The River Shack

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.

Food & drink

Steamed mussels with herbs in a bowl

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.

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, or join one of the canoeing tours through 'Canoe Adventures' and canoe to us from Totnes.

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.

Gift Cards

We sell digital gift cards starting from £25. These can be bought online, emailed to your loved ones, and redeemed at the Shack.

  • We’re a family and dog friendly destination.

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

  • Winter hours / from October to March

    • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday / Closed

    • Thursday / 9.30–4

    • Friday & Saturday / 9.30–10

    • Sunday / 9.30–4

    Summer hours / from April 2025

    • Monday / Closed

    • Tuesday / 9.30 - 4 *

    • Wednesday / 9.30–4

    • Thursday / 9.30–10 (pizza night)

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

    • Sunday / 9.30–4*

      *Closed on Tuesdays throughout May

      *Open Sunday evenings for Pizza throughout August

  • 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 can moor up at the pontoon on entry to the creek at all tides for short stays.

    You can paddle to our door by paddle board, kayak, canoe, etc, from as far as Dartmouth if you get the tides right!

  • There are free public loos on site.