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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 16:00
Mon
9:00 - 16:00
Tue
9:00 - 16:00
Wed
9:00 - 16:00
Thu
9:00 - 16:00
Fri
9:00 - 16:00
Sat
9:00 - 16:00
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Cafe, British, Grill
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
features
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
The Pharmacy Bistro is probably the most unique restaurant in the area, set in a Grade II listed Victorian pharmacy in Queen Street, Newton Abbot. It is open from 9am serving breakfasts and alternatives such as steak and eggs following on with lunches, snacks and coffee until 4pm. We also cook an awesome Sunday Lunch from 12 till 4pm and have an inviable selection of wines. Sourcing good quality produce and serving it well is our Ethos. We remain focused on the dining and taste experience and create an ambiance worthy of a stylish London chop house surrounded by the mahogany pharmacy cabinets and a unique Italian mosaic tiled floor. You’re literally dining in a piece of living history – Enjoy.
CUISINES
Cafe, British, Grill
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
108 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
9
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Christiane D
10 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
Pre-ordered an afternoon tea for four people on Thursday and picked it up on the Saturday.
I have to say it was faultless!! Came packed in four individual boxes, each with a scone, generous amounts of clotted cream and jam, a kind of biscoff cake, a brownie, sandwiches (different ones in each box), little Viennese cake and a macaroon.
£38 for the four, and we were stuffed afterwards.
I had enquired the day before via email which got answered quickly, and the service inside the cafe was most welcoming.
Highly recommended the Pharmacy.
Written 6 April 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.
NixTripz
Devon375 contributions
Jul 2020 • solo
I walk past this cafe/bistro everyday and see there delicious looking cakes, so one lunchtime to popped in and I'm so glad I did. I had a multi layer cake and it was delicious. Soft, moist, light and fluffy, could not fault it, so much so that I took a slice of the carrot cake to go so my other half could sample how good the cakes are, and he agreed. Delicious.
I have since gone in there again and this time had a slice of Victoria sponge and a toasted tea cake and oh my that Victor a sponge was superb. We've tried a lot of bakeries in and around this area and so far these are the best cakes, so light, moist and fluffy. Would definately recommend. The staff are polite and friendly and are on it with their covid 19 precautions from what I saw too. Good value, and great surroundings. This will definately become a regular lunch treat for me.
Written 25 July 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.
Debs B
Ferndown36 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Popped in for a quick snack and we were not disappointed. A fantastic range of savoury and sweet treats. Tea came in china tea pot with china cups and food was very tasty. The variety of cakes made it a difficult decision over what to choose. We both opted for the cream tea, one sweet, one savoury but we will be back to sample the cakes ! Very interesting tea room with all the old fashioned pharmacy set up to see. The staff were very friendly and happy.
Written 24 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.
Alison C
5 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
I had heard lots of positives regarding having a lunch here. We were offered which looked like the menu, but on looking around the premises later noticed a 'specials' mirror, why did no one say 'we have a specials menu ? '. Went for bacon,brie and cranberry panini (which was infact a baguette type roll), so not as advertised ! !
White baguettes are not as easy as a 'panini' to eat and at £9.10 very poor value, despite a few crisps and a selection of leaves.
Also amazed by the tiniest of cups for the coffee (mean to the extreme ).
Probably won't visit again too many negatives for us.
Written 6 January 2024
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.
Rebecca E
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
The interior design of this cafe is beautiful. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the food as we did not stay. My son is a bit of a fussy eater. We asked if was possible to have sausage beans and hashbrowns for him (the only 3 breakfast items he likes). They would not accommodate us. We were told that the hash browns are portioned for the vegan breakfast only and they can't split them. I have never been to a cafe that would not accommadate such a simple request. I would avoid if you want something a bit off menu
Written 30 August 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.
Damiano C
Castiglione del Lago141 contributions
Jul 2023 • solo
Stopped here for a coffee and a fruit scone whilst my vehicle was having its MOT done, it passed. The coffee was made as requested with less water and the scone served with a generous amount of butter. Very friendly, helpful staff.
Written 15 July 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.
ChicChantal
Exeter4157 contributions
Jan 2024 • solo
The positives: the food is what you expect in a small cafe: sandwiches, filled potatoes etc. The cakes are exceptionally good and look homemade. The cafe itself is absolutely stunning, a (presumably) vintage pharmacy with a lot of the fittings.
However, it's all let down by some of the staff. The person who served me was snappy and impatient, so much so that I found myself apologising for not having heard what she said. I asked for a slice of lemon with my tea: not available. I felt unwelcome to be honest, and although I've eaten there several times before, this is the second bad experience and I won't be going back. If I'm spending my money somewhere, I expect the service to be helpful and cordial.
