The Captain's House Afternoon Tea in North Devon

This owner obviously never reads his reviews as he has not changed in ten years - and the rest. A lady and her special needs daughter that we had met earlier on our walk came into the garden for tea and asked first if she could use the bathroom adding that it was "a bit desperate". Very rudely the proprietor pointed out that the only toilets were all ensuite and his customers use the public convenience across the river. There was no further comment or apology and he returned his attention to another couple who were not left alone for a second. Endless flow of advice on where to go and what to see. I was grateful we were ignored as that is not something I would appreciate; my companion enjoyed her lemon drizzle - she has a very sweet tooth, I had to leave my coffee and walnut as I don't, ( have a sweet tooth). The tea was weak. ( £15.00 ) It is a lovely spot but location does not make up for bad service.

Hilariously awful! Terrible staff Even worse food Ridiculously expensive Top level rudeness Believe it must be the training academy for Karen's Diner

Thought we would finish our day off with a nice cream tea. As approached was immediately met with 'we have lemon drizzle or coffee and walnut cake'. Having spotted another couple with scones, which did not look particularly appetising, decided to go with a slice of cake each and tea. When it arrived, immediately asked for £15 payment in cash, expecting the correct sum as didn't have change! Whilst a little stunned by the price, particularly when seeing the quality of the cake, managed to pull the funds together. The cake was certainly not as expected, clearly mass produced (but not even up to Mr Kipling standard!) sickly sweet, icing topped and sickly centre, not my idea of a lemon drizzle. It was horrible, could not finish it! ...and husband's coffee and walnut similarly awful, and seeping oil at the bottom. Not sure how he gets away with it, it is certainly unlikely to be returning customers. As someone else has commented, no menu or prices on view, and no receipt given.

We looked from across the bridge and spotted a cute place to get a drink and snack. We turned up and wanted to request an indoor seat but was bluntly told to sit outside. Two out of four chairs were rock solid. We were about to get served and straight away he said ‘4 cream teas?’. We said we wanted 3 cream teas but he was very disgruntled and even more disgruntled when all of us didn’t want tea. It came out and we were forced to pay upfront in cash. No menu, no receipt and no happiness. It appeared to be standard shop bought food and our juices were half filled with ice and also the tea was very weak. If you’re desperate for a cream tea in a nice setting then maybe try this place, but I definitely would not recommend it.

Very rude man that owns this tea shop. I would NEVER go there again, and I wish I'd read the reviews previously. He sighed and moaned as I dared to ask if he had sweeteners. He told us we were giving all his money to the bank as we paid by card (yes he excepts cards, no cash only sign up). Especially don't go with allergies. Turned out my husbands food had dairy in after we told him he had an allergy (thankfully he doesn't get extreme reactions).

The rain started pouring as we set off from Lynmouth to Watersmeet. We sheltered for a moment in the garage by this tea shop, thinking that we might call in on the way back. A man called out to us, “4 cream teas?”. When it was obvious that we weren’t going to have anything at that point, he aggressively called out, “be on your way, unless you are eating.” We were shocked by his tone, and decided that we would not call back. Since reading other reviews we realise that he did not single us out for unpleasantness!

Visited today with my husband and mum and wished we hadn't. I asked if we were able to sit inside and was brusquely told "no, sit outside on a nice day like this!" My elderly mum stumbled on her way to the table so I was busy supporting her. The owner meanwhile wasn't waiting for us to sit before demanding what it was that we wanted and pre-empting that we might want cream teas. I said "no, we want lunch". He then suggested cake (for lunch?) I asked if we could have sandwiches and he visibly sighed with irritation and offered either ham or cheese. When delivering the order he asked for cash and the correct amount. Luckily I had cash but many do not these days. A horrible experience. This man should not be in the hospitality business. Basil Fawlty oozes charm in comparison.

Cannot believe that someone who runs a business reliant on holiday makers can be quite soo rude! The owner was pushy, obstructive, dismissive and sharp if I was not accompanied by my parents that could walk no further and were starving I would have taken my custom elsewhere. Would not recommend this to friends, family or even those people I dislike

We arrived asked if he did sandwiches, yes was the reply, cheese or ham. We both asked for cheese and a pot of tea for 2. When it arrived it was put on the table and he asked straight away for the money £21 !!!! Oh my goodness it was the most expensive place we have ever paid for a bog standard sliced loaf sandwich ever! Talk about being ripped off!! Never again will I set foot there!!

Oh dear sadly all these reviews are right, terrible host. Almost asked for the money upfront. No choice of scones apparently he got sick of people picking the fruit out so plain or nothing. Definitely don't stop here!!!

