Brightside Honiton: A Refreshing Take on Roadside Dining

We’ve driven past Brightside Honiton on the A303 countless times, always curious but never quite making the stop—until now. This time, on a Saturday afternoon, we finally pulled in just as the crowd was starting to build. What we didn’t realize at first was that this wasn’t just any Brightside—it was the flagship location, the very first in what is now a growing chain bringing a reimagined roadside dining experience to the South West.

First Impressions: Retro Meets Comfort

Stepping inside, the first thing that struck us was the atmosphere—warm, nostalgic, and inviting. The design takes clear inspiration from 1980s vintage caravans, with wooden interiors, generous amount of veneer and plywood from wall to ceiling, rattan pendant lights, and booth-style seating that instantly transports you back to the golden age of roadside diners. There’s a wonderful balance between retro aesthetics and modern functionality, making the space both stylish and comfortable.

The seating options cater to different group sizes, from intimate two-person tables to larger booths perfect for families or groups of friends. There’s even a charming library section with books and board games, making it especially family-friendly. The kitchen is open-fronted, allowing you to see the chefs working behind the counter, adding to the lively atmosphere. Soda fountains, coffee machines, and the hum of conversation complete the classic roadside diner feel.

The staff were incredibly welcoming. From the moment we walked in, they made sure we felt at home, offering recommendations and even taking a family photo for us—a small but thoughtful touch that left a lasting impression.

The Food: Comforting, Generous, and Full of Flavour

Brightside prides itself on freshly cooked, comforting classics, and our meal did not disappoint. We ordered:

Dirty Brisket Burger

Two smashed burger patties topped with beef brisket, smoked streaky bacon, American cheese, caramelised onions, lettuce, gherkins, crispy onions, and a generous drizzle of gravy mayo. Every bite was packed with flavour, with the brisket adding an extra layer of richness. The burger was served with a side of French fries.

Hot Honey Fried Chicken Burger

Buttermilk fried chicken coated in a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze, paired with smoked streaky bacon, American cheese, jalapeños, lettuce, gherkins, onions, and chipotle mayo. The balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch was spot on. Served with crispy French fries, this was a standout dish.

Both the Dirty Brisket Burger Hot Honey Fried Chicken Burger were recommendations from our waiter and they did not disappoint.

Brightside Hot Honey Fried Chicken Burger

Fish and Chips

A classic done right. The haddock was freshly battered and perfectly crispy, served with chunky chips that had a delicious light batter coating, mushy peas, and tartare sauce. We only wished there had been more chips because they were that good! The fish is a medium portion, not too big and had rock salt ‘shavings’ sprinkled over it.

Everything was served hot and fresh, and while the portions were generous, they left us wanting to come back and try more from the menu.

What We’d Love to Try Next Time

While we were tempted by several dishes, we had our eye on a few for our next visit:

Champion Breakfast Hash

From their all day breakfast section, the Champion Breakfast hash, a hearty mix of chorizo, ‘Proper Porker’ sausage, smoked streaky bacon, roasted new potatoes, BBQ sauce, baked beans, red onion, melted cheddar, and mozzarella, topped with two fried eggs.

Mighty Meaty Pizza

From there Sourdough Pizza section, the Mighty Meaty Pizza, a freshly baked pizza topped with Tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, chorizo, smoked streaky bacon, jalapeños and Aleppo chilli flakes—an absolute dream for meat lovers.

Why Brightside Works So Well

Brightside is more than just a diner—it’s an experience. It fills a gap left by the closure of Little Chef and similar roadside stops, offering a well-thought-out menu with something for everyone, from big breakfasts and hearty salads to burgers and pizzas. There is also a section of Milkshakes and sweet treats.

IMG_7149 Brightside Interior — Brightside Interior

The founders of Brightside, particularly Alex Reilley of Loungers, have brought a real passion for hospitality to the brand. It’s clear that every detail, from the menu to the décor, has been carefully considered to create a welcoming, nostalgic, and enjoyable place to break up a journey.

We were also impressed by how accommodating Brightside is, with a full gluten-free menu, vegetarian and vegan options, and a dog-friendly policy—so even furry friends are welcome!

A Few Small Observations

While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, there were a couple of minor areas for improvement. Some reviews have mentioned slower service during busy times, and we did notice that staff were stretched thin at certain moments. However, their friendliness and attentiveness made up for it.

The food while good value is a little on the medium to small in side. While the burger is big, we thought the portion of fries could be bigger. As for the fish and chip, the battered haddock is small to medium over a bed of thick cut chips also of moderate proportion.

Additionally, it would be great if staff proactively asked about payment when delivering the bill, as a few guests (ourselves included) found it took a while to settle up.

Value for Money at Brightside Honiton

One of the standout aspects of Brightside Honiton is its excellent value. In a world where roadside dining often means overpriced, uninspiring fast food, Brightside takes a different approach—offering freshly prepared, high-quality meals at a reasonable price.

The menu is packed with hearty, satisfying options that feel like a real treat without breaking the bank. The portion sizes are moderate, and there’s a clear emphasis on using quality ingredients, from the succulent smashed burger patties in the Dirty Brisket Burger to the fresh, crispy haddock in the Fish and Chips. Even the sides, such as the perfectly seasoned chunky chips, add to the feeling that you’re getting a proper meal rather than a quick, forgettable pit stop.

Paying for the Experience

Beyond the food, the overall experience at Brightside adds to its value. The warm, nostalgic interior, the friendly and attentive service, and the family-friendly atmosphere all make for a far more enjoyable break than a standard motorway service station. Features like a dedicated children’s library, board games, and a relaxed seating arrangement mean you’re not just paying for a meal but for an experience that makes the journey itself more enjoyable.

Good Old Family Values

For families, the value is even better. With a well-thought-out kids’ menu and plenty of options for different dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan dishes, everyone can find something they enjoy. Special offers, such as weekday deals and after-school promotions, make it an even more appealing stop for those traveling with little ones.

Compared to many chain diners or service station food courts, Brightside offers an affordable yet premium experience, proving that roadside dining doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or comfort. Whether you’re stopping for a quick coffee or sitting down for a full meal, you leave feeling like you’ve spent your money wisely—and that’s what real value is all about.

A Must-Stop Spot on the A303

Brightside Honiton exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s a breath of fresh air in roadside dining—far removed from the generic fast food stops that dominate motorways. The combination of nostalgic design, freshly cooked food, and warm hospitality makes it a place worth planning your journey around.

Whether you’re passing through on a long drive or looking for a fun, family-friendly spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Brightside is well worth a visit. We’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu, and we’re excited to see how this concept continues to grow.

If you’re on the A303 and spot the bright, welcoming sign—don’t just drive past like we used to. Stop in, grab a bite, and enjoy the trip down memory lane.