We are huge fans of good coffee, and definitely partial to good cake. Here are some of our favourite spots in and around the Exeter area. I say try them all (it is best not to miss out on these things after all, and you need to find the right one for you). Good coffee is important.
As well as the coffee (and cake of course) we have tried to select some of our favourites for their location too. So many of these have gorgeous Devon views, and for us that can make all the difference.
The Ridge, Exeter Quay (Haven Rd)
One of my absolute favourites, this is perfectly located for a walk along the Quay or adventures with the kids at the local climbing wall, water sports centre or tenpin bowling. The coffee is really really good, and the cinnamon buns are literally out of this world. I would travel a long way for one of those cinnamon buns. The donuts are also very special and they have a fab range of delicious fresh sandwiches, croissants and bagels. Some indoor and outdoor seating, or you can take away and find a spot to enjoy your treats near the water.
- Best thing – cinnamon buns! (and the coffee!)
The Boatyard Bakery, Exeter Quay
Also on the Quay and right beside the water is the lovely Boatyard Bakery. A sourdough bakehouse, the bread and pastries here are amazing. The coffee is also really good, and there are a few tables both inside and outside to enjoy your yummy baked goods!
- Best thing – sourdough bread
Veg Box, Exeter Quay
Veg Box Cafe is a lovely independent cafe on the Quayside, setup in 2020. They offer breakfast brunch & lunch, serving vegetarian & vegan food, including wraps, pancakes, pastries & cakes. Plus good coffee! It is a really nice place to sit outside and watch the world go by.
- Best thing – breakfast pancakes
The Tasting Room, Topsham Road
Southwest Coffee Company’s flagship cafe, this place serves great coffee, alongside breakfast, lunch, snacks and sweet treats. It is a really lovely cafe and definitely worth a trip. They also run pizza and tapas nights.
- The coffee, the coffee, the coffee!
Parklife Heavitree
A recent discovery for me, Parklife Heavitree is lovely – great coffee (the latte was so good), a really thoughtfully crafted menu and a great vibe. It is perfect with children and has a really nice friendly atmosphere, a result, I think, of the fact that it was all started by local residents keen to offer something new to the community. Great that you can head to the park, and still get really good coffee! Take away available too.
- Best thing – the friendly family vibe
Hangtime Cafe, Sideshore, Exmouth
Hangtime is a great addition to the Exmouth seafront, showcasing great coffee, fresh food and great service. Such a good spot to have coffee and soak up the sea air. Everything is locally sourced and a real celebration of the south west. Love stopping here on a walk along the beach.
- Best thing – The location and that coffee!
Bumble and Sea, Orcombe Point, Exmouth
Bumble and Sea has a great location, right at the end of the beach at Orcombe Point. It is perfect for long walks along the beach; good coffee and delicious ice creams it is a winner for us and for the wild ones!
- Best thing – Location, location, location…
Susannah’s Tea Room, Lymptsone
We love Lympstone, and it is a lovely place for a slow walk, and a coffee on the way. Susannah’s is really nice; the coffee is good and they do a great sausage sandwich. Perfect for a morning walk near the water.
- Best thing – beautiful location
The Bakehouse, Cullompton
The Bakehouse is a firm favourite of ours for coffee, cake and, perhaps most significantly, brunch. Their breakfast/brunch menu is awesome and everything we have tried has been delicious. Generous and tasty food and such a lovely atmosphere inside. The coffee and homemade cakes are also some of the best you’ll find.
- Best thing – brunch menu and super cosy atmosphere
The Orangery Cafe, Uffculme
The Orangery Cafe is in the most beautiful location at Bridwell Park, in Uffculme. Serving great coffee and a lovely menu of light brunches, cakes and snacks, it is a really nice place to spend time, with great walks to enjoy too.
- Best thing – location and opportunity for a lovely walk
Fifty Degrees North, Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton is another favourite destination for us; we often head there for a walk and an explore with the little wild ones. Fifty Degrees North is in a great location right beside the beach and the iconic beach huts. There are some outdoor tables, and stunning views. Good coffee, ice cream and sweet and savoury snacks.
- Best thing – the view!
Teign Bean, Teignmouth Seafront
Teign Bean can be found in several locations, but we especially love the small cafe at the beach in Teignmouth. The setting is amazing, and we love the outdoor seating (some under cover). The coffee is great and they serve delicious sweet and savoury treats. Family run with a real focus on sustainability it is a lovely local business.
- Best thing – the coffee and the setting
Happy coffee hunting! Emma and the Wild Ones x
