Independents Only
The South West Guide
The places we would send our own friends. No chains, no listings for sale.
Somboon Thai Shop
Half Thai grocery, half noodle bar - everything from the noodles to the sauces made fresh in house, daily.
18g Coffee Roasters
Coffee roaster and shop on Magdalen Road named for its precise 18g dose per cup.
Al-Farid
Moroccan restaurant near Cathedral Yard, known for its tagines and atmospheric, authentically decorated dining room.
Alder Vineyard
Family-run vineyard near Okehampton producing English wine, with cafe and tours.
Apple Blossom Deli
St Thomas deli known for homemade sausage rolls, focaccia and a well-loved coffee and walnut cake.
Arcadia Exeter (by Utopian)
Small plates and craft beer bar tucked off the High Street, run by local coffee/hospitality group Utopian.
Aris Healthy Life Food Store & Cafe
Organic food store and cafe on Sidwell Street, strong on ethically sourced ingredients and vegan options.
Badavis Lounge
Cocktail and hookah lounge on Longbrook Street, praised for warm, family-like service.
Baobab Deli
Small independent deli on Fore Street, fresh-cooked salads and baklava, praised for generous portions.
Barrel of Beer
Family-run local pub in the village of Beer known for fresh local fish and a warm atmosphere.
Bastion Forge
Blacksmith and knife maker near Ottery St Mary, hand-forges bespoke kitchen and chef's knives.
Bays Brewery
Well-known independent family-run brewery in Paignton known for Rock Lager and Cove Pale Ale.
Beachwood Bakery
Small sourdough bakery in Chagford known for its bread and coffee and walnut slice.
Besshill Farm Shop
Farm shop and butcher near Barnstaple known for dry-aged beef and pork.
Boatyard Cafe and Bakery
Artisan bakery and cafe on the Quay at Haven Road, known for weekly-changing pastries and fresh sourdough.
Calancombe Estate
Vineyard, winery and distillery near Modbury with restaurant and wine tasting experiences.
Chapters Coffee House
Family-run coffee house on Warwick Way, bakes handed down three generations, a real community hub.
Choy's Fish & Chips
Small, cash-only chippy in Wonford praised for hand-cut chips and generous portions.
Clare's Preserves
Small-batch chutney and preserves maker based in Bovey Tracey.
Cocolato
Independent gelato and chocolate maker in Topsham with a constantly changing flavour menu.
Cormorant Charcuterie
Organic farm-to-fork charcuterie maker near Ashburton known for its saucisson and mortadella.
Cosy Corner
Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, popular with the local Chinese community, known for roast duck and pork.
Crankhouse Coffee Roastery
Independent coffee roastery with an in-house roasting room you can watch working.
Creedy Kitchen
Bakery in Crediton specialising in gluten-free cakes and slices, made with care to avoid cross-contamination.
Crossed Anchors Brewing
Independent brewery on Water Lane leading the regeneration of Exeter's canal side, known for beer flights.
CUCKOO Taproom and Bottleshop
Independent craft beer taproom and bottle shop on Paris Street with a constantly rotating tap list.
Dartmoor Brewery
Well-known independent Devon brewery in Princetown, home of the Jail Ale.
Dartmoor Whisky Distillery
Family-run micro-distillery in Bovey Tracey, barley sourced from a single local farm.
Darwin's Bar
Cosy cocktail bar on Magdalen Road with an imaginative small plates and gin selection.
Devon Coffee
Compact specialty coffee shop on Queen Street, known for carefully extracted espresso.
Devon Gin and Rum School
Small-batch gin and rum making experience at South Devon Food Hub near Totnes.
Devon Venison
Independent venison producer near Launceston known for expert advice and quality game.
Dinosaur Cafe
Small Mediterranean restaurant near New North Road, known for mezze, halloumi and baklava.
Duck Bakery
Takeaway-only bakery in Exmouth, breads and pastries baked fresh through the night.
Duke's Deli
New independent sandwich shop on Paris Street, already known locally for its generously filled steak and meatball subs.
Eat On The Green
Cafe right by Exeter Cathedral, known for its cream teas and views over Cathedral Green.
