The South West is a mecca for coffee fans who enjoy imbibing excellent brews in beautiful places. KATHRYN LEWIS, editor of the Independent Coffee Guide series, shares her ultimate road-trip itinerary for caffeinated thrills by the shore
NORTH DEVON
While north Devon is famed for its pristine beaches, world-class surf and little-known coves, coffee fans appreciate the rugged stretch of coastline for its cluster of speciality coffee experiences.
First stop on your way to the beach should be at Beatsworkin in the historic town of Barnstaple. Visitors walking down Queen Street are quick to do a 180 when they catch sight of the boardwall (a colour-popping collection of skate decks) through Beatsworkin’s window. Inside, owner Glenn Field curates a niche selection of streetwear, skate gear and top-notch speciality coffee. Choose between crema-rich espresso and whistle-clean filter, then take your pick out front and sip in the alfresco seating area as you watch the world go by.
Passing through Braunton on your way to the big skies of Saunton Beach, make a pit stop at 51 Degrees North Coffee Company. The little black coffee van has a permanent spot outside Tesco on Velator Way. Don’t let the unassuming setting cloud your judgement on the coffee – owner Justin Duerden means business and usually has at least three single origins on the go from some of the UK’s best independent roasteries. The house mocha, made with Islands’ single-estate Caribbean chocolate, organic milk and a double shot of espresso, is not to be missed.
Thanks to its spot on a side street just off Woolacombe’s incredible beach, Meraki Coffee Co.’s loyal local following is supplemented by a stream of tourists who seek it out for speciality coffee by the sea. Its proximity to the shore influences its laid-back vibe: expect sandy-toed beachgoers, surfboards propped outside and dogs snoozing by the wood burner after morning walks through the dunes. A short and sweet brunch and lunch menu offers hearty post-swim/surf/walk refuelling, while homemade bakes on the counter don’t require any justification whatsoever.
NORTH CORNWALL
Mark your move across the border into Cornwall with something sweet and carby from the Electric Bakery counter. The Bude bakery and takeout coffee shop has been a runaway success since it opened in an industrial unit in 2019, gaining fans from both sides of the border.
House espresso beans are fresh from Cornwall’s Origin Coffee Roasters and supported by a handful of rotating guest batch and cold brews from the likes of Round Hill, Hard Lines, Cuppers Choice and Square Mile. When it comes to food, expect anything but ordinary. The Saturday lunch offering draws crowds for specials such as miso-roasted chicken leg served with white bean and celeriac cassoulet, braised winter greens, roast garlic and chilli mayo.
If you’re heading down the Atlantic Hi
