The Strand Stores, Culmstock, Devon
A café, deli and village shop all rolled into one, and my word it’s lovely. Scrubbed pine tables, shelves all around displaying the wares, which are very good; meat, cheese, bread, free range eggs, fresh produce, and ice cream all come from local suppliers. A lot of things are made on the premises; seriously tasty frittatas, quiches, scotch eggs, pies and pasties, and devilishly good cakes.
Out the back is the well stocked shop; buy a newspaper and if the sun is shining sit outside beneath the hanging baskets with a coffee whilst you catch up with what’s going on in the world. Mind you, it will all seem a million miles away because this is a different world, a quiet life where the pace of life slows down. Opposite is the River Culm, peacefully gliding on its course through the village.
Walk or cycle here from your nearby Sleeps 12 large group holiday home in the Blackdown Hills; come on Friday when it’s pizza night (eat in or takeaway); they’ll do an evening meal for groups of 10 or more but you must pre-book.
Open Mon-Sat 7.15 am to 7.00 pm and Sun 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
T: 01884 840232 All information correct at the time of writing