Curiosity Cottage in North Devon

Nice little spot to stop and have lunch. Dog friendly and homely feel in the garden. There are plenty of small cheeky birds looking for crumbs and just a nice atmosphere all around. The menu is basic and affordable, and the welcome was a warm one. Overall, a nice spot for lunch.

My wife and myself are currently holidaying in North Devon staying at the excellent Imperial Hotel in Barnstable (Review to follow) and earlier today we visited Ilfracombe (45 mins away by public bus). Whilst there we kept our eyes peeled on somewhere nice for some Devonshire Teas. We plumped for the Curiousity Cottage Tea Rooms - helped by the fact of a very nice table becoming free as we arrived at the property. Very glad this proved the case as all the staff were - despite being very busy - most welcoming. As both our teas and Devonshire Teas were as good as any others we have sampled during our stay, I would have no difficulty at all in recommending Curiousity Cottage to others.

Great food and didn't have to wait long for the food would recommend for anyone and would come again. I had a jacket potato and it was lovely

The team were so very helpful and made our meal relaxing, they couldn’t have done more! Absolutely excellent service. Food was great value and very tasty. Thanks!!

Lovely little cafe tucked away on the road leading to the pier. It has a beautiful little garden you can sit in if weather permits. Inside it's cosy and comfortable and the staff are lovely, even if they're up to their eyes as they were when we visited. The food is delicious and the coffee excellent. I had a cream tea (well you have to) and I can honestly say their scones were the lightest and most delicious I have ever eaten.

Went in today with my daughter for a quick bite to eat. Two jacket potatoes, one was fine, the other had not been cooked properly. I spoke to our wait staff who were great and she took it back into the kitchen. I could clearly hear the chef complaining loudly about "oh what's wrong with this one" and being loud and disrespectful of their clientele. The jacket was then microwaved for a further two minutes before being returned to me. Rather than complain again I ate everything else served with the dish and asked for a deduction on the bill. Once again, the food was returned to the chef who I could hear from the till again complaining loudly about "how dare someone return food" I will not be returning to this restaurant and would suggest others do the same. A jacket potato served at lunch time on a Tuesday is hardly taxing or challenging cooking so if they can get this wrong what is their actual complex food going to be like. Would not recommend, will not revisit.

We always visit when in Ilfracombe, food is always lovely, with excellent service and such a lovely atmosphere. A great find and a lovely family run business

Stopped here yesterday lunch time for a cream tea and we were not disappointed. The patio area was very busy but we asked if we could share a large table with another couple who were very accommodating. The staff were friendly and the service was quick. The scones were delicious - warm and light, plenty of jam and clotted cream. Would definitely recommend.

Had lunch here yesterday the 25th August. Two good quality ploughman’s lunches served in a friendly frenetically busy local cafe. All good, the only wish was that they had a licence so we could have had a beer with it !

Tried to order toast as an accompaniment however only option was 'bread'. When asked if possible to toast it, answer was no - despite offering a selection of toasted sandwiches on the menu. Really??? You would think a small business would be slightly more accommodating with such a basic request. Would really recommend St James team room next door in preference!

We called in a few times for lunch and afternoon tea. The cream tea, scones with clotted cream are highly recommeded served by friendly staff.

During our stay in Ilfracombe we called in a few times for lunch and afternoon tea, scones with clotted cream are highly recommeded served by friendly staff. Many thanks

Very friendly welcome on a lovely sunny day. Lovely patio area out the front, plenty of seating. Served traditional cream teas (excellent scones) and other lunch foods, ploughman’s, sandwiches and Children’s meals etc.

We enjoyed a cream tea here, freshly baked warm scones, strawberry jam & clotted cream, pot of tea and my partner had a strawberry milkshake. Service was good and quick. Friendly and clean cafe. Lovely cafe.

I never leave reviews, but I couldn't resist with this one! I had a simple cheese and onion toastie, the salad was fresh, the service was efficient and the staff were so welcoming and friendly! When I visit again, I will definitely be back!

