Dropping Anchor at The Anchorstone

Drift up the River Dart from Dartmouth and you can not avoid the buzz of Dittersham (Ditters to me). Agatha Christies boathouse on your right, once Sir Walter Raleigh's, the Anchorstone hazard marker and there before you is the beautiful village of Dittisham with cottages and houses perched on these particular sloping South Ham hills. It's gentle and appealing with a long quay coming out to meet the waters at low tide.


Our visit today was specific, lunch at The Anchorstone Cafe! Once landing, precariously I might add. Landing entails pushing the dinghy through all the other visitor dinghies to find a way to the visitor dock where there is very little space, so we end up climbing over wobbly dinghies determined to get our lunch. Safe on the floating quay, we tie up and saunter up the quay charmed by the kids (and adults) crabbing .... little crabs hurtle in all directions, kids squealing and grown ups delightedly smiling. But we are on a mission - a table at The Anchorstone. 


At the end of the quay you have a choice, The Anchorstone Cafe on the left and the FerryBoat Inn on the right. They both have an appeal. Today our choice was The Anchorstone. It gets busy as anyone pausing in Dittisham waters heads to the quay to eat, so a race for a table. Fortunately today was a late lunch, bank holiday Monday and lots had already headed home and for once just 2 of us.

It was a great lunch and a surprise as our friends son, Rupert Smith, a deep water scalloper, was featured on the menu. His hand-picked scallops were a special! A delight to see. This is a young man who has turned his hand to fishing after farming for many years. Its a dangerous undertaking. One time Rupert was scalloping and got a surprise when he found himself facing a shark! So Rupert's scallops are more precious than anyone probably knows! Respect!


The cafe was buzzy - families rounding up kids, life jackets at the ready, adults untangling crabbing lines while kids stand by impatiently, sharing tables and stories with strangers and facing a beautiful view. So YES Location, Location, Location. But that really is not all, the food is good, honest and true. Local fish, fresh and succulent. Crab is amazing, watch out for this when in season and lobster. It's all simply presented and there is more than fish ... burgers, ploughmans (delicious), sandwiches etc. We and our friends always enjoy spending time here and eating and drinking delicious local (Devon) food and drink. 
And guess what! We always end up talking and sharing stories with other folk.

This is a great place to while away the hours, lapping up the river breezes and scenes. Every year there is something new to appreciate at The Anchorstone Cafe as they subtly develop this gem of an eatery on the River Dart ..... SHUSH don't tell anyone otherwise we will never get a table :)