Here in Falmouth we have the big names in coffee (Costa, Nero – which are still great and feel local) and we also have tonnes of excellent local coffee shops (Good Vibes, Espressini and Cavendish are a few of my favourites), but sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere new.
I visited Exeter recently, more as a clothes shopping trip than anything, but I actually didn’t buy any clothes. What I did buy was amazing, and it was definitely all food and drink. The South West Independent Coffee Guides are fantastic when it comes to diversifying coffee consumption, but also increase it tenfold.
Both of the cafes I visited in Exeter feature in these guidebooks, and I’d definitely recommend them – even if you don’t like coffee!
Artigiano:
Located on the highstreet, this cafe has a very different feel to the small-style coffee shops in Falmouth. More like a bar than a cafe, Artigiano is a great space for students, and even more social than a regular coffee shop!
I’m a fan of a caramel latte, but I’m also a fan of chicken club sandwiches. Both are absolutely great here. The coffee is strong and you can actually taste it through the syrup (they do that cool artistic milk thing, too), and the sandwiches are to die for.
In the weeks leading up to this trip, I’d been eating no meat, sort of by accident (I tried to cut down and cut out instead). I exercise every day and hadn’t really been getting enough protein, so subconsciously craved chicken constantly.
The chicken, bacon and avocado sub here solved everything. I felt human again, and it was the toasty goodness of this sandwich that made it happen.
(Also, it serves cocktails and wine)
Boston Tea Party
This ‘tiny’ coffee shop is located just up from Exeter Central Station, just off the High Street. Upstairs is a different story. On a quiet day it would seem quite eerie, but the hustle-and-bustle of a busy day at this cafe recreates a school dinner hall vibe – in a good way, obviously!
The mish-mashed furtniture, the noticeboard, the artwork littered around the room makes this coffee shop different to any you will have experienced before.
I had a veggie burger in here, with sweet potato fritters and homemade coleslaw. It was amazing, and I love the thrown-togetherness of it all in a tray. Boston Tea Party is family owned, and serves “ethically sourced, feel-good food & drink made from scratch”, so you’re making the right decision by coming here!
The iced tea was great too, and much sweeter than usual. I had berry iced tea, but there are a few other flavours available.
I’d definitely recommend going to Exeter when the Christmas market is on, but if small-town life is getting to you and you need a city, this is the place for you – get the 2015 South West Independent Coffee Guide before you go!