Ede T H
Traditional pickled onion and vinegar maker based in Plymouth.
Edward's Fudge Kitchen
Traditional fudge maker in Dartmouth making fudge fresh in view of customers.
EXE Coffee Roasters
Independent coffee roaster on Heavitree Road, roasts and grinds to order.
Fancy Something Sweet
Handmade Belgian chocolate maker in Bideford known for personalised chocolate figures.
Fishes Ltd
Independent fishmonger in St Thomas known for fresh fish and knowledgeable advice.
Fresh Pasta and More
Independent fresh pasta maker in Exeter serving pasta dishes made in-house.
Good Game
Independent charcuterie and game producer known at Devon food festivals for its Wagyu bresaola.
Goto
Owner-run Japanese restaurant on New Bridge Street, known regulars by name and consistently excellent ramen and sushi.
Gray's Devon Cider
Traditional family cider maker on a working farm near Doddiscombsleigh.
Greendale Farm Shop
Large independent farm shop near Exeter with butchery, deli and fish and chips restaurant.
Hanlees
Deli and salad bar on Bedford Street, popular for build-your-own salad boxes and toasties made fresh daily.
Hanlons Brewery
Independent brewery and shop at Newton St Cyres with private booking sheds and a strong burger menu.
Herbies
Long-running vegetarian and vegan restaurant on North Street, tapas-style small plates menu.
Hiron & Son's Artisan Butchers
Independent artisan butcher in Bideford known for prime cuts and helpful advice.
Honey Wood Orchard
Small family cider farm with organic-vision orchards near Great Torrington.
Hook Fish and Chips
Fish and chip shop on South Street known for fresh fish, homemade tartare sauce and halal options.
Hops + Crafts
Exeter's only dedicated independent craft beer bottle shop.
How On Earth Vegan Deli
100% vegan deli on South Street, known for loaded sandwiches, salad bowls and a strong community feel.
Hunt's Cider
Family cider maker at Broadleigh Farm near Totnes offering tours and tastings.
Huxbear Vineyard
Small family vineyard near Chudleigh producing English wine, tours led by the owners.
Hylsten Bakery
Sourdough bakery and training school in Buckfastleigh, known for its rye bread.
iFood Thai Taste
Thai restaurant on Sidwell Street known for beautifully presented dishes and a fresh, high-quality menu.
ISCA Restaurant and Bar
Restaurant and bar near the Science Park, praised for its festive/seasonal menus and family-friendly atmosphere.
Istanbul Restaurant
Turkish restaurant on Sidwell Street, known for its mezze platter, mixed grill and Turkish breakfast.
JingDou Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Owner-run Japanese and Chinese restaurant tucked at the end of the High Street, sushi and sashimi praised as some of the best in the area.
Kpots Pottery
One-woman pottery studio, Kate makes original tableware for everyday use.
Lily Farm Vineyard
Family-run vineyard near Budleigh Salterton offering informal tours and tastings.
Littlestone Coffee Roasters
Small-batch coffee roaster in Marsh Barton known for its bespoke monthly blends.
LUNA CAFE
Stylish, healthy-focused cafe on Queen Street, known for granola bowls, juices and generous brunch plates.
M & J Gibbins Butchers
Independent butcher in Pinhoe using top quality local farm meat, known for homemade pies.
Mango's Cafe & Bar
All-day cafe and bar on the Quay at Kings Wharf, a long-standing local favourite for brunch.
Melting Whisk
Small chocolate maker in Dawlish known for handmade Easter eggs and chocolates.
Moonhoney Meadery
Independent meadery in Kingsbridge producing honey wine.
Naturally Bread
Home-run vegan bakery known for celebration cakes and savoury baguettes, delivered locally.
New Inn Alphington
Village pub in Alphington known for generous gastro-pub portions at fair prices.
Nicola's Chocolate
Small-batch chocolate maker on Blackboy Road known for unusual flavours like dulse seaweed.
Oliver's
Bakery on Crediton High Street, known for sourdough, pasties and lardy cake.
Oliver's Butchers & Pie Makers
Family-run butcher in Totnes, makes everything sold in-house including pies and sausage rolls.
