Exmouth with Tiddler: The book rest cafe and Bumble and Bee

The book rest cafe in Exmouth is a wonderful discovery. From the street the facade is slightly faded and relatively old fashioned, if you were to judge this book by its cover you would probably not be expecting very much. However a quick stroll through the book store downstairs, trying not to be distracted by the huge array of books on offer, leads you to a tiny staircase. There is a space to park the buggy downstairs before ascending the creaky and narrow staircase. 

When you reach the top and open the door you will be wonderfully surprised! The book rest cafe opens up into a large space that seems twice as big as the shop downstairs. There are loads of tables packed into the main space and some trendy, squashy sofas in the window, with a lovely view. 

Despite the amount of seating available the cafe manages to still feel roomy and uncrowded. I always get the sense of being in a friends cosy farmhouse kitchen when sitting in there and could easily spend hours there. 

The space is bright and colourful with lots of local art and crafts for sale on the walls as well as some of the fabulous chunky mugs like the ones used I  the cafe.

In one corner there is a gated play area, unlike some cafes the play area has tables and chairs and some old sofas in it so that you can sit in there with your child and your food. This is convenient but does have it's drawbacks with children not wanting to sit and eat their food. If you don't want to sit in the play area though, you can pretty much see it from most of the tables anyway so could easily allow your child to play in there independently. 

The staff are welcoming and friendly and we didn't feel rushed at any point while making our choices. The menu is simple but hugely varied and they state that wherever possible they use local and free range produce. 

Everyone in our group had completely different things!

I chose a small latte, eggy bread to share with the tiddler and a chocolate chip shortbread. The coffee was a little on the small side for my liking and I don't know if the mugs are deceptive but there seemed to be a massive difference between the small and large (will have to check back to see if they have a medium!) but, as with all their drinks it was served in a quirky mug that I would quite like to have taken home with me! 

The eggy bread was a huge slab of thick white farmhouse, slathered in egg, it was nice but a little runny for our liking. The shortbread however was outstanding! It was a thick rectangle of buttery, sugary goodness, it was melt in the mouth and not too sweet (aided by the dark chocolate chips) and was quite possibly the nicest shortbread I have ever tasted. We were supposed to save half for oir snack later in the day but just couldnt bring ourselves to do it. 

The cafe cater for a number of dietary requirements including Vegans and gluten free, you can also pick up fruit and veg smoothies. 

There is a singular toilet with a changing table and stool to the sink but there has never been a long queue for the toilet even when the cafe is full. There is a table places uncomfortably close to the toilet door though which you do have to edge past in order to reach the toilet but as everyone in Exmouth is a lot friendlier than in London they don't seem to be mind. 

All on all The book Rest cafe is a wonderful rest stop especially if you have children! If you are planning on working or writing though it probably wouldn't be my first choice (unless you wear headphones) as there is a constant, cosy and welcoming buzz of noise in the space. Don't be put off though as unlike some cafes aimed at families I have never felt it to be too loud. 

Bumble and Bee

Bumble and Bee cafe is lovely. It is situated in the leafy grounds Manor Gardens in Exmouth. It is a trendy looking, light and area space much more modern and sheek than The nook rest but without the imposing, unwelcoming feeling of some London spots. 

 Bumble and Bee website advertises the cafe as a tea rooms but they also have a broad menu of food and drink options suiting everyone. There were four of us including a toddler and we managed to get breakfasts that catered for a gluten free, vegan diet, veggie diet and meat eater as well as a little bite for the tiddler. 

Be wary when you go to the counter to order your food as it is impossible not to be tempted by the scrummy looking cakes and treats on offer; the gluten free lemon drizzle is pretty much the most delicious and moist lemon drizzle I have ever tasted. 

I ordered the veg breakfast this time and it was so huge that I struggled to finish it, they don't offer veggie sausages or facon but like the plate high with eggs, spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms and more. You can also switch out your bread for gluten free. My Toddler, Oscar had green eggs and ham sans ham from the kids menu. The eggs were mixed through with pesto and were an earthy green colour! He loved it and ate all of it. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the prices as coming from London it seems reasonably priced for what you get. The coffee here is delicious and they offer both oat and soya milk alternatives. 

There are only a few tables in the cafe and more outside so you need to get there early or towards the end for breakfast, which finishes at 11.30. He walls are white but painted with lots of fun pictures and words, it doesn't have the cosy kitchen feel of The book Rest cafe but you do feel like you are sitting in a cool place that serves the homemade food you would expect from a homely cafe but with a lovely healthy twist. 

Despite the trendy feel of the space, there are lots of toys and books to entertain the kids and you don't feel put off or embarrassed to bring you children into the space. The staff are a mostly young and trendy team who are very welcoming and acomodating. My husband, who is often outraged by the price of eating out and what he actually pays for, was silenced by his big breakfast and absolutely loved the coffee. 

There is only one toilet again, decked out in trendy pin up wall paper. It does have a changing table but is a bit more cramped than The book Rest cafe toilet. 

There are some items on sale which are all quite fashionable and cool; funky teething necklaces, tin cups and quirky lunchboxes. 

Bumble and Bee is open 7 days a week 9-5 during the seasonal months of April and September. After which you have to ring for opening hours. 

Bumble and Bee also have a container cafe at Orcombe point, halfway up the cliff. It is called Bumble and Sea and is open 9-6 during seasonal months. It serves an array of light bites, delicious cakes and ice cream. Tea and coffee are also available and just as delicious as in Bumble and Bee. 

In conclusion, both cafes are great for kids and have suitable changing facilities and high chairs as well as toys and kids menus. The Book Rest has the noisy buzz of a laid back family home and is the perfect environment for a long lazy coffee with toddlers. I challenge you to not buy a book on your way out...I bought four.

Bumble and Bee has a cooler vibe which is just as friendly for children and has the added bonus of outside space, you probably wouldn't spend as long holed up in there but it's the perfect stop for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea before hitting the beach. 

Both are worth a visit with your tiddlers!