Business Details
Your Premier Dining Destination in Bovey Tracey
Established in 2004 by Robin Bean and Mark Riddick, Brookside Cafe & Restaurant has become a cherished dining destination in Bovey Tracey. With over 40 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, our founders prioritise high standards, professionalism, and a warm welcome. Our Head Chef Phil Brough, a local culinary expert, crafts menus using the finest regional ingredients, supported by Second Chef Dean Pring and a dedicated team. Manager Helen Taylor, with over 30 years of service, ensures our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.We pride ourselves on maintaining a loyal team whose diverse ages reflect our inclusive ethos. Our menu features breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and gourmet dishes, complemented by a dog-friendly area and convenient parking. We cater to both locals and visitors, offering a blend of Dartmoor charm and coastal accessibility. Our Grade 5 food safety rating underscores our dedication to hygiene and quality. Whether for casual meals or special occasions, we strive to deliver exceptional service and memorable dining experiences.
Services
Breakfast
Lunch
Afternoon Tea
Sandwiches
Drinks
Desserts
Christmas Menu
Gift Vouchers
Dining Reservations
Private Events
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of hospitality experience from our founding team
- Menus crafted with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients
- Award-winning management committed to excellence
- Dedicated dog-friendly dining area for pet owners
- Convenient parking and accessible location near Dartmoor
Associations and certifications
- Grade 5 Food Safety Rating
What people say
Great friendly team
Exceptional quality food
Real taste of hospitality
Keep going back
Exceptional service
Services
Breakfast
Our breakfast menu features hearty options like Corn Beef Hash and Poached Eggs on Toast with Bacon. Prepared using locally sourced ingredients, these dishes cater to early risers and late breakfasters alike. Open daily from 9:00am, we ensure a satisfying start to your day.
Lunch
Lunch options include Beer Battered Catch of the Day and Chicken Curry, showcasing regional flavors. Served between 11:30am-3:30pm, our lunch service balances quality with accessibility. Reservations recommended for weekends and holidays.
Afternoon Tea
Traditional afternoon tea features freshly baked scones and seasonal pastries. Available daily until 4:00pm, this service combines Dartmoor hospitality with refined culinary techniques. Perfect for celebrations or relaxed gatherings.
Desserts
Seasonal desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Summer Fruits Pavlova highlight local produce. Our pastry team creates daily specials reflecting Devon's agricultural bounty. Available as standalone orders or complements to main courses.
Gift Vouchers
Purchase gift vouchers for special occasions or corporate gifting. These flexible options allow recipients to experience our full menu. Available in custom denominations through our restaurant or website.
People
Robin Bean
Co-Owner
With over 40 years in hospitality, Robin co-founded Brookside after selling the award-winning Five Bells Inn. He remains actively involved in maintaining quality standards while mentoring staff.
Mark Riddick
Co-Owner
Mark brings extensive industry experience from managing successful establishments. Though less visible now, he continues shaping Brookside's strategic direction and customer service philosophy.
Phil Brough
Head Chef
A Dartmoor native, Phil leads our kitchen with a focus on local ingredients. His culinary expertise ensures menus reflect seasonal availability while maintaining consistent quality.
Dean Pring
Second Chef
Dean supports Phil in maintaining kitchen standards. Passionate about sustainable cooking, he manages ingredient sourcing and assists in menu development.
Helen Taylor
Restaurant Manager
Helen has overseen daily operations for over 30 years. Her leadership ensures seamless service delivery while maintaining the founders' original vision for hospitality excellence.
Questions
How do I make a lunch reservation?
Use our online form for future bookings between 11:30am-3:30pm. For same-day requests, call 01626 832254 as email isn't constantly monitored.
Are dogs allowed in the restaurant?
Yes, we have a designated dog-friendly area. Well-behaved pets are welcome with their owners in this section.
What parking options exist?
We have our own car park plus the public Station Road car park 50m away. Both options provide convenient access to the restaurant.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, purchase physical or digital vouchers through our website or in-person. These make ideal gifts for any occasion.
What are your opening hours?
Open daily 9:00am-4:00pm. Breakfast served until 11:00am, lunch 11:30am-3:30pm, with afternoon tea available throughout operating hours.
How do you ensure food quality?
Our chefs source ingredients locally, maintaining Grade 5 food safety standards. Regular quality checks and staff training ensure consistent excellence.
Reviews (6)
Claire O. Donnell
Jan 28, 2022
Report
We travel from our home in Looe to eat here and we love it . Its always impeccably clean and the owner is such a lovely happy man and so caring for his customers. The food is second to none beautifully fresh and well cooked and a really wide lovely choice. The staff are amazing and we will continue to eat here regularly , 5 highly recommend to anyone
Bill Dear
Jan 26, 2022
Report
Nice welcoming cafe, great menu, good range of nice cakes, worth a visit. Car park is small, so might struggle to get in at peak times, but loads of on street parking in nearby roads
Friedrich Schneidau
Nov 14, 2021
Report
My father, his girlfriend and I often come here for Sunday lunch before heading up to Dartmoor for a couple of hours. They're exceedingly welcoming and friendly. The food is always delightful (it can sometimes tend to towards slightly smaller portion sizes) but, I would say the prices are definitely worth it especially for the utterly wonderful and kind staff.
Isabel Blyth Davidson
Sep 19, 2021
Report
We’ve eaten here twice whilst staying nearby. Good food, excellent service. Highly recommended.
Steve Colling
Sep 18, 2021
Report
Very nice food in the sun today at the Brookside. Very good service at reasonable prices. Inside and outside immaculate. Cleaning regularly and every time between customers.
Callum T.
Sep 16, 2021
Report
First time here and it's such a lovely cafe to have a cuppa or munch on brunch. The menu has plenty of options and the staff are very friendly. They have indoor and outdoor seating with freshly made cakes for your mouth to salivate over. Highly recommended if you are in the area. It can be busy but worth the wait!
