Hill house cafe in South Hams

Cute little coffee shop. Was excited about the cake as it looked good but unfortunately didn’t stay for any because the lady at the till was quite unwelcoming when we arrived

The sign outside said “Italian Hot Chocolate “ and I love Italian Hot Chocolate…. I decided to treat myself but should have walked out after the manager greeted me so rudely “ you alright?” …. Clearly I was … I asked him if the Italian HC was “ really Italian and thick” He nodded and grunted “yeah thick” A female staff member then made the drink and I could see immediately that the chocolate was a cheap powdered sugary drink … things were looking bad. She glanced at me as if to check and hope that I wasn’t watching her … She brought the NOT Italian HC to my little table ….. it was so VERY thick I could almost stand my spoon in it! It was extremely 🥵 and had lumps in it …. It was a horrible sickly sweet disaster and I was not able to enjoy it at all whatsoever…. I paid £3.25 (ish) and I got ripped! 😡 I am no fool when it comes to proper Hot Chocolate…. It’s a lovely thing but at this cafe they really ought not to try and sell it … it’s not nice made with cornflour 😂 and it really should be Italian …. Adios!

Please don't visit. Stay away save money. Go elsewhere. Rude service Man particularly rude uncomfortable atmosphere. Shame as coffee ok. From the minute of walking in it was strange offerd to hand over dirty cups to help he was sarcastic and said how do I carry without a tray he then slammed a chair hitting my dog which cried so I bent down and he said that thing is ok he's fine and did not say sorry. Three tables around us asked if he was ok and said he is so rude he walked away saying what a fuss I only hit the dog with a chair, just say sorry that's all that was required. I was shocked at the amount of people saying what a horrible man and they will write bad reviews.

We were made to feel like we were an inconvenience. The woman serving us had obviously just received some terrible news because she was under a very dark cloud. She barely looked at us and made us feel that it was unreasonable of us to expect to eat and drink in a cafe. I think she might be happier doing a different job. The woman on the table next to us was ignored and ended up leaving before ordering. The food was like something I’d knock up at home when I’m in such a rush I just need a quick bite before rushing out. It cost us £24. There are so many nice places nearby, I wish I would have read reviews before going. Miserable.

Such a lovely little quiet, quaint cafe. Absolutely wonderful customer service. As it was my first time visiting Totnes I was unsure of where I could go for a little drink and a sit down after my tattoo appointment I’d had down the road. The man who served me was so so lovely and we had a little chit chat, I had ordered a caramel Hot chocolate and it was absolutely delightful just for when your sugar levels get a bit low, will definitely be returning when I have my next tattoo appointment next month!

Drinks and cakes very nice and well priced. Tables well spaced and served a wide range of everything. The man working there was nice and polite and helpful but the woman wasn’t very friendly at all. Nice place but some staff could come across as rude.

Didn't get as far as eating, so can't comment on the food, but the lady who was in the cafe at the time obviously wasn't bothered about serving us as she very snappily told us there were no tables & turned her back & walked away. No problem if it was full at the time, plenty more cafes in Totnes, but her attitude was rude, rude, rude!

Had a lovely visit to this cafe.Lovely hot and aromatic coffee. So much better than any chain I have been in. Plus and amazing fresh crab sandwich which we had to takeaway.

Had a cup of tea and a snack on a busy day. QR code for track and trace not working and we were the first ones to leave our details (we were there at midday,) people serving were not wearing masks or visors (I know it's not compulsory but they were definitely closer than even 1 meter from us. Tables were far too close. Didnt feel safe

Called here for lunch during first time visit to Totnes. Good service by friendly, helpful staff, decent selection for a small coffee shop. We plumped for tea, sandwiches & cake; all served quickly and very tasty & refreshing; no complaints whatsoever. Bill was a reasonably priced £16.75. Worth a visit again, if in the area

