Business Details
Your Local Caf at Puffing Billy
At Puffing Billy, we are dedicated to serving high-quality coffee and freshly prepared meals in a welcoming environment that celebrates our unique heritage. Our team, led by Claire, combines decades of hospitality experience with a passion for simple yet delicious food, ensuring every visitor enjoys a memorable experience. Housed in the former Great Torrington railway station, our caf retains original architectural features that create a distinctive atmosphere where guests can dine on the platform. We prioritise accessibility and comfort, offering wheelchair-friendly outdoor spaces including a 40-seat deck and landscaped garden designed for families, cyclists, and pushchairs. Our menu features all-day breakfast, lunch options, and homemade cakes baked daily using locally sourced ingredients.Open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, we cater to both quick pitstops along the Tarka Trail and leisurely meals with friends. The newly landscaped rear garden enhances our commitment to creating inclusive outdoor dining experiences. Our team's expertise in hospitality ensures warm, unfussy service that makes every guest feel at home. The Childrens Hospice South West Bear, Bumble overlooks our deck area, reflecting our community-focused values. Whether visiting for our renowned Sunday roast or a morning coffee, we strive to exceed expectations through attention to detail and consistent quality.
Services
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Homemade Cakes
Scones
Sunday Roast
Outdoor Dining
Wheelchair Access
Tarka Trail Stop
Highlights and features
- We serve homemade cakes baked daily using traditional recipes
- Our wheelchair-friendly outdoor spaces accommodate diverse needs
- The team combines hospitality expertise with local knowledge
- Original railway station features create a unique dining experience
- We offer extended Sunday dining with special roast menus
Services
Breakfast
Our all-day breakfast menu features traditional cooked options served from 10am to 3pm Monday-Saturday, with full breakfast available until midday on Sundays. The menu includes locally sourced ingredients and special dietary options. Guests can enjoy their meals in our characterful railway station setting or outdoor seating areas.
Homemade Cakes
Daily baked goods include classic scones, seasonal fruit cakes, and specialty pastries made using family recipes. Our cake selection changes regularly to incorporate fresh local produce. All items are prepared on-site in our licensed kitchen facilities, ensuring consistent quality and food safety standards.
Outdoor Dining
The recently upgraded outdoor spaces feature a covered 40-seat deck and landscaped garden with wheelchair-accessible pathways. The rear garden accommodates pushchairs and cycling groups while maintaining proximity to our main caf facilities. Both areas offer scenic views of the surrounding Devon countryside.
Sunday Roast
Our Sunday roast service operates from midday to 3pm, featuring locally sourced meats and seasonal vegetables. The menu includes traditional Yorkshire puddings and gravy accompaniments. This popular offering requires no prior booking but is only available during specified service hours.
Tarka Trail Stop
Conveniently located along the Tarka Trail cycling route, we provide refreshment facilities and secure bike parking for trail users. The accessible outdoor spaces include designated areas for cyclists to rest while maintaining proximity to our main dining areas. This service supports both local and visiting cycling enthusiasts.
Questions
What are Puffing Billy's opening hours?
We're open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Full breakfast service runs until 3:00pm Monday-Saturday and midday Sundays, with lunch available until closing.
Is the café accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, our recently landscaped garden and deck area include wheelchair-accessible pathways and designated seating spaces designed to meet diverse mobility requirements.
Do you serve food all day?
We offer all-day breakfast and lunch options from 10:00am to 3:00pm Monday-Saturday. On Sundays, full breakfast is available until midday followed by reduced breakfast and full lunch menus.
Are dogs allowed at the café?
Yes, we're dog-friendly with designated outdoor seating areas that accommodate pets. Our staff can provide water bowls and pet-friendly treats upon request.
What makes Puffing Billy unique?
Housed in a former railway station, we offer platform dining with original architectural features. Our location along the Tarka Trail and Childrens Hospice South West Bear, Bumble display add to our distinctive character.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Our menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please inform staff about specific dietary needs when ordering, and our team will accommodate where possible.
Reviews (6)
Penny Nicholas
Jan 28, 2022
Report
Great location and tasty food after a good walk on the Tarka trail. Went back for breakfast the next day! Only complaint was the temperature which was a little chilly. Otherwise really nice.
David Clinch
Jan 25, 2022
Report
Our eating experiences at the Puffing Billy are always eagerly anticipated. Excellent, unfussy service. Good food in the quirky and well maintained surroundings of the former Torrington Train Station in safe conditions, necessary during the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Long may the venue continue. The Sunday Roast takeaways have been a must during the pandemic restrictions. We always have the nut roast choice. No complaints.
Dave and Liz Clinch
Taddiport
Dave and Liz Clinch
Taddiport
Penny Bearman
Jan 18, 2022
Report
Wonderful atmosphere, right on platform by the tarka trail. Good coffee, great paintings of flying dogs, friendly staff
Helen
Jan 10, 2022
Report
We called into the Puffing Billy Cafe after a walk on the Tarka trail. We had a pot of tea for two & coffee & walnut cake. The cake was so fresh, moist & delicious and it was a lovely pot of tea with fantastic flavours. We got five cups of tea out of the pot. The lady who served us, cleared & sanitised a table especially for us, so we could sit out of the way, as we are shielded.
Great, friendly service, will definitely visit again, and I certainly recommend the Puffing Billy Cafe.
Great, friendly service, will definitely visit again, and I certainly recommend the Puffing Billy Cafe.
Craig Marsh
Jan 04, 2022
Report
A really lovely place to eat very friendly staff very helpful and fantastic food and nice walks as well definitely worth a visit.
Michelle VonAhn
Jan 02, 2022
Report
Nicely diverse menu, small but excellent options. I look forward to visiting in summer to sit in the garden. A lovely conversion of the old station.
