Babbacombe Bay Hotel

Sitting on the dramatic clifftops of Babbacombe Downs, this historic coaching establishment is now a beautiful boutique hotel. Babbacombe Bay Hotel has many strings to its bow, but an undeniable highlight is the award-winning café and bistro. There is a terrace for summer dining, and folding doors open to let the outside in.

The coffee shop is open daily and has an enticing array of homemade cakes, freshly baked scones, flapjacks and cookies, which can be enjoyed with a coffee or one of 26 teas. The popular high tea is a treat to behold, and comes with a glass of Prosecco and a choice of tea or coffee. On the three-tiered stand find a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream and jam, and a beautiful arrangement of bite-sized cakes, dessert shots and fresh strawberries.

At night the lights are dimmed and the candles lit, transforming the café into a romantic bistro. Enjoy a sharing platter and a cocktail on the terrace with the twinkling lights of the adjacent coastline as a backdrop. The à la carte menu makes great use of fresh, seasonal produce, and the daily specials often include fresh fish from Brixham market. Particular favourites are the spiced monkfish with dhansak and vegetable bhaji, and the tender lamb rump with anchovy butter.