The Anchor Inn is located in Beer not far from Exeter. The Inn is just a stone’s throw from the pebbled beach.
The Anchor Inn is a hotel with 8 en-suite bedrooms, a bar which of course serves real fine ales and a restaurant which specialises in fresh local seafood.
On one of my many Sunday stints out into the country, I fancied a change from the all too present pub food and was looking for something with a bit more twist for my beloved Sunday lunch. Having visited The Anchor two years ago and remembering a pleasant experience, I gave it another go and was not disappointed!
Having brought the rest of my family, I had the opportunity to taste several starters and main dishes. As a light starter, I had chosen the Smoked salmon and crayfish tail basket with a zesty lemon crème fraiche which was slightly pricy at £6.45. This was to be followed by a Baked Strawberry Grouper on a bed of mashed potato mixed with crabmeat and a butter parsley sauce costing £16.95, so also a slightly more expensive choice. The only if very small criticism I would make, was that
the main meal was not accompanied by any vegetables. Just fish/crab, mash and sauce sounded a little boring, so I ordered some fresh market vegetables at £2.45 which I think should have been included with the main course but maybe, I am a bit too traditional?
But both courses were well worth their money! The starter was served with a slice of thick granary bed and butter and salad garnish which was – thankfully noted – completed with a dressing. The smoked salmon and crayfish were juicy and delicious and the crème fraiche was the perfect addition to the dish although I would have wished for a little more. The presentation was lovely with attention to detail.
The main course was served within a good 15-minute gap which was perfect for letting the starter be digested. The main meal was served as a whole fish including head and tail which I personally favour over filets. This exotic fish provided great entertainment for my two children who couldn’t wait to thoroughly examine the many rows of small fierce teeth in the Grouper’s mouth.
The fish was gently baked leaving the flesh moist but easy to take off the bone. The flavour was slightly sweet and nothing like I had tasted before. Absolutely DELICIOUS! And so was the crabmeat-potato mash which was very well seasoned. I first thought that this was a kind of odd combination but the flavour was great and the butter-parsley sauce was FABULOUS! The fresh market vegetables consisted of carrots, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, green beans and mange tout. A very, very good selection cooked to perfection with plenty of bite left in it. The rest of the family ordered the following:
Starters
Garlic bread topped with cheese (£4.95)
Chicken liver pate with plum chutney and French bread (£4.95)
Mains
Chargrilled 10oz rib eye steak, with a flat capped mushroom, grilled tomato, onion rings and fries (£14.95)
Homemade lasagne with a dressed salad & a wedge of garlic granary bread (£9.45)
Pork Sausages with mashed potato, fresh vegetables and gravy (£5.45) from the Children’s Menu
I have had a taste from all of them and found no reason to criticise at all. Every single meal was cooked to perfection, well seasoned and nicely presented. For the first time ever, I have found my 8-year-old daughter flagging trying to eat the entire portion. All portions were very generous and good value for money.
The Anchor’s main menu, child menu and “Eat for a Fiver” menu can all be found on their website as well as their Christmas menu. The Anchor Inn offers a very good and varied selection off dishes including a great variety of LOCAL seafood.
All together it was a fantastic meal and I cannot wait to go back. I have even considered our company’s Christmas party at The Anchor Inn. I was very impressed by the Chef and of course I should mention the friendly and prompt service I have received at The Anchor by the waiting staff. I can only RECOMMEND to give this lovely local restaurant a try. It is certainly fit to cater for daytime and evening and makes a lovely change to the many pubs that do not seem to be wanting to put a lot of effort into good food and prefer to serve processed rather than freshly cooked food. Thumbs up for The Anchor and keep up the good work.
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