What could be wrong with a crab sandwich? We ordered one, though it was only advertised on a board outside and not on the menu , therefore unpriced. As every other place in Totnes displayed sandwiches with multiple ingredients we had high hopes. However what we were given was a crab sandwich made up of brown bread of an ordinary sort, butter type spread and crab. Although there was a lot of crab, which seemed fresh and was delicious, we were surprised that there was nothing else in the sandwich, and indeed on the plate except a wedge of lemon. You might have expected a slice or two of cucumber, a leaf or two of lettuce, a hint of mayonnaise at the very least. It felt like stepping back into the 70s , when bread, butter and one filling were what constituted a sandwich. But in 2020 ? And when we got to the cash desk we were charged £7.00 per sandwich. I’m sure this place is perfectly fine, but just don’t order the crab, unless you’ve got got lettuce and cucumber in your bag.

Decided to stop here whilst visiting Totnes, I opted for the cream tea and my wife opted for a Sandwich, both were very nice as were the coffees, staff were friendly and welcoming, the premises were very clean as were the toilets, I would definitely recommend if you are visiting Totnes

Nice little coffee shop half way up the hill in the center of town. Best hot chocolate I've had from pretty much anywhere I think! And came in very nice crockery - (it's the little details )Will have to try the Mexican spiced hot chocolate next time!

Enjoyed a great coffee and sandwich served promptly and with a smile. Also purchased some of their teas and jams they had for sale. The blonde lady serving was lovely to talk to. Great food and service, thank you.

We stumbled upon a true gem here after a gruelling cycle ride. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and welcoming. Fantastic coffee and flapjack that gave us the energy to make it to the end of our route. Thank you so much. We will definitely be returning to your wonderful café

Superb little cafe on the main town high street. Very clean and friendly. Delicious cream teas and very welcoming staff. Nice selection of cakes and treats. Kids loved the thick milkshakes too. Well worth a wish if your in this town.

Second visit, and with the drive from Plymouth for lunch. Hot cheesy baguettes are amazing. Lovely coffee and smoothie was best we've had. Tried the big 5 smoothie, so tasty. Staff very friendly. Will definitely be back again.

Ever so glad we had found it.The first thing you notice is how clean it is and how friendly and helpful the staff are.The sandwiches are freshly made and so tasty.Also the prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend it and we will go for lunch the next time we are in Totnes

This was a pleasant find. Food was great had ham and tomato sandwich, so much tasty ham in this , coffee lovely and the home made cakes yummy. Would highly recommend.

Muy rico el panini de jamón y queso y la jacket potatoe con jamón y queso Son muy amables y el café pequeño y acogedor en la calle principal Una música de fondo muy relajante y en tono muy suave

I have now lived in Totnes for over a year and still regard 'Hill House Coffee' as my fave dine-in & takeaway lunch spot in town. I am a bit of a panini freak which is why I return again and again - delicious variety, unsurpassed quality and you get some salad and crisps too! Perfect! As for the coffee..............sublime........the hazelnut latte is a dream! The cake is irresistible esp the Terry's choc orange covered billionaire's shortbread!!! Sinful! They also do a fabulous range of milkshakes and hot chocs (Nutella - OMG!). Aside from the food n fancy drinks - the ambience inside the cafe is cute and lovely - by far the best nook to chill out in in Totnes! x

What a gem of a cafe and serving the best coffee we had in Devon. Lovely lunch and lovely people. We used to run a cafe so I speak from experience.

Fantastic breakfast today , I’m not normally a fan of scrambled eggs but these ones were creamy band lovely , sausage was fantastic too, excellent quality and good price too. Fast friendly service and nice decor too, hope to be back soon

Good coffee and cakes in well presented shop with good service. They do other food that always looks nice but I’m unable to comment.

Unusually quiet for a Saturday (losing out to the new coffee shops?) and not so much yummy cake choice as normal sadly

Visited this cafe on many occasions alwYs a friendly smile, good choice of food and cake on menu. Coffee and tea of various kinds always on offer.

