Popular Torquay restaurant to close for £750k makeover

A pizza and carvery restaurant in Torquay is closing for four weeks to undergo a major £750,000 refurbishment and remodel.

The Willow Tree Carvery, part of the Stonehouse Carvery & Pizza brand and located on Condor Way, Torquay, will be closed to the public from Sunday, February 9, until Friday, March 7.

The significant transformation will include a brand-new restaurant area, with a designated “Instagram-worthy” party space. It will also feature a stylish new bar and an ice cream parlour serving Kelly’s Cornish Ice Cream in a variety of flavours.

Above: Artist's impression of the new interior

New menu items will include their ever-popular carvery, giant pizzas, Al Forno pasta dishes, and unique to Stonehouse, bubble waffle sundaes.

Andrew Spencer-Aspley and his husband, Tony Spencer-Aspley, took over The Willow Tree in October 2024, having been aware of the upcoming refurbishment.

They are striving to make it the best family-friendly venue in Torquay for all occasions.

The restaurant offers breakfast and a carvery seven days a week, alongside its main menu. Additionally, they will offer Pizza Masterclasses, where guests can learn to make their own pizzas, as well as Bottomless Pizza & Prosecco Parties.

As part of their commitment to sustainability and the company’s mission to reach net zero, they are converting the entire business to renewable energy, eliminating gas usage, and switching to solar power.

Above: Andrew and Tony Spencer-Aspley

They have also partnered with the homeless charity Social Bite to help raise funds for them. 

As part of their efforts, they are planning to sleep outside of a sister pub in Plymouth. 

Guests can give donations within the Willow Tree pub in the lead-up to its closure.

Co-manager Andrew said: “Mitchells & Butlers PLC, which owns Stonehouse Carvery, is heavily investing in the brand. We are incredibly fortunate to undergo this transformation, which benefits Torbay and has created more than 10 extra jobs in Torquay.

“Our guests are excited for the change, and we look forward to reopening in March. Guests can book a table online on our website.” https://www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/nationalsearch/southwest/thewillowtreetorquay#/