Best Cafes in North Devon: Cosy Coffee Date Spots

Whether you are looking to catch up with a friend over coffee or take your partner to the perfect inviting cafe, this blog pulls together the best cafes in North Devon. No matter where you choose to visit, or where you already live, a warm cafe won’t be far away. With autumn approaching, out go the picnics and in come the coffee dates.

Barnstaple

The Lemon Tree Cafe

The Lemon Tree Cafe is one of the loveliest cafes in Barnstaple, with botanical-themed decor and wooden tables. Nothing feels cosier than that! The menu offers the light lunches you’d expect from a charming small cafe, from soup to a range of cakes.

This cafe is very small, which gives it a snug feel, but it does mean it can get full quickly; aim to turn up earlier rather than later to make sure you get a table!

Best For: A date or bringing a friend for a light lunch and aesthetic decor.

Location: 10 Holland St, Barnstaple EX31 1DW

Spill The Beans

Spill The Beans is a fantastic small cafe in Barnstaple that offers a wide menu and retro vibes. The decor is colourful and vintage, giving it a welcoming feel. And the staff are equally lovely, always offering friendly service.

There is also a little book swap corner, so bring a book and swap it for a different one! This cafe is unique in its decor and its menu, with each season bringing new dishes. Currently, they are offering a tasty autumn menu.

Best For: Couples and small groups of friends who love a retro vibe and comfort food.

Location: 19 Tuly St, Barnstaple EX31 1DH 

Nellie’s Coffee Bar

Nellie’s Coffee Bar is a sleek yet warm cafe located on the high street. This inviting spot offers elegant blue and gold decor with soft lighting. Their menu is smaller but high-quality, and the baked goods are delicious.

If you love an elegant cafe and incredible coffee served with a smile, Nellie’s Coffee Bar is the place for you!

Best For: Couples and small groups of friends after a great cake and a hot drink.

Location: 11 Gammon Walk, Barnstaple EX31 1DJ.

You’ll need more than a single afternoon to experience all the cafes, pubs, and restaurants Barnstaple has to offer. Browse our Barnstaple holiday cottages to extend your stay. 

Bideford

Cafe Fletcher

If warm lighting, wooden furniture, and ambience matter to you, then Cafe Fletcher is perfect. They are arguably the cosiest cafe on our list given the interiors. Their menu is relatively standard for a cafe; however, if you have a sweet tooth, we suggest visiting right away. They offer cakes, shortbreads, cookies, and more. So, grab a friend and head over for a coffee and a catch-up.

This cafe is often praised for its quality ingredients and delicious food, so if you’re staying in one of our North Devon holiday cottages, definitely give it a visit.

Best For: Couples and friends who want to sip on tea in a relaxed atmosphere. It is also a great spot for a solo date; bring yourself and a good book!

Location: 54 Mill Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2JR

Northam Coffee House

Priding themselves on coffee and bagels – what more could you want? Northam Coffee House offers a range of expertly made drinks and tasty treats such as bagels, pastries and cakes. If you’re looking for an artisan cafe with cosy vibes to spend a rainy afternoon in, head to Northam Coffee House.

This cafe is technically further out than Bideford, but well worth a visit if you’re staying in any of our Westward Ho, Instow or Appledore holiday cottages.

Best For: Couples and friends who love a good pastry and artisan drinks.

Location: 10 Fore Street, Northam, Bideford, Devon, EX39 1AW 

Lynton & Lynmouth

North Coast Cafe

Lynton is a beautiful place to explore rain or shine, so why not stop off for lunch in the North Coast Cafe? This cafe is small, cosy, and friendly. They offer a range of handmade scones, so if you’re a cream tea lover, this is a must-visit!

A great aspect of this cafe is that they offer a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

If you’re going with friends, keep in mind that they cannot host groups of more than 4 given their size and layout. But that also means the atmosphere remains quiet and peaceful.

Best For: Couples or bringing along a friend – or just yourself! It is perfect for going alone for some peace and a hot drink.

Location: 5 Queen St, Lynton EX35 6AA

Charlie Friday’s Coffee Shop

This cafe had to make our list given the vibes it brings to the table. This cafe is perfect for whimsy lovers. The interior is fun and unique; you’ll feel like you’re having tea with the Mad Hatter. That is the best kind of cafe to be in. The boho feel, delicious menu, and location make it a standout spot in North Devon that feels like a 2000s TV show.

Dress up, grab some friends, and step into Charlie Friday’s friendly Coffee Shop.

Best For: Friends and couples who want to feel like they are in Friends. If fun, friendly vibes are your thing, then this is the cafe for you.

Location: Charlie Fridays, 17 Queen St, Lynton EX35 6AA 

Horizon Coffee Company

This family cafe in Lynton deserves a visit if you are a true coffee enthusiast. We know that most mornings you fill your mug with instant coffee in a rush before work, but do you really get to enjoy it? Probably not. Instead of that instant pick-me-up, head to Horizon Coffee Company for fresh, artisan coffee and treat yourself. If you are looking for the best cafes in North Devon, this is one of our top recommendations.

With a soft yet warm interior, this is the perfect cafe date spot in Lynton.

Best For: Friends or couples looking for quality coffee in a classic cafe.

Location: Market Street, Lynton EX35 6AF 

Lynton & Lynmouth is a beautiful place to stay in North Devon, full of stunning scenery, artisan cafes and independent shops. Take a look at our cosy Lynton & Lynmouth holiday cottages and plan a stay that combines tranquillity and scenery with a range of things to do.