Arrived as a family of 10 and took a seat in the garden outside. We rang the bell on the door as instructed a minute later a man arrived and said "Are you all together?".. "Yes" "Well I'm on my own, teas or cream teas?" "No sandwiches?" "No, I'm on my own, if you want sandwiches, try somewhere else" and just shut the door. Just a hilariously bad encounter, zero customer service skills. Although after reading the reviews, he did us a favour. Avoid

After a super walk along the river to Watersmeet, we stopped here for refreshment. Before our tea even arrived, mein host told us that the only toilets were in guest bedrooms & that we would have to use those by the church. A miserable man who does not know the meaning of ‘hospitality’. Suggest: AVOID

As stated in previous reviews, no menu or prices. Limited choice of sandwiches but apparently they all come with relish and crisps. I had ham with Branston pickle which was already on my sandwich, I would have preferred it in a pot so I could have as much or little as I wanted. There were a few crisps on the side. We had diet coke which was flat and served with ice whether we wanted it or not. The host brought our food out and announced the price which was an extortionate £21, he was not happy when we wanted to pay by card: apparently cash is now back in vogue???? I had to go inside to pay where he tapped £22 into the machine, when I pointed out his mistake he corrected it. We ate our sandwich which was really nothing special and left for a wander through the streets of Lynmouth looking at what we could have had! Definitely not recommended 😕

Go at your own risk. The host was very unwelcoming, cream tea was apparently the only option. I didn't try paying by card so didn't encounter the wrath of the ogre. The front door was roped off (Keep out came to mind). The tea, coffee and scones were OK but the jam was bizarre. It was red and a cheap variety but it had other bits in it, maybe apricot, who knows. We were told how we should eat our cream tea, jam then the cream. We go walking in this area often, I won't be going to the grumpy captain's tea garden again.

Visited here recently and we enjoyed the cream teas. The gentleman happily supplied us with a pot of coffee instead of tea and it was very nice coffee. Lovely garden. Enjoyed the visit and do not understand the negative reviews.

Avoid this at all costs, It's unfortunate that many people won't look for reviews for afternoon tea, but you should with this one. We were three children and 3 adults. We were told that you could only have a drink if you bought a cream tea. There was no menu or prices displayed anywhere. When the food and drink was brought out we were bluntly told it was £45. I laughed, thinking this was a joke, but it wasn't. We were not provided with an invoice and the man expected to be paid in cash (I wonder why?). The scones were small and indifferent. The coke was obviously not a proper Coke but a cheap supermarket option. A notice on the door said that toilets were only available to guests who stayed at the B&B. This establishment does Lynmouth no favours,

This is a business you don't want to go to. Not sure why the owner is in the hospitality business and advertising cream teas as he clearly hates people and dislikes your presence but just wants your cash. We agree with all the negative comments. Seriously don't bother it will leave you feeling awful. Such a shame in a beautiful place. Dare not ask for anything else other than scone and tea. Extortionate price and made by Iceland or pound land and served by an ogre

On arrival we were drawn in with the beautiful idyllic setting. We sat down enthusiastically awaiting our cream tea. Then Enters what can only be described as the worst host in hospitality history. Asking for a menu was like asking for a kidney. ‘We do cream tea’ was the response. Later to find out they do indeed a selection of cakes. My wife asked for coffee and this seemed to offend him to the core. The cream tea was brought promptly and the host demanded we pay with correct change. When it was made clear to him we were paying on card he shook his head violently. What made the situation more awkward is when he then started to talk to the table next to us about card charge rates. He hated AMEX carriers. I then went to the front door to enter to ask if they had a toilet. I was assure they did but it was only for guests. I was told I could use one 300 yard away in a car park. £7.50 for a sub par cream tea maybe tolerable on my holiday, but when it dished up but such a terrible human it is not. I’m glad I have the story but please avoid this venue at all cost. Unless you are a faulty towers fan with a penchant for awkward dining experiences, this is not the place for you.

I've never had to address the theory that coffee cannot be consumed in a summer tea garden, but on this occasion I did! Apparently it's the devil's work according to the male translucent figure that hovered in the entrance of this delightful cottage. He had a morlock disposition that grew and grew in irritation as we asked for three coffees, one tea and a bottle of still water. This has to the creepiest, most shocking encounter that I have ever encountered among any geranium or hollyhock.

