Review: Honiton’s hidden gem

Nestled between Specsavers and Desire on the High Street (and down an assuming alleyway) is a special pub and tea room, which must be Honiton's best kept secret. 

Despite living in Honiton for several years now, I didn't know The Vine Inn and Tea Room was there and I was delighted to have stumbled across such a gem, and especially on such a sunny day when the incredible garden was the star of the show. 

The narrow alleyway leading from the High Street opens into a larger (though still enclosed) space which is home to The Vine. Consisting of a pub and a tea room in one building and opposite a magnificent walled garden. 

The cosy tea room has a traditional feel with old photos on display and an Aga, creating a cosy atmosphere even in summer. The tempting cakes are displayed attractively and on offer were treats including Hummingbird Cake, Lemon Drizzle, homemade scones and freshly baked tea cakes. Also available was a mixed berry pavlova, treacle tart, rhubarb and apple crumble and a chocolate and vanilla sundae.

The Tea Room (Nub News)

The pub is located just down the corridor from the tea room and sells a range of meals including Ploughman's, sandwiches, sausage and mash, cottage pie, fish platter and jacket potatoes. 

Back in the garden, tables with umbrellas sit on the grass surrounded by a huge number of beautiful flowers and plants. 

Being enclosed by the tall buildings of Honiton High Street, there is a definite 'secret garden' feel to The Vine. The sound of the traffic is barely audible over the calls of the birds and I witnessed a few swifts ducking in and out of the nearby roofs. 

The walled gardens (Nub News)

I ordered a cream tea from the friendly waitress and I was extremely impressed with the order when it arrived. As somewhat of a regular consumer of Devon cream teas, I know there is nothing worse than being served a freezing cold scone, and, even more annoying, given rock hard butter which tears the scone into small crumbs as you attempt to spread the butter. 

Hooray then for a scone warm from the oven and served with soft butter and a decent portion of delicious strawberry jam! A big thumbs up.

As I enjoyed my drink and scone, an elderly gentleman joined me and sat and read the paper in the sunshine, looking extremely relaxed - it is that kind of place.

The Vine would make the perfect stop in Honiton if you're looking for somewhere quite and peaceful and want to get away from the busy High Street. If you have kids with you, the gorgeous garden would be perfect as they can safely play on the lawn far away from the road. 

If you haven't been to The Vine Inn and Tea Room, why not try it this weekend? It's the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine.

The Vine is open for tea and cake from 10am - 5pm and for meals from 12pm.

Flowers in the garden (Nub News)