Coffee#1 Sidmouth in East Devon

Despite many quite negative reviews this company fails to act on its customers comments. Pre-plandemic, Coffee #1 was a cut above the other better known chains. Today we found the same lack lustre service and no brownies or pan au chocolates. I seriously think they’re winding this brand up. It’s very sad!

Visited as usual at 7am on 28-8-24 to find store in Darkness and not open yet again. This store is totally unreliable,why is the Area Manager not getting invloved and sorting these issues out. Ryan[Manager] has walked out and the store is now back to its woeful ways. They have now lost my custom and i believe many other locals feel the same way. Clearly the higher management do not care about this store and they shouls close it with immediate effect. To blame staffing issues in not fair,as most other cafe`s do not have staffing issues

Was told store would be open as usual 7am bank holiday monday 26-8-24 At 7am store in darkness and not open. We are in the 21st Century not the 18th. Get it Sorted.

Indeed, would my more than three decades at a high level, in five countries, within the Hospitality/Private Serrvice/Communications/Customer Service/Retail tades to mention the main ones,I can recognise quality ot not quality. We used to go to Coffee 1 in Exeter and other places in the 2010's. But since the past few years, especially the two last ones, the athmosphere seem lowered in service quality and attention. For example, in this one, we had to wait twenty three minutes to have our coffees/pastry served. The line of customers were not that long. Understaffed tough and no welcome, how may I help you or anything! Coffees were just all right (a bit weak), pastry like if it had been reheated in a microwave and chewy. In this world that has been way too fast and stressful within rushed media news and ads to sell the past few years, people want to slow down and have some positive solace where they feel welcomed. Coffee 1 must come back to a simpler way to holistically welcome people: be basically polite, have some good quality items and serve people within a reasonable time. The choice now, is theirs if they want to retain customers.

Not good this morning at 7am No drinks available,allegedly some sort of till/signing in issues. Store should not of opened Left and brought drinks from costa,no till issues there.

We have just made our last visit to Coffee@1 in Sidmouth. No toast for the third time. The assistant serving me responded by being rude and unpleasant when I asked why there was no toast. Could she attend a customer training course. There are plenty of other cafes in Sidmouth.

Superb Coffee but long wait.Lovely large shop but beware if you don't like dogs as one old chap was approached by a giant of a dog whose owner clearly felt that everyone loved Bonzo as much as he did. Maybe a Dog Free Area would suit everyone.Nice overall.

Recommended by a local we visited this cafe in its historic building. The ambiance was great and the decaf coffee was awesome but the wait was very long. We should have paid more attention to the customer in the photo who was obviously still waiting on their order.

A great place to sit and drink your coffee after a long walk. As a local I find the staff extremely welcoming, helpful and approachable.

Have started to go back here, since under new management ( Ryan) the place is cleaner, better run and friendlier. We go early morning and place is always warm and welcoming by either Ryan or Cathy, they both make a great cup of cappucino, hot just how we like it!! Well done team!! Toby says thanks for the doggie treats!

I left my phone on the chair and didn`t notice until I boarded our coach for Torquay. I contacted Ryan, the manager. and he assured me that it would be returned which it was - saving me a lot of hassle (above and beyond his job description ! )

We love the Coffee #1 brand. The Sidmouth branch has fascinating decor. The staff were friendly and helpful and the coffee ☕️ very good

An enjoyable morning coffee with friends but as it was busy, there was a constant queue for the one (unisex) toilet. Disappointed to find that the bag of coffee I purchased was out of date by two weeks.

Love Coffee#1 hate the Sidmouth branch. Staff rude and unhelpful. Venue dirty and plagued by fruit flies. Avoid at all costs. Letting down a brilliant brand

While visiting this establishment, we were overwhelmed by the lack of respect a certain bald member of staff had for the rest of his colleagues. While trying to enjoy a cold coffee, we couldn’t help but hear the repulsive words that were coming out of his mouth. Mimicking staff, moaning about lack of management, abusing other members of staff and contractors who had come to fix equipment, all but made up our minds on this nasty piece of work. Overall, what should be been a lovely family coffee, turned into an episode of Jeremy Kyle. The only saving grace was the other staff (the young girl on the coffee machine and the lad behind the till) showed how customer service should be delivered. Won’t be visiting again.

