Pretty little seaside town with UK’s ‘best crab sandwiches’ | Travel News | Travel

The stunning seaside town is far from a hidden gem, but one restaurant with stellar food might just be. Whether you want to stroll along the beach, watch boats racing at the sailing club, or meander the shops that feel ever-so coastal, good food is at the centre of every seaside trip.

There are plenty of waterside restaurants here, but one in particular has caught the attention of holidayers who wander slightly outside the manicured centre. « If you thought you’d got to the end of Salcombe, keep going and you’ll find the hidden gem that is The Crab Shed, » revealed one visitor. So here we have it: The Crab Shed found in one of Devon’s trendiest towns.

Much unlike its name suggests, this is far from a shack, and more a seaside restaurant serving up the most gargantuan crab you have ever seen in your life.

This menu covers every type of crab concoction you could imagine, from dressed crab to the humble sandwich and even crab fries.

One visitor raved it was « one of a kind », while a second added: « The dressed crab was absolutely delicious, so fresh and full of flavour, and the crab fries were next-level amazing! »

A third on Tripadvisor described it as the « best crab ever », adding: « The dressed crab was the best I have ever been tasted anywhere… ever. Normally crab can be a little overpowering by the brown meat, but not here.

« The shell filled meat was balanced absolutely perfectly and 100% devoid of shell or any grit. I’ve never had crab that tasted absolutely spot on, and I’ve eaten a lot of shellfish over the decades, and consider myself a seafood aficionado. »

The town has been branded ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ for attracting the likes of A-listers Rod Stewart, Gordon Ramsay and Mary Berry, and wealthy city slickers who fancy a second pad along the coast.

But owner Emma Langmaid previously told the Express how much they love tourists, and welcomed everybody, which aligns with the reviews praising their friendly atmosphere.

“We love tourism, it’s our business. We’ve got a beautiful place to showcase, » she said. “I think it’s incredibly important, it’s important for everything. Our livelihood is down here, so yes it has to happen.”

While July and August may be best avoided due to the hoardes of tourists, you simply cannot argue that it is indeed a beautiful place.

Sitting next to crystal-blue waters, you feel like you could be in the Mediterranean, and independent businesses are a huge part of Salcombe’s appeal.

Locals have created businesses that thrive on tourists seeking uniquely Devonian experiences, from the Salcombe Brewery to the gin distillery to the many art galleries.

Co-founder and director of the distillery, Howard Davies, said: “I think what the South West does very well is producing very high quality products, be that food and drink, clothing or accessories.

“I don’t know what you’re like, but when I go away, I love to buy local. There’s something special about it, and you want to support the local market.”