Fort Cafe

Fort Cafe has been on Sidmouth's Esplanade since 1932, growing from a small cottage into the seafront restaurant it is today, with indoor and outdoor seating that both look straight out over the Jurassic Coast. Dogs are welcome throughout, and the outdoor tables stay in use even on milder winter days.

The kitchen cooks everything on the premises using local suppliers, running from full English breakfasts through sandwiches and paninis to fresh seafood. The standout is the homemade ice cream, made to the cafe's own recipe in flavours like triple chocolate, white chocolate and raspberry, and honeycomb. It's licensed to sell alcohol and sells beach essentials like buckets and spades alongside the food, making it a genuine one-stop spot on the seafront.