We visited today just for a cup of tea and coffee...after all 'TEAS' is displayed in huge letters on the outside wall! The door was shut with a notice to ring the bell and take a seat so we sat in the colourful courtyard albeit on extremely uncomfortable iron chairs with no cushions. The 'host' came out and was grumpy as hell. Not even a hello! No menu available and he made it clear that ordering tea without cake was not on so we ordered one cream tea to share as we'd had a big lunch and two extra cups of tea. Out he came with 2 tiny shop bought scones with equally tiny pots of jam and cream and 3 cups of tea demanding £12.50! We checked prices with him to be abruptly told '£7.50 for a cream tea the prices are shown on the door' Biggest shock was a note on door saying 'Toilets go across the bridge and the toilets are behind the church' !!! It is actually against the law to sell food and drink for consumption on the premises and not have toilets available! Never known anything like it! When we asked if they had a card machine he said 'we do but I prefer cash' (HMRC would be interested in that I feel having my fraud officer hat on') No customer service skills at all. Having read the dozens of bad reviews in hindsight we can see why! Even the responses to bad reviews are rude! When you get this many poor reviews you need to look at yourselves and your service not give abuse back to guests who paid good money just wanted a nice cup of tea or stay in the B&B! Much is made in responses about budget prices...sorry but decent hotels charge no more than the prices quoted here for modern clean rooms with good facilities. You are living in past times with your decor and facilities but charging 2022 prices..can't have it both ways. Suspiciously, on hotels.com there were 6/7 reviews in a row all 10/10 with nothing written except exceptional...clearly the work of the owners! God help anyone booked to stay but unsurprisingly they have vacancies in the middle of the summer holidays. Basil Fawlty has serious competition from the grumpy captain. Overpriced, sub standard, rude and can't even wash your hands without walking 1/4 mile up the road!! Seriously?? They need to either retire or get their act together!!

Oh dear, I think a customer service course is called for. Tea garden looked very welcoming; not matched by the attitude of our host. You need to ring the door bell on the closed front door for service which we did. The "host" quickly came...

Just been for a cream tea. Beautiful garden area but we weren’t given the choice of either plain or sultana scones, they were very small Asda/Tesco scones which here overpriced and when two of us asked for coffee instead of tea, the man was not...

Stopped for a brew, no menu or price list, had one cream tea and one tea on its own, £9.50. Only takes cash ( wonder why mr tax man , not even a receipt ). Shop bought scones. No toilets for customers you are directed...

Visited Falmouth today and walked into the most beautiful tea garden, abundance of gorgeous flowers and plants, that’s where it ended. We were just wanting a cup of tea and when ordering he said “2 cream teas “ No just tea. Then he went through...

This is one of those experiences where Tripadvisor reviews really should be read first. Rude man, terrible service, cream tea or nothing, requested soya mile which was obviously the end of an unshaken carton (thick and completely undrinkable). Anywhere else would be better than this....

A real Basil fawlty , went in and asked for “ three teas” and his reply was “three cream teas “ I said no just three teas please , then asked if we wanted some cake, agin I said just three teas ! He turn...

Beautiful setting! We went today for a cream tea. What we got was 2small shop bought scones each with a a very small bowl of cream and jam. Not enough cream to cover all 4 scones! The scones were dry! The owner insisted on cash...

Prompt service by the proprietor and straight offered cream tea which we didn't want. We ordered one scone but got two which were small and tasteless and not home made.Plus one tea and one coffee which was instant and poor quality. £9.50 seemed excessive and...

We were walking passed this tea room and it looked so quaint and pretty we decided to stop for a tea and coffee. The proprietor was very welcoming and I said we'd like a tea and a coffee to which he replied 'a cream tea?'...

As the first cafe we encountered entering Lynmouth after walking from Brendon via Watersmeet we were all ready for a nice cuppa. Instructed to ring door bell for service a persona of Alan Carr Chatty Man appeared instructing us to be seated in garden while...

Horrible rude old man expecting all customers to purchase a cream tea, then demanding cash only in payment. No price list in sight, no toilets on site (you are directed across the bridge to the car park public toilets)! and terrible service all round. Have...

Asked if would be ok to have a tea and coffee and was told “there’s tea and tea” in an inpatient tone of voice. Ordered 2 teas and we asked to pay by contactless . We were told it was cash only and “welcome to...

Pleasant garden completely ruined by dreadful service and very poor food and drink.No menu, so no idea of prices! UHT milk tainted the cheap tea and coffee (I’m assuming it was meant to be coffee), cheapest scones which the cream and shop jam couldn’t save.Cash...

Oh my word cant begin to say how rude this man was again like many others he just shouted two cream teas at us no menu to look at so had no idea of prices ? we always share a cream tea as we only...

After seating you, the owner assumes you are having cream tea and appears to be not too happy when you order something else. He also makes it known he "is on his own"....yet there is also a cook. Cream tea I had was nice, small...

