Swiss Cottage Cafe in North Devon

Poor service. Impolite staff. Terrible food. No wonder it was the only place with seats available when everywhere else was busy. Avoid avoid avoid.

Found this little gem when we stopped in Ilfracombe. The staff were lovely and nothing was too much trouble. They are a takeaway as well as a cosy cafe, all types of food are on offer, and they can cater to all types of dietary requirements. They quickly worked around our Nut and Dairy issues, and we enjoyed the cakes, especially the cream tea that my husband had. Prices were very reasonable too. Staff were very welcoming, efficient, and friendly. The cafe itself can cater for wheelchair users. However, the toilets are not accessible for people who aren't able to manage stairs. Other than that, our visit was well worthwhile, and we would recommend the Swiss Cottage Cafe to anyone.

Excellent. Lovely cafe, full of charm, wonderful service, lovely breakfast & next day really nice Victoria Sponge. I'd come here all the time if I was local.

Such a lovely cafe - amazing food and amazing staff. The cafe is really beautifully decorated and such a good selection of items on the menu. Thank you for charging my phone as well! Well worth a visit

We came here for breakfast last week. Its away from the harbour but near a good car park. We recommend their breakfast. Freshly cooked and good value for money. Great service and good atmosphere.

the staff are so friendly in this cafe - nothing was to much trouble for them. the big breakfast was hot and well cooked with plenty of choice. I really enjoyed but my hubby was not keen on the filter coffee (though he is a coffee snob) i thought it was a reasonable price for 2 big breakfasts and it kept us full for most of the day

I have visited this cafe for years on and off. I wouldn't normally give a bad review, but my friend and I were almost hustled out of the place with a really rude attitude from the older waitress. It was 1pm and we were told they were closing at 2 so to hurry up and order as the chef wasn't hanging around! Trying to ask if I could have ham and cheese on my ploughmans she interrupted me and I was told the menu is set and not to try and change it! When I explained all I was going to say was the ham and cheese bit she then said oh yes we will do that. When I went to look at the counter food, she very curtly told me I couldn't have any of that as it was take away only and to hurry up and choose my food. We felt like naughty school children and they couldn't wait to get rid of us. Incidentally the place was empty bar one other table, so that might tell you something! The food was average, but guess what, I'm not coming back in, because I couldn't bear to give money to someone so rude! It was only the second time in my life that I haven't given a tip!

Ate here a couple of times whilst in Ilfracombe, the first of which was on Wednesday 23rd November 2022. Of the positives, it has an attractive exterior appearance and an unpretentious attitude/feel once inside. The breakfast menu choice was good and included toast and a hot drink with breakfast. The decor is very old and tired inside and not very comfortable/flexible and on different later visits there was quite a rude older male waiter we didn't enjoy interacting with but overall a rough and ready cafe for anyone who wants to go. Also does take away sandwiches and a great-looking cake selection but didn't have any visits so can't confirm or comment on the quality.

popped in for coffee, but ended up having bacon sandwiches. coffee was first rate. sandwiches (which were not on menu) were fab. staff lovely.

With an understated but charming exterior you could forgiven for walking past this little gem, don’t. The decor is beautifully old fashioned, the menu is varied, plenty for vegetarians, the food is hot, fresh and delicious (and very reasonably priced). The service is wonderful, staff cannot do enough and do so with a smile. Although we only sampled hot lunch’s the cake and salad counters looked amazing. Will be back without a doubt.

The breakfast was value for money the decor was bright and cheerful. It seems popular with locals and staff seem very organised

We found this hidden gem yesterday while looking for someone that catered for both me as a vegan and my hubby as a meat eater. I had the delicious vegan cheeseburger, he had the big breakfast. He ordered a bowl of chips too but the portions were such a good size that we couldn't manage all the chips! Good value, tasty and lovely staff, one of whom was a Harry Potter fan like me so we had a great chat!

Don't be put off by the décor, This was one of the best value eateries we encountered on our break in North Devon and Cornwall. The staff were friendly and the big breakfast was amazing. Unlike most places on our break the toast, tea or coffee were included in the price keeping the cost below £20 for 2. The lady even let me have a soft drink as I did not want tea coffee or fresh orange juice .