Staff were friendly and polite. But menu was incredibly basic and prices were outrageous for how stingy the dishes were. £8.70 for a prawn baguette, with maybe a teaspoon of Marie Rose sauce mixed in if you’re lucky. Served with a handful of crisps and even less salad, no dressing. We ordered two mini cream teas, of which both included a pot of tea. Yet we were presented with a 1 cup pot of tea and an extra pot of hot water, how generous…Want extra mayo with your dinner? That’ll be an extra 60p. Little bit more butter? That’ll be 30p. How about a bowl of custard for dessert? Well make sure you take out a second mortgage because that’ll be £2.90!!!! Honestly I would recommend you go anywhere else, surprised they didn’t charge us for the napkins or glasses we used in the end.

We had lunch in here over the weekend, whilst staying locally. Warm welcome, polite efficient and friendly staff. Menu is a bit basic but OK for lunch. We both had a jacket potato, which came out hot and plenty of filling. Lovely place to sit outside, if you can get a table, as the seemed to be busy each time we walked past. Take your chance and wait for a table, you won't be disappointed.

The waitress tutted at me & rolled her eyes when I politely asked, if she could warm my scone a little + chips with everything, whether you want it, or not.

Just wanted to say thank you to the staff for the excellent service when I visited with my family for lunch during our recent holiday to North Devon. The person serving our table was polite, friendly and very efficient. She made us feel very welcome....

We enjoyed a lovely pasty and chips lunch here. The cream teas that were coming out looked amazing. Our waitress was really attentive and made sure that our daughter and dog were well looked after. The sausage sandwich was great and our daughter loved the...

Stopped in for a great cream tea whilst visiting in Ilfracombe. The scone was melt in your mouth. So tasty. The place is dog friendly in the garden only. There are lots of signs to remind you of this. They were busy when we visited...

Some of the best home made scones we have ever had in Devon. Service was excellent, the Jam and Clotted Cream superb. All in all well worth a visit.

Good value, had a light lunch with my family. Would come again. Clean and dog friendly. Hospitable staff, very enjoyable.

I visited this lovely little cafe during a week away in Ilfracombe with my mum and two teenagers. We arrived at 11am as it opened and we’re greeted warmly by friendly staff. Three of us had the mini cream tea which was delicious. Melt in...

We stopped off here for a lunch today. We waited at the entrance as the sign suggested and within a few minutes a lady came over and directed us to some seating. We sat outside at a lovely clean table. The staff were so friendly...

A funny little coffee shop with curiosity things hanging on the wall but serving the absolute best scones in Devon!!! Friendly staff and excellent service delicious!

Great little find in the rain . Good choice of food to suit all tastes and very reasonably priced . Super friendly and helpful staff . Definitely visit again 😄

Popped here for lunch today. It is a very popular place and now I know why. The staff are really friendly and accommodating. The offer a huge choice of drinks, snacks and meals. I opted for a toasted sandwich. Absolutely legendary as is the chef...

Stopped off for cream team and cake . Friendly service and reasonably priced. Enjoyed the food. Would recommend.

We have been here many times over the years on our visits to Ilfracombe. Fantastic, friendly service, and also fast service. They work hard and care about this place, you can see that. If you want the frills and fancy things, this isn’t for you....

Curiosity Cottage is a well-known Cafe and garden in Ilfracombe's St James Place. It's more of a tea-room. Its menu isn't very exciting or imaginative but it is in a nice location and the prices are not expensive. What put us off was the rather...

Superb and friendly first rate service and food quality. On arrival, a warm and friendly greeting, What we ordered, cream tea for two, why not when in Devon. What arrived, freshly baked scones still warm, sublime strawberry jam and delicious clotted cream. Dog friendly Highly...

Scone’s lovely and light clotted cream best I’ve had topped with lovely jam BEAUTIFUL! Cheese and pickle sandwich and side salad also lovely Plenty to choose of the menu! Fast service even when they are busy and also friendly and welcoming

Stopped for a quick bite. Had white coffees which were really horrid and a cream tea that was 5/10 at best. The mini Tiptree jam pots contained jam which had been refilled into them. Not really an issue reusing the pots in the interest of recycling. But that along with with subpar scones mean I wished I read a review which advised this wasn't particularly special as we weren't in ilfracombe for long and would have liked to have had something a bit nicer.

