Great brunches in Devon and Cornwall

So you’ve survived the first few days back at work after New Year, the weekend is looming and a bit of comfort is needed to see off the January gloom. A hearty brunch is called for.

I rather like The Dock in Plymouth. It’s a family-run restaurant at King Point Marina just next to the Brittany Ferries terminal. It has great views across the marina and the sea really does sparkle on a sunny day. Enjoy the views from one of the balconies – in the right weather you can feel as though you’re in the Mediterranean (even if it is cold outside), lusting over the yachts outside. I had a very good veggie breakfast but was considering a ‘pudding’ when I saw a pancake arrive heaped with red berries – looked great. Always advisable to book.

In the South Hams you’d be hard pressed to beat Café Alf Resco in Dartmouth. This is a really quirky place with bags of character. Can be a bit of a squeeze when it’s busy (most of the time) but is definitely a place to linger with the Sunday papers. They don’t take bookings so you may have to wait for a table. They have an undercover area outside and inside is terrifically atmospheric with its vaulted open kitchen. Busy and excellent food.

A slightly more limited menu but very welcoming is Toast in Honiton. If you’re like me and like great hulking slices of toast and marmite then I think you’ll enjoy this café on the main road going up through town. A warm, inviting interior welcomes you or you can wander on through to the courtyard garden. Either way you’ll enjoy a good breakfast fix.

Venus Cafés are set in some of the most amazing beach locations in the South West. This small chain of cafes has a very strong sustainability ethos and breakfast will start off your day at just the right pace. You’ll find them at Blackpool Sands, Bigbury and East Portlemouth all in the South Hams (as well as at the Shops at Dartington) and Watergate Bay and Tolcarne on the North Cornwall coast. Sit back, enjoy the food and make the most of those terrific sea views.

Maybe January needn’t be that bad after all…..