Salutation Inn

The Salutation Inn is a lovingly restored former coaching inn in the heart of Topsham, near Exeter, operated by the Williams-Hawkes family since 2012. The venue combines a restaurant, rooms, an onsite fishmonger called SALT and a wellbeing studio, all rooted in Devon’s land, sea and community. Its house philosophy of community-focused hospitality keeps fresh seafood in the town via the fishmonger, offers rooms with character and opened a studio for yoga and wellbeing alongside food and drink. The inn has earned multiple local Gold awards (Restaurant and Retail) and nominations including The Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurant. The Salutation is noted in external guides as a Modern Cuisine selection in the Michelin Guide. A light-filled courtyard sits beneath a glazed atrium known as the GlassHouse, while cosy restaurant areas, a lounge and bar lead to a grand upstairs Assembly Room that feels calm and historic. Cooking is produce-led and contemporary; menus vary by meal — breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner — and follow the seasons, sourcing ingredients from local fishermen, farms and artisans. Chef Tom Williams-Hawkes brings a deep culinary background from apprenticeships and posts with leading chefs and houses. The team includes Luke Heaver, who was awarded Food Drink Devon Chef of the Year. Specialties include day-boat seafood, properly aged steaks, shellfish dishes, seasonal Devon produce, classic Sunday roasts and afternoon tea with pastries.