North Devon is brimming with breathtaking views, but do you know what could make them even better? Cake! It's often the answer to most questions after all. Here’s our list of favorite picturesque spots for cake (and other treats), each perfectly situated to let you savour both the flavours and the beauty of our stunning coastline.
1) The Porthole - Marine Drive, Woolacombe Beach.
The Porthole is café and kiosk overlooking the dunes In Woolacombe on Marine Drive. Run by a brother and sister-in-law duo, our good friends Beth and Jim with a small friendly team in tow they are open year round. The menu features a variety of cakes, salads, savouries & sandwiches made fresh each morning in their Ilfracombe kitchen.
Beth and Jim take great care in producing everything themselves; the marinades and sauces in the sandwiches, the kimchi in the famous Scotch eggs, the cakes that fill the boards on the counter each day, the syrups for the iced drinks are all made in house..
2) Barricane Beach Café
Barricane Beach café is on barricane beach in Woolacombe, open during the day for freshly made baguettes, ciabatta's, salads, cream teas and homemade cakes. In the evening they serve a variety of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, where you can bring a bottle of wine and sit and watch the sunset! The café gets craned onto the beach at Easter and is serving every day until September. We often head down after the working day to swim and surf in the sea.
3) Storm in a Teacup - Watermouth Harbour
This charming hidden gem of a café, perched above Watermouth Harbour just a mile or so from Ilfracombe, is a true delight. The cream teas and generously filled sandwiches are absolutely fantastic. At low tide, you can even stroll among the boats right down to the water's edge.
4) The Boathouse - Instow
Overlooking the beach, the sea and Appledore across the water, The Boathouse is a spectacular treat with ample indoor and outdoor seating and a comprehensive bistro style menu. We have lost entire afternoons/evenings out on the top deck watching the tides and the spectacular sunsets.
5) The Lime Kiln Cafe - Ilfracombe
A great new addition to Ilfracombe. The Lime Kiln Café & Bar offers great views of the harbour, including the best view of Verity in town.
With the ever-growing food scene that is happening in Ilfracombe they pride ourselves on a relaxed service and a happy team which enhances the customers’ dining experience.
The menus are small to concentrate on quality, but are changed regularly to adapt to the seasonal changes of fresh ingredients.