Oriels Exeter
Cocktail bar and live music venue on the High Street, known for bottomless brunch events.
Panino Breads
Wholesale artisan bread maker based near Newton Abbot, supplying pubs and restaurants across Devon.
Ping's Restaurant
Long-standing Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, praised for genuinely authentic (not westernised) cooking.
Pink Ginger Flower Cafe
Independent matcha and Japanese tea cafe on Paris Street known for its roll cakes and birthday cakes.
Portal Pizza
Neapolitan and NY-style pizza on Magdalen Road, started as a lockdown idea and now a genuine Exeter favourite.
Pretty Little Pastries
Patisserie and events caterer based near Crediton known for celebration cakes and canapes.
Pullo
Natural wine bar and cheese shop on Fore Street, owner personally selects every wine on the list.
Quicke's Cheese Shop
Family cheesemakers at Home Farm, Newton St Cyres, known for their traditional cheddar.
Rare & Pasture
Working farm near Ugborough producing artisan beef products including bresaola and frankfurters.
Reddaway's Cider
Traditional farm cider maker near Chudleigh, cider sold straight from the barrel.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Cellar-style wine bar and restaurant on Southernhay East, owner-run with a strong wine list.
Rise Bakery
Bakery on the seafront in Exmouth known for sourdough loaves and pasties.
Roam Brewing Company
Independent microbrewery and taphouse in Plymouth known for its home-brewed beer and fresh pizza.
Robinsons Smokehouse
Independent smokery and deli near Wellington, known for smoked cheese, duck and salmon.
Rogamo
Owner-run Chinese restaurant on Sidwell Street, all hand-made noodles cooked by the owner himself - a genuine hidden gem.
Rull Orchard
Regenerative cider and perry orchard, award-winning, known for its Glow and Moonlight styles.
S Edwards Brickyard Farm Shop
Farm shop and butcher near Hatherleigh known for its own pork and handmade beefburgers.
Sabatini
Family-run Italian restaurant on Catherine Street, known for its set lunch menu and consistent, no-fuss cooking.
Sacred Grounds
Vegan cafe and live music venue in McCoys Arcade, known for its vegan egg royale and seasonal menus.
Salcombe Distilling Company
Coastal gin distillery in Salcombe with bar, gin school and retail store.
Salt Fishmongers
Independent fishmonger and deli in Topsham started during lockdown as a diversification of the local pub.
Sandford Orchards
Well-known Devon cider maker in Crediton offering tours, tastings and a taproom.
Sandridge Barton Wines
English vineyard and winery near Totnes with restaurant and self-guided tastings.
Sharpham Cheese
B Corp certified cheese dairy near Totnes, known for its Rustic and Camembert-style cheeses.
Shimizu Sushi
Independent Japanese restaurant near Sidwell Street with an unusually large authentic menu, from okonomiyaki to ramen to sushi.
Slapton Village Community Shop
Community-run shop near Kingsbridge, pasties and pastries fresh from the oven every morning.
Smart Fish Bar
Neighbourhood chippy in Exwick, known for freshly cooked chips and a large gluten-free menu.
Smeatons Smokehouse
Independent smokehouse and food producer based in Ivybridge.
Smith's Wines & Spirits
Independent wine merchant on Magdalen Road known for personal recommendations and deep knowledge.
Southwest Coffee Co
Coffee wholesaler and barista training academy in the City Arcade.
Sprout
Small vegan cafe right by Cathedral Yard, known for salads, quiches and Portuguese custard tarts.
Stevie B Bakery
Traditional bakery in Crediton, known for its steak pasties and Chelsea buns.
Summerskills
Plymouth's oldest independent brewery, family owned with a small on-site shop.
Sundays
Surf-themed cafe on the Quay, family-run, praised for vegan-friendly food and warm service.
Suzy Sweet Tooth
Homemade artisanal fudge maker in Ilfracombe using no artificial ingredients or flavours.
Tally Ho
Traditional country pub near Totnes, home-cooked food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Taproom
Independent craft beer bar in Plymouth with a rotating tap list and generous food menu.