Took my daughter for an end of holiday treat and was really glad we chose this cafe. The cakes were delicious, the service friendly and a really pleasant atmosphere

l popped in for a coffee and ended up having a wonderful meal served by the owners Colin and Julia who couldn't be more helpful, l ended up staying far longer than l was planning to just to enjoy the ambiance and the home made cakes and coffee .

We went into Hill House for a quick bites. The Jacket potatoes we ordered were such a rip off- mine was ham and cheese, and you basically got two thin slices of ham, tiny amount of cheese, and salad, and small amount of the driest coleslaw I’ve ever had. This cost £7! My husband’s baked bean Jacket potatoes hardly had much baked beans! Even in London you can get much better quality Jacket potatoes for less money. Wouldn’t recommend to go there.

I visited this cafe today with 6 of my friends. We all ordered and the food started to come out quite quickly. When mine arrived it was a Panini and not the Baguette I had ordered. I told the lady that brought it and her response was to read out the order pad to me and tell me I was wrong and that was what I had ordered. I said it didn't matter and that I would just take the Panini as she was quite offhand with me. When I checked my receipt and added up how much it would have been for my order with the Baguette it was what I had paid. If I had ordered the Panini it would have been 50p more! We all enjoyed the food we had but did feel that half a cherry tomato on the salad was a bit stingy as were the 3 corn chips. I see you have replied to a previous comment about the corn chips saying you could ask for more but I didn't see that stated anywhere on the menu and we were not advised of this on ordering.

Visiting Totnes in Devon for the first time the time came for a coffee. My wife and I both liked the look of Hill House coffee house, which is not surprisingly, nesr the top of the hill on the main street.

Went in for a lunch with my family as a treat on the basis we had eaten lovely food at the cafe at Hill House Nursery. The food was average and very over priced. Will not visit again.

Everything about this establishment is excellent. The staff (family run, I think), were very friendly and the services was great. Very clean and fresh looking. Hot beverages and tasty meals. We would recommend it to anyone. Can’t wait to try it again when next in the area.

Poped in for a slice of cake and a cuppa tea I was served quickly and the carrot cake was lovely a bit chincy on the deco for my taste but I’m shore some1 with more feminine leanings than myself would of enjoyed it I had a pleasant experience anyway

Came in for lunch yesterday didn’t know what to expect and wow the staff are friendly the coffee was great and the food WOW not you standard cafe that’s for sure !!!! Would definitely recommend going here. Cheers Tom and Shannon

We just called for a coffee, lucky to get a seat as it was market day and the town was busy. Lovely latte's in a glass, along with a little biscuit and toasted tea cakes. Service was swift and being a cold day the coffee warmed us up a treat, nice tea cakes too. Not been in here before, but will call when back in Totnes.

With family called in to the Hill House Coffee Shop on market day

What a great find. We come to Totnes fairly regularly and decided to pop in here for a light lunch. The salads were fantastic as were the baguettes. In fact every meal I saw looked absolutely mouth watering. A really nice, cosy unpretentious little gem

On stumbling upon this small cafe we were greeted with a rather negative energy. Baguette went down a treat yet the chorizo had a very strange taste in my mouth, similar to that of cat meat. Salad was as limp as a limpet and as stated in the title, three crispies! Could not believe my eyes. Wouldn’t rush to return but could have been worse, fresh and delicious tap water.

Popped in here as a ‘pit stop’ for a quick coffee during a shopping expedition.

Lovely clean and friendly coffee house, great food lovely coffee and very friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Conveniently located half way up the main shopping street in Totnes this was an ideal place to stop for warming soup on a shopping trip in November. The soup was very good, (I enjoyed the lentil and apricot), and there is a nice atmosphere here.

I've only been here once, though I'm local, but my sister goes very regularly. We took our mother here for lunch not so long ago and it was lovely, we had omelette and salad. She did have a bit of a tooth incident when crunching on the bobbles on the ice cream sundae so don't crunch on them if you have dodgy teeth! But that could happen to anybody, especially if you're elderly! And that's no reflection on the lovely food. Lovely people working here and retro atmosphere and very central.

