The River Shack

Book a table
Silhouette of a crab with claws extended

Welcome to
The River Shack, Devon.

Aerial view of a riverside village with fields and green trees

We’re a family-run, waterside destination offering delicious food and drink in beautiful surroundings.

We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving fresh food, wood fired pizza, coffee & cake, cream teas and ice cream. We also have a fully licensed bar stocked with local beers, wines and gins.

Our story

Food & drink

Our menus are small but creative, and dishes are made with fresh ingredients which are sourced locally where possible. We change our menus with the seasons and we pride ourselves in our rustic, unique and fun approach to food that appeals to all the family. We have gluten free, vegan and vegetarian dishes available, and a kids menu too.

Steamed mussels with herbs in a bowl
Sample menus
People enjoying a sunny day by a riverside, with children playing near the water. Trees line the background and boats are anchored in the river.

Crabbing

Stoke Gabriel is famous for its crabbing! You can catch crabs from just outside the café at any tide and we sell all of the equipment you need….as well as lots of ice cream!

Two people paddleboarding on a calm river during sunset, with trees and houses in the background.

Watersports

There are plenty of options for messing about on the water at The Shack. Bring your own paddle board, hire a kayak on arrival from Totnes Kayaks during the summer months, join one of the canoeing tours through 'Canoe Adventures' and canoe to us from Totnes, or for an even bigger journey – access the water with ‘Rock the Boat Activities’ based in Dartington. 

For those of you who have your own sails, you can moor up at the Stoke Gabriel deep water pontoon at any time.

And for the hardier ones, simply bring your swimming gear and enjoy a bracing dip in the estuary!

Aerial view of green rolling hills and a river with boats in a rural landscape, featuring fields, trees, and a small cluster of buildings near the water's edge.

Walking

There are some beautiful walks in and around the village of Stoke Gabriel, and dogs are very welcome inside the café. At low tide you can walk along the shoreline to Duncannon beach, or cross over to the woods and walk out to look towards Dittisham.

You can also reach us by foot from Totnes along Fleet Mill Lane in Bridgetown. For any advice on walks just give us a call or ask when you visit us.

Events

FRIDAY NIGHTS FROM OCTOBER 2026

Simple supper, different theme each week. Booking advised via website.

(Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Vegan and Kids Menu Available)

Friday 2nd October - MUSSELS & CHIPS

Friday 9th October - THAI CURRY

Friday 16th October - MORROCAN TAGINE

Friday 23rd October - MAC N CHEESE (with lots of toppings...)

Friday 30th October - STEAK NIGHT

Friday 6th November - HUNGARIAN GOULASH

Friday 13th November - RAMEN

Friday 20th November - BURGER NIGHT

Friday 27th November - GAME PIE & GAMES NIGHT

(BYO card or boardgame)

SUNDAY ROASTS STARTING ON 11TH OCTOBER 2026

Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, served 12pm - 3pm

Booking Advised via website

(Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Vegan and Kids Menu Available)

SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2026- END OF SEASON CHRISTMAS PARTY

2pm - 4pm

Mulled wine, live music, discounted drinks and food.

Help us drink the kegs dry before we close for the winter!

River Shack Shop

GIFT CARDS - We sell digital Gift Cards starting from £25 which can be bought online and emailed to your loved ones

MERCHANDISE - We also sell branded clothing to remind you of happy days at The River Shack

Shop

  • We’re a family and dog friendly destination. We have books, colouring and toys for little ones, and dog beds and snacks for your furry friends.

    We are accessible for wheelchairs, although the outside has gravel flooring and to get inside to the restaurant there is a very small lip to get over the doorstep. There is parking just next to the restaurant and although there are no official disabled parking spots, the car park attendant will always work to get you a space close to the entrance to the restaurant. Otherwise guests can be dropped off at the entrance whilst the car is parked further along.

  • We recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment but it is not essential outside of peak times.

  • Winter hours / from 14th September 2026

    • Mon/Tues/Wed Closed

    • Thursday / 9.30–4

    • Friday/ 9:30-10pm (one pot suppers every Friday night from October, different theme each week. See events page for details).

    • Saturday / 9:30 - 10 (regular evening menu)

    • Sunday / 9.30–4 (Sunday roasts 12pm - 3pm from 11th October)

    Closed for the season from December 7th 2026 until March 6th 2027

    Spring hours / from 6th March 2026

    • Mon/Tues/Wed Closed

    • Thurs/9.30-4

    • Fri & Sat / 9:30 - 10

    • Sun / 9.30-4

    Summer hours / from 22nd March

    • Monday / Closed *

    • Tuesday & Wednesday / 9.30–4

    • Thursday / 9.30–10 (pizza night)

    • Friday & Saturday / 9.30–10 (pizza & restaurant nights)

    • Sunday / 9.30–4**

      *Except in August

      **Open Sunday evenings for Pizza throughout summer school holidays

  • We sell gift cards in the restaurant or our online shop here.

    If you have a gift card, please show us the email and Gift Card code to redeem.

  • Parking is available on site all year round.

  • Small boats/ribs can moor up at the new pontoon at MILL POINT on entry to the creek at ALL tides for short stays. This is a ten minute walk from the Shack. This pontoon was opened in July 2026.

    You can paddle to our door by paddle board, kayak, canoe, etc. from as far as Dartmouth if you get the tides right! There is a pontoon just outside the restaurant which is accessible around high tide.

  • There are free public loos on site.

  • We are looking for an assistant chef to help run services alongside our head chef and sous chef. Position to start April 2026. For more information or to apply please email info@therivershackdevon.co.uk