Ashtorre Rock in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Lovely views over the Tamar river, the staff are absolutely delightful and it is spotlessly clean. Very reasonable prices.

A beautiful setting. I joined this community before Covid while my husband was completing his 40 years service at Devonport Dockyard and used to come here a lot for coffee and a chat before he retired. Unusually the weather was lovely so we decided go to Saltash on a bus to sit outside the centre by the river and have something to eat and drink. Unfortunately only drinks, icecream and little sweet nibbles were served. Opportunity missed here as savoury sandwiches would be welcome as it is a steep hill to climb down to get there especially with a walking stick for someone of 80 years on their next birthday like me plus the climb up again It makes you feel hungry. Anyway we bought our drinks but were met with stony faces from several elderly ladies about my age and made to feel rather uncomfortable for being there. We went outside to sit and lots of couples and a group of ladies chatting there were very friendly so it made up for the miserable reception that we had inside. I know the centre is run by volunteers and I have had several years experience myself as a volunteer being Cornish born and bred but a friendly greeting was missing and we left without anyone saying goodbye or thanking us for bringing our mugs to the inside counter from outside. Not a very happy experience.

Lovely little cafe tucked under the bridge with views over the river. Especially cosy on a sunny day enjoying a coffee outside on the decking. Friendly community hub, with various local activities, including meetings of the photography club, taking place there. Drinks and confectionery only, no food served, though

I’m more than happy to be the first to recommend and review Ashtorre Rock. This is a community based cafe, run entirely by local volunteers. A real hidden gem. It is built over the River Tamar, and under the historic Brunel Rail Bridge and the Tamar Road Bridge. With stunning views of the river and its wildlife. You won’t get fancy, over priced meals and beverages here. What you will get is super friendly service, a smiling face, a cheap cup of coffee or tea, and a cake or biscuit to go with it. OK, the coffee is only instant, but it’s made with steamed milk for just £1.20! What you will also get is a friendly ear with plenty of free parking. There are bags of swan feed (just 40p) should you or the kids want to feed the resident Mute Swans (currently with 4 baby cygnets) There are also cheaply priced cold drinks and ice creams for the kids, should you wish to sit on the green or park benches and enjoy a picnic. It’s the perfect spot to either sit in and take in the awesome views, talk to a local and discover some local history or sit outside, over the river, take in the sun, just relax by the water’s edge and watch the boats or naval vessels go by. There is a kids playground just outside, and in the summer a “false” beach is created to on the boat slipway should you fancy a dip.