Written 24 January 2024
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.
SeaSky
69 contributions
Mar 2024 • friends
We didn’t get a chance to eat or drink here because we were shouted at by a male customer to “SHUT THE DOOR” as soon as we entered the crowded room. We hadn’t even had the chance to choose a table nor take our coats off, but there was only one table with two chairs available - right in front of the malfunctioning door. The door was stiff to open, because there was a stone jammed under the door, which hindered its opening and closing, and left a scraping mark on the floor. Owners and staff please note this could be a danger to the health and safety of potential customers. As the customers were staring fixedly at us as we entered, I can only presume the food was mediocre, and they had nothing interesting to talk about except stare at customers entering, and perhaps shout at them concerning the dilapidated furniture. Later on some other friends said it used to be a nice place, but it had gone downhill since change of ownership. There are plenty of other lovely places in this Devon market town to eat and drink at.
Written 17 March 2024
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.
Toni Stevens
I’m very sorry for one of our customers shouting about shutting the door but the door is 100 years old and doesn’t open and close easily but we are a listed building .im also sorry we only had a small table left but we were busy hopefully next time you will be able to get a table and see that our food isn’t mediocre and that myself and my sister have owned this cafe for 5 years and its getting more and more busier hence the the1 table left
Written 19 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mynonnaEly
Ely232 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
I've walked past this gorgeous looking cafe many times, usually when it's closed or no tables available. Finally got a table today. And oh, how pleased I was. The most delicious soup offering that I've had in years. I had the cauliflower cheese soup. My partner had sweet potato with coconut and lime. We both also had savoury scone to go with the soup, and enjoyed good strong coffee afterwards. Lovely looking cakes (next visit I'll try a small slice!). Menu offers sandwiches and baked potatoes alongside many different flan and quiche options. Veggie and gluten free options, beautiful interior, lovely staff and great value. Loved it and can't wait to go back.
Written 31 January 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.
Joy F
Bath191 contributions
Sept 2023 • friends
Went in here today for lunch my friend and myself. Had sandwiches and pot if tea. My friend had half sandwich and small soup and tea with me. It was delicious and very fresh and delivered quickly. The staff were very polite and lovely. The toilet is quite a few stories of stairs so would definitely not suit someone with mobility problems. The toilet was spotlessly clean. The food cost just under £18 so on the expensive side but very delicious. We are here for a few days from Cardiff.
Written 27 September 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.
Julie
Exeter225 contributions
Apr 2022 • friends
Came across this place quite by accident whilst meeting a friend in the town , we had tea ( friend had peppermint tea ( in a pot ) so plenty of it , we also a a piece of Victoria sandwich each . I say piece as it was huge and definitely the tastiest I have had ! I also liked that it was. Served at room temperature so it didn’t lose any taste.
The staff were lovely and friendly. We said next time we will go there for lunch as the other food looked lovely as well !
Written 21 April 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.
Nicola B
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Loved the look of the bistro and when we stepped inside it was like going back in time with the oirginal features of the victorian pharmacy still very evident. We opted for tea and toasted teacake each, the service was swift and we had a nice chat to the waitress. We will definitely return, for lunch next time.
Written 26 August 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.
Jay F
12 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Happened to park opposite and went in for a drinks and a snack. To late for food but the staff member apologised and suggested cakes(great selection) or scones. I chose cheese scones, with chutney and cream cheese(unusual). Earl Grey tea and a coffee. Beautifully presented and delicious. Tea was very good quality, The Devon Tea Company. The coffee was good too.
The staff were all so welcoming, friendly and very efficient. Tables all cleared and cleaned quickly. The original pharmacy fittings are stunning.
A couple came and sat outside with a dog and without being asked a staff member took out a bowl of water for the dog. That was a lovely gesture.
I cannot recommend The Pharmacy highly enough and will be a regular visitor in future. An asset to Newton Abbot.
Written 12 July 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.
Visitor2001
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Fantastic little cafe. Good service. Disappointed however that despite the menu showing poached eggs on toast and mushrooms on toast they were unable to serve poached egg and mushrooms on toast. Zero points for initiative / enterprise.
Written 10 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.
Kathleen J
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • friends
Visited for afternoon tea with friends to celebrate the birthday of one of our party. At short notice produced afternoon tea for four. Great value for money, homemade cakes and warm scones with jam and cream. Will visit again soon
Written 4 July 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.
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