We may not have been blessed with glorious sunshine, but the journey to the River Exe Café certainly put a smile on all our faces. Picking up a friendly river taxi from Exmouth harbour, we were delivered fifteen minutes later to a floating barge situated in the middle of the River Exe estuary. “How cool is this!” said the kids and I instantly knew we were in for something special.

Much to our delight and despite its incredible setting, the café is a wonderfully low key affair; you can opt for one or three courses or just rock up on your own boat for a couple of beers. The food is all locally sourced and utterly delicious. I had the Brixham whitebait followed by seabream, my husband opted for the fish stew while the kids enjoyed ‘real’ fish gougons and homemade chips – all of which were divine.

The place has a really lovely buzz; people popping along after a spot of water skiing for a hot chocolate; groups mooring their boat alongside for a few early evening beers and a bowl of our famous Exmouth mussels.

As twilight approached and the grey skies turned pink, we were handed blankets by the lovely, smiley waitress to keep the chill at bay. And as we made our journey home we watched as the barge’s twinkly lights shimmered on the water and faded into the distance. The café closed for bird nesting season at the end of September, and now I’m eagerly awaiting it’s reopening on the 1st April.

Photo courtesy of River Exe Café