As days grow longer and the weather warms, where better to enjoy a delicious drink and bite to eat than beside the water? We asked our friends at Salcombe Distilling Company to round up seven of the best waterside food and drink spots in South Devon - from a rustic beach hut on South Milton Sands to a cool coffee house in the seaside town of Torquay.

1. Beachhouse, South Milton Sands

This low-key blue-and-white hut on the golden sweep of South Milton Sands by Thurlestone dishes out some of the best seafood in the area - from silky lobster linguine and crispy squid to over-stuffed crab sandwiches - sourced daily from Beesands, just 12 miles away.

2. The Winking Prawn, Salcombe North Sands

Not far from North Sands, and in a peaceful cove in Salcombe, is The Winking Prawn - a brilliant beach cafe that's welcomed sandy visitors for over 20 years. For breakfast, find locally smoked salmon, eggs any style and sliced avocado on toast, while at dinner, tuck into plates of barbecued king prawns and Cajun-spiced salmon.

3. Gastrobus, Bantham Beach

Owner Claire Bishop has brought her love of street food and Devon produce to beautiful Bantham Beach in her sky-blue takeaway Gastrobus. Find an array of freshly baked cakes - from nearby Lamaro Bakery in Totnes - homemade burgers and focaccia sandwiches on the menu, all of which pair perfectly with a cup of local Tamar Koffi coffee.

4. The Cove, Hope Cove

This pearl-white restaurant in pretty Hope Cove prizes itself on using top notch ingredients from Devon and has a cool craft beer list to boot. Just 50 yards from the beach, dishes keep things fresh with fish from markets in Brixham and locally reared beef from nearby Salcombe Meat Company.

5. WeSUP Coffee House, Torquay Marina

Lovers of great coffee should make a beeline for WeSUP Coffee House in the charming seaside town of Torquay on the English Riviera. Grab a table on the waterside terrace and order the super-fluffy waffles topped with syrupy bacon or the homemade smoky beans on toasted sourdough.

6. The Oyster Shack, Bigbury

Tucked away in a quaint riverside valley is Bigbury's best kept secret. Formerly a cleansing hub for oysters, freshly caught from the neighbouring River Avon, the shabby-chic Oyster Shack still serves some of the best oysters in the South West. Other highlights include crispy king prawn croquettes and grilled English asparagus with local Quicke's cheddar.

7. The Boathouse, Salcombe

Set in the traditional boat building quarter of Salcombe, now also a hub for emerging artists, is The Boathouse, run by Salcombe Distilling Company. Whilst this isn't your typical foodie spot, the drinks are too good to miss. Arrive by boat (or foot) and order a citrusy gin and tonic while overlooking the bobbing boats from the balcony.

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