Merchant's Tea Rooms — Restaurant in East Devon

Walked in as a family of four with 2 dogs on a Thursday early afternoon, and asked to sit in the garden (so as not to disturb the other diners inside with our pups), and the gentleman who greeted us said we couldn’t as he was the only server working and he couldn’t/wouldn’t accommodate two serving areas. Found it slightly strange as the inside area is quite small with around 5/6 tables for around 14-16 people, all of which were already served. I then asked if they did a takeaway service (Google suggests they do) and he considered it for a very brief moment but then refused that option too. Left feeling disappointed as the reviews are all so positive. The setting is lovely, but found the service quite poor.

**Noting the owners response to my initial review - the time we visited was during the informal lunchtime session (it was around 1pm/1:30pm) and not the time of the pre booked 4 course menu. We popped in whilst on holiday in the area hoping for a cream tea/cakes but alas, wasn’t...

Driving through from Cornwall on the way to Durdle Door, we needed a bite to eat. We came upon this tea room where a young lady gave us a friendly welcome and offered us a table in their garden. It was really lovely being able to eat out in the sun.

We had a lasagne, a cream tea, 2 kids lunches (sandwich meal). My husband had the soup and quiche from the specials board. It all went down a real treat. My Scones were beautiful and light. Everything was made, cooked and presented beautifully. I loved my tea being served in a cute teapot! My iced americano before we left was super refreshing and just what I needed!

Thank you ladies for such a lovely lunch. Wishing you lots of customers as you both...

Not only is The Merchant tea rooms an absolute delight for a light lunch , or everything from a great fresh coffee with an assortment of homemade cakes , to a very British cream tea . My wife and I have just eaten off their evening menu . A homemade burger with dirty fries and homemade coleslaw . Well what a knockout . A young chef and his wife proving his culinary talent and skill to now open up in the evenings with a 4 course menu that would be pleasing to anybody's eye. It wont be a secret...