A taste of South Devon: Quality local food and a warm welcome

South Devon’s food scene is as varied as its landscape. From the market town of Newton Abbot to the coastal communities of Teignmouth and Dawlish, the region offers an impressive range of flavours, ingredients and culinary influences, all shaped by a strong connection to local produce and a growing appetite for quality dining.

The fertile countryside surrounding Newton Abbot provides a rich source of ingredients, with local farms producing everything from fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits to quality meats and dairy products. These ingredients form the backbone of many menus across the area, where chefs and food producers take pride in showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.

South Devon’s drink producers are equally impressive. Traditional cider-making, craft breweries, vineyards and small-batch distilleries and new start-ups have flourished in recent years. Benefiting from the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, producers are creating drinks that reflect the unique character of the area and are increasingly gaining recognition far beyond Devon’s borders.

From relaxed seaside dining to sophisticated culinary experiences, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish each contribute their own character to a food scene that continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in its surroundings. The result is a destination where every meal offers an opportunity to experience the flavours, creativity and hospitality that define this distinctive part of Devon.

Koota Juice began as a family-run start-up based in Ashburton since 2023, dedicated to introducing mangosteen to the UK. Known in Southeast Asia as ‘the queen of fruits’ for its unique taste and health-giving qualities, there is a legend that Queen Victoria promised a knighthood to anyone who introduced it, and we know we’re a bit late...

The health properties of mangosteen are unique. Not only rich in antioxidants, but it is also the most prominent food source of xanthones. Xanthones are associated with increasing scientific research, for which the fruit is the only viable source.

We do not make curative claims, but we have produced a high quality, sophisticated drink. Koota Juice is 100% pure, with a delightfully thick texture. In 2025, we introduced two infusions, lychee and pomegranate, alongside the successful original – still 100% pure, with nothing added and only the naturally occurring sugars of the fruit itself. With an RRP of £3.49-£3.99 in shops, cafes and restaurants this is not Coca-Cola, but it is a unique, high-end juice that is very much within reach.

There’s a lot of hard work involved in being a start-up: we began the old fashioned way, walking from shop to shop, building a base doing tastings with shops and cafes that believe in buying local, participating in Food Drink Devon events, the Ashburton Food Fair, Buckfast Abbey Summer Fair and, most recently, our first Devon County Show. Now we are partnering with several distributors, we hope to become more widely known!

Find out more at www.kootajuice.com.

At Ru Yi Pho, hospitality is more than a transaction—it's a genuine invitation into Vietnamese culinary culture. The staff are consistently praised for their warmth, patience, and attentiveness, whether you're dining in or ordering takeaway. They willingly explain menu items, adjust spice levels, and accommodate dietary requests, making everyone from first-time pho tasters to vegan regulars feel truly welcomed.

Behind it all is a quiet but powerful story. Ru Yi Pho was born from a desire to share authentic Vietnamese home cooking in the Devon region, not traditionally known for Southeast Asian cuisine. The owners, inspired by family recipes passed down through generations, wanted to create a space where community and comfort meet. The name “Ru Yi” symbolizes wishes coming true, and indeed, the restaurant has fulfilled its founders’ dream: bringing honest, nourishing food to Newton Abbot, one bowl of pho at a time.

With our mouth-watering meals, we intend to create magic for all our customers.

Ru Yi Pho offers not just a meal, but a story of heritage, a promise of health, and service that feels like family. If you are yet to try our delicious food, make sure to have a look on our website and browse the menu – great food awaits and we can’t wait to welcome you to Ru Yi Pho.

Find out more at www.ruyipho.co.uk.