North Devon Cafes Perfect for a Lazy Afternoon

Some of the best cafes in North Devon can be found in Barnstaple, Bideford, and South Molton for older adults.

These towns have a variety of cafes that offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for spending a lazy afternoon chatting with friends, and caregivers or reading a book in peace.

Many of these cafes also have outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy sunny days!

The variety of fantastic independent cafés sprinkled about in really attractive and distinctive places is one of the best things about living in North Devon. As you get to explore the county!

Seven of North Devon’s top cafes:

We sincerely hope you enjoy their fantastic coffee and delectable sweets.

Heartbreak Hotel Coffee, Braunton

Heartbreak Hotel Coffee serves coffee and other delicious beverages all day long, accompanied by freshly baked goods. Their baristas serve your drink in plastic-free cups with lids and straws, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Heartbreak Hotel Coffee uses organic, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each drink and pastry is made with the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss their famous doughnuts, which are freshly made on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Many locals claim they’re the best in all of North Devon!

Johns of Instow

John’s is a charming farmer’s market-style grocery store that offers a wide range of products from Devonshire. In addition to their grocery selection, they have a delightful little café and delicatessen that overlooks the picturesque Instow Harbour. The café has a fantastic menu with many excellent vegetarian options, but make sure you don’t leave without trying their raspberry brownies, which are absolutely divine!

While you can’t eat the items from the deli inside the café, they offer the perfect solution for a beachside picnic. The deli has a wonderful selection of salads, meats, breads, olives, and vegetables, making it the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before heading out to the beach. Whether you’re looking for a tasty lunch or a few snacks to enjoy by the water, John’s deli has something for everyone.

Coffee Cabin, Appledore

The Coffee Cabin, located on the charming waterfront of Appledore, is a beloved café that’s known for its cosy and intimate atmosphere. While it may not be the largest café in town, its warm ambiance and friendly baristas make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The Coffee Cabin offers a variety of hot beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, as well as freshly baked goods to go with your drink.

One unique feature of The Coffee Cabin is its dedication to showcasing local art. The café’s walls are adorned with artwork from regional artists, and patrons have the opportunity to purchase any of the pieces on display. This artistic touch adds to the café’s charm and creates a lovely atmosphere for sipping a latte and enjoying a pastry.

The Cupcakery, Barnstaple

The Cupcakery, located in the heart of Barnstaple, is a charming and delightful café that specialises in handcrafted cupcakes. While it may be small, The Cupcakery makes up for it with an incredible selection of mouth-watering cupcakes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From unique and distinctive flavours like Turkish delight and limoncello, to classic chocolate favourites like Malteser and Ferrero Rocher.

Each cupcake is carefully crafted with the highest quality ingredients, resulting in a heavenly treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack or a special treat for a celebration, The Cupcakery’s cupcakes are a must-try.

Storm in a Teacup, Watermouth Bay

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, look no further than Storm in a Teacup! This unique café is located in a charming antique riverboat and boasts stunning harbour views from its many outdoor seating options. While it may be a bit off the beaten path, Storm in a Teacup is well worth the visit.

The café offers a wide variety of traditional lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as handcrafted cakes and pastries that are displayed beautifully in the boat’s cabinet. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, there’s sure to be something on the menu to satisfy your taste buds.

What’s more, Storm in a Teacup also provides a great selection of vegan and vegetarian options, making it the perfect spot for anyone with dietary restrictions. So why not hop aboard the riverboat and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the picturesque views of the harbour?

The Quay Café, Braunton

The Quay Café is the ideal place to hang out with friends or complete work because of its roomy and laid-back ambience.

The café offers a laid-back setting in addition to fantastic organic coffee, terrific meals with seasonal specialities, and delectable cream teas and cakes. To satiate your sweet tooth, they even have fantastic ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies!

Every Friday during the summer, live music performances are held to highlight the most interesting regional artists North Devon has to offer. To find out who will be performing this week, check out their social media!

Tea on the Green, Westward Ho

In the beach village of Westward Ho, Tea on the Green is one of the most well-liked local cafes among both residents and visitors.

Tea on the Green is decorated in a whimsical 1930s style, with art deco posters and trinkets all over the place. There is so much to see and appreciate that it is like a sensory explosion. They have a sizeable lunch menu. As well as an intriguing selection of milkshakes and hot beverages that will leave you puzzled about what to order.

But their excellent cake assortment is the true delight. You’ll want to sample everything in the showcase cabinet of intricate deserts that they have! That is why scheduling oneself for afternoon tea might be worthwhile as you can try everything!

FAQS

Q.What types of food and drinks can I expect to find at a cafe?

A.Cafes typically serve a range of hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juice, as well as baked goods such as croissants, muffins, and pastries. Many cafes also offer sandwiches, salads, soups, and other light meals, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Q.Is it customary to tip at cafes?

A.Tipping practices can vary depending on the country and culture, but in many places, it is customary to leave a small tip for the server or barista. In the United States, for example, it is common to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill, while in some European countries, a small tip of 5-10% may be enough. However, it’s always best to check local customs and etiquette to avoid any confusion or offence.

Three women sitting at a rustic table, laughing and drinking coffee together in an outdoor cafe setting. - Home Instead