The Bookshelf & Tearooms in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Went into the bookshelf and restrooms by myself for lunch . Downstairs was full I went and got a menu and was just going upstairs a man came downstairs as I was going up . He told me there was one table available and there was a couple waiting for it . I was just came back down he took the menu out my hand and told me I didn't need it. He was very rude and abrupt. I just walked out . I have been in the cafe several times over the years I have lived in Saltash and have never been treated or spoken to in that manner he is bad for the business .I .shall not be going in their again or recommend anyone to go there it's a shame as the rest of the staff have always been friendly.

A small quirky tearoom located in a bookshop full of character. Saltash high street though not the prettiest is still that rare thing, a bustling, busy street full of shops. This cafe is a great stop to chat to friends. Great service from very friendly, welcoming staff who appear genuinely interested in serving you. Coffee and food are excellent (though the portions of food are on the small side although I do have a large appetite). Well worth a visit.

This little high street book shop has a café in the shop for lunch, coffee, tea and cake, with more tables upstairs. Pleasant whilst shopping in Saltash. I've been there often and it's a place where locals meet a friend for a chat, drink from bone china teacups, served by nice women. Today, I met a friend there at 12ish who I haven't seen for two months. Upstairs, we ordered and chatted, ate our food and drank our tea. A man appeared and fussily grabbed away our teacups before they had even cooled, then snatched away our plates and cutlery, rather impatiently asking if we wanted to order anything else. We were surprised at his brusque manner, but said 'No Thank you.' He returned a few minutes later, interrupting us to ask again if we wanted anything else and, when we said 'No' once more, he astonished us by saying if we weren't going to order anything, we needed to free up the table. We were alone in an empty room. We pointed out that all the other tables upstairs were empty yet he insisted that he needed the table as we couldn't sit there without ordering anything. Busy cafes need to free up space, and this can be done politely. If the Bookshelf wants to put a time limit, or a spend limit on tables, that should be clearly stated when customers place their orders. It's an odd strategy to alienate local people, so the Bookshelf is welcome to as many empty tables as its heart desires. Our experience today was really horrible. You will get a friendlier welcome in No 62 a few doors down.

We stopped off here for a lunch and cream tea. Loved the concept of food, refreshments as well as loads of books. We were only passing through the area therefore limited with time but if we were local, we'd be here all the time. Service was so friendly and there's tables upstairs, both indoor and outdoor, which is a nice touch.

A wee tin cup full of bland soup and half a sarnie was overpriced and devoid of any flavour or interest what so ever. The staff were lovely with a pleasant service. A charming little bookshop with a café inside that might be OK for a drink but the food we had was expensive and tasteless. A few good other places to use in the high street in Saltash so I would give this one a swerve unless we were just very unlucky on the day.

In Cornwall on holiday. Stopped here on the way to Plymouth for breakfast. Five pancakes!! With bacon and maple syrup and great oat milk flat white. Quirky little place that sells new and used books, so great for a mooch about. Owners are lovely, very chatty. Shame we weren’t around for longer as the menu looked great, but had to stop for another coffee, latte this time, as we were passing to go home. Best coffee I’ve had all week, and I’m quite fussy with coffee ☕️. If you get a chance I would say you must visit.

This is a very nice place. It has seating upstairs as well. I had a slice of carrot cake and pot of tea.

Whilst in Saltash l stopped off here for a coffee. Adequate seating over looking the main street and more up stairs plus the toilet. Lovely coffee and choice of cakes and pastries if required. Staff very friendly. The Little café also has reduced books upstairs as well as quite a few down stairs. Could easily stay here and watch the world go by. Will revisit if in the town.

Determined not to stop at a roadside stop en route to South Cornwall TA highlighted this cafe in Saltash, so we pulled off the main road. Easy to find on the Main Street. It had that lovely combo of bookshop and cafe. We were warmly welcomed, sat upstairs where we had the best scones of our entire holiday and a really nicely made coffee. The owner of the cafe was most welcoming. If passing this way again would definitely stop off here. Recommended.

Staying at China Fleet Club and walked into Saltash for breakfast. Lovely little find. Poached eggs done to perfection, not an easy task. Definitely recommend

Delightful Coffee shop. Table service and not kept waiting. Very friendly establishment. Good place to meet up with friends.

This place is an incredible find. We’ve been coming to the tea rooms for some time now and have always loved every visit. The family and I always have cream tea with fruit scones. The service from staff and management is outstanding, and the food is incredible. The only tea room we ever use now.

We called in at the tea rooms and were pleasantly surprised there was a good menu for light bites and it was very friendly our sandwiches came out freshly made which was a good sign the drinks were good and staff helpful it is ideal for anyone with walking problems as there are ground floor tables plus outside seating so well worth a visit if you are in the area.

