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Hours
Sun
8:30 - 17:30
Mon
8:30 - 17:30
Tue
8:30 - 17:30
Wed
8:30 - 17:30
Thu
8:30 - 17:30
Fri
8:30 - 17:30
Sat
8:30 - 17:30
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Cafe, British, Deli
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
Delicatessen, Cafe & Shop on the water in Instow, North Devon. Open everyday serving Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and meal solutions.
CUISINES
Cafe, British, Deli
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available
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4.0
796 reviews
Excellent
436
Very good
158
Average
79
Poor
55
Terrible
68
ANHLiverpool
67 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We ate breakfast here during the 'eat out to help out'. The waitress did say they had been busy and as we arrived around lunch time, I think they had run out of a few items and a few drinks. My children had to have the more expensive drinks that they didn't particularly like.
The breakfast was presented and looked nice but the bacon was a bit greasy so I swapped with my son as his was more well done (and to my liking). The sausages were hard. All of us struggled to even cut into them. I have read a response from the owners on here that say they keep the sausages in the bottom of the oven. I can only conclude that as we were eating later, our sausages had sat for a long time.
If I had been paying the full price, I would have complained but seeing as it was half price, I felt it was worth what we paid but I wouldn't pay full price and also, it didn't make me wish to eat there again.
Written 9 August 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi there,
Thank you for your feedback. Regarding your comments, allow me to explain. The bacon is cooked on a griddle with no extra oil so the bacon comes in just its own juices. I'm sorry it wasn't to your liking. The sausages are kept in a bain-marie during busy periods, as they do take so long to cook. If we were to cook them to order, you would be waiting a longer time than we are happy with. Again, apologies you found them hard. Please do let us know next time at the time, and we'll do our best to rectify the situation.
Best wishes,
Courtney - Supervisor
Written 2 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Devonshire Darlin
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
So disappointed that John’s kitchen staff STILL cant poach an egg. I left a review not long after they opened the cafe and said that eggs poached in a machine wont cut it, as it doesn’t actually resemble a poached egg- it’s just not what you’d expect from a fancy cafe/deli like this. Even my local greasy spoon can poach an egg in water. Please throw this “poaching” contraption away and learn to poach properly guys!
Written 1 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi there,
Thank you for your feedback. Our poached eggs are one of our best breakfast sellers, behind our famous Westcountry breakfast and we often get compliments on them.
I will discuss your comments with the team.
Best wishes,
Courtney - Cafe Supervisor
Written 8 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hhunter1
Westward Ho!9 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Came here with my husband for breakfast. Been here a few times for coffee and cake and always enjoyed. However, was disappointed with the full breakfast which we hadn't tried before. The menu selection was lovely so was looking forward to it. The full breakfast isn't cheap, but think could have been presented alot better. Sausages were quite hard and had the texture of being cooked before (which we understand has to happen sometimes to save time) but then fried again making them very chewy and dry. Bacon wasnt crispy or well cooked. Half a tomato which was more like a quarter as it was so squashed, and a poached egg which had been cooked in an egg poacher which ruined the appearance. We understand poached eggs can be tricky to cook but at nearly £9 for a breakfast surely they need to do it the proper way?
The smoothies were lovely though. We felt we had to eat most of this because of the price, but not sure if we would eat this again. Breakfast is so important to get right if is offered, and love the shop and all of the other yummy goodies do a shame. Hopefully just a one off??
Written 12 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and I'm glad you've enjoyed your previous visits. However, I am sorry that your most recent visit wasn't up to our usual standards. Regarding the sausages, they are cooled in the oven so perhaps this does affect the texture, but we don't have a fryer so they wouldn't have been re-fried.
I admit we do use an egg poacher, but we do this to try and keep the eggs consistent in their presentation and delivery.
There should have been a check back to your table, as is our policy, to ensure everything was OK. If this didn't happen, I apologise as I would have hoped these issues could have been raised then and we could have tried to rectify the situation.
I do believe this was a one off, as I hope you do too. We hope to see you again to try some of our other exciting menu items.
Best wishes,
Courtney - Cafe Supervisor
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ali M
Hertford26 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
My family and I popped in for a coffee, which was exactly what we wanted.
It was frustrating to order at the counter only to be told to sit down and wait for a waitress, which then meant sitting for 5 minutes. If the counter is not busy, take the order.
Further, Johns has a fantastic deli selling lovely savoury and sweet snacks. When trying to order one of the sausage rolls on display (£3.50) I was told that I could only order the ‘Sausage Roll platter’ (£8). I expected a surcharge to eat in, but never have I been told that I can’t buy something being sold in a cafe to eat in. Therefore Johns lost the sale.
Both Johns of Instow and Appledore at the moment are letting themself down with their own obsession with pretence.
Written 9 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.
lozzylobster
Bagshot7 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
What a great cafe! The menu had plenty of variety and catered for all pallets. A childrens menu was available and the food was freshly prepared and healthy (shame no baked beans with the childrens breakfast though...but a minor inconvenience).