If you’re looking for a very average cream tea thrown at you by a man with all the charm of an aggravated wasp, here’s the spot for you. What a beautiful setting and joyful holiday atmosphere spoilt. My first recommendation would be to give this...

The unfriendly host greeted us with “2 cream teas?”’we replied that we didn’t want that. Again he said “2 cream teas?” We asked what cakes he had. We ordered and he said “ a tea, a coffee and a slice of coffee and walnut cake,...

Well we only have ourselves to blame. Having failed to read the many bad reviews before visiting we were forced to pay up front, in cash, for the apparently mandatory cream teas. There are so many other good places to eat, all of them with...

Despite the fact they have a Visa sign on the door, the arrogant, pompous gentlemen requires cash, not only that he wants exactly the correct amount as well. If you want the toilet there is none available, you are requested to leave the premises cross...

Owner demanded we order cream teas all round, which we didn’t want and refused. Then demanded cash upfront before drinks arrived. Instant coffee in a pot, cheap tea. Bad experience, nice location. Owner needs a holiday.

We wandered passed and decided to stop for lunch. The garden is pretty with a lovely view, however…. We were greeted by the rudest man in public service I had come across. He instructed us where to sit and immediately said “two cream teas” in...

Agree with most of other reviews on here it was the oddest experience I’ve had in a cafe a s wish I’d read these reviews first. Only scones or 2 types of cake, owner was obsessed with selling cream teas and pushing cash payment despite...

disgusting coffee, flat warm coke and very rude owner. was rude about other customers in front of us. when asked if he had toilet facilities told yes, but we couldn't use them.

We've been eyeing up this beautiful garden for a while now, but what a shame when we finally got there. Weak tea, small claggy scones, and horribly unfriendly service from the bloke "greeting". This started from the moment we entered, pretty much telling us what...

Popped in for a cream tea after a lovely walk down from Watersmeet. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful garden- the old chap hosting is thoroughly unpleasant. Not a hello on entering just a comment “ Which table are you actually sitting at?” No menu...

After having been on a pleasant walk we saw the tea room/B&B. It looked pretty and was nicely located beside the river. On entering the garden I got the impression we were not welcome. The owner would not give us a menu so we ordered...

Basil Fawlty shouted "CREAM TEA" at us before we'd even taken a seat! He went off the scale when we asked to pay by debit card due to a 2% charge that he'd have to pay. We haven't carried cash in 16 months as practically...

Stopped here for a cream tea after a long walk. Very pretty little garden outside, delicious cream tea at very good price.

I'm not really sure where to start! Parking, clearlyadvertised, does not exist - it's 'on road' parking - if you're lucky. Stopped for a coffee, having not long had lunch. Owner barked "Cream Tea's" at us before we'd even reached a seat - more of...

What a grumpy old git serverd us, 3 cream teas, with microwaved cheap shop bought plain scones, only two pots of cream and the same for jam, cheapest instant coffee and weak tea, cost me £20, cash only for some reason and No serviettes. OK...

We were just looking to stop and have a cup of tea, and seen this nice garden and thought that would be nice, wrong, As it was hot i asked if he had a table in the shade, he replied, just sit there in the...

Only called for a cream tea, my wife attracted by the pretty garden, shop bought small bland scones, cheap jam and a measly amount of cream, cost £13.00 for two cream teas. Table not cleaned before service and even had to ask for my change...

Chap seemed put out that we didn't want a cream tea! We did manage to get some dry walnut cake but failed completely to get any form of welcome! Wish we had gone somewhere else.

Unbelievably arrogant proprietor. Didn’t want card payment “as they take 2% of every transaction “ - suggest he could afford that given his prices which are not advertised and then wanted and wanted exact change. When asked if they had a toilet he answered “yes...

We were served by an unhelpful gentleman who when asked “Are you serving lunches today?’ ( which the board outside stated) said No. ‘Have you a menu please’...I’ll come and tell you what I have. No customer friendliness, no empathy. I can confirm coffee is...

In a town crammed with places to eat - don’t waste your money here. Pretty spot but the river but nothing else to commend. Horrible dry scones, weak tea, chunky crockery and no serviettes. Abrupt gentleman running the place who lacks people skills.

Chose to stop here as the garden was pretty and it was less busy than the seafront. Wanted lunch, but they only offer cream teas. The young lad that served us was pleasant, but the older guy (dad?) was rude and seemed put out by...

Distinctly average. The mature chap who served us gave the impression we were an inconvenience and the scones were supermarket average, not the excellence £6.50 for a cream tea would suggest. Plenty of good alternatives in the Area, so I would slide past this place...

We wandered in one sunny afternoon, what a pretty garden area. The cream tea and the tea itself were both really good. The host was an interesting person too.