Coffee #1 is my favourite coffee house but our local venue has really gone downhill since it opened. Some of the previous people who worked there were very good and seemed to keep the place clean. The loos are scruffy and have dirty floors. In the café dirty areas particularly around the serving counter. Bins were overflowing and it wasn’t busy. There were at least 3 tables that hadn’t been cleared including the one we chose to sit at. This wonderful and sympathetically converted shop needs fixing up again and the staff need training.

A good sized, dog friendly coffee shop with lots of tables and chairs. We just stayed for coffee and a chat with friends. The coffee was good but they managed to get two out of our four orders wrong but that was nothing calamitous, just a large cappuccino instead of a regular one and warm milk with the americano instead of cold, even though we did tell them our order twice.

Firstly staff very friendly, despite being busy, the lads dealt with the customers very well, bright and cheerful whilst maintaining a good atmosphere. Tables were checked regularly and no dirty crockery left lying around. It is somewhere I would defo visit again. Great latte and cake , so good we had a round two. John / Renia & Pat , we all commented on how nice it was @ Coffee Number 1.

Well I’ve just read your reviews and I’m coming tomorrow afternoon at 14:30 after reading your reviews I’m expecting a much improved service . I love coffee number one and it saddens me to read that the standards have dropped . My name is John Hornbook and I will make myself known to you on arrival I will be in the company of 2 x guests. So please leave a good impression clean tables, and friendly staff. I don’t normally give prior warnings of any pending visits. Good luck with you preparations .

Was late in afternoon, ordered coffee & cakes . When they took our order they never said it was takeaway only, but we were then told to take them away as they were closing. It was raining outside so not pleasant for two pensioners sitting on a wet & windy seafront trying to eat our cakes. Half an hour later when we passed the Coff No1 again, we could see they were still in there, so they could have been a bit more friendly & accomodating & let us stay a while rather than throwing us out into the rain. Last visit ever. Will stick to locally owned coffee shops in future.

I usually try and go to smaller businesses, but I love this place. The staff are always so cheerful and friendly, and the food is so good. I’m so grateful for them being open until 6 during the week also as I usually finish work at 4. Keep smiling!

We went in there for coffee the other morning and the noise of the dishes, cups, plates and cutlery being roughly crashed around by the barista was deafening. It was so intrusive that we quickly drank up and left. I am sure it would be possible to stack dishes and move china around without being so noisy - it was so unnecessary. It’s a shame because everything else about the place is perfect. The coffee was brilliant! We shan’t go in there again.

Having been long ago in the Hospitality trade for a total of six years, private service five, customer service and telecommunications for six years, mentoring for fifteen etc...I am known to holistically point out the good or bad for balance. So, it has been the second time there since a long while: quel dommage. Slow service, uncleared tables within a long time, (there were three staff there so it should be easy work) no toilet paper.and dirty toilet sink..Gee whizz... Well, there are quite some other cool coffee places to go to...

Just popped in with the wife and children on a day that's alternating between sunshine and showers. I have to confess a fondness for the place formally known as Trumps. There is plenty of room to manouver my wife's wheelchair and the relatively dark interior suits me. Today as usual the staff were working hard with the rain creating a sudden influx of customers. The cakes and coffee with a range of other drinks never fails to impress. The kids had gingerbread and apple juice and I had a coffee.One of the most important part of eating out for me is the customer service. The last three times I have visited the staff are smiling, helpful even when hard pressed. I look forwarded to going back. And my house blend latte coffee was lovely.

Just called in here for a cappuccino and cake as you do... hubby had maple syrup flapjack and I settled for the salted caramel cake which was very nice. Think we arrived at the place just at the wrong time as there was a bit of a queue which seemed to take a while to clear but all good in the end.

Love this little place. Iced espresso frappe is Devine. Lovely and cosy. Worth a stop. Cakes were lovely too and staff were very friendly.

very clean,covid friendly,tables cleaned after leaving.the coffee was very niceand the staff pleasant.

This is a regular cafe for us and we only stopped when they used paper cups! It is dog friendly but have been out of stock of marmalade for a while now! WHY?

Cannot fault the amazing coffee here - although you do have to wait a while to get it. But it is worth waiting in line for.

