Windout and Friends

Windout Barn

With views to die for, Windout Barn is nestled on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. This 11th century farm is owned by the lovely Felicity and Sam and has been transformed into a haven for city dwellers looking for a complete escape or local country folk, like myself, wanting a great afternoon out.

Windout Barn offers rustic charm whether you are staying in The Piggery for a romantic Air B&B experience, wanting a country wedding or just a good, well cooked, communal lunch with like minded people.

I was invited with a few of my friends to do just that. A communal lunch cooked up by the wonderful Woodfired Canteen on the farm grounds overlooking the rolling hills of Devon.

Greeted by the Woodfired Canteen team and Felicity we were taken down to the barn where the a rustic bar had been set up serving fizz, wines, cider, beer and their homemade elderflower pressé. With a glass of fizz in hand Felicity kindly took the time out to show me the facilities. A wonderful barn, lovingly restored, that can be transformed into a dining area for your wedding or perhaps a dance floor for your party with space for a band or DJ. It is also the back up for diners on their Sunday Smoky lunches just in case the British weather isn’t that kind!

For us though the sun was shining. It was absolutely stunning and the tables and benches were set up on the grass in front of the barn. Apple orchard behind us and amazing views in front.

Canapés were offered whilst the guests mingled. Delicious roasted onions filled with a creamy mackerel filling and a sharp tang of rhubarb and amazing rustic bread that could be used to scoop up the wonderful Quickes cheese dip. Heavenly. I have never had mackerel and rhubarb together but I have to tell you, it was a new taste sensation and something I will try to recreate at home.

Canapés consumed and enjoyed we were ushered to our seats. Whole roasted chickens doused in a chicken juice and tarragon mayo sauce, ancient grains mixed with peas, broad beans, lemon and mint and the most outstanding panzanella were presented to us and placed in the middle of the table to help ourselves. Being a non meat eater on the whole I opted for the vegetarian choice which was smoky, chargrilled courgette wedges with chilli. The flavours were outstanding and really fitted the bill on this hot and sunny Sunday afternoon.

Dessert was quintessentially English and rounded off the meal perfectly. Gooey brown sugar meringues topped with whipped clotted cream and the sweetest strawberries. 

Windout Farm and Woodfired Canteen hope to host another Smoky Sunday Lunch in September so keep your eyes peeled for dates. Give them a follow on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with news and of course check out their website.

2 thoughts on “Windout and Friends

  1. Oh goodness me, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the September date!! (Although knowing me, I’ll miss it – I always manage to be away from Exeter on the wrong weekends!!) Mackerel and rhubarb is so delicious, was it stuffed inside the onions? xxx
    Lucy @ La Lingua | Life, Travel, Italy

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