Bumble and Bee Tea Rooms, Exmouth, Devon
Located in Exmouth’s communal gardens, Bumble and Bee is a hive of activity. Its honey and lavender scones using lavender from the gardens and honey from beehives along the coast, received a ‘Great Taste’ award in 2014.
These award-winning tea rooms in Exmouth have a colourful and quirky interior. Expect mismatched furniture, interesting lamps and art on the walls from resident artist Moose Allain.
Bumble and Bee is just what a community café should be – a welcoming and homely bolthole where you can tuck in to delicious food.
The emphasis is on organic, locally sourced and seasonal produce. Try the tasty breakfast dishes including everyone’s favourite – avocado smash or the sauteed apple, bacon and maple butter pancakes from the American pancake menu.
Eat a Delicious Bumble and Bee Breakfast
Seek refuge after a windswept walk along the Exmouth seafront and warm up with delicious dishes such as Bumble Bubble, homemade bubble and squeak served with Cheddar cheese and a fried egg. Perhaps with a macchiato or a cheeky Bloody Mary on the side. Maybe a refreshing Mimosa to add a bit of sparkle to your morning?
Sip a Milk Shake
On a balmy summer’s day, admire the flowers in the gardens and then come in for freshly baked cakes and cream tea. Children will love the milk shakes served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
With fish finger sandwiches, kids pancake stacks and green eggs and ham (scrambled eggs with pesto and ham on toast), there are plenty of options for feeding little ones.
Come for Supper Club
Owner Deborah has worked hard to make Bumble & Bee a real community café. She hosts regular themed supper nights where everyone is seated at communal tables.
Every Thursday morning, there’s ‘Manshed’ where the men of Exmouth including local techies, writers and freelancers come together to network and chat over a coffee.
Feast on Mussels at the Exmouth Food Festival
More recently, Deborah was instrumental in setting up the September Exmouth Food Festival which was held in the gardens.
Along with local artisanal producers, the festival included The Great Mussel Hustle – a sit down mussel banquet. Exe Valley mussels are a local speciality. Washed down with a glass of wine from the nearby Pebblebed vineyard, they are a real treat.
Cycle and Take Tea
The Bumble and Bee tea rooms have been featured as one of the stops on the popular and delightful Vintage Velo bike rally held every June.
It’s the perfect pit stop for a cycling club that promotes itself as ‘Time to cycle, take tea, converse and dress with style’. Why not put on your vintage dress, cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail and then pop in for tea and cake?
Tips
- The tea rooms are open 7 days a week from April to September. Outside these months there are restricted opening times so call ahead to be sure
- Visit in May for the Exmouth Festival which is held in the gardens
Cook’s Tip
Flavour sugar with lavender and then use in baking.
Where To Stay in Devon
Continue winding your way along the Devon coast towards Cornwall and you’ll reach Salcombe. Overlooking the river estuary, you’ll find the Salcombe Harbour Hotel. It has a bistro style restaurant, spa and rooms with balconies. For rates and availabilty, visit TripAdvisor.
Ready to book a short break in Devon? See all recommended Best Places to Stay in Devon.
Dogs
It’s a great place to take me after a long walk along the Exe estuary.
How To Find The Bumble & Bee Tea Rooms
The Bumble & Bee, Manor Gardens, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1NZ
Website: www.bumbleandbee.co.uk
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.