Taste of Devon Butchers
Independent butcher in Seaton known for quality local meat and free home delivery.
The (Tiny) Tasting Room
Small cafe down an alleyway near the Cathedral, known for homemade cakes and a genuinely warm welcome.
The Beer Engine
Brewpub at Newton St Cyres brewing its own ales on the premises since the 1980s.
The Bridford Inn
Traditional countryside pub near Exeter known for huge portions and excellent Sunday roasts.
The Cheese Shed
Independent cheesemonger in Bovey Tracey, carefully sourced and stored South West cheeses.
The Church House Inn
Historic pub in Stoke Gabriel known for English-style tapas and a cosy atmosphere.
The Devon Fudge Company
Small artisan fudge workshop in Plympton making preservative-free fudge by hand.
The Dolphin Inn
Riverside village pub in Newton Ferrers known for real ales and a buzzing local atmosphere.
The Exeter Brewery
Exeter-based brewery, home of Devon's first organic ale, with a Thursday and Friday taproom.
The Farmers Arms
17th century thatched pub near Bideford, produce largely sourced from the pub's own farm.
The Fat Pig
Cosy pub just off the High Street, known for its Sunday roasts and seasonal small-plates menu.
The Fish Supper House
Owner-run chippy near Exe Bridges, cooked in beef dripping, regularly named among the best fish and chips in Devon.
The Flat
Independent vegetarian pizza restaurant on Fore Street, locally famous for its crispy, fresh-topped pizzas.
The Gotland Gin Company
Working farm and gin distillery near Beaworthy, family-run with tasting events.
The Grampus
Old-fashioned pub just off Lee Beach near Ilfracombe, serves its own locally brewed beer and gin.
The Grove Inn
Traditional freehouse pub in Kings Nympton known for its Beef Wellington and warm welcome.
The HeaviDeli
Owner-run deli in Heavitree stocking local Devon produce, fresh sandwiches and gourmet coffee.
The Ocean Club
Independent cocktail bar on the Quay known for fresh-made cocktails and karaoke nights.
The Press House
Cafe on Fore Street in a former letterpress workshop, known for a calm atmosphere and excellent brunch.
The Reform Inn
Old-style pub in Barnstaple known for local Barum beers and cider, live music most weekends.
The Robin's Nest
Family-run cafe in Pinhoe with a play area for kids and homemade baked goods.
The Secret Garden
Garden cafe on Pennsylvania Road with views over Woodbury Common, known for cakes and a peaceful setting.
The Sidwell Street Bakehouse
Small bakery on Sidwell Street known for its sourdough and doughnuts.
The Sunset Society
Locally owned coffee shop near Old Tiverton Road with a retro surf vibe and a loyal student following.
The Thatched House
Historic thatched pub in Exwick known for its carvery and strong gluten-free and vegan options.
The Undergrad
Independent cafe by day, bar by night, in The Depot near Exeter Central - known for its bacon pancake stack.
Thunderflower Distillery
Independent distillery based at Mercury Business Park, Exeter.
Ticklemore Cheese Dairy
Small independent cheese dairy near Totnes specialising in blue cheeses.
Topsham Brewery
Independent brewery and taproom on Exeter Quayside, known for stouts, IPAs and hefeweizens.
Topsham Cakes
Bespoke cake maker in Topsham known for wedding cakes made from scratch to family recipes.
Topsham Wines
Independent wine merchant in Topsham known for sourcing hard-to-find bottles for regulars.
TQ Beerworks Taphouse
Independent taphouse in Torquay with sea views and a constantly changing beer board.
Trailways
Cash-only traditional greasy spoon in Pinhoe serving hearty, cheap breakfasts.
Turk's Head
Historic pub on the High Street with its own on-site brewery.
Tyepyedong
Long-running Asian fusion restaurant on Sidwell Street, a genuine Exeter institution for noodles and stir-fry.
VEG BOX
Vegan and vegetarian cafe on the Quay at Haven Banks, dog-friendly with river views.
Warren House Inn
Historic pub in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, one of the highest in England.
Waterhouse Fayre
Family maker of scones, jams and preserves near Tiverton.
Own a South West food or drink business? Get listed