A Dartmoor restaurant is so popular with customers it’s never had a bad review. The Gateway Restaurant and Bar in Moretonhampstead has almost 290 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, with many praising its “sublime” dishes.
The authentic south Indian thali restaurant, first opened in 2015 in what was the former Gateway Tea Room. The owners, Laurie and Sam, have spent every year since breathing new life into the 17th century building, and creating a menu with traditional elements as well as more adventurous and exotic dishes.
Chef Samantha Sastry’s Indian heritage and creative appetite are reflected in the restaurant’s emphasis on Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as dishes from other countries and closer to home. There is a strong emphasis on low-impact, sustainable food at the restaurant, so their produce is locally sourced from “just up the road.”
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Last year, Laurie and Sam decided to make the globally-inspired dishes, along with homely meals in a comfortable restaurant setting, a permanent offering. What makes The Gateway Restaurant and Bar an exclusive offering is its limited opening hours.
Its website says: “Rather than opening continuously, we offer occasional pop-up dining events during the year – sumptuous menus with a variety of dishes and a unique range of flavours. Every element is cooked fresh here in our kitchens by chef Samantha Sastry.”
While The Gateway is currently closed, the team are planning on opening for occasional pop-up events in 2024. Meanwhile, chef Samantha is available privately, either at the Gateway or at your home.
(Image: Google Street View)
With so many five-star reviews, it seems it’s certainly well worth booking an event. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the restaurant as “sublime”, adding: “Food to make you gently cry with pleasure, and restore your faith in life… …and gently in the background, a music playlist with heart and depth.”
Another reviewer who gave The Gateway five stars said: “Rather a remarkable little restaurant that we happened upon after deciding we didn’t fancy any of the nearby hostelry, despite having made a booking there at one for lunch Saturday. A short menu included a salt beef focaccia sandwich & veggie & vegan options together with some irresistible sounding desserts.
“Everything was original, imaginative, well presented & faithfully delivered on the menu description with panache & some extraordinary flavours. I had to ask for the menu back to try & work out what I had just eaten! It was truly delicious & unusual! Worth a significant detour. This has got to be one of the best light lunches I have ever eaten anywhere. A super experience.”
Another said: “We booked after hearing about the gateway from our B&B hosts. My goodness this place is special! The food is truly fantastic and almost hard to believe it’s all made by a single chef. Service was friendly and very attentive, drinks were even made at the bar in full view. Absolutely worth a visit if you can get a table. And don’t forget to try the gin!”