After researching locations throughout Devon, we realised that we had forgotten to include places to eat in Barnstaple. Set in the valley of the River Taw, Barnstaple is the commercial and shopping hub of the region. According to the Town Council’s website, http://www.barnstapletowncouncil.co.uk/our-town/history/, Barnstaple’s history dates back to Saxon times and by the time it was granted a town’s charter, it had already established itself as a centre of commerce. It was also featured in the 1086 Doomsday book. The website states: “Medieval Barnstaple had become an important trading centre dealing in wool and woollen material, so much so that two Burgesses were sent to represent the town in Parliament.”

Barnstaple today

Today Barnstaple has a bustling town centre. It boasts many national shop chains such as Boots, Next, Body Shop, the ubiquitous Costa and other such retailers. It also, like so many other towns, has its fair share of small local businesses, charity shops and eateries. The Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple is a great venue for touring troupes and local performances alike.

Barnstaple has a wonderful Victorian Pannier Market, where local traders come and sell their home made / home grown wares. Every week day has a different focus, whether it’s arts or crafts, fashion or produce. It plays host to a Food Fest in October, which has become a Mecca for Foodies like ourselves – http://www.barnstaple.co.uk/north-devon-foodfest/.

Places to eat in Barnstaple, Devon

As you can imagine there are loads of great places to eat in Barnstaple, but one of our favourites is Lilico’s Tapas Bar

Click on the link to read our review of Lilico’s, Barnstaple