We were fortunate enough to have a whole day off, so we decided to go on a jolly down to Cornwall…..I know that this is Delicious Devon, but North Cornwall is so close and stunning, we figured it was worth including. We visited Tintagel and then Boscastle (both such amazing places – please click on the link to read our reviews on Tintagel and Boscastle).

After a beautiful day of wandering and sightseeing we needed to feed the dependent ones (and ourselves of course) and decided upon The Riverside Hotel. Their fish offering was very generous, which was particularly exciting for my hubby and when he entered to find out what they could do gluten free wise, he was met with a very friendly waitress who explained that the chips were fried in the same oil as other non-gluten free items and thus they weren’t suitable, but that most items could be adapted for me. It was only five o’clock so we decided to book the restaurant for half six and go and wander a little bit more.

Upon our return a bubbly young waitress showed us to our table and confirmed that one of our party was gluten free (always a bonus!), organised drinks for us and gave us the menus. There was extensive choice on the menu. Although the gluten free items weren’t marked and they didn’t have a specific menu, the waitress went through the dishes with me and discussed exactly what the chef could adapt to make gluten free. I decided on the crayfish tail cocktail and was offered gluten free toast to accompany it, hubby ordered seafood chowder and the kids decided to share the crispy duck pancakes (although only my kids could ask “Can we not have the plum sauce or the cucumber or the spring onions”!) I ask you! The waitress was so lovely and said that she would put them on the side so that they could try them if they wanted.

The presentation of the food was outstanding and it all tasted delicious too. Les enfants decided against tasting the plum sauce (that would be too much like a fruit and may send them into shock if they even tried it). Hubby said his chowder was lovely (although apparently The Pier House in Westward Ho! does a better chowder!). My crayfish cocktail was really nice and very generous with the fish. The toasted gluten free bread was ok too.

For mains one of my kids ordered steak, the other ordered the Thai green curry. Hubby had the Cornish Trio (lemon sole, haddock and monkfish served in a vermouth sauce). I ordered the ‘cock and bull’ which was strips of steak and chicken breast pan fried in a brandy and peppercorn sauce. It was so lovely…..really really good food. Dessert was just too much for me to fit in, although ever growing teenager ordered the white chocolate and malteser cheesecake and hubby ordered the poached pear cooked in cider.

All in all a fabulous meal. Not cheap, but not expensive really either and great for either just an evening meal (we were still dressed casually in shorts and t-shirts) or a special occasion (there were families celebrating and thus dressed up too). The food was exceptional, but even better the service was outstanding – I would heartily recommend this place to anyone.

Opening hours: 8:30am – 9:00pm seven days a week (winter times may vary).
Gluten free friendly: Very aware and accommodating.
Child friendly: They have a children’s menu.
Disabled access: There were steps to the toilets.
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed on leads outside.