The coffee was enjoyed so much that 2 cups were consumed in quick succession.
However, the highlight was the service and the staff, especially our waiter called Courtney (who my children called "John' because he had john stitched onto his apron!! What a warm, friendly and kind man. Lovely patient manner with my children and extremely professional.
My friend recommended this place ...and I'm glad she did. I will definitely be going back!
Written 4 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you for your 4 star review!
We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience and Johns.
Courtney will be very happy to hear about your review, it's very kind of you to compliment his service.
We hope to see you back again soon.
Jane & the Instow team
Written 5 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DB70
London52 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Decided to stop here for early lunch while cycling the Tarka trail. After getting a seat and seeing the menu we decided that it was ridiculously overpriced so maybe we'd just get a drink and a snack. We were finally served after about 10 minutes but after waiting another 20 minutes while watching people who walked in 30 minutes after us get their drink, we decided to leave. Won't waste our time next time stopping here. Most expensive cafe we'd seen by a mile after a week in the local area.
Attempting to be a gourmet cafe going by the prices but certainly don't back it up with service.
Written 13 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.
JohnsofInstow
We are sorry to hear you had a bad experience in our cafe. I do recall the day you came in, I must admit we were extremely busy and also short staffed. Unfortunately the hospitality industry as a whole is affected by this issue. We can only apologise for the wait.
We support over 200 local businesses and provide our customers with carefully sourced fresh produce as well as home made products, the high quality of these items are reflected in our prices and enjoyed by many customers!
Written 23 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ItsMillie1963
Lichfield4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
For years I have been recommending John’s Cream Tea. No more.
Today I took a friend for a treat. How embarrassing to have to query the bill. My two £5.50 cream teas came to £16.40! When asked for clarification I was told the cream tea doesn’t include tea. Since when? Surely without the tea it’s just a scone with jam and cream? Certainly not worth £5.50.
The dictionary definition of a cream tea is “a meal taken in the afternoon consisting of tea to drink with scones, jam, and cream.”
I left the shop feeling let down and that I had been done.
Written 21 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi Millie. So sorry to read your review and hope that in view of all your previous experiences and visits, you'll value this response. We thought that you'd like to know that we have listened to recent feedback from our team and customers and we have changed our cream tea in the café back to how it was before with the inclusion of a drink but even better - we'll explain!
To help you to understand the reason why we changed it in the first place, it was simply due to feedback last year and pre COVID-19 that many people didn’t actually want to be tied to having a pot of tea as they wanted our fabulous coffee instead, so as a result we subsequently changed the arrangement to what we felt was a genuine improvement to enable people to choose a drink separately but looks like it’s backfired!
So, why is it even than before? Our Devon Cream Tea in our café gives everyone the best of all worlds as now customers will be able to choose their drink as part of the complete cream tea price whether it’s loose leaf tea or freshly ground coffee. The scones are still made in our kitchens with one giant scone now with your cream tea now (again customer feedback but this has been met with a very positive response as people often only wanted one scone so 2 halves and we’ve made it bigger too) - lots of compliments too that they taste even nicer, but it’s the same recipe!
We still serve our cream teas with the same award winning local strawberry jam and local farmhouse clotted cream supporting 2 local producers. We're sorry that you were disappointed, we've responded very quickly to feedback and the options are more flexible for customers than ever before. So, hope you'll visit again in the future. Best wishes, Sue
Written 22 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ukollie59
Barnstaple9 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
I grabbed a take away yesterday from the beach hut before strolling down the Instow seafront. The level of service I received from the young lad ( at about 2pm) was shockingly bad. I've rarely seen such a miserable young lad like this before...If he doesn't want to be there, plenty of other people will. I should mention I am LOCAL but I didn't even get a 'hello' or 'thank you'. I asked a simple question regarding an item and the waiter looked at me like I was from a different planet.. The coffee itself was nice however. I don't know wether as a business, you don't care as you get a captive audience there but PLEASE sort out your staff attitude! Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.. I don't usually complain BUT i've heard similar comments from friends.. There are some other venues nearby where they value your custom, so sorry Johns but we shall be using the competition next time.
Written 17 June 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi there,
Thank you for your review. I'm sorry to hear of your experience at our beach kiosk. I was surprised to read it, I must say, as I have only ever heard complimentary comments about my young colleague, and this is certainly the first time I have had feedback of this nature about him.
However, we read all our reviews and take feedback seriously and I have already spoken to the individual in question.
I'm positive this was an isolated incident and we look forward to saying hello to you next time.
Regards.
Courtney - Supervisor
Written 18 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca
Beeston10 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
I had the displeasure of visiting Johns of Instow whilst on holiday in North Devon. The staff were curt and unwelcoming, failing to even manage a ‘hello’ as we entered the empty cafe. After ordering four granola breakfast pots, we were informed that they had no Greek yoghurt, only flavoured yoghurts, so we changed our order to croissants. The menu described this option as one plain croissant and one chocolate croissant, and we were therefore disappointed when we were brought a cold almond croissant, in place of the chocolate one, with no explanation. Thank goodness for the government Eat Out to Help Out scheme, because I certainly would have begrudged paying full price for such a poor breakfast.