Lovely, friendly bunch of staff. We went for breakfast, and ordered the Big Breakfast. Food quickly arrived and was good value for money, as you get all the trimmings, plus orange juice and a free tea or coffee. The only negative would be that they cut sausages in half (probably to ensure it was cooked through) and the menu was very basic, not showing what anything contained. Good start to the day non the less!

Lovely little cafe in Ilfracombe High Street. The service is second to none from the minute you walk in. Wonderful selection of home made cakes and excellent drinks menu. The vegetarian breakfast is lacking in any kind of vegi sausage or something similar, just an abundance of mushrooms and tomatoes instead. Whilst it was hot and delicious I can’t see that it would be that difficult to keep some vegi sausages in the freezer and defrost as needed.

The young lady serving was good but the food was not and overpriced for what we had! Unfortunately Ilfracombe has not got a lot of cafés open now in the High Street, so our choice of venue was limited, we would not go back there.

Hubby and I had breakfast here. He had the full English which was very good and I had a delightful bacon and brie toastie. Staff were amazing and are currently collecting donations for Ukraine. A throwback to the good old days with a lovely vibe...

Great Cafe on the High Street Ilfracombe, Serving really nice good quality food, and fantastic freindly service. Really it's quite a hidden little gem. Very simple but lovely. well worth a visit. We would defenmtaly go again for certain

Came in here to escape the rain , at first impression they didn’t seem to inviting. We were seated at a very small 2 seater table , there were only 2 other couples in so we would if appreciated a bit more room as this...

Not the greatest. Quick breakfast brunch left us unimpressed and no need for all the air freshener. Vegetarian breakfast from the '80s. Just a normal full English less the sausage and bacon, so not much really. Mediocre at best, and that's generous.

Stopped in for a breakfast and tea with my wife. Lovey place and really friendly. The breakfast was very nice and piping hot.

We are currently visiting ilfracombe on a friends getaway - we came down in separate cars in pairs, and our two friends waited in this cafe while we completed the end of the journey. We went to meet them there, thought the cafe was beautiful...

I thought the food was very good here. The price is reasonable too. The service was very friendly and helpful. The cafe it self was very nice and comfortable, clean. Well done we all enjoyed it.

We where greeted with have you got a mask…. Not good morning how are you … We ordered 2 all day breakfasts cost of £7:95 per breakfast and a children’s cheese and ham toastie.. I can only describe the breakfast as minimal soggy burnt and...

Came here for coffee and lunch, and was blown away by how lovely it all was! Absolutely gorgeous interior, the staff were so friendly and the food and coffee were great. Couldn't recommend highly enough!

Been here before and was lovely. Visited today to a different experience. Made to feel rushed, told we could only stay a short time. Tried to order waffles and were told "oh they take about 20 minutes. Are you sure you want them?" Which made...

First thing, this cafe was COVID secure, asked if we had checked in on app, which we had ( QR code was clearly visible on door). The staff were wearing masks and alternating booths were taped off to allow social distancing. The staff were friendly...

First time in to order 2 breakfast sandwiches, made with care and plenty of ingredients. Best cafe on high street, having learned they supported kids with school dinners, I will be supporting this place in the future with my loyalty. Well done team Swiss Cottage

This looks a quint & interesting cafe. I have been here before and the atmosphere was pleasant. This time it was different, no customer service nor smiles from anyone. Didnt get offered salt/pepper/sauces or napkins. The knife was greasy and the veg lasagne/chips the worst...

We popped in for just two teas, a fruit juice and a cherry Bakewell. What a lovely old place, full of character and old bits and bobs. The cake was scrummy. A nice selection of old crockery, including a cat themed milk jug! The last...

My review is a long time coming but on reflection I should have done it last year. They say you should never meet your heroes, well years ago we went to this cafe and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. We were on holiday last August 2019...

Took my daughter and freind for coffee and cake for my daughters birthday.My daughter and freind had toffee apple cake and it was really dry and they both could not eat. At £2.95 each slice I told the owner and her reply was I've sold loads today,there was only a small bit cut from the cake when we went in. No discount offered. This cafe under this lady has gone to pot since the lady who owned it before. There is no customer is always right just money for her. Unfortunately she has just lost 3 customers. I suggest costa in ilfracombe or the tea rooms down the sea front have more respect for there customers and moisture in the cakes. It also shuts at 3pm on a Friday why. I would not waist my money again in this cafe.

