New Devon seafront restaurant with stunning views set to open

-Credit: (Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive)
-Credit: (Image: Mary Stenson/DevonLive)


A new seafront restaurant in Exmouth is about to throw open its doors for the first time. The historic building has undergone a major transformation which will give customers a panoramic view of one of Devon's most popular coastlines.

After months of refurbishment, The Octagon is now just hours away from the grand opening of its brand new restaurant. For decades, the building has been used to serve ice creams and hot drinks from its hatch on the street-facing side of the building.

David Freer, who started his working life selling ice creams from The Octagon as a teenager, bought the business in 2021. When he first walked into the back rooms, which makes up around 80 per cent of the building, he made the incredible discovery that it had sea views that he says he couldn't keep to himself.

READ MORE:Devon chippy in the running to be named UK's best newcomer

READ MORE:'Posh' farm shop loved by Molly-Mae Hague with queues so big it's 'like Alton Towers'

Speaking to DevonLive earlier this month, he said: "When I walked in there for the first time and opened up the rickety shutters, all I saw was a panoramic view of sand and sea, the River Exe and the sea beyond across Dawlish, Teignmouth and Brixham. It was like 'oh my god, I can not keep this just for myself'."

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice⚠️

Delays with planning and the cost of living crisis meant his idea to turn the space into a restaurant has taken several years to come to fruition. But now the time has finally come for the revamped space to open its doors to customers.

David says that the restaurant layout has been designed so that no customer will have their back to the seafront. There is also a small bar where they can order various wines, beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks.

When he sat down with DevonLive, he promised the menu would consist of "quality food" at "a great price", with everything bought locally and cooked fresh.

The menu has since been published on the restaurant's website. The main lunch and dinner menu includes fish and chips (£18), a 'seaside' mixed grill (£27), a range of sourdough pizzas (£13 to £17, depending on toppings) and burgers (£15 to £19). There are also various starters, sides, desserts and nibbles.

An artist's impression of the revamped Octagon -Credit:Devon Interiors
An artist's impression of the revamped Octagon -Credit:Devon Interiors

On the kids' menu published on the website, customers can choose from tomato rigatoni pasta (£12), margherita pizza (£12), a beef burger with cheese and served with fries (£12) or mini battered fish, served with fries and peas (£12). All kids' meals include a drink and an ice cream from the kiosk.

The Octagon is also planning to offer breakfast, with menu items including a full English breakfast, smoked salmon, a variety of eggs, porridge, toast and bacon and sausage sandwiches. Prices range from £5 to £15.

To celebrate its opening day, The Octagon will be giving away a free ice cream with every hot drink purchased between 1pm and 4pm, as well as 10 per cent off coffee voucher which can be used in October, November and December.

The restaurant will open at 12pm on Saturday (September 28) and can be found on Exmouth Esplanade.