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The Lifebuoy Cafe

The Lifebuoy Cafe

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Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Details
This business is unclaimed.
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CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Is this restaurant family-friendly?
About
Temporarily Closed Open for breakfast from 8.30 to 11.30 Monday to Friday and untill 12.00 at the weekend. Also serving light lunches, crab sandwich,s, fish finger buttys, crab cakes, quiche, selection of salads, cakes and cream teas. Pots of tea and puro Cornish coffee. As far as we can all our food is from local suppliers.
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Table Service
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles525 reviews
Excellent
376
Very good
108
Average
20
Poor
12
Terrible
9

johnJ5710TA
London21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 none
It was a damp and grey start to the morning and the town was almost empty. I would have normally gone to another haunt for breakfast at the other end of town but hunger go the better of me and I thought I would give the Lifebuoy Café a try as I was right outside. And what a treat that was - freshly prepared cooked breakfast with Hogs Pudding (don't be put off by the name it was much nicer than black pudding and many sausages). Nice coffee and nice staff. It couldn't have been bettered - honestly !
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

timothytrood
31 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 none
We visited this cafe twice during our stay in Fowey. The first time the food and service were excellent. We were welcomed and checked on regularly- nothing was too much trouble. We learnt that the couple had recently taken over the business and from what we saw were doing an excellent job. Unfortunately, when we visited the next time the waiting staff were not the same - they were in a panic and when served they didn't give any serviette or cutlery. The food was still tasty but there are a few teething problems with service. There are only 4 tables so no excuses. Get the service right and they will have a cracking business.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sheemay1
Cartmel43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 none
As there were no spaces in the cafe when we first visited, I asked if they did takeaway soup. The owner said he didn't, but then said he could put it in a takeaway coffee cup; so glad he did as it was really tasty - as was the bread he provided with it. We went the next day and were met with the same friendly service and enjoyed the lovely home-made cream scones.
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rachelnorthover80
Southampton53 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 family
We often stick to our favourites in Fowey (Pintxo, Brown Sugar, sometimes the Cornish Bakery) but on this occasion we decided to try something new...and wished we hadn’t :( The people were nice enough but the coffee and cake were poor, I’m afraid: the coffee bitter without much taste and the cake dry, as if it were a couple of days old. I don’t think there is any excuse for poor coffee these days, and I don’t understand why businesses don’t understand that good coffee will mean return custom. Really disappointing visit.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jet735846
Ollerton17 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 friends
£18+ for two mugs of tea, a latte, a chocolate and three small cakes. A rip-off. Didn't even have a toilet for customers. I know businesses have to recoup some profit after the last 18 months but this makes the camp site restaurant look cheap.
Written 12 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alessia M
Portsmouth6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 couples
Our first trip to Fowey and not just a terrible cream tea but the chap behind the counter who we assume is the owner was so rude and arrogant. We have experience in the service industry and this guy is a textbook example of how not to welcome and serve guests. The scone, jam and cream were dreadful and tasted of absolutely nothing. I thought perhaps my Covid loss of taste persisted but no my husband couldn’t taste a thing either. And who microwaves scones so they arrive nuclear hot … perhaps it’s that which rendered them tasteless. This guy is exploiting tourists with poor quality product and the icing on the cake is he’s rude and contemptuous towards customers too. Nice!!
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Supreme-strike
Horncastle39 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 couples
The vegetarian breakfast was well overpriced at £7 for what it contained. The vegetarian sausage was absolutely awful, only fit to feed to your dog, unless he's fussy. It looked like a highly processed tinned hot dog sausage, completely tasteless and of no nutritional value whatsoever. If you want to impress your customers find another supplier! I will be walking straight passed this cafe next time.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charlie Y
Leigh39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 none
Okay, so this place is definitely quirky and you need to accept the little quirks. There is no loo, but if there was one, the place would have to have a menu half the size and only half the tables (so, three). The staff won't be everyone's cup of tea, because they're just normal. There was a bit of a rush when I visited and one of the staff was out of the shop, but they made it work, and it was beautifully clean, beautifully comfortable and a perfect place to watch the world go by on one of the main routes down from the Town Centre car park, so waiting wasn't a problem. It's not Costa - things aren't churned out super speedily, but I LOVED IT. The selection of food was amazing, all of the cakes are gluten free which is fabulous for anyone who needs to be concerned with that and there are plenty of options for coffee and for vegetarians. It's also a perfect place to relax, because there's no pressure to order immediately etc which is great. The food was great, adjustments no a problem and the staff were really lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and cannot wait to go back.
Written 20 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DavenStell
Liskeard113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 couples
Lovely to visit fowey out of season so not too busy. Popped in here for cream teas and cakes - super friendly welcome and reasonably priced. Our son is celiac so on a gluten free diet and we were pleased to find all of their cakes and even scones were gluten free and still lush. Alternative to dairy offered for drinks too - very allergen aware. Really pleasant half hour spent in the cafe, well done guys.
Written 3 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jansie2016
Bodmin79 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 none
Visited this cafe for the first time this year, since the new ownership. Julian and his helper were very welcoming and made us and our golden retriever feel very much at home. The menu is adequate for lunch time snacks and home made cakes looked very fresh and yummy. There was also a specials board and veggie options. I had the home made mushroom soup which was really tasty, hubby had the home made beef / cheese burger. Both recommended. The one thing that we really liked about this little cafe was that there was a really good, cheerful vibe about it. Because it was small, we received more one to one attention as opposed to being one of a 'crowd' - Nice :0) We'll definitely be back when we next visit Fowey! Thank you - Jan, Tony and Millie dog!
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sonicbroomboy
Swanley4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 friends
We came back to this Cafe as it was amazing the first time round two years ago, a very friendly lady ran the place and everything was just magical. We sat down with and once we had peeled our hands off the greasy surface we then ordered food and a coffee. The lady did not know what a double expresso was when the drinks turned up it was like a blind person had prepared them! The man behind the counter preparing the food is very over opinionated and will shout his mouth off being rude to people who come in and and leave if they find it not to their liking. He will go on about how people should use cash instead of card as it costs him money. The food was poor and the coffee was awful. please bring back the old owners and keep your opinions to yourself.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anna
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 solo
It was pouring with rain, yet Fowey no matter the weather is such a wonderful place. Came across this little cafe, as soon as I opened the door greeted with a friendly smile and my small wet dog also. Homemade burgers are fab, followed by coffee and the mince pie delicious. The owner makes all the cakes and clearly loves what he does. Pop next door to the Art and crafts shop local artist fabulous little shop.
Written 18 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jackie B
Bishops Lydeard23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 family
We stopped here on a very wet Monday lunchtime with our two boys. Nothing was too much trouble! The kids loved their lunch (sandwiches/hot dog) and my Brie and cranberry bagel was super tasty! On the tables are little games and lots of magazines around too. The connect 4 was popular until my youngest beat my eldest 2-0 😂 we would definitely go again. Thank you!
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tony A
Uttoxeter10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 family
Had a splendid full English. Fresh, local and perfectly cooked. Kids had eggs on toast and again the eggs were sublime (even extra eggs in the centre of the table). Highly recommend this dog friendly cafe.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BigDaddy9112
Yate31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 couples
Lovely little cafe run by friendly people who really care about what they’re doing. We’d visited before and had an excellent breakfast, today we went for lunch and had burgers which were properly home cooked and as good as any burger we’ve ever had. Thank you, keep up the good work!
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE LIFEBUOY CAFE, Fowey - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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