We live in Sidmouth and this is one of our favourite coffee places, coffee is always great and food is good as well. This coffee house does get really busy but its worth the wait. Very dog friendly so for us an excellent place to chill after walking the dog down the Byes or on the beach

This used to be the old Trump's Store/Delicatessen and the beautiful wooden wall fittings bear testament to this bygone time. It's cosy, even when it's lashing down with rain. Staff always friendly, place always buzzing with conversation. A nice space to work from if you're on your own, but equally good for meeting friends. Comfy seats and a great selection of coffees (inc. dairy alternatives), smoothies, snacks and cakes. My favourite coffee shop in D inidmouth. Oh! And don't forget to try the Welsh Cakes, they're lush :)

Busy cafe, nice ambiance good selection of cakes, pastries and savoury’s. Good quality coffee with a choice of flavours and cold drinks.

I live locally and use coffee#1 frequently. The coffee is great, staff are great but the premises are getting really tatty and mucky! The furniture is on its last legs (literally!), cleanliness is an awfully long way from godliness here and the toilets are gradually going down the pan! Light fittings full of dead flies and dead bulbs, broken clock gone for all eternity and paintwork attempting to bring back the 'distressed' look from the eighties!! Please let's have some sprucing up....

Crowded and busy Coffee#1 on Boxing Day afternoon. Excellent service by two chaps run off their feet. Therefore, problems with clearing tables, hygiene, serving customers. This was a management failure to provide enough staff and support for about 50 customers. Credit to Jake and his mate for their efforts. As regulars we witness this problem frequently.

Warm and comfortable on a cold November afternoon, with the knowledge that Coffee#1 always serve excellent hot beverages.

A good cup of tea made with loose leaf with in a special pot, and good selection of cakes. I had the fruit cake which was fresh and moist, my husband had the orange and cranberry baked cheesecake which was very "orangy"

We usually have a lovely Friday evening coffee and thoroughly enjoy this coffee 1#. Tonight however one of the team members insisted on shouting, arguing with the other team member, slamming down cups, glasses and equipment and when asked to be quieter she just got louder. I felt this was unnecessary and really disturbed my end of the week catch up with my family.

Good coffee/cakes in nice relaxing atmosphere, plenty of tables/chairs/sofas for larger groups to sit.

Great selection of food and drink, I had a strawberry milkshake and a piece of lemon sponge very tasty and fast service can definitely recommend

Coffee normally OK, but run out of soup and cakes before closing time. Staffed by young people with little experience and training. Not good for tourism nor locals when out of season. Staff need to understand customer satisfaction.

Wasn't impressed by different blends of coffee it had an odd taste. Staff friendly and helpful but not a very cosy coffee shop if that's what you are looking for

It's been an age since I reviewed anyone or anything. But you folks are the exception.

Wonderful place for tea, coffee and snacks any time of the day! Love their embracing the history of Trumps grocery which closed several years ago. Great baked treats, sandwiches and I adored the freshly pressed glass of apple juice (they also make fresh orange juice to order) that I had on a warm afternoon. Best coffee in town and nicest place to sit and enjoy!

Always go to Coffee#1 wherever we go as the standard is high and a good coffee can always be had. Along with the drinks the food is always quality produce being tasty and we'll presented. The place has a nice vibe to it and seating is well laid out.

I did decide to try Coffee#1 again, but couldn’t get past the door! Their extremely filthy regular customer had parked himself in the porch to smoke his cigarette, blocking the entrance, before heading back inside.

This is a comfortable, quiet place to spend a companionable time reading or chatting in charming surroundings. The drinks menu is full of interesting things - my Hot Apple Juice with Cinnamon was deliicious, for example - and next time I'm promising myself an intriguing-sounding Beetroot Latte. A good find and recommended.

My wife and I are regularly visitors ever since we have lived in Sidmouth. It can be a little dark at the back of the shop but it is the great staff that lights the whole pace up. Friendly, chatty, and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. There may be nicer decorated or brighter places but nowhere comes close to the ambiance.

We went in for a coffee, having been to other Coffee#1 outlets which were good. The coffee was good but there were only two croissants on display, one appeared burnt on the top and the other looked ok. We were served the ok looking croissant but actually it was under cooked and somewhat soggy in the middle. Very disappointing.

