Burgh Island Hotel | Food Drink Devon

Member Overview

What is Burgh Island Hotel?

Burgh Island Hotel is one of Devon's most iconic luxury hotels, set on its own private tidal island off the coast of Bigbury-on-Sea. Famous for its beautifully restored Art Deco design, rich literary history and spectacular coastal setting, the hotel has welcomed notable guests including Agatha Christie, Noël Coward, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

Accessible by foot at low tide or via the famous sea tractor at high tide, Burgh Island offers a truly unique escape combining luxury accommodation, exceptional dining and unforgettable South Devon views.

What does Burgh Island Hotel offer?

Burgh Island Hotel offers luxurious Art Deco accommodation, award-winning dining, afternoon tea, cocktails, historic pub dining, wellness experiences and exclusive island stays. The hotel is renowned for its immersive 1930s atmosphere, black-tie dining experiences and dramatic coastal setting.

Guests can enjoy fine dining in the Grand Ballroom, relaxed meals in The Nettlefold Restaurant, or traditional pub food in the historic Pilchard Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the UK.

Boutique Accommodation with Period Charm

The hotel offers 25 individually decorated rooms and suites, each named after a famous former guest. Rooms are styled with original or faithfully restored 1930s furnishings, offering views across the sea, beach or island landscape. Modern comforts are subtly integrated to maintain period authenticity. Guests are encouraged to fully embrace the hotel’s vintage spirit, with black‑tie evenings, live music and themed dining nights evoking the era’s grand house‑party atmosphere.

Our Specialities

Art Deco luxury hotel
Fine dining experiences
Black-tie Grand Ballroom dinners
The Nettlefold Restaurant
The Pilchard Inn
Afternoon tea
Coastal dining
Locally sourced Devon ingredients
Award-winning hospitality
Historic island experiences
Luxury breaks and celebrations
Sea tractor island access

Why choose Burgh Island Hotel?

Burgh Island Hotel offers a truly unique experience that combines luxury hospitality, fascinating history and one of the most spectacular coastal locations in Britain. Guests can dine overlooking the sea, enjoy live jazz, relax in elegant Art Deco surroundings and immerse themselves in a destination unlike anywhere else in Devon.

Exceptional Dining on the Edge of the Sea

Burgh Island Hotel is celebrated for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, served across three distinctive dining venues. At the heart of the hotel is a commitment to creating memorable food and drink experiences, from elegant dining in the Grand Ballroom to relaxed coastal fare, all inspired by the surrounding land and sea.

The Nettlefold Restaurant – refined dining with historic naval architecture. Menus focus on seasonal, locally sourced Devon ingredients, with an emphasis on classical techniques and perfectly balanced flavours.
Expect refined British dishes, thoughtfully plated, often featuring regional seafood, West Country meats and locally grown produce. The dining experience is calm, unhurried and attentive, making it ideal for anniversaries, milestone celebrations and immersive gastronomic evenings. Traditional, luxury Afternoon Teas are also served daily from 12:30 – 15:30. Open to non‑resident visitors, meaning you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it — but advance booking is essential. Walk‑ins are not accepted.
The Grand Ballroom – formal black‑tie dinners with live entertainment. Set menus are designed around classic, elegant dishes, served in a traditional fine‑dining format. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion to enhance the immersive experience. Evenings often include live bands, dancing and socialising, creating the feeling of a glamorous country‑house party frozen in time
The Pilchard Inn – a 14th‑century pub serving relaxed, coastal fare

All menus showcase Devon produce, seafood and classic British dishes, complemented by an extensive wine, cocktail and spirits list, including period‑accurate pre‑war cocktails. Dining is open to both hotel residents and non‑residents

With exceptional food, stunning views and a rich cultural heritage, Burgh Island Hotel remains one of the South West's most celebrated hospitality destinations

Where can you find Burgh Island Hotel?

Burgh Island Hotel is located on Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 4BG, on its own private tidal island off the South Devon coast.

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Contact Burgh Island Hotel

Contact Info

Call us 01548320167 Email us lilly@burghisland.com Visit our website www.burghisland.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are available at Burgh Island Hotel?

Guests can dine in:
The Grand Ballroom – a formal Art Deco dining experience with black-tie dress code and live music on selected evenings.
The Nettlefold Restaurant – offering seasonal British cuisine with spectacular coastal views.
The Pilchard Inn – a historic pub dating back over 700 years serving traditional food and drinks.

Can non-residents dine at Burgh Island Hotel?

Yes. The hotel's restaurants and dining venues are available to both hotel guests and non-residents, subject to availability and advance reservations

What type of food does The Nettlefold Restaurant serve?

The Nettlefold serves seasonal British cuisine using fresh local ingredients, including locally caught fish, seasonal vegetables and coastal herbs foraged near the island.

What are The Nettlefold Restaurant opening hours?

Lunch: 12:00pm – 3:00pm daily
Afternoon Tea: 1:00pm – 4:00pm daily
Dinner: 6:30pm – 9:00pm (Sunday–Thursday)
Dinner: 6:30pm – 9:30pm (Friday–Saturday)

What is the Grand Ballroom dining experience?

The Grand Ballroom offers Burgh Island's famous black-tie dining experience, featuring elegant evening meals, fine wines, live jazz on selected evenings and a fully immersive Art Deco atmosphere.

Is there a dress code for dining?

Yes. The Grand Ballroom operates a formal black-tie dress code, encouraging guests to embrace the glamour of the hotel's 1930s heritage.

What is The Pilchard Inn?

The Pilchard Inn is Burgh Island's historic pub, dating back more than 700 years. It serves traditional meals, drinks and local hospitality in a unique coastal setting.

Does Burgh Island Hotel serve afternoon tea?

Yes. Afternoon tea is served daily at The Nettlefold Restaurant between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, accompanied by beautiful sea views

Does Burgh Island Hotel use local Devon produce?

Yes. The hotel's chefs focus on fresh seasonal ingredients, locally landed seafood, British produce and ingredients sourced from the surrounding coastline and countryside

Is Burgh Island Hotel suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely. The unique island setting, luxury accommodation, fine dining and historic atmosphere make Burgh Island Hotel a popular choice for anniversaries, celebrations, proposals and memorable getaways.

Why is Burgh Island Hotel famous?

The hotel is famous for its Art Deco heritage, literary connections to Agatha Christie, iconic sea tractor, black-tie dining experiences and spectacular private island location.

Is Burgh Island Hotel worth visiting for food lovers?

Definitely. With fine dining, locally sourced ingredients, breathtaking sea views, afternoon tea and one of Devon's most memorable dining settings, Burgh Island Hotel is a must-visit destination for food and hospitality enthusiasts