Now owned by Ben and Jackie Handley since March 2008 -

The Laughing Monk Restaurant is set in the beautiful village of Strete on the main costal road between Dartmouth (5miles) and Kingsbridge (9 miles). 1 mile to our left is the award winning beach Blackpool sands and 1 mile to our right is the ever-popular Slapton sands. The South West coastal path runs practically past our door and the Dartmoor national park is no more than 30 minutes away by car.

Food at the laughing monk restaurant is all about our wonderful local produce. We really are blessed in this part of the country to have such an abundance of high quality ingredients.

All our fish and shell fish arrives straight from our local fisherman   whether it be Start Bay lobsters, scallops or crab, line caught sea-bass or mackerel - one things for sure you can’t get any fresher!!!  All our meats come from Local Devon Farmers; char grilled rib-eye steaks, 8 hour braised shoulder of lamb, free-range chickens and crispy belly pork can be found on the menu.

Our philosophy is keep it simple and let the produce be the star.

We stock fantastic local beers from Quercus Brewery in Kingsbridge, organic cider from Heron Valley and Wines from around the world including the local Sharpham Reserve.

 Opening times
• Summer (April-October) 5.00pm-9.00pm with our 5-10-5 "Early Supper Menu" between 5.00pm-7.00pm
• Winter (October-April) 6.30pm-9.00pm with our 5-10-5 "Early Supper Menu" between 6.30pm-7.30pm Early supper menu is selected dishes on the menu are on offer £5.00 starter, £10.00 mains and £5.00 desserts

We look forward to welcoming you in the near future. 

"One of those special places one constantly seeks but rarely finds"

About Us

Superb food and drink, great service, relaxed atmostphere, everyone welcome, that's what The Laughing Monk Restaurant is about

Ben Handley and wife Jackie

Have relocated to Dartmouth to realize a life long dream of owning and running their own restaurant.

Ben a member of the Guild of Master Chefs of Great Britain cooks with the best local Devon produce creating modern British dishes simply cooked allowing the ingredients to shine.

Jackie the ever efficient host will be sure that the service is slick and unobtrusive, from arrival drinks to final coffee nothing is too much trouble.

The Laughing Monk is housed in the former village school which dates back to 1839, the building has many original features, including the original oak floor, doors and open fire. Sympathetically decorated in January 2009 Ben and Jackie have given the old school room a new fresh feel, creating a balance of cosy and warm in the winter but light and airy for the summer

We plan to stay at the Laughing Monk for many years hopping to create a popular restaurant for both locals and visitors alike. So come and see us and enjoy some great food, we know you will like it!

 Other Services
Whether you are celebrating that [special birthday ]or just having a get together- the Laughing Monk can accommodate up to 60 guests and our friendly team will certainly make your special day one to remember.