The Elephant

The Elephant offers a refined interpretation of modern British cuisine on the south Devon coast, shaped by precision, discipline, and a deep commitment to produce. Awarded one Michelin star, the restaurant is led by chef Simon Hulstone, whose work reflects a grounded culinary philosophy rooted in seasonality and sustainability.The kitchen follows a clear rhythm dictated by the land and sea around Torbay. Much of the produce is sourced from the restaurant’s own farm, giving the menu a direct connection to its region. This approach is not presented as narrative — it is embedded into the structure of the dishes, where ingredient quality and clarity of execution take precedence.Flavours are built through restraint. Dishes focus on proportion and purity rather than invention, with each element positioned to support the whole. The style draws from classical technique while remaining firmly contemporary in tone. Whether showcasing coastal seafood or heritage vegetables, the cooking favours balance over embellishment.The tasting menu format allows for structure and depth without excess. Sauces are refined, accompaniments measured, and plating remains confident without theatricality. There is a precision to the compositions that reflects both craft and control — a style that speaks more through timing and temperature than through bold gestures.Situated at 3–4 Beacon Terrace, United Kingdom, in the borough of Torquay, The Elephant overlooks the harbour, with a dining space that aligns with the kitchen’s sensibility: considered, elegant, and attuned to the natural rhythm of the food. The view is incidental; the attention remains firmly on the plate.The Michelin star is a reflection of sustained focus rather than performance. At The Elephant, excellence is not presented as a concept, but as the outcome of deliberate choices — from the field to the kitchen, from the raw ingredient to the finished course.Chef Simon Hulstone’s culinary direction is defined by care, structure, and respect for the process. The result is a dining experience that is both technically assured and grounded in purpose — a modern expression of British cooking delivered with clarity and control.