The Boathouse Bar & Grill

A family-run beachfront spot at Dawlish Warren, right on the sand with views across the Exe Estuary to Exmouth. It has been going for more than thirty years, and the layout still splits the difference between two moods - downstairs is sofas, snug booths and quiet corners, while upstairs opens onto sweeping coastline views for memorable dining. There's a terrace with evening heat lamps for when the sea breeze turns cold, plus an al-fresco balcony and beer garden for the warmer months.

The menu runs to Tex-Mex sharers and pub classics - flame-grilled steaks, burgers, ribs, homemade kebabs and a seafood platter for two - with gluten-free and vegetarian options and a separate children's menu. Dogs are welcome, private hire can be arranged, and council-run parking nearby turns free after 6pm. Open daily from 10am, with table bookings taken until 8.45pm and food served until 9pm.