On visiting this establishment for just a coffee I was not terribly impressed. For the price of £2.15 for a small mug/large cup of latte I found the coffee too strong even though I asked for 1 shot and the mug/cup was third filled with froth.

Well i once again visited the Bookshelf and the new manager Tracy is a breath of fresh air. Very friendly person who cares about the customer and i think once the news is out the old lot have gone the place with be full again. Great coffee and food one cant go wrong for some where to meet friends and have meetings. but don't take my word go see for yourself .

Always been a lovely place to go. New owners very friendly, Had a really nice breakfast here. Really relaxing.

Fabulous breakfast served here. really filling. This is a lovely tearooms with lovely owners and staff.

Popped in late morning and was shown to a table in the outside seating area. Lovely view across the Tamar towards the moors. Food was nice and service was very friendly. It's a lovely little place. Would definitely recommend.

Mi marido y yo paramos aquí en nuestro camino de regreso desde Cornwall a Devon como realmente queríamos una merienda.

I love to call in at the Bookshelf cafe and gift shop when I'm in Saltash. It used to be my 'local' when I lived there. Debbie or Andrew are welcoming to everyone and it feels home from home. Good food, well priced! Stella

Great Little Shop to get some cards and gifts and a lovely cafe upstairs nice and clean andwe had a lovely pot of tea

Went here just for a drink, so friendly and welcoming, had a pot of tea in a beautiful bone china cup and saucer, the tea pot had a charming tea cosy on, my daughter had a rather lovely hot chocolate with all the extras , excellent value for money, whilst we were there we saw some meals going out which looked lovely, I will definitely be coming here again and will make sure that I have something to eat!!

Great coffee and lovely welcome from the owner . Good menu and small book and card shop Very friendly atmosphere

Este es un pequeño gran tienda, tiene libros, tarjetas y regalos abajo y arriba la sinuosa es una cafetería encantadora miradas, que sirve aperitivos y bebidas sopas genial, el personal siempre amable.

Qué lugar tan encantador para almorzar en Saltash. Tenía el papa lino más horneados con judías. Todo el menú parece fabuloso y definitivamente regresaremos para el té en el nuevo año. Debbie es un gran anfitrión. Gracias.

Pequeño y encantador, con una librería que vende. venta de café tetería y pasteles! También es bueno para un almuerzo en la familia.

The Bookshelf &Tearooms was the first cafe we visited when we moved into the area two years ago. We were charmed by the lovely character and fantastic service on that day and on every single visit since. Food is always fresh and tasty. Service is prompt and all of the staff are friendly, welcoming and happy to help. There is also a lovely selection of books and crafts available which are definitely worth a browse. Whether you are visiting Saltash/ surrounding areas or whether you are a resident here, the Bookshelf &Tearooms is a MUST for good food, cosy atmosphere and consistently good service.

A lovely friendly place, the jacket potatoes are great, as is all their food, great place to eat, & when you are finished you can browse the shop.

Have been in these tea rooms many many times for a cream tea,home made sponges or teacakes,all very nice.Seres in bone china teapots and cups and saucers,proper English teatime.Ladies always very nice,upstairs there is about 5 tables having to go on a spiral staircase with toilet up there swell,if you cant make it up the ,there are some tables downstairs in the Bookshop,very friendly owners and always made very welcome.

Took my mum in for a light lunch. Food was very fresh an tasty. we had tea and sandwiches. its a shame its in fore st as its too nice.Will definatly go again.

Visited here with my dad who lives in saltash. He and my mum are regular customers. Exceptional service-they are so attentive to all their customers and just lovely to everyone. Food was very good and shop is packed full of lots of interesting things and great book selection for a small place. Loved the tea cosy! A real gem of a place!

Upstairs is a lovely tea room with a selection of freshly cooked meals and snacks. The staff are wonderfully attentive and add to the 'oldie worldie' feel of the tea room. Simple, beautiful and somewhere we'll be coming back to.

Pleasant enough place. Small town selection of books but some stimulating and thoughtful surprises. Ground floor eating area a bit cramped. Not sure if there may be more space upstairs. Polite and friendly.

My husband and I pass by Saltash quite often on ourjourney home to Cornwall and are delighted to have discovered The Bookshelf. It is not just the delicious cakes and selection of hot and cold food but the warm welcome from their friendly and efficient team that make it such a special experience. On each visit I have observed Deborah and Andrew welcome customers (some frail and of mature years) with such warmth and respect it is not surprising that I have noticed some regular faces. They also have a large range of books and some gorgeous locally produced jewellry and gifts. I would recommend the Bookshelf it has so much to offer.