Good for breakfast, brunch, tea/coffee etc and the cakes! Yum! I like the atmosphere and seats are comfy, the big booths and tables for big groups are down a little step so unsure if suitable for disabled etc but there are few small tables on ground floor

Well and truly impressed with everything about this restaurant/cafe . A little stop off for a hungry family that want an excellent hearty meal or just tea and cake . The service was excellent, friendly and speedy , and the food served was amazing home style cooking . I cannot recommend this place enough . It is opposite a mainstream coffee house ; please make the decision to take your custom to the Swiss Cottage . The staff do an amazing job at making you feel welcome ; they work hard serving top notch meals , drinks and cakes .

Very central position in town and the coffee was good but the staff seamed a bit miserable, we didn't feel very welcome, we were a bit sad at that

we had prawn sandwich each and a pot of tea for two the tea pot had a tea cosy on a gtreat place to eat

Over priced, poor service, hair in our food and all they said was shall we replaced it!!! Owner is especially miserable, why do people pay £6 for a slice of cheese on toast, totally a rip off for us tourists.

On a miserable wet day in Ilfracombe's rather rundown town centre we were struggling to find somewhere for a cup of tea and a snack. Having looked at a couple of unattractive places we took a chance on the Swiss Cottage Cafe and were pleasantly surprised. The interior is very 70s, but the warm welcome, the quick service, and the very good value food more than compensated for the decor and location. Recommended.

We visited the cafe on Saturday. Myself & My 3 son's really enjoyed our time here. We just happened to.pass the cafe whilst hunting for a nice place to escape the extreme cold (and we like to buy local not big chains!*costa*!!) I had a cream tea which was delicious and such great value for money! 2 scones jam and clotted cream with a pot of tea with 3 cups of tea easily to the pot. The scones were delicious.My son's all had hot chocolates which they couldn't finish as their cakes filled them and they all said how delicious they were.The service was lovely and we were greeted very warmly and made to feel very welcome.We don't live locally and were on holiday, we plan to visit the area again and will definitely come back for more lovely tea and cakes.Thank you

Popped in today for a bite of brunch with a couple of the team from work. Breakfast was a good old fashioned full English breakfast. Service was good and the food was exactly what we were looking for. It’s a place that I have not been into for years and it felt like it has not changed at all. Well worth a visit

Their large breakfast is generous, with a pot of tea and a glass of orange juice. Tinned mushrooms with the breakfast? come on now!...no need for it. Fresh mushrooms are not expensive to the trade and there's even a greengrocers on Ilfracombe High Street, just cover the costs in your prices and give punters proper food. We are locals and usually go when the regular chap is cooking, we don't like burnt offerings.

Stumbled across this little cafe whilst desperately trying to find someone for lunch whilst on a weekend break. We were greeted cheerily and told we could take a seat. The three young members of staff serving were friendly, efficient and quick to serve us. We both went for the ploughmans and shared a cream tea for after. We were impressed with what came and we really enjoyed the whole meal. I was slightly disappointed by the jam that came with the scone as it was more like a jelly and didn't spread well - a homemade jam would be lovely on such yummy scones!

Wanted a cuppa on a wet miserable day.Passed other cafes until this one.It looked busy, always a good sign.Was busy but we were served quickly.Only had a coffee and a green tea.Noticed cakes etc going to other customers , looked really good, pity wasn't hungry.Call in , only complaint was the waitress wasn't very happy,ie no banter , obviously didn't want to talk.Shame because in Devon to me the banter is part of the experience of visiting this area.

Lovely little place, food and staff was very nice. Very nicely decorated in a boutique style. Well worth a visit, better than lining the multi national like costa!

Siento decir que hemos encontrado comida ilfracombe's cafe horrible, todos, pero este era un poco mejor. Hemos usado este Swiss Cottage Café recientemente y tuve la omnipresente Ilfracombe frituras. Otra cafetería que herramientas downs a las 15:00 horas, el personal era bueno y acogedor, pero tal vez debería concentrarse mejor. Nuestros tés eran buenas y se sirve en un tazón grande. Las comidas estaban bien, no champiñones o tomates. Oh aquellos días de catering profesional, donde no se ve. Aunque por el precio que pagamos no nos quejamos.

