Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/bucketspade-exterior.jpeg" alt="exterior of The Bucket and Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82878" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/bucketspade-exterior.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/bucketspade-exterior-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/bucketspade-exterior-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/bucketspade-exterior-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away along the coastal road at Shaldon, <a href="https://thebucketandspade.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bucket &amp; Spade</a> is fresh from celebrating a Gold and Silver win at the Food Drink Devon Awards<em> in Best Café</em> and <em>Best Restaurant </em>categories respectively. It&#8217;s perched above Lyme Bay in the Coast View Holiday Park, so you can expect glorious sea views as you dine. As befits its holiday park location, there&#8217;s a gym and pool underneath the restaurant. Handy to work off the three-course festive feast!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-he-vibe"><strong>T</strong>HE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-TINSELTREE-1000x750.jpeg" alt="Christmas tree and diners at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-TINSELTREE-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-TINSELTREE-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-TINSELTREE-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-TINSELTREE.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Leave your misgivings at the door &#8211; a traditional caravan park diner this is not. No laminate tablecloths here. Instead, think homely wooden flooring and tables, very comfy seating and modern interior touches, such as bottle green tiling around the bar and kitchen area which speaks to me! Despite the large open plan dining area, it still manages to feel cosy. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="867" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/bucketandspade__gharrop88-1.jpg" alt="The Bucket &amp; Spade Sheldon" class="wp-image-79232" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/bucketandspade__gharrop88-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/bucketandspade__gharrop88-1-800x462.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/bucketandspade__gharrop88-1-1000x578.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/bucketandspade__gharrop88-1-768x444.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Guy Harrop</figcaption></figure>



<p>Plus, there&#8217;s the option of outdoor seating on the terrace; a must in the summer months.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/poinsettia-bucket.jpeg" alt="poinsettia festive decs at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82880" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/poinsettia-bucket.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/poinsettia-bucket-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/poinsettia-bucket-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/poinsettia-bucket-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The vibe was relaxed and friendly, getting fairly busy over the lunch period which gave the place a nice buzz. We took a table by the window to enjoy panoramic sea views, from where I could also see the kitchen, meaning I could thank the chef Monique personally on the way out. Supplied with a pair of binoculars on the table, you can also spot wildlife in the bay on a clear day.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmasmenu-bucketspade.jpeg" alt="festive menu at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82882" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmasmenu-bucketspade.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmasmenu-bucketspade-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmasmenu-bucketspade-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmasmenu-bucketspade-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Christmas vibes were in full swing for the <a href="https://thebucketandspade.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Festive-Menu-4.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive Menu</a>, from the twinkly table décor, festive paper napkins and even a Christmas cracker each, which instantly set the mood. Service was super friendly and upbeat, and the presentation throughout was seriously impressive, with spot-on portion sizes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucket.jpeg" alt="starters on the festive menu at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82892" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucket.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucket-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucket-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucket-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucketspade.jpeg" alt="soup on the festive menu at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82894" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucketspade.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucketspade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/soup-bucketspade-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We kicked off with a potted mushroom pâté that looked gorgeous, if a tad salty, and a roasted butternut squash soup that was gently spiced and warming.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmsturkey-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg" alt="turkey dinner piled high at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82886" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmsturkey-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmsturkey-bucketspade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmsturkey-bucketspade-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/xmsturkey-bucketspade.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/veggiecracker-bucketxmas.jpeg" alt="vegetarian Christmas dinner at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82887" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/veggiecracker-bucketxmas.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/veggiecracker-bucketxmas-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/veggiecracker-bucketxmas-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/veggiecracker-bucketxmas-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Mains were a proper Christmas spread with beautifully cooked turkey and all the trimmings, and a garlic and apricot polenta with vegan gravy that turned out to be the unexpected star. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/sidesxmas-bucketspade.jpeg" alt="veggies on the festive menu at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82884" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/sidesxmas-bucketspade.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/sidesxmas-bucketspade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/sidesxmas-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/sidesxmas-bucketspade-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The veg was excellent and varied with the obligatory Brussels complemented by sweet parsnip chips, caramelised carrots and red cabbage. The roasties, also delicious, if leaning on the firmer side.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/pud-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg" alt="xmas pudding on the festive menu at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82898" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/pud-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/pud-bucketspade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/pud-bucketspade-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/pud-bucketspade.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/brownie-spade.jpeg" alt="chocolate orange brownie on The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82896" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/brownie-spade.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/brownie-spade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/brownie-spade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/brownie-spade-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Desserts brought things home in style with&nbsp;Christmas pudding and brandy sauce which was stunning, and a chocolate orange brownie that was every bit as indulgent as it sounds. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/coffeemincepie-bucketspade.jpeg" alt="coffee and mice pies at The Bucket &amp; Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82890" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/coffeemincepie-bucketspade.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/coffeemincepie-bucketspade-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/coffeemincepie-bucketspade-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/coffeemincepie-bucketspade-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The surprise finale of mince pies and coffees was a charming touch that made the whole meal feel like great value.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry.jpg" alt="Shaldon ferry " class="wp-image-55307" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/04/shaldon-ferry-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Since you’ve made it here, it&#8217;d be rude not to visit nearby Shaldon on the doorstep. It’s less than three minutes to The Ness car park from where you can take an easy downhill stroll down to the charming seaside village and its local beach. Take in the scenery over a cuppa at The Clipper Cafe or hop on the historic Shaldon-Teignmouth ferry which is England&#8217;s oldest passenger ferry and only a few minutes ride for £2.50 an adult.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach.jpg" alt="Ness beach devon " class="wp-image-82900" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/ness-beach-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Alternatively from The Ness car park, grab a coffee from Café Ode (gorgeous eatery situated above the car park) before taking a short stroll through the famous Smugglers&#8217; Tunnel which takes you down around 86 steps before exiting onto the secluded Ness Cove Beach. Then sip in silence as you watch the waves. Perfection.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The venue is super wheelchair-friendly with an accessible route from the car park. That said, toilets are down a flight of stairs on the floor below the restaurant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes absolutely! All the doggos are welcome here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes, this is a great spot for families. As well as serving all-day food and the usual family favourites, they also run occasional ‘Kids Eat Free’ offers during the holiday.&nbsp;There are also high chairs available for the little ones.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-CRACKER.jpeg" alt="cracker and festive men sign at The Bucket and Spade Shaldon Devon " class="wp-image-82906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-CRACKER.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-CRACKER-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-CRACKER-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/12/BUCKET-CRACKER-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: kicking off the festive season with a relaxed roast for carnivores and vegetarian; smashing views and fabulous serving staff; big ol&#8217; family meet-ups with all the kids and the mutts too; Christmas party with your club or work. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: spontaneity &#8211; booking is essential. Those looking to put on the glad rags for a special-occasion festive feast.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: two courses £32pp; three courses £38pp. The price also includes coffee and mince pies to finish (if you have room).&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://thebucketandspade.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bucket and Spade</a>, Coast View, Torquay Rd, Shaldon, Teignmouth TQ14 0BG Tel:&nbsp;01626 818450</em></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-for-more">HUNGRY FOR MORE? </h2>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/xmas/apres-ski-bars-parties-devon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pop-up Christmas bars and Après Ski Nights</a></p>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/festive-afternoon-teas-devon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fancy festive afternoon teas around Devon </a></p>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/the-view-courtyard-by-marriott-exeter-devon-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunday lunch in the sky review: The View, Exeter </a></p>


Review: Festive Menu at The Bucket & Spade, Shaldon

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