Such a lovely family running this beautiful place! They were so friendly and the place is so well kept! A lot of love has gone into this cafe! Divine tea & cream with homemade cream! I will be back, thank you!

What a great little spot, lots of space along with cosy window and alcove seating.

I agree with last review, nice clean cafe , friendly staff a good choice of food but nothing special for price.

Nice enough cafe (hence "average" rating). We popped in as it was one of the few places open before 11am on a Sunday. We only had a latte, which was drinkable if maybe a little weak (probably fine for most unless you are really fussy about your coffee - I personally would try somewhere else next time).

We had some wonderful fresh food that very quick to arrive. Service was excellent and friendly. There is a large menu selection.

Whilst cruising through Totnes, we called into Hill House as my daughters were after a smoothie.... The Hill House offered a range of smoothies and home made cakes, offering true VFM. The staff were friendly and we were made to feel part of the family...

Came here on a Sunday morning and discovered that very few shops and cafes actually open before late morning in Totnes. Thank goodness Hill House was open. Quite a small cafe but the staff were friendly and the coffee acceptable

We called into this quaint cafe while we were visiting Devon last week as it had been recommended to us. We were not disappointed. Quality coffee and delicious homemade cakes including gluten free options which makes a welcome change to the pre-packed gluten free brownies offered in most other cafes. My partner had the millionaires shortbread which he says was the best he’d ever had. I had the gluten free bitter lemon polenta cake which was full flavoured and perfectly moist (a rare find for celiacs). Owners and Staff were very welcoming, friendly and informative giving a comfortable relaxed atmosphere to the cafe. The only disappointment was that we were not in Totnes long enough to return and sample more options on the menu. If we lived in the vicinity we would definitely become regulars

Lovely to be back - yummy sandwiches beautifully presented. Thank you for making my dog feel so welcome too

Just stopped here for a pot of tea and toasted sandwich, although only a toasted sandwich is was delicious and very well presented with a small salad garnish and a few corn chips. Excellent service and friendly staff.

popped in for a quick pit stop while waiting for a return trip on the train and found this perfect. great atmosphere and brilliant service. food (paninis and sarnie) and drinks (tea and milkshake) went down a treat........lovely.

We decided to go to Totnes on the way home from Plymouth. Called into the Hill House for a Milk Shake which was lovely. We ended up going in again after shopping and had toasted sandwich which was great.

We popped in for coffee and cake and wasn’t disppointed. Great choice of coffee and lovely cakes especially the great big scone with the cream tea. Friendly welcoming staff.

Had a good plate of chilli and rice here today. Homemade and tasty. Nice and clean. Good menu. Very pleasant staff.

Having been turned away from a couple of tea rooms as we had a little dog we weren't convinced that Hill House would let us in, but we were welcomed in. Had a lovely tea cake with lashings of butter and lovely cup of tea.

Spent a morning looking around Totnes and we decided to visit Hill House coffee shop.

Well called in again as I heard it had changed hands and glad we did. Lovely food and home made cakes to die for with good Coffee, very warm welcome with a lovely atmosphere. Will be visiting again soon.

Lovely little cafe part way up the high street. Inexpensive. Serves huge cakes and has great tasting coffee.

We really enjoyed our late lunch, a sandwich and a toastie with coffee. The side salads were very nice. Service was a little bit slow and staff seemed a bit rushed, certainly not overly friendly. Also seems a bit odd to be cash only and not have adequate stocks of change.

we stopped here for hot drinks : nice atmosphere and feel to the place. Did not try the food but it did look good too

Gorgeous little coffee shop. Thoroughly enjoyed our coffees. Cakes looked amazing. The little tree with lights in the corner is a great feature.

We visited this cafe after reading the good reviews on trip advisor and we weren’t disappointed.