Beautiful and very nice coffee shop with a lot of choices both for drinks and for food. Coffee and snacks are high quality .The staff is really nice and quick, even when the place gets really crowded. Wifi is free and quite fast.

Great coffee, friendly staff and great selection of cakes and pastries. Now they accept dogs it is the perfect place for every day but particularly Sunday morning for a leisurely read if the papers.

Used to pop in for a delicious hot chocolate ( with whipped cream!) and a toasted panini. The cakes are great.

This use to be a large, old style grocery store but was taken over by the current owners a few years ago. Much of its original interior and fitting have been retained and the interior could be described as shabby (chic), characterful and interesting. The chairs and tables are somewhat random and a mix of different types. There is the usual wide range of coffees and other hot drinks on offer. They also have a number of smoothies and juices on offer and "frappes" whatever they are. There also cakes and buns and other patisseries for sale. The young staff are enthusiastic and very pleasant. Without a doubt this is the place to have a cuppa and some light grub in Sidmouth. Its interesting, quirky and a thoroughly agreeable experience.

I am a regular to Coffee 1 Sidmouth and just wanted to to take the time to leave review, all the staff are extremely helpful. I am always greeted with a friendly face, Josh and Alice served me this morning and always go the extra mile with any special requests! They do yummy welsh cakes and the best earl grey in town. It's very child friendly and now dog friendly so makes it perfect for all the family. Thanks guys, see you again soon!

Had coffee & food nice warm place on a cold winter's day service was good staff were friendly made you feel welcome.

Lovely little coffee shop, decoration olde worlde!! Service very good, coffee perfect and got a seat very quickly!!

This is a typical Coffee One cafe which makes it reliable, clean and reasonably priced. It is conveniently located on the main street and is close to the promenade in the lovely Victorian seaside resort of Sidmouth.

Very nice cafe. Nice and comfortable decor.Nice friendly staff. Lemon polenta and almond cake with coffee very nice.

We have Coffee#1's in our area and always enjoy there choice of savoury food and cakes. Sidmouth establishment is excellent, great interior, love the fact that they have kept elements of the original shop in place from an older era. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. IMO, best coffee in Sidmouth and the cakes are up to their usual excellence. Earl Grey Tea and Raspberry Victoria sandwich was to die for! My only gripe with Coffee#1, which is probably down to their success, is that they always run out of savoury food very early in the day. Visit most of them after 1pm and you will have very little choice on that front. We were also disappointed that for around 4 days (OK, it was either side of New Years day and after Xmas) there was little choice of soft drink available -in fact one day it was a choice of bottled water or ginger beer only. So, if they can sort out that side of the logistics, it would be an even better experience and probably worth 5 stars.

Big fans of coffee #1 , but when you sell the specials, do make sure they know what it should look like. Asked for a Tumeric Latte, for a change and liked the sound of the ginger and vanilla. Couldn't taste either and came out stone cold. Admit we were slow off the mark but when we queried said it was ok to be a little lukewarm. Bizzare.

I’m a real coffee fanatic and Coffee#1’s is the best out there by far. Their cakes, although a bit pricey, are in a league of their own. The gluten free hazelnut praline brownie is to die for!

Interesting change of use for this building. At one time it was an old style grocery store. Many of the signs can still be seen on the walls.

We are so lucky to have Coffee 1 hitting the street in so many areas in Devon and Somerset - best coffee and delicious treats as well - last year best mince pies too, do try them.

Nice enough place and coffee ok but last couple of times we have been in it has been full of prams, pushchairs, scooters etc. and it was very noisy. Perhaps an indoor pram park would help - or a separate creche section.

We wanted to get a takeaway coffee early in the morning - 8am - and they seemed to be the only place open. We were very happy with our coconut milk coffees (so nice to have a dairy alternative) and fresh pastries. Lovely cafe right in the middle of town and would recommend it.

Set in an old grade 2 listed building, this is a fabulous location. Service is good and lattes are also good, well worth a visit

We came back to see if this Coffee #1 was still on the right path to coolness: it is! Fabulous quick service, fair prices, eco-thinking withn the atmosphere, and a service second to none. Indeed, when you wnat to slow down time and avoid too much media, be it on TV or online, stop there and recharge the spiritual batteries...soak some holistic calm vibes!

