The Orchard Kitchen

The Orchard Kitchen Café sits at Dean Forge in Dean Prior, just outside Buckfastleigh, making it a really useful stop on the southern edge of Dartmoor.

It has a bright, relaxed feel and works well for family days around Shipley Bridge to Avon Dam, Penstave Copse, Hembury Woods and Owley Gate. These routes all sit close enough to Buckfastleigh to make the café an easy before or after walk stop, especially when the day needs breakfast, lunch, coffee or cake built in without much faff.

Food is a big part of the appeal here. Orchard Kitchen serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and plenty of sweet treats, with handmade dishes and seasonal specials made using South West ingredients. Their own site says the menu changes with the seasons, while visitor listings mention takeaway options, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices, highchairs, parking and outdoor seating.

Opening times are worth checking before you go, but their website currently lists the café as open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm, with last orders at 3pm. That makes it especially useful for a morning walk followed by lunch, or a gentler day where the café is part of the plan from the start.

A practical and welcoming south Dartmoor café for breakfast, brunch, seasonal lunches, handmade cakes and relaxed family refuelling near Buckfastleigh.