Great location in main street, great food, lovely staff, a lot of local clientele always the best sign of quality. Recommend it to anybody.

Came for a lunch and everything was great. Fantastic brie, bacon, and cranberry baguette and the other half a meal (I forget what, was great too). The staff were very friendly and accommodating to a dish change. All well priced and a very welcoming place.

Friendly owners and huge warm scones. Very reasonable cream tea. A pleasant establishment in which to unwind. HUGE chocolate cake :)

Found Hill House in Totnes and had a fabulous light lunch where nothing was too much trouble.

Stopped here to hide from the rain and had my first Devonshire cream tea. Gorgeous fresh scones, would definitely recommend it!

Lovely Cafe, i had a really nice ploughmans with a difference, the salad was delicious and wholesome, not just a bit of lettuce and tomato, husband had a baguette with melted cheese on top, he really enjoyed it. Good value and a nice place to go.

there are a lot of cafes on totnes high street , we popped in this one for tea and cake,

Nice little place, plenty of choice for coffee and cake, both offer good-sized portions. Would certainly call again

We stopped for a coffee. The service was excellent . Having asked for a latte the host was concerned about its strength. He gave us another expresso to add to the drink. In the event we both had half. The staff were very friendly and the cake was fresh and delicious. There is a great deal of choice in Totnes. I would strongly advice trying Hill House which is just before the bridge on the left hand side as you go up the hill

Sited half way up the steep hill which is the main streeet of Totnes this is a good spot to have tea/coffee and cakes. One problem is that we went at about 3.15 we were told the place was closing at 3.30 - which seems ver early!

Excellent customer service from start to finish. Had a light lunch, which was nicely presented. Would recommend.

Good food, friendly staff! Nice tiny cafe with nice mediterrane food, nice people and good coffe ! Thanks !

Lovely food at a very reasonable price. Staff were very helpful. Will definitely return if we are in Totnes again.

We only stopped off for a very light snack. My husbands tea and toasted teacake were fine. I asked for a fruit scone and butter but was given a plain scone. It was nicely baked and served warm but needed cream and jam as it didn't contain any fruit.

Popped in for a quick coffee mid afternoon, very pleasant surroundings with a good choice of homemade cakes. Full light bite. and breakfast menu also available

Lovely sweet cafe. Nice atmosphere with good menu selection. Especially the cakes! Maybe the staff need to look a bit happier though.

Went here today for lunch, I ordered ploughmans with ham. When it came I looked at it everything looked delicious, best quality ham, lettuce,tomato, peppers, colesalaw, beetroot, potatoes, with a roll and butter all served well presented on an oval plate. The portion size was large the cost very reasonable, the ham very tasty not the watery cheap ham served in some cafes. The staff were pleasant and tables cleared quickly. Highly recommended

Walking up the hill on the left hand side of the main street. you will find this excellent café. The staff are very pleasant and the food very good .especially the date slice, or a cream tea which most of the people were having when I was last there

A light airy ambience in the café which was very important on a baking hot day. The staff were very pleasant and the menu varied and enticing. We both had a prawn salad which was excellent. A really interesting variety of salad stuffs and nice prawns. Watching the passers by from our window table provided a fascinating cabaret!

In a place full of cafes, this is definitely one of our favourites. We went as a family of four for lunch. There was loads of choice on the reasonably priced menu (allergy aware). My daughter had the children's sandwich and they tweaked it for her without any issues. Also the size of it would have been fine for me! The rest of us got a mixture of baguettes and paninis and they were all excellent. I had the salami, mozzarella and jalepeno one and would definitely recommend it. No problems with ordering, very relaxed atmosphere and the staff were great with the kids. There wasn't that feeling that you get in some places where you have to keep them quiet. A really relaxed and enjoyable lunch, which to be honest, is a rarity in the school holidays with my monsters!