We went to the Tea Rooms and sat outside as it is such a lovely location next to the river. We had no phone signal and asked if we could use the wifi, only so as we could pay for our parking over the other...

The setting is beautiful and a lovely place to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The same cannot be said of the service or cakes. The mature gentleman who served us, (as other reviews have mentioned) had a caustic attitude, which I presumed he thought...

Sat down and ordered before checking the reviews. Regretted it as I read the reviews, should have cancelled and left but felt bad. Same experience as most other reviewers. Worst cream tea I have ever had, such a shame. Cheap tea, two small scones, cheap...

Sat down and ordered before checking the reviews. Regretted it as I read the reviews, should have cancelled and left but felt bad. Same experience as most other reviewers. Worst cream tea I have ever had, such a shame. Cheap tea, two small scones, cheap...

An acceptable cream tea. The service was fast but the older gentleman that served us was trying to be friendly but came over as false. He told us , in no uncertain terms, that cash only because they get charge 3% by the card company...

Stopped here after a beautiful river walk. Met the Captain who was quite rude and obviously failed his hospitality course. Cream tea was ok, shop bought jam and scones. Was a bit put out that we did not have cash. Did point out the reason...

I’m quite surprised by some of the reviews on here. We had walked to Watersmeet and back to Lynmouth on a warm day. Watersmeet was closed due to a land slip so we were looking for somewhere to have a cream tea. We were seated by a young lad who said he would tell us the menu, which was no problem as we knew what we wanted already. It arrived promptly and he laid it on the table and said ‘that’s £12 please, if I could take that now?’ At that point my phone rang and fell on the floor, we were offloading our baby from the harness and he said ‘it’s ok’ and headed off. We paid later by card which was no problem. When we left the man from the house waved us off and thanked us, and had been friendly with other customers. Maybe we got him on a good day?... but the setting was perfect, the tea was good and the scones were nice with proper clotted cream. We enjoyed it!

After an 8 mile walk we were relieved to find somewhere open for a delicious reasonably priced cream tea under shelter from the pouring rain. We were made to feel very welcome by the attentive proprietor who told us all about the flood history and the Captains fascinating history. We are tempted to go back and stay at the B&B

Terrible service, awful food and expensive. How this place survives is a mystery the owner is extremely rude and is in the wrong business

Pouring down with rain when we came across this gem of a place - thankfully with outdoor seating under cover in their garage (COVID times and all that) so very enterprising. That said the cream tea was amazing - warm scones made fresh that morning with ample clotted cream and jam plus delightful mint tea, what was there not to like. Thankfully we had already walked for 3 hours so we deserved this! This is a delightful part of Lynmouth and the tea rooms are on the outskirts on the way to Watersmeet which is also worth going too.

I wish we'd read the review first! Very rude proprietor. Having asked for coca cola I was brought a can of zero and when I asked for ordinary coke was told 'most people drink this now'! Also did I really want ice cream in this weather? (a gorgeous warm autumnal day). But the prize winner was when my husband found his (shop bought) lemon cake was mouldy and we pointed this out - having peered at it closely we were told 'no problem what other cake would we like!' no apology and a very ungracious refund. You really couldn't make it up!

Steer very clear a right ripoff food disgusting coffee horrible avoid at all cost.no menus demands cash will have to contact tax man as am sure he’s evading paying tax.

First, the three positives: the setting is lovely. Secondly, the woman of the couple who run the place is friendly and welcoming, and thirdly the sandwiches she made were decent enough. Sadly, the positives are vastly outweighed by the negatives in the shape of the man of this couple. Imagine a grumpier version of the total ineptitude of Basil Fawlty ('Fawlty Towers'). Well, you get the idea. He delivered our sandwiches and scones (but with no knives) and seemed surprised when we asked for them. As soon as he set our order down he said "That's £28". When we asked for the bill he said "The prices are on the board" and "I'm very busy". We asked for a bowl of water for our dog, to which he pointed and said "There's a tap round the corner". Yes, it was really that bizarre.

We called in for a cream tea, and wished we hadn't. The proprietor was unwelcoming and lacked any interpersonal competence. He is apparently known for this. I have visited Lynmouth many times since the '50's and this is the first time I have been so disappointed.

This is a terrible tea room. The reviews are spot on. No menu given. The cream tea consisted of two very dry shop bought scones, cheap jam and horrible cream. The walnut cake was old, dry and shop bought, not homemade as he stated. The waiter was obnoxious and rude. He only would accept cash and didn’t want to give any change back and made it very clear he was not happy to give change. Do not be tempted by the flowers in the garden. Walk by.