Visited during a much needed break. The cafe has such a lovely ambience and great thats it’s dog friendly too. We all had a cream tea which was delicious. Had a lovely chat with the owner and it was obvious how seriously and hard they were working through the Covid restrictions. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon

Popped in and was seated very quickly outside. Tables were cleaned down & sprayed before we were seated. Social distancing adhered too. Very friendly & hard working lady took our order and we waited no more than 10 mins for our delicious cream tea to arrive. Scones were large & very fresh.We would definately visit again - thank you x

Ohhhhhh Peter, Paul, Mary & Joseph!! Sweet Jesus. Lord have mercy...Here me now...... I saw homemade cream tea & ran, I could feel the gravitational pull from my big toe up to my nose...Scones, jam and clotted cream were orgasmic.I had coffee not tea, was fab.My sister was more than happy with her baguette and milkshake. Most important guest, my main man Dobby.... You got three yes’!!!!Go get your scone on!!!

We came to visit this tea room whilst on holiday, first time they wouldn’t let us in as they were closing the second time we got a table seated browsed the menu to discover over priced cream teas and the scones were that small it wouldn’t be enough to fill a child up!! My daughter wanted cheesy chips but could only order these with a main meal! Service was slow sat there for 10mins and still no one came to are our order!!

We would have loved to visit this tearoom as we had been before but we're told in on uncertain terms twice that because we had a collie we were not allowed in. How does your dog policy work as it clearly states dogs are welcome. This is misrepresentation and to all discrimination against our dog who.is much better behaved than children who.like to walk on your tables. But you carry on because believe me we will never come back and will make sure that people know not to visit you. We emailed back in July to ask you why you.do not allow collies but you have never deigned to reply. Perhaps you could now please.

We popped in for a cream tea after the beautiful garden caught our eye. Staff couldn’t have been more helpful- pointing out all of the safety measures whilst ensuring customers had a pleasant experience. Food itself was lovely too.

A great place for a lunch with friends! Really friendly staff that can’t wait to help you! I’m a fussy eater with lots of intolerances and they always do a lovely jacket potato for me! Vegetarian options too! Have been back many times and will be going again, thank you.

Had a lovely meal at Curiosity Cottage! Food was amazing, arrived really quick despite it being busy. They were very COVID safe (lots of cleaning, directed towards hand sanitisers etc). Will definitely be eating here again.

Went for lunch on a rainy day, had to sit inside and rejected the first table offered as it was too close to others. There was hand sanitizer on the wall but we didn’t see it, nor was it pointed out to us until after we’d sat down. Everyone was coming into pay just behind where we were sat, it didn’t feel safe. Ordered sandwiches, our tuna mayo baguettes had lumps of tuna / mayo - they’d not even been spread in the sandwich. My 4yr old can do a better job

They have done an admirable job of coping with the distancing regulations. We had a garden table to ourselves, and it was thoroughly sanitised before and after use.Plenty of choice for lunch - I had a ploughman's lunch with plenty of bread and cheese plus other bits, and my wife had cheese & onion toastie, all fresh and tasty.Service was prompt and with a smile.

Great. Lovely little Tea shop with great quality scones. We found here as we was wondering around and glad we stopped by and tried it out.

Lovely little garden, flowers all around, tasty café food and drinks, etc. Ate here 2x in one week and enjoyed it both times. Recommend!

My wife and I came here for a cream tea with out 5 month old on a recent trip. The cream tea was lovely and my wife had a lovely milkshake. Would very much recommend!

very busy place, service is speedy ...maybe a little abrupt, scones and coffee excellent , dog friendly .. a bonus for us

We went as a party of three and only had a tea for two and a latte because we had already had lunch. The service was quick and the staff were very polite. The flowers in the garden and parasols make this a lovely place to sit and take a break. We saw several plates of food come out of the kitchen while we were there and they all looked really lovely. I wish that we had had lunch here instead of the dirty hotel in the harbour where we had had our lunch. I would definitely visit these tea rooms again.

