Escape To... The Salutation Inn

We're excited to continue our new series, exploring some of the amazing switch-off locations you can discover our products.

This time, we learn a bit more about The Salutation Inn, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant and hotel, perfect for seafood lovers, located in Topsham, Devon…

Tell us a little more about The Salutation Inn

Since 2012, the Williams-Hawkes family has been at the heart of this esteemed establishment, transforming the Inn from a pub into a fine-dining restaurant. Husband and wife team, Tom and Amelia, further cemented the hotel’s destination for seafood lovers by converting its lounge into a wet-fish shop and deli called Salt in 2020. Owner Tom, with his prestigious background working alongside Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and Michael Caines, brings his expertise and respect for seasonal produce to the restaurant. Amelia, with years of experience in hospitality, ensures a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The team’s dedication to excellence is reflected in every aspect of the hotel, ensuring the tradition of warm hospitality and unforgettable dining continues to flourish.

Over the past decade, The Salutation has attracted guests from across the region for their beautifully presented à la carte and tasting menus, influenced by Tom’s heritage (his dad was a salmon fisherman for 30 years). Under head chef Luke Heaver, the creative menu will evolve to serve the freshest market catch of the day. The new lunch menu exemplifies the ‘sea to plate’ philosophy, allowing guests to see and choose their fish directly from Salt. Lunch will also include sharing platters, small plates, pastry chef Nikoletta’s patisserie and an ever changing afternoon tea menu. Evening diners can expect an a la carte offering, as well as a surprise seafood tasting menu. The restaurant works with numerous local boats and holds a unique license to buy directly from them, ensuring the freshest local fish for their kitchen.

Where is the hotel located & what are some of the area highlights for guests?

We are located in the centre of Topsham, Devon, near to the beautiful coastline and very close to Darts Farm for wonderful shopping.

What is your favourite thing on the menu at the moment?

The hot seafood platter (based on two people sharing). Or, crab, scallops, crevettes, langoustine, mussels, 3 species wild fish, Cornish new potatoes, green salad.

What is your favourite Bramley product at the hotel?

The Uplifting Room Fragrance that we have throughout the hotel and the Lavender, Geranium & Petitgrain Hand Cream.

Why has The Salutation Inn chosen to work with Bramley and how do our values align?

We have chosen to work with Bramley since 2017 as we love the thought of our guests having that little bit of essential oil & natural botanical calm during their bath, or even their moisturising of hands after using our washrooms downstairs.

Are there any exciting plans in the pipeline for The Salutation Inn in the coming months? 

We have just had a refurb in June 2024 and have carried on with the botanical theme throughout the restaurant, adding new colours, a fresh bar area and new menus. We have some great events coming up, including a Natural Growth Wine Dinner in November and Christmas Party menus in December.

Is there any other news?

We have recently been awarded GOLD in the FOOD DRINK DEVON awards in both the Hospitality and Retail divisions and our Chef Luke Heaver was named FOOD DRINK DEVON CHEF OF THE YEAR, which was very exciting!!!

Explore The Salutation Inn:

www.salutationtopsham.co.uk

@salutationinn