Elegimos este café porque vimos un buen despliegue de tortas y quería un café y un pastel. La decoración es muy agradable y hay cabinas. El servicio era bastante rápido. Mi victoria de esponja con mermelada y buttercream era muy bueno y mi marido dice que su tarta de limón era precioso. Los capuchinos fueron también bastante buena.

Me paré en el Swiss Cottage para un bocado de comida después de hacer algunas compras antes de volver a casa. Había una señora que trabajaba en la planta así que un poco de prisa fuera de sus pies, pero que no detienen la velocidad de las bebidas y la comida. Mi tetera venía con un té acogedor de punto que me llevó de vuelta a estar en mi panes Nan cuando estaba un poco. La comida estaba bien y la señora hablando después fue maravilloso, ya que conseguir algunos lugares donde son como robots. Sin duda volveremos.

Uno me pareció toda la atmósfera de la pequeña y pintoresca ubicación era genial. La comida era casera y era de buena calidad. También me pareció que el personal joven que nos servía era muy agradable.

Llamado en aquí como tuvimos que esperar nuestro bus. El primer café estaba cerrando, así que estábamos contentos de encontrar este todavía sirve. Sólo tuvimos dos cafés pero eran excelentes y la camarera era amable. Cafetería y los aseos eran muy limpio

Café pintoresco con muchos asientos, la comida llegó rápidamente, tenía una preciosa ensalada de gambas con un montón de gambas y mi marido un desayuno durante todo el día, dijo la taza de té que estaba incluido era el mejor que había tenido, el pot, llegó con un ambiente acogedor, así todos nos alojamos 3 tazas de agua caliente. Había algunos bollos preciosa en pantalla, pero nos puede resistir. La señorita que sirve fue muy amable y los aseos eran agradables y estaban limpias, con paredes exhaustivamente. Me quedaría aquí de nuevo si vuelvo en Ilfracombe, que creo que es un lugar encantador que estábamos de vacaciones y me impresionó la zona en general con precioso paseos costeros.

Llamado en para una taza de café", pero nos sirvieron rápidamente por el personal amable, y disfrutamos de la peculiar decoración.

Have been here a few times when we have visited Ilfracombe, love it with the old cups and saucers and tea cosy! Good value we had cream tea!

Called in for coffee on quite a cool day to have a sit down and warm up as we were early for our bus coffee was very nice, staff were OK have been here before usually for teas and coffees nice little cafe

My husband and I had the Full English Breakfast, there was plenty of food on the plate so from that perspective it is not expensive. In my personal opinion I did not think the food was locally sourced or of a very good quality. The menu states they are butchers sausages but they did not look or taste like it! Very generous pot of Tea for 2 which was good, and the Hash Browns were excellent. The waitress was pleasant and efficient at her job.

Als je stevig wilt ontbijten in de Engelse stijl. Met een typisch engels ontbijt. Heerlijk. En bovendien aardig personeel.

I found the all day breakfast great value, the cafe it's self was clean but looked like it needed money thrown at it to make it look a little nicer.The staff were polite and efficient. Waiting times for food were relatively low and we was served quickly.

A complete throwback to the 60s/70s, a bit like Ilfracombe really, and probably has not been redecorated since then! Mismatched mugs and saucers, slight slimy plastic table cloths, heavy artex on the walls and fake beams on the ceiling and very strange bits of decoration and table accompaniments.But... two fantastic cups of coffee, hot, tasty and all served with a smile and all for £3, brilliant. Would definately go back if ever in Ilfracombe again, just to see if the food is as good as the coffee.

Visited here yesterday and it was good. Enjoyed the food and the waitress was friendly. Unfortunately when I went to the ladies toilet I wasn't impressed with what greeted me. An absolute disgusting mess all over the toilet roll. Would of been five stars otherwise.

Had a panini and a drink. Staff were very friendly. Panini was tasty. Place was clean. Perfectly acceptable for a quick bite.

I called in here for lunch, and was surprised to see the place nearly empty. However, it is out of season, which I presume is the reason. The menu had a decent selection, and I ordered a panini with bacon and stilton, which came with some crisps (a little stale but still just ok) and a nice little bit of salad. The panini had a decent amount of filling, though not overly generous. It was tasty and hot though, so I was perfectly happy with it. I also had a mocha which was delicious.The café itself was pretty and slightly quant, which fitted the age of the building perfectly. I will be happy to go there again.

