Lemon Jelli, Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot

We've been watching as the old Courtenay Arms has gradually morphed into Lemon Jelli, and at last it is open for business, and as I had some time to kill too good an opportunity to waste!

In I went, and I have to say the layout is very similar to the old Courtenay where many a mis-spent youth was had.  The atmosphere is quite different however.  There is a French vibe going on, with posters, plaques etc around the walls.  There is wooden flooring and the tables aren't crowding in on each other, making it a good place to meet and chat.  Even a sofa-phobe like me would be tempted by the gorgeously upholstered example in the window, and the bench that I sat on was upholstered in a lovely striped fabric.

I ordered tea and a cookie (£1.80, just enough to pay) and felt quite at home.  There's a menu of snacks displayed in an avante garde manilla folder with treasury tag, and an evening menu is promised.

The place in the Market Hall remains open apparently, this town should be big enough for both the Lemon Jellis

Brunel Brunches, Lemon Jelli, The House of Marbles, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen

This is a bit of a retrospective of a few days in Devon last week.  I've passed the Brunel Brunches many times and often wondered what it was like.  It's near the railway station, as you might guess by its name, and also ideally situated for the industrial estates in Newton Abbot.  As it opens early and closes early, I decided to visit for breakfast following a short walk round the Town Quay.  It's a portakabin or two with another round the back for the smokers.  I ordered a sausage sandwich and tea and ate and enjoyed while reading the Western Morning News.  There's quite a menu and the cakes looked inviting but maybe a little later in the day.  A bit of banter between Mrs Brunel Diner and the regulars which was good to see.  I'd go again, but if you want the Ritz, go to the Ritz.

Lemon Jelli is in the market and again I've walked past it many times.  I ordered tea and toast on my visit and it was good to soak up the market day atmosphere and read the paper in the market hall.  LJ is soon to move into the old Courtenay Arms premises on Queen Street where we are promised longer opening hours and an extended menu.  I look forward to visiting them there.

The House of Marbles, well what can you say?  I remember when it was cheap and cheerful and mile long queues for the scones.  Now it's waitress service and wait to be seated.  The gorilla is still there though.  That being said, the soup my friend and I had was indeed a meal in itself as promised and the atmosphere in the cafe was good.  We were able to people watch to our hearts content and then take in the glass works, museum and shop.

Last up, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen.  Nice pot of tea, interesting selection of cakes and not overcrowded.  The perfect place for afternoon tea.