Barnstaple is the market town at the heart of North Devon, a lively and characterful place that rewards a visit, and The Pelican is one of the very good reasons to make the trip. This well-regarded fish and chip restaurant on Oakland Park has developed a loyal following for the quality and consistency of its cooking, and it lives up to its reputation on every visit.
The fish is fresh and carefully sourced, cooked to order in properly seasoned batter that achieves that ideal balance of crunch and lightness. The chips are generous, cooked through and properly golden. Every element is executed with the care and attention that elevates good fish and chips into something really worth travelling for.
Eating here rather than getting a takeaway makes a real difference: the sit-down experience allows you to enjoy the food at its very best, properly hot and presented well, with the extras that make a meal feel complete. The service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Barnstaple itself is worth exploring before or after your meal. The Pannier Market is one of the finest traditional covered markets in the West Country, and the town’s independent shops and cafes make for a pleasurable afternoon of browsing. The Pelican fits naturally into a day in town, providing that essential, satisfying meal that fuels the rest of the adventure.
Barnstaple’s independent food and drink scene has grown considerably in recent years, and The Pelican is at the heart of that story. The team behind it clearly love what they do, and that enthusiasm is visible in everything from the thoughtful menu to the genuinely warm welcome. For a market-town lunch that does not feel like a tourist tick-box, The Pelican is the choice.
From Woolacombe, Barnstaple is a short and easy drive, and combining a trip to The Pelican with a morning at the market is a very enjoyable way to spend a day of your holiday.
