The Salutation Inn - a true jewel in Topsham, Devon's crown
My late first-cousin, once-removed, had spent the last 25 years of more in the small town of Topsham, adjacent to the Exe Estuary.
Sadly, he only recently passed away, and we needed a central location with some parking, and not far from the crematorium, to hold the Wake.
The Salutation Inn, Topsham, provided a perfect fit in every respect.
On arrival, all mourners were greeted with their choice of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink, and a truly sumptuous cold buffet, with tea and coffee available too.
Things have moved on since pineapple chunks on chees, cocktail sausages, or flaky vol-au-vents, and the Salutation buffet was not only truly varied, but also constantly being discretely replenished.
Initially savoury, as the Wake proceeded, some really mouth-wateringly tasty dessert items appeared, and, while it's never easy to estimate how many mourners might ultimately attend the Wake, there was always more than sufficient food available - and not just those items that are always inherently more desirable than others, and ten to go more quickly!
As with any Wake, while my journey was a mere 50 miles up and back, there were those who had travelled much further afield, and this was where the 'icing of the cake' appeared - bespoke little cardboard boxes allowing guests the opportunity to take some items with them, for the return journey. This is so much more thoughtful and practical than trying to smuggle out a number of things, wrapped in a paper napkin, which ends up in a complete, soggy mess, by the time you get home.
The room was lovely and airy, with tables and seats provided, but which still allowed everyone to mingle, and catch up with old - and new family.
The serving assistants were all charming young people, where nothing was too much trouble, and you never had to remind them about a placed order.
Dan, the bar-manager, was a great guy - really affable, but totally professional and welcoming, so it was not hard to see why his staff exemplified the same traits.
I am determined to try it for a meal, but if you are looking for a great venue for a Wake - or, in fact, any kind of gathering, then do try the 'Salutation Inn' first. Not only will they tailor-make everything around you and your guests, but they're clearly so well organised, that they don't appear at all phased by any last-minute fluctuation in those attending.
Highly recommended, I'd say!