We may be estate agents, but we also like to think of ourselves as local guides, championing the South Hams and everything that makes it special. From independent businesses and cosy cafés to outstanding local eateries, these are the places that give our community its unique character, making it such a wonderful place to live.
Pancake Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in sweet treats and decadent stacks, or maybe even a creative twist on this classic favourite. Fortunately, the South Hams is full of cafés, farm shops, creameries, and hidden countryside gems where you can celebrate in style, from beachside views in Bigbury, to riverside hideaways in Dartmouth, to rustic farm cafés with seasonal menus near Modbury. Whether you prefer your pancakes fluffy or thin, topped with fruit, or even filled with seafood?! There’s a plate waiting for you…
Luckily for you, pancakes in the South Hams often come with a view, like those served at The Venus Café at Bigbury-on-Sea. Perched just above the sand and looking out toward Burgh Island and Bantham, this beachside favourite is as much about the setting as the food itself. After a bracing coastal walk or perhaps even a chilly surfing session, the café fluffy, light pancake stack feels especially well earned, arriving warm and generously topped with Biscoff crumbs and a sauce of your choice, or with your pick of sweet or savoury extras. It’s relaxed and unfussy - perfect for a chilled beach morning.
In Salcombe, pancakes take on a distinctly French accent thanks to The Salcombe Crêperie, tucked into the bustle of the town. Although this crêperie is limited to the warmer months, it’s definitely worth keeping on your radar for summer. These thin, golden crêpes are made using traditional Breton methods and folded around classic fillings, from rich Nutella and fruit to savoury combinations of cheese and ham. They whisk you away to warm evenings abroad - the perfect decadent treat, after long days spent on or by the water, or shopping in town.
If you fancy a more bohemian brunch vibe, Totnes’ Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen fits right in. Just off the town’s busy streets, tucked inside China Blue, a ceramic studio and pottery painting spot, this welcoming café is known for its focus on seasonality and whole ingredients and has earned a loyal following of brunch-goers. Pancakes here cater to everyone, with options for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan diners. They are fluffy and soft, paired with delightful toppings, whether you are feeling traditional, fruity, or wild with their chocolatey s’mores stack.
Down in Dartmouth, close to the historic waterfront and ferry crossings, Dart Café offers a small but reliable stop for their signature blueberry compote pancakes. A hidden gem but popular with locals and visitors, it’s the sort of place where simplicity is the point. Their light and airy stacks are served without fuss and really do speak for themselves. Paired with excellent coffee, it’s an easy choice before exploring more of the town.
Further up the River Dart, in the peaceful village of Stoke Gabriel, The River Shack pairs pancake brunch with one of the most tranquil settings in the area. Sitting right on the water’s edge, the café looks out across the River Dart, making it a particularly appealing stop on slow mornings. Pancakes here lean towards an American style, made with buttermilk and topped with streaky bacon and the British counterpart to maple syrup, golden syrup, or blueberry compote and sour cream for a veggie option. It’s perfectly suited to mornings spent watching boats drift past.
In the countryside between Loddiswell and Modbury, The Ring Feeder Café offers a uniquely memorable pancake experience. Set on a working farm, it’s a favourite for those looking for something hearty and homemade. Pancakes feature on a changing, seasonal menu and are served in generous portions that match the café’s rustic charm. You might not always know what will be on offer, but the options are consistently a hit! This is comfort food at its most satisfying, enjoyed in wellies as often as in walking boots.
At Mothecombe, just inland from the sweeping sands of Mothercombe Beach on the Flete Estate, you’ll find The Schoolhouse, the sister eatery to the much-loved Beachhouse. It offers a tempting alternative for those willing to stray from traditional pancakes. The breakfast menu features beautifully made waffles topped with berries, mascarpone, and maple syrup, which you can pair with a naughty morning mimosa or coffee. Making an ideal brunch stop on either side of a coastal walk and a strong contender for anyone who believes waffles deserve equal billing.
For something entirely unexpected, the village of Beesands offers a true wildcard worth seeking out. At The Cricket Inn, overlooking the shingle beach and open sea, a much-talked-about seafood pancake has held a place on the menu for 21 years. A medley of fresh local seafood is wrapped in a delicate pancake, then topped with a creamy sauce, Parmesan, and crab meat, a savoury twist that feels deeply rooted in its coastal surroundings. Paired with sweeping views across Start Bay, it’s a dish that perfectly captures the South Hams’ flair!
Pancake hunting in the South Hams is as much about the journey as the plate. From beach cafés and riverside villages to market towns and tranquil countryside hideaways, every stop offers something unique. Sweet or savoury, classic or inventive, each place serves its own twist, worth the trip, and often accompanied by unforgettable views.
Regardless of whether you’ll be celebrating Pancake Day this year, the local area has so much to offer. If you’re looking to discover what could be waiting for you in the South Hams, take a look at our area guides here. Or, if you’re considering a move to the South Hams, explore the properties we currently have available here.