This was one of the sweetest cafés I have ever been too, wonderful friendly staff who catered for a fussy eater with me and delicious coffee! The lunch was amazing and would return often if I lived there. A lovely find whilst exploring Totnes!

We had been up and down Totnes high street in search of cake and in the end given my daughter's frustration agreed to go in the next cafe! We struck lucky as the cafe was lovely, the staff friendly and helpful and very good lemon cake ( and I am a lemon cake pro!). Thank you for saving us with lovely tea and cake. Would highly recommend! Hope to squeeze in another visit before we finish our holiday!!

Tuvo el privilegio de encontrar este lugar y qué lugar! ! ! . El personal es muy amable y muy acogedor. Nos dio tiempo para decidir lo que tienen y nosotros esperamos en manos y pies. El servicio es de primera clase y la comida era espléndida. Tenía el brie y bacon y un americano panini, que eran las dos preciosas. El personal y la gerencia/propietario necesita a entregarse un gran pat en la parte trasera. No nos podemos quejar. Sin duda volveremos cuando en Devon. Sigan con el buen trabajo.

Five of us, with an age range from 3 to 70, came in, and the woman at the till dealt with allour orders without any problem. The food was good and was served quickly.

Excellent.the food was fresh and they make there own chuntney. Can't do enough for you and the atmosphere is good very nice people,we liked everything would recommend

We had lunch there both had a baguette well presented very nice good value and service would go back again

Gran café en Totnes, servicio encantador buen ambiente.

I have just had the most amazing Homity Pie lunch. Both my friend and I ordered it, it came with either potato wedges or salad. We were persuaded by the friendly chap who served us to try the salad and the wedges and 'share between us'. Well when the meal arrived it was stunning. The nicest tastiest selection of a dozen or more different things including the creamiest coleslaw, waldorf,roasted butternut, aromatic rice, melon,cherry tomatoes,shredded courgettes,mixed leaves,potato salad and with the wedges (Yum) came tortilla chips and a salad garnish that would put most establishments serving a full salad to shame, and all for £6.95 each. AMAZING. Just so you know I do not usually review online but people should know what a gem of a cafe this is. Excellent. I forgot the homity pie. Delicious too.

Nos detuvimos para almorzar temprano. Nos trajeron nuestras hijas almuerzo primero que fue un detalle encantador ya que ella tenía hambre y mantuvo su entretenido! Gran desayuno y menú de almuerzo, comida muy sabrosa. Encantador café y chocolate caliente. El personal es muy amable, buena cantidad de espacio para un cochecito, también. Las tartas parecía increíble pero por desgracia nos demasiado lleno para probarlas! Sin duda, volveríamos si en la zona.

Lovely cafe with staff that are always very friendly and helpful. The coffee is excellent and the cakes are divine, especially if you want to try something a little different - deliciously homemade with care. Wide variety of food available, so it's perfect for lunch.

Probamos este café para comer y sin duda iremos de nuevo. La era diferente - Plowman había sido una mezcla encantadora de diferentes acompañamientos ensalada y el pan crujiente calentado. Selección pastel muy buena, si sólo hubiera tenido ninguna habitación hemos probado esta visita. Precios razonables. Los propietarios muy amables, el servicio con una sonrisa. . Será una fila para este café en la próxima visita a Totnes.

OMG! the hot chocolate! I thought i'd died and gone to heaven. I remember this place being really good from my last visit to the area and it didn't disappoint.

Had a lovely spot of breakfast here. Freshly made panini and baguette. Good choice of fillings. And very friendly staff. Nicely decorated inside the cakes look amazing too!

My daughter took us here for lunch and what a treat it was, my cheese and onion toastie was really good,

He estado esperando para el almuerzo un rato ahora, después de haber visto mi favorita, Homilía en la tarta, ofertas especiales en el exterior. Bien me alegro que finalmente lo probé, era delicioso y servido con la mejor ensalada que me he tomado, por £6. 95 y en el más hermoso entorno. No puedo esperar a volver!