When my sister-in-law bought my husband and I tickets for Sunday lunch aboard the South Devon Railway as a Christmas present, we weren’t sure what to expect. Having lived in the area for many years, we’d heard of the steam train but had side-lined it as perhaps being a bit too touristy…how wrong we were.

Arriving in Buckfastleigh, we parked opposite the Butterfly and Otter sanctuary then made our way up and over the ornate footbridge overlooking the train tracks. And there she was, beyond the signal box, a lovely old steam train painted a deep green, with her beautifully preserved 1950’s carriages in brown and mustard, patiently waiting behind her.

Feeling nostalgic, we ambled along the platform and consulted with a train conductor who looked very smartly dressed in a uniform from the period. We were shown to the dining car and as soon as we entered our faces lit up. The carriage was made entirely of polished wood, with upholstered seats in plush, velvet-like pinky toned fabric and old-fashioned windows.

Our table setting hearkened to bygone days, where a pretty posy reminded us that spring was on its way, and a small jar of horseradish hinted at the delicious beef roast we were about to indulge in.
The scenery beside the River Dart was stunning, and as we chugged our way towards our first stop at Staverton, we were served our starters of sweet potato and coconut soup, and a goat’s cheese tartlet with buttery crisp pastry.

 

 

A Devon Sunday Lunch to remember

The atmosphere was comforting and relaxing, filled with low chatter from other guests and punctuated with friendly quips from the waitresses.

At our next stop in Totnes (a smaller, more traditional stop than its main town station), we received our roast dinner, and it was fabulous. Beautifully tender West Country Beef with homemade gravy, a big Yorkshire pudding, parsnip crisps and a scrumptious slice of sausage meat stuffing. A bowl of honey-glazed carrots, red cabbage and cauliflower and cheese was placed alongside for us to share.

With lunch happily consumed, and any last splodges of gravy mopped up by our bread rolls, we made our way back towards Buckfastleigh, our full tummies making room for dessert of raspberry and thyme posset, and a hug-worthy warm chocolate brownie with a quenelle of clotted cream.

The whole experience lasted about an hour and a half, and we can honestly say we were blown away by it. The service and food were exceptional, and the train itself was a beautiful reminder of England’s heritage.
We’re planning on booking ourselves an afternoon tea, or ploughman’s lunch…possibly both (though not at the same time).

 

 

 

Visit South Devon Railway

Experiences like ours run every Saturday and Sunday, and tickets for Sunday lunch, Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea or Ploughmans Lunch can be booked directly through the South Devon Railway website.
Perhaps consider signing up to their newsletter too as we noticed posters advertising Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day events.

You can also buy tickets for the train ride only. There’s a terrific buffet cart with coffee, tea and snacks to enjoy.

How lucky are we to have this right on our doorstep…

You have to sea this

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