Went here for a cream tea as it looked nice and wished we hadn’t the man that served us had the all the personality of a wet lettuce and his customer service was awful he was abrupt and condescending and acted as though he was doing us a favour serving us. Will definitely NOT be going there again or stopping in his B&B god forbid putting up with that for a week no wonder his reviews are rubbish.

No menu, no prices. Coffee tasted like it was instant and cheap instant at that, shop brought scones. Gardens stink of diesel. Staff rude.

Purely overpriced. £40 for LUKE WARM coffees and Watery Coke and Not Nice Pasties . The Man was Being Not Very Nice. Overall DO NOT GO IN FOR A LITTLE SNACK . On the plus side he let us go in a garage for shelter from the rain .

Owner abrupt and sarcastic. Over priced and poor quality cream teas. No menu, no prices, no receipts. Atmosphere unwelcoming. Customer certainly is not the king here.

We arrived with two very hungry children after the lovely walk along Watersmeet and were charmed by the many flowering potted plants. After we took a seat, we were met by a rude and intimating waiter who made it very clear he wasn't happy that we were ordering lunch just after 2pm (despite the board outside advertising lunches). We asked for a menu were told he could just about offer us ham or cheese, perhaps he could throw in some pickle or mustard. He was then most offended we asked for cappuccinos, reminded us it was a tearoom but he could do us a jug of coffee. He failed to tell us this would be cheap instant coffee. His manner was so rude, using intimidation to hurry us up. If we hadn't had two hungry kids we would've walked out. Our order arrived for which we had to pay straight away - he, again, made it clear he wasn't happy we were paying by card (how dare we not have cash!).The sandwiches: cheap brown supermarket sliced bread with some kind of processed spam in the middle - it wasn't even ham! He seemed to make up the price of the bill so I asked for a breakdown (he practically threw it at me). We were charged £2.50 for EACH orange squash our children had, the same price for our cheap coffee.I regret not walking away and regret paying this vile man a penny. Once we walked into the town we saw soooo many better places to have lunch. We should've done our research but it was an impromptu walk and lunch and we couldn't risk not finding somewhere to feed us. This man should not be running this establishment - he's rude, obnoxious, clearly hates customers and the food and drink is abysmal.

Love a cream tea but sadly not this one. Pot of tea was ok but scones were not homemade and clotted cream wasn’t great either. Very disappointed as it cost £12 for two cream teas ☹️ Won’t be going back.

We walked in and was immediately confronted by a man who said “two cream teas? We said “no, just two teas please” but he was so insistent that we said we would have a piece of walnut cake as well to share, he wasn’t happy but was soon back. The teas were ok and the cake “baked on the premises” was obviously factory made but still very nice. The old man immediately asked for the money to which I started taking my bank card out of my wallet, his eyes zoomed in on a £20 note I also had and he said he preferred that, don’t know why I gave in to his request,not like me. He went off and came back thrusting change into my hand. I don’t know how much I paid for anything. I understand it’s going to be a short season for tearooms and of course he wants to sell as much as possible but he is downright rude and never as much as said thank you. I never saw any tables or seats cleaned or sanitizer. Shan’t go back, simple.

I would not recommend this place. Although the scones were nice. The waiter was not helpful at all. We asked for decaf tea for one of us and he said he would get it. Then he proceeded to bring a pot that was way too strong and not decaf. Even though he intimated that it was.He was quick to ask for money and was reluctant to accept a card as payment. Generally not a pleasant experience.

Stopped by after a walk at Watersmeet. We were captured by the thought of a cream tea. Firstly the garden was shabby and then the patron wanted cash, which we explained during Covid was not ideal. The cream tea was disapointing. It could be so much better with a tidy and service with a smile. We won't be returning anytime soon.

The location is very nice and quiet. But if youre interested in a good cream tea, you wont get it here. The jam is shop bought poor quality, and the clotted cream had been mixed up so that it is not so thick as it should be. We had to share a portion of cream and jam that in other places would have been given to each of us. The scones were Ok. The coffee was old. And we were only given one napkin between us. When we asked for another the guy make a silly comment!I woud advise you to go somewhere else.

Looked lovely from the outside, however, as soon as we sat down a man came out and demanded our dog stay away from his wife’s flowers (he was laid down under the table and nowhere near the flowers) we were left pretty speechless! He then asked if we wanted cream teas, there were no menus to see what was available so we asked for just 3x pots of tea. He went away and came back out to serve up what the table next to us had asked for, then demanded they pay right then! £10 exactly - funny how it was a round figure and no prices were available! We decided to leave before the drinks came out after this - we later ran into said couple who said the best thing we could’ve done was walk out, the cake was stale, the coffee was instant and the coke was a cheap brand. If you’re looking for a fun filled day and a good cream tea, stay well clear of this place!