Visited here with my five and seven year old boys. Cafe was quiet and had plenty of seating. Arrived about 3pm so the server had to double check if food was still being served (should probably already know that?). Order was taken quickly and food served promptly. Food was tasty, milkshakes a little on the expensive side, but were lovely tasting. Only small issue is the table cloths were irritating and every time the kids put their elbows on the table half the cutlery and and condiments slid off as the table cloths move. Apart from that finicky thing a decent cafe lunch.

Visited for light lunch, excellent menu choices would recommend the "Keepers Tea" and "Swiss Cottage Cream tea" we actually had half and half and thoroughly enjoyed it Fresh and tasty with plenty of clotted cream.Loved the bone china cups and saucers and the little tea pots with knitted cosy's.Catered well for the children, liked the fact that a pasty came with a side salad and with crisps. Not just dumped in the middle of a plate. 5 star hygiene rating in the window and would agree very clean inside.

Visited here one rainy afternoon. We sat for quite some time before some one came to take our order, we ordered cake and tea. After about 15 minutes, the cafe wasn't busy, our cake and tea came which was served on china plates and china tea cups. The cakes were nice and moist. Some one who had placed an order left as was fed up of waiting for so long. This could be a really good tea room if run correctly.

Took the kids in for a drink on a rainy afternoon and they really enjoyed their sundaes and cake. I had a pot of tea and some cheesecake which was lovely. Service was good and the atmosphere and decor is really nice. I remember this place from my childhood visits and it has been reinvented to a place to spend a nice 1/2 hour with a cup of tea and a cake.

Spent a lovely hour or so in these tea rooms, enjoyed a pot of tea and a toasted teacake. Sweet decor and friendly enough staff, hit the spot nicely on a rainy day in Ilfracombe!

Very welcoming, pretty, relaxed area to have lunch. Pot of tea and sandwiches. I only wish I could have found this cafe at the beginning of my stay. Thanks ladies and keep up the excellent service.

We visited Ilfracombe whilst staying at Croyde Bay and decided to stay for lunch. We were pleased to find the Swiss Cottage Cafe and were made to feel welcome. Nice menu, waitress service and we were served quickly and efficiently. The cafe was very clean and nicely laid out, felt 'olde worlde'. My husband had an all day breakfast which he thoroughly enjoyed, and I had a Devonshire cream tea which was delicious. We had a large pot of tea (for 2) between us and it was a good strong cup of tea. We saw other diners meals which also looked delicious and heard good comments. The cafe has a lovely atmosphere. The toilets also were clean and fresh. Prices were good. Very enjoyable and satisfying meal, we really enjoyed our lunch and would definitely visit again.

I loved this tea shop, we brought two cream teas and my daughter had a milk shake and a slice of cake. the tea was served in china cups with saucers, tea pot had cosy on it, cakes were served on matching plates, pots for jam and cream, it took me straight back to being a little girl having tea and cake at both of my grandparents house and I got a little emotional as it was fond memories I will always treasure! the milkshake was served in a jam jar with a lid and straw and it was a fab idea! thank you and I will be back on our next holiday! I have recommend all my friends!

Hardly Swiss - in fact a pastiche of a sub-average 1960s Swiss restaurant meets tired English café. I would like to be more positive to offset an otherwise cold and dismal day in this very much "out of season" bit of North Devon, but the lacklustre food and an awkward atmosphere miss a real opportunity. Terrible loos (and an "apology while they are being upgraded" is not enough).

My friend and I stopped at this café for a tea and coffee it was nice to be seated and then order the drinks were very good and the waitress friendly. The café was busy mostly with locals and I am glad we found it while visiting Ilfracombe for the day

If your wanting lovely home cooked food this is where to eat... Great friendly staff..great food... Great coffee! Amazing cakes!

Only let down by being a bit down-at-heel.Food and service was great. It seemed a popular place.Huge, nicely cooked, portions for cheap prices.Our plates were both full and then the chips came out in separate pots!The burger turned out to be 2 burgers in a panini (had to take half home with me.£7.95 gets you a very decent meal. Menu is basic but it seems to be all home-cooked,just up our street!Our visit was only marred by a particularly loud "lady" diner who kept repeating everything 5 times.Shame.