On holiday in the area so we called into Sidmouth for the day. Stopped off here for a coffee and a tea cake. What a lovely place!! A bustling busy atmosphere, obviously used by locals as a place to catch up, lots of comfortable seating . Service was quick and friendly, lovely frothy cappuccino and a toasted tea cake, what’s not to love?! Really wish I had this place within walking distance at home! Loved it

Perfection, coffee superb, justvtge right temperature, le,on drizzle cake yummy. Nice comfortable seating and pricing just right. Well done all of you.

Had coffee and cake! Great staff and good service! The Welsh cakes are amazing! Interesting decor of the original grocers and good relaxed atmosphere.

Every poor review below can be discounted immediately.

Lovely coffee, quick service and the manager was very efficient and friendly I believe his name was Josh 😊

I am a local and live in Sidmouth and was a frequent visitor (daily) to this coffee shop until I got a dog.... I am now delighted to say that dogs are now welcome and I am once again a frequent visitor. The staff and customer service in this place is excellent, no long wait for exceptional coffee unlike other places in town and I can highly recommend the drop scones, they are very yummy. Overall, great atmosphere and vibe.

Popped in for a coffee and buttered teacakes. It took 15 mins to get served. Lovely coffee. Teacakes came 15 mins later. They had forgotten about them. Young incapable staff. One short young girl was doing it all while the other 3 stood around the counter chatting.

We visited on the same day that the Red Arrows were due to fly into town and the place was extremely busy with lots of people queuing. However the staff were friendly and professional despite how busy it was. Great coffee and cake. Great service too. Definitely worth a visit

I have to say that the coffee- and the tea - is very good, and they have done a great job keeping a lot of the original features of the old Trumps store. The cakes are also far superior to the nearby Costa.

Comfortable chairs and tables. Good coffee and cakes/snacks. A nice place to relax and chat with friends.

There was a very good choice of coffees in here,including some really unusual ones and even some made with coconut milk. The prices were probably what you would expect to pay in this type of outlet but not cheap. The only criticism I have is that it was very dark and dreary inside especially near the back of the place and I'm sure this would put people off especially on a nice sunny day.

Lovely surroundings, pleasant staff and delicious cakes! The choice of coffees is vast and those we’ve tried have all met our expectations.

A large place. Not too certain what to call it. Hardly a coffee shop or restaurant. Very busy with many happy customers. Perhaps just not our type

I love a good cup of coffee and was pleasantly surprised when the filter coffee I'd ordered turned out to be one of the tastiest I've ever had. If you're interested I had the Guatemalan coffee. My wife had a very nice Americano and a chocolate crisp slice that was very tasty. The coffee shop itself is very nicely presented with old shop fittings around the walls.

I always enjoy going to Coffee #1 and this one is no exception. The snacks and drinks are top notch, in this case the decor is unusual adding to the atmosphere.

Agree that this can be a slightly gloomy setting but always calm with good coffee and cakes. Especially appreciate the free bags of coffee grounds for the garden!

Went in for a cuppa after a cold, drizzly walk on the front. The two young women behind the counter seemed rushed off their feet. The place was not heaving and we managed to get a table. Coffee is ok, the cake was fine.

Superb coffees, great service, and a stratofab place to socialize and unplug. Gotta say tough, that in the few Coffee 1 we have been, more toilets are needed. Many times, people line up for it. Still, a great place to slow down time in this, too many times for now, cacophonic world of electronics and forced TV and Internet ads...

Amazingly helpful and friendly staff, brilliant value for money and a great atmosphere and opening hours good compared to others. We would definitely go back when visiting the area again. Well done all involved and thanks!

Coffee 1 have a number of coffee houses, but coffee 1 in Fore Street Sidmouth has a consistent quality of service and very good coffee. They have very friendly staff, the coffee house is always clean and tidy with a nice friendly feel about this location. They serve basic food with a good range of cakes and other food items. Coffee 1 know their market and make it work very well. The really nice thing is that you get a well balance of different people young and old who enjoy meeting their family and friends. So if you are shopping in Sidmouth and enjoy Tea/Coffee try Coffee 1 you won't be disappointed.

