Bumble and Bee — Restaurant in East Devon

Looked promising but a massive dissapointment. I rarely review so if I do its exceptionally good or bad. Today was the bad.

We went in for cream teas with pots of tea and cakes for the kids. It was busy with almost all of the tables taken.

Ordered cream tea for 2 and x2 cakes and drinks for the kids. £19

2 scones, cream, jam, plates, knives were dumped on our table with 1 mug of tea (menu says pot for 2) and a tiny milk, bag still in the mug before the server vanished.

We thought odd, maybe they are bringing a 2nd and waited a minute but saw the woman move onto other customers. We asked a lad nearby if we could have our 2nd tea and if it was supposed to be in a pot. He said he would check, but never return.

Finally we had to push in the queue and ask again. Being told we had ordered a cream tea for 1 (the price and knive plate count says otherwise) The lady disgrunted and without a word dumped a cup and single pot of tea on the table - by this point the unwanted mug was overbrewed and cold (almost 30mins had passed)

We gave up with getting the staff to fix their mistake and my wife ordered a 2nd pot of tea. Finally getting one for 2 people.

No way we ordered a cream tea for one, so either staff didn't listen or get it right by were unwilling to admit a mistake or fix it.

After all that scones were unimpressive and whole experience left a sour taste.

If its busy avoid, staff clearly...

The food is fantastic and the location and style of the cafe are one of the best in Exmouth. This is what keeps me going back. The experience is consistently let down by the staff though. If that were better I’m sure I would go more often. They are not terrible but a small improvement in attitude would make a big difference. Customers are ignored until the staff member is actually ready to serve them and mostly they can only almost smile at that point. I ask for my scone to be warm and it has a flash in microwave so short it’s only warm on the outside. It’s rare to meet such staff attitude these days as everybody is concerned about their reviews. It would not take much for the b and b to be absolutely 5 star. An experience at the Bumble and Tee in the summer was even worse. Empty cafe we were ignored for 15 minutes while the young lady finished washing up. No acknowledgment of the wait, no smile. There is something about either the staff employed, their training or their pay maybe? But they don’t come across as happy in any of the Bumbles. Business saved by it’s lovely food...

I would highly recommend anyone visiting Exmouth to pop into The Bumble and Bee. We have been making a pilgrimage to this place from the Midlands ever since it opened. Their scones are second to none, and do your stand plain or fruit,along with flavours such as honey and lavender and coconut and chocolate (my particular favourite) There's also always a fantastic selection of cakes on offer too and of course savoury meals. They have a great selection of drinks too. When it's good weather, sat in the Manor Gardens with a cream tea, life just slows down and you can relax Indoors can get a little crowded but don't let that put you off. You can always reserve a table. The decor inside is charming and has murals by local artist Moose Allain Staff are always happy to accommodate. I also noticed they now do a vegan menu too, which I've told friends about. Do visit here, I guarantee you won't be...