Was camping near Ilfracombe last week and went to the Town for a look around and not having had Breakfast we went into the first place we came upon which was The Swiss Cottage Cafe. A few people inside eating already, the Waitress came over and we ordered 2 x Non meat Breakfast which came with Tea or Coffee at a very reasonable price ! Coffee arrived within minutes and was lovely stuff, Breakfast came after about 5 minutes, we were surprised how fast. And it was the Best Breakfast I've had in a long time. Some friends who came in later had an express service and were also impressed. When I came to write this review I was surprised to see so many negative comments so I guess I must have gone in at the right time and the right day !

We had a very nice lunch in this oldy worldie cafe I had a lovely jacket potatoe and my wife a Hamm sandwich both well priced and enjoyable worth a visit

I would like to have been able to have written a full review on this place but unfortunately we never got as far as ordering. Visited yesterday walked in and had to ask do we just sit anywhere and were told yes. There were about 8 people already in the place who had quite clearly been served. We waited and waited and waited for someone to come and take our order but nobody did. We therefore voted with our feet and left never to return again

Don't have hot food here it is greasy, fatty and undercooked. A greasy spoon has nothing on this. The staff were very polite and when we complained they made us a sandwich instead which was o.k.

Okay, I visited this place last month for the third time. While I'm currently on late holiday (London) the contrasts in catering and streets seem laughable.There is a lot to say about the Swiss Cottage. It's welcoming from the outside, and the locals appear happy there. This is good but....this is also a big mistake > never cook just for locals or friends, in business. Unfortunately, it's often pointless telling people, even if you're professionally experienced.The cafe is less than welcoming for strangers - why? Because on our very first visit, and fifth visit last month, we were not welcomed. At first glance this Cafe appears promising, but it has outdated values, sorry. On to the positives: the menu has a lot of choice, but it's outdated. The food is okay and home-cooked. The quality is fine, it is totally acceptable and reasonable but over-all the Swiss Cottage is just okay and if you have expectations - it is nothing more than average. Outdated because they are still cooking traditional food, family orientated fayre. Reasonable, because of the prices, the breakfast is affordable but boring. Start adding side orders or experiment, and you'll be paying around ten pounds apiece, which is way above family budgets. The kitchen set up, cook, and staff do not engender confidence.In summary they are living and working out of date, in a bubble thinking "we are right, do not argue with us". To push this point home, we asked for a more interesting lunch - this was refused. Wetherspoons will offer a far better selection and a better menu. I think the Swiss Cottage needs to invest in itself, its kitchen and in its customer service. It seems it just won't. However, they seemed friendly and personable, while not offering a welcoming and exciting experienceThere is much more to be seen and had in Barnstaple but that's about ten miles away. All in all, the Swiss Cottage (along with all the High St. small restaurants) is okay, but they are way behind the times (ditto) and in my humble estimation, they need to revamp their kitchen restaurant, and what they call their menu - because their nemesis is getting built on Ilfracombe sea front: Wetherspoons "will be opened this Easter" and probably rocking along by the Summer.Verdict: Average

Lovely little cafe, very warm, cosy. (although you can't get much network signal!).The food is great, they definitely make the best coffee- there's different types from all around the world which is very unique!

At £5.50 the breakfast on offer here is unbelievableFresh bread toasted and buttered accompanied by fine tea with extra tea bag proferred a dozen different coffees on offer including Jamaican Blue Mountain...And then a fine beautifully cooked breakfast with good quality locally sourced bacon eggs and sausage,This is also a fine high quality bakery so a take away cake is a bonus!!

We read the reviews and the info for this cafe before heading off on our day out to ilfracombe. We found the cafe easily enough, there was a proper coffee machine inside with a coffee roasting machine in the window - we had high hopes.How soon they were dashed. The waitress was slow to take our order. The 2 cappacinos arrived, half in the cup and the rest in the saucer. The foam was thin and floated on top of a milky beige liquid. The the drink was too hot and totally tasteless, if it had a single coffee bean in it let alone a single shot I'd be amazed.So if you like coffee don't try here.