England's Seafood Coast

Named England’s Seafood Coast for good reason, the English Riviera is home to the UK’s finest seafood and the world-famous Brixham Fish Market, where some of the nation’s best chefs source their seafood. The Fish Market is the beating heart of England’s Seafood Coast. Each year over £40million worth of fish is landed, making Brixham the biggest fishing port in England by value. The day’s catch is sold in the only live fish auction in the UK, and you can take a unique early morning tour to watch the auction and learn more about the fish that lands on your plate (booking in advance is essential for this hugely popular tour). 

This high-quality and varied catch of fish and shellfish is served at some of the top tables across the country and internationally. Thankfully not all of it leaves the area - luckily for anyone visiting the English Riviera, local restaurants are dedicated to using the best local produce. Many of the finest examples stay right in south Devon’s beautiful bay for you to enjoy.

LOOK OUT FOR…

The waters around Brixham are richly populated with a wide variety of marine life. Over 40 species are regularly landed, including gurnard, Dover sole, lemon sole, lobster, cuttlefish, hake, Brixham crab and renowned Elberry Cove Mussels.

THE FRESHEST FISH YOU CAN GET

The busy fleet of local day fishing boats delivers to the fish market and local restaurants, ensuring fish is no more than 24 hours out of the sea. So you can enjoy your fish at its very best, whether it’s the English classic fish and chips or part of a Michelin-starred tasting menu.

WALKING ENGLAND’S SEAFOOD COAST

Discover the South West Coast Path as you walk the Seafood Coast, with plenty of places to eat and re-fuel yourself along the way. From rocky cliffs and quiet coves to long, sandy beaches, the coastline around Torbay is spectacular and beautiful. And it doesn’t just appeal to us human visitors – the abundance and diversity of fish and shellfish attracts guillemots, dolphins, porpoises and even an occasional humpback whale. Don’t forget your binoculars!

SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP SEAFOOD CHEFS WORK ON THE SEAFOOD COAST

With access to the highest quality fresh fish, it’s little wonder some of the country’s top seafood chefs choose to work in this beautiful corner of the world. Acclaimed chef Mitch Tonks runs a series of restaurants and takeaways locally, with a strong commitment to taste and sustainability. Try his Rockfish Brixham restaurant located right on the fish market, with a strong claim to being the restaurant closest to its source of fish in the country.

Alternatively you could head along the coast to Paignton, where the team at Cantina will give you the warmest, relaxed welcome to all the family including dogs and some of the best seafood you’ll eat. Further on you reach Torquay - sample the day’s catch given the Michelin-starred treatment at The Elephant, courtesy of award-winning chef Simon Hulstone. Or head next door to the celebrated No.7 Fish Bistro, where seafood is prepared under the watchful gaze of head chef Oliver Stacey. 

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL…

England’s Seafood Coast has so much to offer in addition to sublime food. Explore a UNESCO Global Geopark, visit Kents Cavern (the only place in the world where remains from 3 different species of human have been found together), experience an abundance of water-based adventures, enjoy breath-taking coastal walks, soak up sublime sea views and take a trip on a steam train. Visit the area that inspired Agatha Christie, Charles Darwin and Beatrix Potter. It’s all waiting for you to enjoy on England’s Seafood Coast.