What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Bucket & Spade
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Perched on the rolling Devon hillside, a short stroll up from Shaldon, you’ll find the award-winning Bucket & Spade. Jaw-dropping sea views, a vibrant atmosphere, and a delicious, carefully curated menu have made The Bucket & Spade a hit amongst the local community and visitors alike. The restaurant champions local producers, and its imaginative take on favourites uses the best local ingredients. With gluten-free and vegan options available, there’s bound to be something to tempt everyone. Choose between the cosy indoor area or the roof terrace, a suntrap even in the cooler months, for a dose of sea air and al fresco dining with some of the best views of the coast as your backdrop. There’s a sociable, relaxed feel – this is the spot to catch up with friends over breakfast, spend quality time with family for Sunday lunch, refuel mid dog walk (we love meeting your four-legged friends), or take advantage of the view for a date night to remember, sipping artisan tipples as the sun sets.
Features
CUISINES
British
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Dog Friendly
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available
Is this restaurant good for business meetings?
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Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 - 17:30
Monday
9:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
9:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
9:00 - 20:00
Thursday
9:00 - 20:00
Friday
9:00 - 20:30
Saturday
9:00 - 20:30
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4.5
114 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
12
Average
10
Poor
7
Terrible
1
Sue R
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • family
Breakfast was excellent but maybe a choice between toast or fried bread could be offered on the full English ? Also surprised to note after returning home that a service charge had been added to the bill without anyone mentioning it (very sneaky)
Overall though very good
Written 7 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Wilson
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I'm so glad you had an enjoyable visit with us at the Bucket and Spade! Your feedback is very helpful and greatly appreciated. The Service charge goes towards our wonderful staff, which is discretionary and is printed on both the menu and your bill for your review. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written 25 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tessa B
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • friends
We set out to eat lunch elsewhere but then remembered we had been recommended The Bucket and Spade at Shaldon. Whilst we have driven past it countless times, we had always thought of it as a place of holiday homes, not realising what a treasure lay within. We were welcomed by a young man who we later learnt was known as Minty. The food was outstanding. We were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny afternoon and were able to sit out on the balcony with stunning sea views. The whole experience was delightful. Minty assures us that the evenings have an excellent atmosphere and we must try Sunday lunch. Whilst as Minty pointed out, it is the chef who was responsible for the excellent food and all credit to the chef for that but the welcome, the service, the friendliness is what makes it so much more than a meal.
I hesitate to say this in case it gets so busy we can't get in, a sign out on the main road advertising the presence of the restaurant may have meant that we would have tried it sooner.
Written 17 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
f l varco-smith
Torquay10 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Super spot for breakfast relaxed atmosphere and good food. Lovely views if you sit out on verandah. Staff extremely helpful just ask if you want your food prepared in special way We visit often twice a week.
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca I
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • friends
Unfortunately we have left having the most awful experience at the Bucket and Spade Restaurant. It was our daughter’s 8th birthday and we had prebooked the spa for her birthday which was the most amazing experience as the owner of the spa, Eva, was so professional and kind and went above and beyond to make the day special. However after the spa party we went upstairs to the table we had prebooked online and had been into the restaurant to select the table and inform the staff that it is for my daughter’s 8th birthday. The staff previously had acknowledged in person of this birthday booking. At the table when we arrived we paid upfront for the lunch of 7 pizzas and a service charge. We had left the cake with the staff to have after the pizzas. As it was the end of the lunch we asked to have our cake brought out, the manager, Rachel then approached me in a very confrontational manner, telling me that we will be charged an extra £7 for the plates to be washed and for a service charge as this cake was not purchased from the Bucket and Spade. I informed Rachel that this information should have been provided prior to the cake being brought out and not in front of the children. Rachel then requested I send my other child away during this conversation, whilst she was shouting at the other children from across the restaurant to sit down. Due to the very rude attitude of the manager, Rachel asking me to take my daughters cake home, we proceeded to have the cake from napkins out of principal not to pay another penny for the rudest service we have ever encountered. Furthermore, when leaving the Bucket and Spade, we encountered the rude general manager, Will, who informed us that we were in the wrong for not communicating it was a party prior to the booking, which we did do in person the day after making the online reservation. Therefore , Will told us we should expect to be charged for bringing our own food into their restaurant and that “he was not backing down”. The problem was not the £7 charge on plates and cake serving, the problem was the very rude attitude of the managers when confronting us of eating our own food in the restaurant. It was absolutely mortifying that the manager, Rachel started this confrontation in front of the party guests which was noted by all of the attendees of the lunch party. The staff had ample opportunity to make form us of the cake service charges at the time of booking, during when we dropped the cake off but not in front of our party guests.
Written 1 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Wilson
We are sorry to hear that your expectations were not met on this occasion as we always aim to deliver an enjoyable experience, with many of our customers returning time after time. As you say, you made the reservation online but you did not indicate it was for a birthday party and that you would like to bring your own birthday cake. We understand you were frustrated being asked to pay a plate charge for bringing your own cake, but as we are sure you can understand, we would prefer you enjoy puddings and desserts from our menu. And we are always happy to provide a cake for a celebration if we have a little notice.