We had walked round Ilfracombe and stopped here for a cream tea as a late "elevenses". The place is opposite the parish church and half-way between the theatre and the harbour.The scones were some of the lightest and tastiest that we have come across and the price was very reasonable.Definitely a place to visit!

I love the quirkiness of this place. Love the flowers in the garden. Get rid of the plastic. Such a charming place. Always had nice food here on many occasions. Had cream tea today and it did not disappoint.

We visited this cafe whilst on holiday in Devon. We arrived at 11.20 giving us 10 minutes before the breakfast menu ended. Despite noting on the menus they wouldn't alter any meals, we ordered 4 breakfasts. As a vegetarian I asked for the meat to be removed from mine to be told no so I cancelled mine. When the other breakfasts arrived, my daughter asked again to be sure there was no mistake. Again we were told no and as it was after 11.30 I should order something else. I found this very discriminatory and unhelpful. This experience was a mar on an otherwise lovely holiday.

i was shocked to see cakes and scones being delivered to the tearoom , it says that they are homemade

This is an absolute disgrace of an establishment. It is a Tuesday morning and there were just two customers in the cafe. The chef/owner was rude and shouted at me because we asked for sausage on toast for breakfast instead of sausage on bread! Not an unreasonable request. He shouted at me telling me he doesn't change his fixed menu for anyone and that my little boy would eat what he's given. The poor waitress is totally powerless and at every request i.e. could I please have sausage and bacon on a baguette she quivered and said "I must ask the boss." He is clearly tyrannical and refuses to empower his staff. I'd recommend Wetherspoons every day for breakfast in Ilfracombe.

This is a little gem in Ilfracombe. Toys were provided for the children, the service and food were excellent and the prices reasonable too. A lovely little place for lunch.

much cheaper than some other cafe and delicious tea cakes so good we bought some to eat on the coach going home.

Decided to visit Ilfracombe whilst staying in Barnstaple. After long walk we fancied a Devon cream tea. Spotted this quaint little place so on way back popped in, very mismatched decor and tables n chair but wow... the Devon cream tea was delightful. Warm scones with a big pot of tea.. hit the spot a treat. One of the nicest places in Ilfracombe... dog friendly and a warm welcome. Well worth a visit

Nice staff lovely food and reasonable price. Service VERY quick. Pleasant garden area or clean restaurant type area.

Lovely friendly staff really nice food too, very dog friendly highly reccomend the moster hot chocolate with flake! Yummy

On a trip after the aquarium we met some family members here for lunch, those it was raining the outside bit is partly covered and it wasn’t cold so we enjoyed sitting outside.

A lovely place to relax whilst eating your meal with very obliging and friendly staff. Can highly recommend the full English breakfast and omelettes.

A welcome stop on a wet dreary day. Very busy as it was birdman day. Staff were lovely and welcoming. On our cream tea rating they came 4th overall just because the cream was a bit runny. Didn’t stop us enjoying it though.

You know when things are not going to plan when your cups arrive and they’re dirty ! Had to clean the rim on both tea cups. If they send them out like that, clearly no point asking them to change them ! That’s a bad start from the off and tbh, the experience never improved. Very average food and milkshakes were terrible. Spoonful of what tasted like Nesquik or some cheap imitation. Very sweet. Even my 10 year old couldn’t drink it.

Amazing friendly cafe about half way along St James street. Food is first class with very clean and tidy surroundings . Staff are helpful and make you feel welcome. Prices very competitive we will now make this a regular to visit.

I have walked past this cute place for years whilst on holiday in Devon, decided it was time to visit and try a Devonshire Cream tea! It did not disappoint, 2 huge, warm scones, jam and cream including a pot of tea! Lovely!!

