The Best Dog Friendly Coffee Spots In South Devon

The rise of independent coffee shops over the past decade has been monumental. If you’re not drinking Costa Rican artisan coffee or herbal tea from Patagonia, where have you been? Oh and there are more milk options than you can shake a stick at.

Totnes, South Hams (TQ9)

The Curator.

Our local. We visit The Curator most weekends & are extremely lucky to have it virtually on our doorstep. Located on The Plains, in the heart of Totnes, a bustling market town. The Curator is a fantastic spot to sit & watch the world go by, with seating inside & out. The ground floor inside is dog friendly & we rarely escape without a passer by fussing over Billy, which she loves of course. The space inside can feel relatively cosy during busy periods but it’s well worth waiting for a table or even joining one of the friendly locals if you’re feeling sociable. The atmosphere is relaxed, the playlists are vibey & the staff are superb.

Now the good stuff. The Curator serve up traditional Italian wood roasted coffee, alongside some incredible Italian baked delights and a small but mighty brunch menu. You shouldn’t leave The Curator without sampling one of their award-winning lemon meringues, piped into a biscuity pasta frolla crust. Thank us later.

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Goodrington, Torbay (TQ4)

Cantina.

Located at the North end of Goodrington Sands, Cantina is quite literally a stones throw away from the beach, which permits dogs all year round. There is plenty of pay and display parking close by, making this a super popular spot for locals & visitors alike. The space is shabby chic meets the sea & you are welcomed to a basket of dog towels for sandy paws straight from the beach. They also have a complimentary bowl of “dog sausages” by the bar which Billy notified me about via a vacant stare. Outside there’s a large seating space, some of which is covered. They often have live music on which is a nice touch, especially during the summer months whilst enjoying a cold pint of craft lager or glass of vino.

The coffee. Cantina serve their coffee which is roasted just 30 minutes up the road in Exeter to have in or takeaway. What we love about this place is that it is a great pit stop whilst walking the stunning South West Coast path. The breakfast menu is a particular highlight - locally sourced ingredients, good honest dishes. No messing about.

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Stoke Gabriel, South Hams (TQ9)

The River Shack.

There aren’t many better spots on a sunny morning than down by waters edge at Stoke Gabriel, a charming village located between Totnes & Torbay. Parking is available right outside but there is a charge between Easter & September so come prepared. If you’re fortunate enough to find a table outside then dive on it! We recommend booking to avoid disappointment but you can just rock up if you’re feeling lucky. The River Shack also have some covered seating outside offering an alfresco style experience if you’re hit by an unexpected shower. The vibe is rustic & relaxed - walking boots & muddy dogs are most welcome.

The River Shack are open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. We highly recommend going for breakfast - their buttermilk pancakes served up with blueberry compote & creme fraiche are usually top of the agenda. The coffee hails from Roastworks in Cullompton & are all double shot strength which really perks you up in the morning. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, their Bloody Mary is quite the drop! There are several easy trails to walk before or after from the River Shack but be wary of the tide & make sure you time your visit right. We also love the River Shack on a summers evening for a cold pint of Hunts Andsome Bay Cider, brewed right around the corner in Stoke Gabriel itself!

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