Written 5 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bug
10 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
After reading reviews and checking out thr website, we had high hopes for dinner here. The food was nice but not the standard we were expecting or paying for; the children's meals were good value and of a good standard (although I'd recommend the restaurant changing to a pizza wheel rather than a sharp knife being delivered with the children's pizza for cutting). For us the big let down was the service and the long delays. The waiting staff were lovely, all working really hard but clearly not enough of them. We were here for an early dinner and a music event with what appeared to be pre booked tables was happening at 7. The staff here were working flat out to serve tables, albeit appearing quite stressed. I'd recommend that the manager put more staff on and that there be better planning and organisation for known busy evenings so as not to put unfair and unreasonable pressure on the staff and to ensure better quality of service from beginning to end.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tradewire
Devon14 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Turned up at 09.30 for a breakfast which was ordered quickly, but noticed kitchen staff were more interested in food preparation for the day. As we were the only customers, I thought we wouldn’t have to wait too long, but took 35 mins. The breakfast looked like it had dried out, eggs were all but hard, butter had melted in their wrappings and could have resoled my shoes with the bacon. Over priced disappointment I’m afraid!
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose M
London1 contribution
Aug 2023 • friends
Booked a table for 4 at 10:30 for breakfast, as two of us arrived we were hurried to order as they stop serving at 11, which we thought was unnecessary. The frankly rude waitress then only brought out 2 sets of cutlery for our booking of 4, so we had to ask for more. We then had to go in to order which was fine but we’re told we couldn’t have scrambled eggs. And all 4 fry ups were missing black pudding which is on the menu. Just generally a rude waitress who made us feel rushed and like a nuisance, in a quiet restaurant, which isn’t what you want when you spend over £60 on breakfast. A shame given how nice the location is, and the food was also good. Maybe she was having a bad day!
The other waitress was very helpful and pointed us in the direction of a coastal walk. Shame about the dark haired one.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bee
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • family
Went for Sunday lunch on a very windy day. Had great views of the sea by the window. The roast dinner was lovely and great portion size. Really nice to have some great tasting vegetables alongside. We were served by Murray who was extremely attentive to not just our table but others, and Murray was great at recommendations and options available. We had a lovely afternoon, thank you.
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyoffood
Stratford-upon-Avon47 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We headed here after seeing the reviews and we are so glad we did. It’s modern, clean, the staff are so friendly, the view is amazing and the food is delicious and good value.
We had brunch here and sat in the sunshine overlooking the bay and enjoyed a fantastic full English and poached egg on toast. The portions were so generous we were able to split the pancakes between our 2 kids so that worked out at £3 a head for them.
All the food is top quality, I have never seen eggs look so vibrant! I am now desperate to try their main menu as the variety looked fantastic.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SWHP Marketing
Thank you for your kind words. We strive to deliver the best possible customer experience and I am so pleased to hear we delivered this to your family. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Written 17 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian N
Shaldon41 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
Great location and very nice service it has to be said. The food was average at best. The children’s meal of fish and chips included loads of batter with minimal fish (fishfingers would have been much better), the main meals for adults not great quality and therefore overpriced. I would have been very happy to have paid those prices, but the quality would have to improve before we visit again.
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1971PMJ
Pontypridd68 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
This would definitely have been a five star review had it not been for the customer service from the lady waitress this morning. When we ordered I said to her “the breakfasts are buy one get one free aren’t they”? “Yes” she said “they are” “in that case then we’ll order two £12.50 full English please and a side of toast” now at that point she could have said to us if you order it that way the toast will be free and not the other breakfast but she didn’t so when we paid £3.25 was taken off and not £12.50. Would it really have been to much trouble for her to make sure we understood the offer? Surely not. Well we had already booked to go for lunch there on Tuesday before we return from our holiday but after customer service like that we’ll take our custom elsewhere.
Really unfortunate because the food was excellent, only spoiled by the lady waitress
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stuart h
Potton83 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
Visited on three occasions and were more than happy each time. Premise has recently been refurbished, so clean and presentable. On separate days we enjoyed breakfast, Sunday lunch and evening meals. All cooked to order so we're hot and tasty. Although it's situated on a holiday home park, don't be put off. Well worth giving them a visit.
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SWHP Marketing
It was a pleasure to welcome you on a number of occasions over the past week and receiving your positive comments means a lot to the team. We hope to see you again soon.
Written 17 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul L
Devon205 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
So looking forward to enjoying a breakfast this morning but despite arriving on the cusp of 11.30 told breakfast no longer available
We have been recommended this venue by multiple individuals! Maybe we caught them just on a bad day. If it was me I would have said breakfast is usually up to 11.30 but as it’s just the two of you please come through. That’s what great service should look like
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alphabettree
Teignmouth53 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Visited for the music night on a Saturday, set menu for £30 per person, selection wasn’t huge but still good options and to be expected for a set menu. Food was all tasty, although they ran out of ice cream, clotted cream and cheesecake at the end, there were only 3 dessert options. Also, the curried cauliflower soup just tasted like strong curry powder. That being said, it was still a lovely evening. The music was good, nice atmosphere, food quality good and the service was excellent. The young lad and young girl were running around but still smiling and being attentive to everyone. Thank you and see you soon.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tessa S
Torquay158 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
It was a very wet morning and we were struggling with what to do in the last few days of the hols. Needed some food so we alighted at this cafe. A very good find. Recommended by vegetarian friends, the menu caters for veggies and vegans as well so we were well served. Good mocha - and they do vary - good coffee too. My London family are pretty unimpressed with coffee offerings outside of London but this place was apparently ‘decent’. Clean, great service, friendly.
Would be lovely on a clear day but the sea mist spoilt the view so must return and the lunch menu looks really very good.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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