Food was very tasty and hot, didn’t wait long considerthe place was very busy. But there could have been more choice of desserts. The staff were friendly and helpful without being to pushy. Would definitely go again

The menu seemed extensive. Great value cream tea with lots of tea and a choice of one or two scones. The milkshakes looked good too.

Had scones and tea there. A very busy and popular place, we had to wait for a free table. Very reasonable prices.

Stopped by there twice, great varied menu, great friendly service and well presented food that I enjoyed immensely.

Seemed nice and waitress was friendly, however the breakfasts are all 'set menu no changes', and all contain meat. I asked if I could just have the vegetarian bits and the waitress said not possible as the till is itemised (I assumed she meant 'isn't'!) So I offered to pay full price and that still wasn't okay. So we left without eating. Shame as it seemed nice before then.

We came across this tearoom after trying (and failing) to reach the summit of Capstone Hill and decided top head back towards the harbour along the road.

We stopped at this delightful little cafe/ tea room for cream tea, it was so good we ordered another. A lovely light, warm fresh scone, tasty jam and ample clotted cream served with tea in a pot that I managed to get 3 cups from.

Dog-friendly - brilliant. Water bowl at entrance for passing dogs which had fresh water in - great. Hot food good, but the scones..... ok, jam and cream are always good, but the scones - I've had my fair share of scones around the UK over the years, believe you me, but these (home-made) were the best, end of. Lovely quiet garden setting complete with friendly birds saying hello, generous serving of tea, and great service from the young lady who had recently started there. Happy days. By the way, did I mention the scones...?

Friendly young staff member, quick service and nice milkshake! Cafe garden is dog friendly too which suited us.

Visited for lunch my husband had egg and chips and I had a sausage baguette, both arrived very quickly and piping hot , and the pot of tea was the best tea I have had for a long time ,the staff were very friendly and nothing seemed to much trouble ,would not hesitate to visit again if in the area .

One of the more tired and dated-looking tea rooms we came across on our trip, but I needed somewhere to feed my 4 month old so we thought we'd give Curiosity Cottage a try. Myself and my partner headed inside where there were several tables, only one of which was in use. We went to sit down on a table for two near the back which had space behind it for our pram. An older lady then came over to us and said, "do you mind just sitting on that table instead?" ( no "hello" or anything...) and pointed to a table in the window. We thought it was odd as it was a much larger table with less space for the buggy, but we moved anyway. We were seated just next to the counter, and I then heard this same lady complaining to other members of staff about the buggy, and saying "we should stop people with buggies coming in". Rude and disrespectful in any situation, but also very odd considering that the lunchtime rush was over and only one other table was being used, and that there was actually plenty of space inside for buggies. Understandably, we left.

At it's best. Beautiful scones, lots of jam & clotted cream with a proper pot of tea. Friendly staff and great rightly paid fed bohemian outside tables

At the end of our weekend in Ilfracombe we have enjoyed a nice cream tea at Curiosity Cottage. It was our first cream tea and expectation was great. We have been warmly welcomed by a friendly lady and in few minutes we have been served a yummy cream tea at a colourful corner table. Nice place which we certainly recommend for a break while exploring the area.

We've been here twice, once for a brunch which was very nice, baguettes with various fillings. Second time was for a cream tea, the scones were warm, the jam and cream very plentiful and we demolished them in minutes. Wish I could have eaten more than one in a sitting!

Popped in for a tea and a cake ended up having 2 x Devon Cream Teas and a 🍪 cookie for our son the order arrived and it was absolutely fantastic Good Service ✔️ Clean✔️ Good Food✔️ Would return✔️ value for money ✔️

We went here twice on our visit to ilfracombe as a family of 4. We loved the super speedy friendly service. The affordable prices and great honest food. Ok it's not posh nosh, but great food at great prices. If you've got hungry children and want 'normal simple' food do take a visit. The omelettes were amazing, as was the prawn sandwich filled to the brim with prawns! My children loved the toasted sandwiches! We will definitely return on our next visit! Keep up the good work

Called in after a long walk for a nice cup of tea the staff are lovely and couldn't do enough for you we have been again twice and each time had lunch and haven't been disappointed there is so much choice from sandwiches, baguettes, jacket potatoes, omelettes, toasties, cream teas, cakes, so much more and not enough time to try it

Cheap and cheerful, a place that you won't waste your holiday waiting to be served.