After a cold walk by the beach, my daughter and I wanted hot chocolate. We've had good coffee here before. This time we had cake, too, but the orange polenta cake was really awful. We told one of the assistants who just said "sorry". When my daughter explained why it tasted wrong, the assistant just said "sorry" again and walked away. We didn't feel valued customers and won't be buying cake there again.

Enjoyed a coffee here but the toasted sandwiches were not good at all, compared to what we normally have. I would suggest that they visit some centres of excellence to see what the competition is up to. I am not a fan of 'chains' but the product offering at Pret a Manger is superb and sets the bar for what a sandwich should be like. I love the atmosphere of a smaller coffee shop - but it has to give a good offer too. Please Pret, open a branch in Sidmouth!

Went into buy two coffees and asked them if we could bring our puppy in & was told NO but it was the way they said it very uncaring but was VERY HAPPY to sell me TWO TAKE AWAY COFFEES so we assume they are prepared to take your money but when it comes to attitude towards customers they are sadly LACKING IN

This wasn’t our first visit but coffee1 has got everything right, the staff are great, place is really relaxed and the food and drink is the best in Sidmouth

This place is an oasis on what is a pile of lack lustre coffee pit stops in Sidmouth! Honestly some of the local competition is dated in a bad way and most of the competition is geared towards the grey pop and best avoided. Coffee#1is the best by miles, great coffee and would recommend the gluten free hazelnut brownie

This used to be Trump's Delicatessen, famous in the area for its 1900s décor and excellent range of out-of-the-ordinary products. Coffee#1 has kept the old stock shelves, perhaps in an attempt to retain the atmosphere. Unfortunately they've used very subdued lighting. The place is dark, unless you can get a window table, which makes it unwelcoming. The coffee is fine. The old business had "it", but Coffee#1 hasn't, so 'Sorry Coffee#1, you've been Trumped'.

Excellent in every way but the lad who served us tried to hard to be friendly.When he asked where we were from and we informed him near Stafford ,he replied ,'My brother lives near you in Oxford!!!!!!!!!????????? Anyway,the staff,ambience and coffee were all great even though the lad's geography needs improving!!!!!!

Wanted a quick bite to eat and did not want a full blown lunch offering, we ordered two turkey club flatbreads and two cappuccinos, the cappuccinos were probably one of the best we have had whilst in the area, the staff were friendly, the turkey club flatbreads were heated through nicely and the layers were very tasty with, turkey, cheese and bacon. The cafe itself is quite dark inside, lighting just a bit dim, but it had a nice atmosphere and the staff were busy but were quite attentive.

Fantastic coffee shop. Great atmosphere friendly staff great selection of drinks. Love the eclectic tables that provides pleasing ambiance

Spent many years visiting Sidmouth now and it you want a decent coffee this is the place to go.

Would highly recommend. The place was busy but managed to find a table. The choice of lunch options was great, the coffees, cakes and smoothies were fabulous. Like a Costa but so much better! The cakes are huge by the way!

Day trip to Sidmouth and looking for somewhere to have brunch. Normally end up in Costa but as we passed Coffee#1 , the comfy chairs and spacious environment lured us in. Very glad it did too. Great coffee, lovely comfy seats and good food. Staff polite, quick and efficient. Who cares about Wifi in a coffee shop on holidays? Does it really matter and can't adults spend more than a few minutes without having to be online? Saying that I'm writing this review and using the GOOD free wifi without problems so I don't forget to do it later. Will be our new Sidmouth coffee stop from now on.

We always have a Sidmouth stop when on holiday in Devon and it was lovely to find a new coffee stop. Coffee#1 is in a wonderful old grocery store and has kept many of the original features. Lots of comfy seats and a good selection of food and drinks. I had a tea cake that was the size of a small plate! Fantastic! Lovely atmosphere and staff very friendly and efficient. Will definitely be coming back!

Found this coffee place on a rainy day. Variety of seating, comfy chairs or chairs and tables. Seemed popular with the locals of all ages.Interesting place with lots of character.. Didn't try coffee, it was hot choc weather. I can thoroughly recommend the white hot chocolate!! It was divine. Cakes looked good too.