We’re the couple who sat next to the review from “Hannah D” and it’s all 100% true. Shockingly rude. The owner was rude and pushy. I’ve never had a waiter put the drinks down and then stand there with his hand out wanting immediate payment. Cheap coke (sickly sweet and unpleasant), instant coffee and mediocre cake for £10 on the nose. Of all the fabulous little bars, pubs, cafes and tea room we delighted in, this was by far the worse. Avoid.

Stopped here before setting off for Watersmeet. Got talked into having some scones with our tea although we didn’t need much persuasion in fact it really would’ve been rude not to! The owners are lovely and friendly and chatty and seem to really enjoy meeting people. Was lovely to sit in the pretty garden and enjoy a cracking cup of tea and warm scones straight out the aga apparently. We took some beautiful photos too, the flowers make a lovely backdrop and thanks for one of the both of us. Highly recommend you wont be disappointed:)

We had walked down from Watersmeet and the first cafe we encountered was this one. Beautiful courtyard garden but not a single customer in site (we should have been warned by this). To get service we had to go up to the door and ring a bell and a lady came out saying 'would you like a cream tea'. We were not offered a menu and so chose our selection from the board on the wall which had no prices on it (again we should have been more wary of this). It was lunch time and so I ordered a pasty with side salad and my partner welsh rarebit with salad. A grumpy older man came out with our order, dumped the food on our table and said £18 please (no bill was offered). Slightly taken aback I paid him and he said he had no change and so I foolishly said "no problem, keep the change". It wasn't until he had gone that I realised my pasty had only a dollop of pickle with it (no salad) and my partner had two slices of overlapping bread with plastic cheese over them (the lower slice having only one corner of the slice with any cheese on) and salad.While we were there another couple came into the garden and sat down receiving similar poor service from the grumpy man (Fawlty Towers sprung to mind). My partner said he gave the impression it was the last place he wanted to be and that customers were a nuisance. No toilet was available (Isn't this obligatory for an establishment serving food?)and customers were told to go to the ones behind the church in the public car park about 300m away. We couldn't even wash our hands before eating!Places like this are a rip off as, being a tourist town people will visit once, but never again. Lynmouth is being let down by a business that shouldn't exist in 2019.

Called off for lunch today, sat outside in a pleasant garden. Gruff man immediately asked if we wanted a cream tea (at lunch time!). We asked what sandwiches they did and were told ham or cheese. Not a great selection there then. We also ordered four teas. Sandwiches came out in brown bread (we were given no choice) with plain crisps, not a hint of any salad garnish. The man was very rude to a couple who came in afterwards and asked for coffee. He replied well I suppose I could serve you coffee in a TEA garden. They asked about card payment to which he replied I prefer cash if it’s under £20 (tax man take note). Eventually, such was his manner, they got up and left to walk back into Lynmouth and presumably get a much better meal where people might just know about customer service. At no time was a menu even mentioned or offered and therefore no idea of the cost of the offering. He came out and said £28 total and even had £2 ready in his hand for change. Avoid this place at all costs please. Get something decent in Linmouth instead.

We stopped here for tea and cake, not too badly priced when compared with others. My partner had a homemade coffee and walnut cake which he enjoyed. Lovely view of the river and a nice quiet place to sit.

If you are going to complain about every little thing or are expecting silver service then find somewhere else. Decent tea, decent scones with good jam and cream. Lovely garden. We enjoyed it a lot.

Worst cream tea ever. Not enough cream. Shop bought scones. Cheap jam. Couldn,t use the toilet. There was a paper on the table but it was yesterday's

1.£10 for 4 coffees2.Terrible taste3.Mould on the bottom of the cakes4.The owners attitude5.Not allowed to use the toilet?6.Worst of all would not take a card only cash.So should be investigated bythe tax officethe health authorityand rip off Britain

I'm genuinely bemused by the prior reviews this place has. We had tried waiting for service at two other establishments in the town and frankly given up with the poor attention. As we headed up the valley we came across this lovely garden lunch stop.

As frequent visitors to the Captains House we often partake of a fresh Devon cream tea. The landlady always makes lovely fresh scones complete with a decent pot of tea. Combine that with a beautiful sheltered garden in which to enjoy the good views and it's pretty much perfect.

