I’ve driven past the signs for Mortehoe a number of times on my way to Woolacombe, so to visit was a real treat.
A foodie guide to Mortehoe
We were staying at North Morte Farm (you can read a bit more about that in my blog ‘Pitch Perfect’) which meant we could easily walk in to the village along the road or via the more scenic coast path.
Mortehoe is a picturesque village right on the South West Coast Path, close to Woolacombe, one of Devon’s best loved resorts. For a small village, it certainly punches above it’s weight. You’ll find a number of places to eat (i’ll talk about these a bit later), a museum, church, post office and local stores. You can pick up the South West Coast Path and head out to Morte Point, which gives spectacular views towards Woolacombe’s long sandy beach and a whole host of tranquil coves inbetween. We were lucky to have glorious weather for our entire stay, so looking down towards the glistening turquoise waters was simply stunning.
Where to eat
If like me you love eating out when on holiday, you’re in for a real treat…
Miss Feas’s Cafe
This cool cafe has nailed the laid-back Devon vibe. The hosts are friendly and welcoming, and after taking on the cafe and adjoining B&B in 2016, they have made the cafe a must-visit place in the area.
They serve a selection of cakes and savoury lunches along with a tempting cream tea menu. My favourite was a cream G&T, but as it was still early morning I opted for the traditional cream tea, which was delicious. They were advertising a Gin tasting which happens every Friday night – 50 Gins to sample! Now there’s a good night out. Unfortunately, we missed this event but we’ll be sure to head back when we’re next in the area.
Miss Fea’s Cafe
Town Farmhouse
This quaint tea garden is part of Town Farmhouse B&B, a gorgeous listed building that dates back to the 1820s. The pretty walled garden is the perfect place to sit and enjoy one of the many delicious cakes or cream teas on offer. They also serve a tasty looking lunch menu of sandwiches and tartlets. I opted for a ham and tomato tartlet with crisps and side salad. The perfect light lunch for only £4.50.
Town Farmhouse Tearoom
Mor-Shellfish-T-Eat
The first night in Mortehoe, we headed to The Ship Aground for a drink and we couldn’t believe the amount of people heading in and out of the fish and chip shop! The smells were drifting up to where we were siting, and even though we’d had food earlier in the evening, we were feeling a bit peckish so couldn’t resist. What I love about this chip shop is not only do they serve the usual fayre, they had a fridge packed full of the most tasty looking seafood – scallops, dressed crabs, lobsters, the list goes on. They also offer fresh fish ready for you to pop on the BBQ… simple!
Mor-Shellfish-T-Eat Fish and Chip Shop
Barricane Beach Cafe
Curry with a view? Yes please.
Barricane Beach is about a 30 minute walk from Mortehoe towards Woolacombe. When you get to the beach, you’re greeted by a gorgeous sheltered cove with cool, clear water tempting you to dip your toes in. By day, the tiny beach cafe serves snacks and lunches, and in the evening transforms to serve the best Sri Lanken curry around. It’s such a great idea, they serve between 5pm-7pm (unless they run out!), and you need to be there at 5pm as they cook for how many meals they think they’ll sell.
You get a choice of chicken or vegetable curry that’s served with a further two vegetable curries, sambol and poppadoms. You can take your own drink and sit on the beach soaking in the festival atmosphere. This was one of the highlights of our holiday and something everyone should experience whilst in Devon.
Rockleigh Takeaway
We didn’t get chance to try the takeaway, but I had to include it as the menu looks divine and it’s such a great concept, especialy for anyone camping in the area. When you read ‘takeaway’ dismiss all of the pre-conceptions and think wholesome, home-made food, ready for you to take away and enjoy. The tempting menu includes Spanish chicken and chorizo, Thai fish curry, Moroccan vegetable tagine and braised beef stroganoff, to name a few. They even have a takeaway pudding menu for those with a sweet tooth – the chocolate brownie would be my
pudding of choice! Although I can’t review the food, the reviews you can read on Trip Advisor and the fact that the place was always busy, means it’s one to try next time you visit Mortehoe.
Rockleigh Takeaway
There are also two pubs in the village (can this place get any better?) – The Ship Aground and the Chichester Arms, both serving good home cooked food.
Mortehoe is a real gem. I love it and I can’t wait to go back… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
