Totnes is ahead of the curve when it comes to championing indies. The vibey high street is a triumph of unique restaurants, cafes and shops – starting with these five must-visits
Me and East
Head towards the top of the High Street to 55a and lose yourself in the beautifully curated world of Me and East awhile.
The lifestyle store, run by wife-and-husband Chloe and Max Eastwood, opened in 2017 with the aim of supporting independent craftspeople and businesses. Nearly a decade in, and the duo continue to nail their brief, with the shop’s range of carefully chosen products celebrating the beauty of all things craft and handmade. It’s fitting for the creative pair who are artisans themselves; Chloe is a trained jeweller and Max a cabinet maker.
Everything – from woodwork and ceramics to clothing and jewellery – is sourced from British makers who work alone or in small teams. It’s the ideal place to source unusual gifts for loved ones and thoughtful pieces for the home, whether that’s a luxe candle or a mantlepiece-worthy antique.
The Hairy Barista
This neighbourhood coffee shop has built a loyal following among coffee lovers, creatives and anyone seeking a slower pace for an hour or two.
The pro baristas take their brews seriously, crafting rosetta-adorned flat whites using speciality beans from hero roasteries. Alongside the popular house blend from Mission Coffee Works, there’s a rotating line-up of guest coffees from roasteries across the UK, giving regulars the chance to discover something new and noteworthy on every visit.
The food bill is entirely plant-based, with nourishing soups, oozing toasties and vibrant homemade bakes all made using seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Whether popping in for a latte and a slice of cake or settling in for a leisurely lunch, this is the kind of spot that suits hunkering down and tucking in.
Adding to its appeal is a lively programme of community events. From intimate acoustic gigs and film screenings to sound baths, workshops and live music, The Hairy Barista acts as a creative hub that reflects Totnes’ indie spirit.
The Bull Inn
Geetie Singh-Watson’s organic pub has earned a reputation as one of Devon’s most exciting dining destinations. The lovingly restored inn champions sustainable hospitality, pairing thoughtful design with exceptional seasonal cooking.
Head chef Johnny Tillbrook showcases the best of Devon’s organic growers, with a daily-changing menu built around the freshest local ingredients. Served as a selection of small and larger sharing plates, dishes celebrate everything from peak-season vegetables to sustainably sourced fish from Brixham day boats and carefully reared meat from ethical farms.
The dining room strikes a sweet spot between rustic character and contemporary comfort, while the curated list of natural wines encourages lingering long after plates are cleared. Upstairs, beautifully designed bedrooms make an inviting base for exploring Totnes and the surrounding south Devon countryside.
Sandridge Barton Wines
Set within the rolling hills of the Dart Valley near Totnes, Sandridge Barton Wines offers one of south Devon’s most memorable food-and-drink experiences. Home to 32 acres of vineyards overlooking the River Dart, the estate combines award-winning English wines with fabulous dining and idyllic countryside views.
With more than 40 years of winemaking expertise, the team produces acclaimed still and sparkling wines using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Join a guided tour and tasting to discover the journey from vine to bottle, learn about the estate’s low-intervention approach to winemaking and sample a selection of wines enjoyed in restaurants across the South West.
A visit doesn’t end in the tasting room. The estate is also home to ROAM restaurant, where seasonal menus provide a taste of the terroir, while three self-catering cottages make it easy to turn an afternoon among the vines into a relaxing countryside escape.
The Curator
Few places capture the town’s independent food scene quite like The Curator. Fresh from its move into a light-filled new home on The Square, this cafe, bakery and wood-fired coffee roastery is the sort of place that elicits that ‘struck gold’ feeling among holidaymakers.
Coffee is at the beating heart of the triple-threat operation. Founders Matteo and Sarah Lamaro roast beans over reclaimed wood using a traditional Italian roaster – a slower, more hands-on approach that coaxes out the unique character of each carefully sourced coffee. Order a V60 to experience the house roast exactly as intended and watch Totnes life unfold through the cafe’s generous windows.
The bakery is every bit as compelling. Fresh sourdough, pastries and sandwiches are made daily using a decades-old Italian starter, while seasonal bakes and beautifully crafted cakes tempt from the counter. If there’s one thing not to miss, it’s the zesty lemon meringue pie, which has developed a cult following.
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