We arrived at a very pretty garden, We thought 'This is nice' a man sitting in the corner seat approached us, he asked if we would like Cream Teas, we said Could we have Coffees? he said yes,' as part of a cream tea'. we ordered 2 cream teas, substituting the tea with coffee, we asked for Black coffee, with a jug of milk, so that we could add our own.our daughter did not want to eat, so we asked that he provide Just a Coffee for her,He agreed and set off, while we relaxed in the corner seat, admiring the plants. the man returned 2 minutes later with a tray full of Mugs and Scones and demanded 15 Pounds please, My partner, slightly stunned, paid him the money. He dumped the tray in front of us , and Disappeared in to the house again. We soon realized that The coffee was in mugs, with some kind of milk substitute already added, It was weak and pretty well undrinkable. The Scones, which were advertised as AGA Baked, were obviously Shop bought. After trying to Drink the Coffees, and eating the Scones. feeling still slightly stunned, we made the decision to complain , the man pointed at a Milk churn , which was outside the house, It had 'Cream Teas' Painted on the side. His Manner was rude, He then shut himself in the house again. This was Fawlty Towers, but without the Comedy! We vowed never to go there again!

A pretty garden that looks inviting but please do not enter!! Still feeling ripped off and embarrassed for being gullible - Could not see a price list or menu...but only wanted 3 americano coffees! The pushy man pressed us to have cream teas...(yes I should have been more resistant).....but he is well practiced, and has a set patter. Our teenage daughter did not want one but we were still charged for her. You pay when the tray is brought out and before you have proper time to look at what you are given. And it was expensive and poor quality. We had politely asked for americano coffee black with jug of milk - instead we got mugs of horrible cheap milky stuff...maybe tinned or UHT milk...?? undrinkable, even by my husband who is not fussy. Scones (apparently homebaked on aga) tasted shop bought. Yes we should have complained..but his routine is to disappear away from customers behind a closed door. Another family came and knocked on the door....to ask for a room...and it took many knocks and rings ..and also help from people on a balcony, before he eventually emerged. Then we overheard his pushy manner trying to get them to take his available room for a high price that went up by £10 during the conversation! Fortunately, they refused his offer, and escaped his garden!!.This was a reminder to us grownups on being careful to aski questions before ordering...Also a lesson in life skills for our daughter on How not to get conned!!!

Lovely location and pretty garden are what lured us into the tearoom. However looks can be decidedly deceptive - the gardens do not reflect the quality of the "Aga baked scones". We walked into the garden trying to establish if dog friendly; owner appeared as if by magic and said it was only if the dog was having a cream tea. He then pretty much told us we were having three cream teas. We felt a bit like a flies trapped by a spider - we were all but told what we were ordering. Slightly embarrassed to say that, despite normally being quite forthright professionals, we complied without a murmur. He then disappeared inside saying he would pop them in the oven. Reappeared a few minutes later with the aforementioned "cream teas" - 2 small shop bought scones each, a pot of jam and a pot of cream between 3 and 2 teapots of cheap tea - £5.50 per person. Family on a neighbouring table also had cream teas as well as sandwiches and "homemade pasty" - sandwiches looked like a school dinner "pack up" and the pasty (like the scones) also looked shop bought. Had to pay on delivery of order to table and paying by card was made to seem an inconvenience - cash preferred. Overall a very disappointing experience - extremely poor value for money (saw and had better elsewhere for a comparative cost), manner of staff blunt and condescending bordering on rude. Hard to put a finger on the feeling/atmosphere but a little uncomfortable and surreal. Would not recommend and if we had had the foresight to read these reviews we would have gone elsewhere. Having said that it has provided us with a holiday memory and we have had a laugh reading of other people's experiences and the corresponding replies. To the proprietors - don't worry about responding to this as, based on your previous responses, we have a pretty good idea what you'll say. (unless of course you've come up with something new?)

My family stopped here for drinks after a walk around Lynmouth on a Saturday afternoon. We were the only ones in the garden and as soon as we entered the garden, a man appeared from the house. I asked to see a menu - I was directed to a chalk board on the wall. We ordered 1 cream tea with decaf tea and 1 with coffee - this request was loudly ‘huffed’ at by the owner. We then ordered a coffee, a decaf coffee and slice of cake. The order came out wrong and only 3 cups (1 covered in ketchup). I asked for more milk as we had 1 small pot for all 4 drinks. This was also moaned at. We were also informed (before even starting) the cost was £22 and cash was required. I didn’t feel this felt right and asked for a break down of each item. The man was not pleased by this. He returned and said the price was actually £19.50 and here is 50p change if you give me £20 cash now. It felt very pressured and uncomfortable. The door to the house was closed and you could not use the toilet. There was a sign on the door directing you to the public toilet in a car park the other side of the river. Overall an awful experience and we felt very disappointed.

Basil Fawlty is alive and well, and running this guesthouse.