{AD} Those who know me well are aware that I’m a big fan of a café. I love sitting and people watching or catching up with friends over a wholesome, well roasted coffee. And I’m not talking about the Costas and Starbucks of this world; I’m talking about the cozy, welcoming independent cafés that serve hearty cooked breakfasts, homemade cakes, or sweet treats baked on-site, and that don’t require a second mortgage for a solitary brownie from a packet.

I do get a little nostalgic for the classic ‘caff’ with its plastic seats, red ketchup bottles, and questionable sausages, but I get it—expectations have shifted. As 21st-century café-goers, we want milk alternatives and healthier options. The traditional caff used to be a home away from home for many of their customers; a little community in itself.

But rambling aside, I think I’ve found a café that blends the best of both worlds: the modern café with a certain nostalgic, traditional charm creating delicious food working with local ingredients as well as showing the love for their regulars, keeping that community spirit alive.

Located on Boutport Street, the Boutport Café sits in one of the town’s oldest areas. We were invited along to see for ourselves what this dog friendly cafe in the heart of Barnstaple were offering their customers, both locals and visitors.

If you’re walking from the station into the town center, you’ll pass it on one of the main streets. With its large windows, it is perfect for people-watching, the café has a cozy feel with homely touches, it has a warm energy.

The café is run by Alex and Hannah, who took ownership in November after purchasing it from Alex’s brother, Martin, who had owned it since 2020. Alex is an award-winning chef from Derby, known for his work alongside culinary icons such as Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, and The Hairy Bikers. He has received numerous accolades, including the Derby Award for Best Restaurant (Terroir Bistro) and a shortlisting for Best Breakfast in the Eviivo Awards.

When we visited, the Boutport Café had just been awarded Restaurant Guru’s “Best Café in Barnstaple,” and on TripAdvisor, they’re firmly in the top 10 (currently ranked #3). Many of the reviews highlight the friendly staff, great food, and excellent value.

Upon entering, the first thing you’ll notice is a beautifully written chalkboard displaying their menu and specials for the day, along with some staple items all made, where possible, with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a place where flexibility and quality come together that add to the appeal of this popular little cafe which is also dog-friendly; and not just “dogs allowed”—they actively welcome pups! Our little dachshund, Panko, comes with us wherever we can take him, and they were kind enough to give him his own plate of sausage, which he devoured in no time. There isn’t a toilet on premises, but there are alternatives that diners can use.

The service was exceptionally warm—not just toward us, but toward every guest. As we sat and enjoyed our meal, it was clear that every interaction was just as friendly and welcoming as the next. This café wasn’t just a spot to eat and drink; for many customers, it felt like a place to catch up with friends and enjoy good conversation. Panko received so much attention, and it was wonderful to visit a café that truly welcomed dogs rather than just allowing them.

The menu is reasonably priced given the focus on quality, making it a perfect spot for breakfast, coffee and cake—or even something more substantial. When we visited, I went straight for The Big One. They serve breakfast until 2pm which is great news if you’re a late riser or if you’ve been out the night before! The Big One is for those with an immense appetite (£14.95) but there are smaller options available. T went for the Ultimate BLT Handcrafted Sandwich (£11.95), swapping crisps for fries for an extra £2.25 from their lunch menu which also includes paninis, toasties and jacket potatoes to mention a few things.

I can safely say that the cooked breakfast was an immensely satisfying plate of food. The meat is sourced from a nearby butcher and you could taste the quality; the bacon was thick and flavourful, and the sausages were meaty and dense. It came together like every big breakfast should—with lots of toast and a good cuppa on the side.

The Ultimate BLT was an absolute behemoth—packed full of thick cut bacon and served with fries (a new option on the menu, swapped for crisps). The soft fresh bread kept packed sandwich together in a chunky bacon filled parcel – you need a big mouth to chomp it in one! Along with breakfasts and lunches, there are fresh cakes and their legendary waffles, for those with a sweet tooth you have plenty of choice.

Remember. They’re dog friendly. They have you covered for a tasty breakfast, even if you’re a late riser. It’s pronounced Bout-port as in ‘About’ not Boot-port. A visit is highly recommended, especially if you have a dog! And they do cream teas too, served all day £7.95pp. Cream first.

Where are they? – 58 Boutport St, Barnstaple EX31 1SH

Contact: 01271 314914

Email: theboutportcafe – at – hotmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/no1cafebarnstaple/

Instagram: @theboutportcafebarnstaple

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Last minute addition!
MOTHER’S DAY: Afternoon Tea
29th March (Saturday) & 30th March (Sunday)
10:00 – 14:00

Join the Boutport Cafe for a special afternoon tea and treat your mother to a delightful treat! Finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, homemade ‘slaw, crisps, mini Victoria sponges, macaroons, home baked scones with clotted cream, jam & lots more!

2025 © Disclosure – all images, unless otherwise stated are copyright of Dining Devon. For some of our visits we are #invited or products are #gifted, and are noted as such. This means we have been given something complimentary in exchange for our views in the hope of us sharing on our socials. This does not affect our opinions which are not seen or pre-approved by venues before we publish or share our experiences.