Written 19 August 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.
JohnsofInstow
Hi Rebecca,
I'm sorry your experience of Johns was as you described. This certainly isn't the level of service we are used to giving, as you can see from many of our customers' review, so it hurts to read this.
Please accept my apologies and hopefully we can put things right on your next visit.
Best wishes,
Courtney - Supervisor
Written 2 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian G
South Devon34 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
After a long drive down we decided to stop in Instow and revisit 'Johns of Instow' where had previously experienced good service. Unfortunately this experience was not repeated. My Wife fancied a Hot Chocolate so we went in and ordered one each. The assistant (ginger hair we think) took our money but then proceeded to serve someone else behand us. Whilst waiting patiently my wife noticed that the menu board listed white, plain or milk under the hot chocolate title. After she had served the lady who had been behind us I asked if she had done our order. She said that she had not so in that case I asked if we could have two plain hot chocolates. She said in a very rude manner 'I've put the ingredients in the cups now why didn't say before'. I said that we hadn't even looked at the board - we just ordered. I also said to her why didn't you offer us the choice in the first place then to which she 'through herself into an infant type paddy'. She very dramatically (she deserved an oscar!) took the two metal mixing containers and loudly banging them on the bin threw the ingredients away rudely telling someone loudly in the kitchen that they don't want them now and making us feel very ashamed that we should even dare to change our minds. We had already paid £6.40 so we were reluctant to leave despite our embarrassment at this lady's appalling attitude to customer service. We are both pensioners and still can't quite understand what all this was about and felt very hurt by all this having driven out of our way to repeat a previously pleasant experience!! No words were spoken after this and the two hot chocolates were given to us in a very cold manner!! As we took our drinks the lady following us asked for two hot chocolates - what a shame she had thrown the previous ingredients in the bin we thought!!! By the way she didn't offer the choice of flavours to this lady either.............so she clearly hadn't learnt anything. Arrogant and Ignorant are the two words that come to mind.
Written 16 January 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you for leaving a review today Ian.
Sorry to hear that you didn't have a great experience at Johns of Instow.
I hope at the very least the hot chocolates were tasty!
Lucy
FOH Supervisor
Written 22 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona P
South Molton7 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We come here about three times a week for a dog walk on the fabulous beach, always calling in for a coffee and more at John's. It may ( sometimes) take a long time to get a coffee (this could be improved) but it is worth the wait just to appreciate the opportunity of a great selection of home-made cakes, Appledore Bakery's wonderful bread, and general high standard of foods on offer. During lockdown it was an oasis of normality and somewhere to treasure. I highly recommend the home-made mince pies with crumbly crisp pastry when heated up at home. Yum! Thanks John's .
Written 4 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you Fiona for you lovely 5 star review!
Jane & the Instow team
Written 7 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa W
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
I regularly visit a Johns as I love their Brunch menu, I always order avocado on toast with a poached egg.
You never have to wait long even on a busy day and it can get busy as it’s such a wonderful place to eat.
I particularly love visiting their shop at Christmas tome where it’s packed to the rims of local produce to Devon.
I will only buy my Christmas cheeses from this shop as they’ve such a huge selection.
It’s like having a mini Darts Farm on our very own North Devon Door Step!
Staff are incredibly cheery. X
Also once ordered my son one of their fruit meringue...one word for it....WOW!
Written 28 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you so much Lisa for your 5 star review! You are clearly a regular customer and we really appreciate that!
Hope to see you again soon
Jane & the Instow team
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K5549NPcarolineb
Nottinghamshire36 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Managed to get a table without booking, very busy cafe and shop. Not enough staff they appeared under pressure , running about serving take away and shop bought it3ms. Food tasted lovely and hot, some food pricey but worth it.
Written 13 August 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you for your 4 star review!
Jane & the Instow team
Written 17 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robin M
Queenstown7 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
Tried out the new outdoor seating on the Instow Pier. I had the full English breakfast and my wife the veggie option. Both were excellent with fast and friendly service. You can order from the pier and don’t have to go into the shop at all. The breakfast is served in takeaway boxes and we sat on the pier in glorious sunshine watching the boats go by. Families with young children were enjoying themselves on nearby tables so definitely family friendly. Highly recommended.
Written 19 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you Robin for your fabulous 5 star review! So glad you enjoyed your visit to Johns on the Pier!
Jane & the Instow team
Written 3 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MollyBar
Barnstaple7 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We live locally and visited with family. Johns have used their initiative during Covid by utilising the outdoor space by the Pier to serve food. The set up is excellent, safe and well organised. Hopefully, this set up can continue post Covid....
Written 11 August 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.
JohnsofInstow
Thank you for your 5 star review! We have tried our best and we are glad you feel it has paid off!
Jane & the Instow team
Written 17 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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