Taza de café en una cafetería muy peculiar personal amable y servicial aunque no comimos aquí lo que vimos parecía agradable y nada bien presentado parecía demasiado problema y eran muy buenos en grandes grupos familiares con complaciente perros y personas con discapacidades.

Здесь просто необходимо попробовать devon cream tea. С чаем подают вкуснейшие домашние сконы (булочки), масло и джем

Great place to get something eat. Staff are very friendly and a varied menu for all. Would recommend this place.

We visited this lovely tea shop just before leaving for home after a week away. The gentleman was very helpful. We were there with two children and he catered for our them really well. The scone we had was delicious and the children really enjoyed their cookies. Thanks

After a lovely dog walk in Lee..came to ilfracombe for cream tea. Lovely warm scone and plenty of clotted cream and is. All very yummy. Dog's welcome outside and serv8ce was swift..

Nothing too much trouble for me and my greyhound which sat quietly whilst I ate a magnificent juicy prawn sandwich with all the trimmings, outside under an umbrella in the charming garden. A good pot of tea too. Only blot on it for me was a smoker at the next table but it was outside so cant complain. Will be back. Dont mistake this for the St. James tea room next door as the signs can be misleading.

Lovely and friendly people could sit inside or out. Checked we were ok and if needed anything else. Food good value for money I ordered jacket potato with cheese and ham wasn't expecting 2 pieces of ham and cheese beside the potato though ly enjoyed it

Stopped here for a light lunch and sat outside as we had the dog. The lady that served us was extremely friendly and welcoming. We were thankful to be able to sit under the awning as the weather hadn't been good that morning. The sandwiches were lovely, well presented, tasty, fresh and well priced. Coffee and hot chocolate were also great. Highly recommend and will definitely return. Thank you

Visited with my disabled mother in a wheelchair, the staff were more than helpful in accommodating us in the beautiful garden full of flowers. Extensive menu with many choices including smaller portions for children or the elderly. Food arrived quickly and was nicely cooked and well presented - the fish fingers contained chunky fish and looked and tasted homemade, very nice, would definitely order this again, very enjoyable.

Stopped here for sandwiches and they didn't disappoint - the BEST egg sandwich I have ever tasted and my 6-year old son who has eaten many a tuna sandwich said his sandwich was awesome. High praise indeed!The staff are really friendly and seem pleased to help. Definitely worth going and we will return next time we are in Ilfracombe. I'll have the cream tea next time...

We visited this cafe last week & I had a crab salad. Less than 2 hours later I was vomiting in the Amusements. Dreadful pains in stomach. Sick twice more, then the runs. I have eaten crab many times, but never have I had such a dreadful reaction. The crab didn't taste off so I can only think it was not prepared hygenically

Popped in just before 11.30am for breakfast. Super friendly staff - nothing too much trouble - and the most delicious fry up ever. Thank you!

When in Devon you have to have a cream tea and this is the one.Good choice to have with your scone and they are warm and home made,lovely! Quick service and a lovely place to sit and watch the worlf go by.

Popped in for a snack of the traditional Devon cream tea. However it turned out to be a meal in itsellf. Two scones were as big as four elsewhere, the servings of cream and jam even more generous and the price an absolute steal.

We had our breakfast here for 3 mornings, I can highly recommend there cooked traditional breakfast and there yummy omelets. Good value for money, excellent service, lovely environment with all the flowers.

Great food and lots for your money well on the Breakfast side as we only went for Breakfast :-) staff very friendly and helpful fully recommend :-) this a cafe/Tearoom.

It was wet and dinner time we walked past and said let's try it, it wasn't the tea room we meant to try but wasn't disappointed. We tried baked potato, and ham, cheese omelette. Strawberry and chocolate milkshake. On a busy dinner time it was worth every penny. Clean.