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, 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

Saturday 27th September – Wine Tasting with Sandridge Barton Vineyard

5 small plates paired with 5 wines introduced by Sandridge Barton.

Booking essential. £55/head.

Friday 3rd October - Locals Curry Night

A selection of delicious curries made by head chef Mark.

Booking essential.

Thursday 30th October - Ghost Storytelling For Adults

A ghost story to get you in the mood for Halloween followed by a

simple supper.

Arrive at 6pm for drinks ready for the story at 6.30pm. Dinner to follow. Booking only.

Friday 31st October - Halloween Party!

Fancy dress Halloween party!

Drinks, live music, food. No booking needed, just turn up from 6pm.

Friday 7th November - Quiz Night

8pm start. Come for dinner before from 5pm and stay for the quiz.

Saturday 22nd November - End of Season Silent Disco

Come and celebrate the end of the season with a silent disco at the Shack! Doors open 7pm. Ticketed event, £10/ticket.

Tickets can be bought at The River Shack.

Sunday 14th December - Closing Christmas Party

Mulled cider, food, music, Christmas vibes.

Pop in from 2:30pm until 5pm, no need to book.

Closing for the Season Sunday 14th December 2025 until March 2026.

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 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.

  • Summer hours / from April 2025

    • 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*

      *Open Sunday evenings for Pizza throughout summer school holidays

    Winter hours / from 22nd September 2025

    • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday / Closed

    • Thursday / 9.30–4

    • Friday & Saturday / 9.30–10

    • Sunday / 9.30–4

    Closing for the season on Sunday 14th December and reopening early March 2026

  • 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.