My partner and I didn't realise when we booked a random getaway to Torquay that most dinners out required reservations. Walking around we stopped at various restaurants with good Google ratings but we were turned away because they were fully booked for the night.
When we came upon The Elephant, we were confident they would be booked, having read many good things and the fact they were Michelin rated. Luck was upon us as a table had just opened up. Although we were under dressed, we took advantage of the opportunity and are so glad we did!
We were greeted so calmly and kindly before being seated to the table, with an apology that there would be a wait before someone could see to us.
The service was phenomenal. The food was superb. The modern British fare was both creative and masterful in execution. The ingredients were very fresh. The wine menu was wonderfully understated and the recommended pairings were perfect. For those who ask (although a seasonal menu), for starters we had a refreshing crab cocktail with mango sorbet and a delightful fresh yet savoury scallop dish. For our mains, we had the plaice with asparagus and apple in a mussel broth and the monkfish with bok choy in a lemongrass and Thai lime basil sauce. We paired these with a seasonal white French chardonnay and ended the meal with a marscapone parfait with strawberries and merengue.
We highly recommend The Elephant, it certainly brightened up our trip/day.