Visiting Ivy's Crab Shack from The Roses

Sunita Mani, Olivia Coleman & Ncuti Gatwa - taken by Jaap Buitendijk

The brand new movie is a clever remake of the 1989 black comedy 'The War of the Roses' which itself is adapted from the 1981 novel. With Jay Roach as director, screenplay from Tony McNamara, and starring national treasures Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberbatch. The story tells the life of Ivy and Theo Rose, a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage seems to crumble under the pressures of success, ambition and hidden resentment. The new movie is released across cinema's today (August 29th) and is perfect to watch!

Salcombe is a picturesque harbour town tucked along the South Devon coast, once famed for its thriving shipbuilding industry and fruit trade in the 19th century. Now it is one of the most sought after seaside destinations with golden beaches, sailing waters and sweeping views along the Kingsbridge Estuary. The charming streets are lined with pastel cottages, seafood restaurants and boutique shops which has made it a perfect escape for tourists in England. So whether arriving by car, bus or foot along the South West Coast Path, travellers find Salcombe a perfect blend of history, cinematic beauty and seaside relaxation.

The Winking Prawn, sitting on the North Sands isn't just a favourite seaside cafe in the area, but a cafe that has drawn a film crew to capture the classic seaside charm. Its beachside setting, pastel decor and laid back holiday vibe capture the same coastal character that is seen in film and TV shot around the South Hams. So coming here to film The Roses captured the perfect charm that you can still feel if you go visit it today.

For filming, the production team transformed the Winking Prawn into a key coastal location, reimagining the cheerful beach restaurant as a more dramatic, cinematic setting. The restaurant has always had a pastel scheme with classic nautical vibes, which they added some props into to create a more American look. They also added their big sign for 'We've Got Crabs' which was perfect and blended into the exterior already at the restaurant. Towards the start of the film, Ivy's restaurant had a more run down look which the crew achieved by sticking red vinyl stickers over the restaurant which could easily be removed between takes.

With the help of owner Lucy Culkin, the crew managed to film at the Winking Prawn for a full week, where they managed to capture a whole world for the film. With the stages of decoration, the restaurant becomes its own character which takes the audience on an adventure. Jay Roach said about filming "If I could, I'd make a movie about making that part of the movie, because Lucy and the whole community collaborated with our crew in ways I've never experiences in a location before." The only part of the restaurant which they filmed on a set was the kitchen, the production team took photos and measurements to carefully recreate it at Pinewood to make it easier for filming.

When I visited Salcombe in mid August, the staff at the Winking Prawn had fully embraced their new found stardom! With props lining the walls and shelves, the restaurant sign outside and the staff wearing new t-shirts (you can see mine below). I originally arrived to have some breakfast (which was incredible) and take some low profile photos, before spending time on the beach. But once Lucy spotted me the day was incredible, from sharing behind the scenes photos, getting me a staff shirt and letting me take some perfect photos. I can't thank them all enough for making a film fan so happy!

Moving away from the Winking Prawn, the production team made sure to showcase a few more spots in Salcombe. They filmed along the road in front of the restaurant and on North Sands beach where a short stormy scene was filmed. They also filmed a sweet scene between Ivy and Theo on the private parking spot at the top of Cliff Road. You can see through the fence where Olivia and Benedict stood, but it was difficult to take photos.

Visiting Salcombe and the Winking Prawn today offers not only the charm of golden beaches, sailing waters, and fresh coastal dining, but also the thrill of stepping into a real film set. The town’s natural beauty and timeless character made it the perfect backdrop for The Roses, with the Winking Prawn cleverly transformed to play its part in the story. For film tourists, it’s a rare opportunity to sit where the cast once filmed, to imagine the cameras rolling against the sweep of North Sands, and to enjoy the same atmosphere that captivated both locals and filmmakers. Blending seaside relaxation with a touch of cinematic history, Salcombe is now a destination where the magic of the screen meets the reality of the Devon coast.