Birdie's Kitchen at the South Devon Railway

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#11 of 17 Restaurants in BuckfastleighBritish, Cafe, $

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Birdie's Kitchen at the South Devon Railway

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About

Travelers' Choice

2024

All day licensed restaurant & cafe serving quality Artisan Coffee, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Cream Teas. We have a Gluten-free & Vegan offer. Also available for bespoke bookings, kid's parties, weddings, funerals. Bespoke menus available by design.

Features

CUISINES

British, Cafe, Grill

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Highchairs Available

Seating

Takeout

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

Buckfastleigh Sta, Dartmoor National Park, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DZ England

Does this restaurant offer free wifi?

Yes

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Hours

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Closed now

• Opens at 9:00 AM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

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3.9

169 reviews

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Average

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DevonDreamer

Totnes27 contributions

The only option to eat at this destination...

Sep 2024 • friends

We planned to have lunch here as part of a day out on the South Devon Railway and Butterfly Farm. We'd looked at the menu on line and decided on hot food. We got there at 1.00 and it wasn't overly busy. However, in spite of there being lots of staff behind the counter we waited ages to be acknowledged. On that basis, we decided to order differently. My panini was toasted and served immediately but my friend waited ages for her cheese scones and had to go back to the counter to see if they were coming (they weren't freshly baked so we don't know why it took so long). They arrived without butter so she had to go back in again to get some. The food was OK but we both felt a bit disappointed by the slow, indifferent service and glad we'd arrived before the coach party that turned up while we were eating! On balance, I think we'll take a pick-nick next time and eat it at the benches by the pretty riverside walk.

Written September 13, 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.

Jonathan Davis

Thank you for visiting us and your detailed review. The time differential for your orders is due to the paninis being a grab and go item that are prepared by the front of house team while you wait, while the cheese scones are a menu item, prepared in the kitchen and in a sequential queue dependant on orders already in the system. Ordinarily the team would ask whether you wanted the two items together so will pick this up with them Thanks once again for your custom

Written September 30, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mark s

Buckfastleigh286 contributions

Good breakfast

Jan 2025 • couples

Woke up hungry today and we were looking at the local options for breakfast and Birdies stands out and we can also take the dogs a walk down the river there as well . Half hour latter and we've got a regular meat and a veggie option and a couple of coffees. Good bacon , a good sausage and my wife said the veggie breakfast was lovely as well . So a big thumbs up from us , best breakfast locally and doggie friendly

Written January 25, 2025

Jonathan Davis

Thanks for your review Mark, make it a regukar visit...

Written January 26, 2025

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nicola_W_0108

United Kingdom885 contributions

A decent stop for lunch

Aug 2023 • family

Had lunch here while visiting the railway. We ordered just before 1pm but disappointingly, they had run out of jacket potatoes. I felt like having pasta instead and kindly, the staff were able to organise for me to have an adult portion of this from the children’s menu! The staff were friendly and the food came out fairly quickly. The pasta tasted good and the fries were great value for money. Latte was quite small for the price. Couldn’t manage to finish the slice of chocolate cake we ordered, but wrapped it up and enjoyed the rest later! Felt that the prices were a bit more expensive than we would have expected.

Written August 17, 2023

Jonathan Davis

Thanks for your visit and review Nicola, hope to see you again soon

Written August 22, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah M

3 contributions

Jul 2023 • family

Was very very disappointed with the Moroccan breakfast as me and my partner are both chefs and used to good food.ordered the Moroccan breakfast and what came out was a watery tomato soup with two overcooked poached eggs in it. Used the flat bread just mopping up the liquid before getting to the slop that was left. Had a lovely day with the family and was really excited seeing this on the menu but then faced with what we had very disappointed.the children’s pre made sandwiches where hard and felt stale.the only good thing was the children loved the play area and the train set

Written July 31, 2023

Jonathan Davis

Hi Sarah Sorry that Moroccan breakfast didn't match your expectations, I will share your feedback with the kitchen..

Written August 22, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire T

13 contributions

Dirty & unprofessional

Apr 2023 • friends

If I could rate this place a zero I would! Took the in-laws here this morning (10.4.23) for a cooked breakfast to be ripped off first off all... prices through the roof! The staff were all teenagers who spent more time on their mobile phones laughing amongst themselves behind the counter, the hot drinks were served in small paper cups, we were not offered milk! The table was sticky and unclean as was the cutlery (nothing matched) the food took over half an hour to arrive and when it did it came out in drips and drabs and they forgot the children's bacon baps! The toast was only toasted on one side and had been buttered for you - not great if you cannot have butter! The staff looked bored and obviously didn't want to be there whatsoever, no service with a smile! The beans were luke warm, the poached eggs were shiny. Everything needed a good clean! We won't be returning and wouldn't recommend to anybody.

Written April 10, 2023

Jonathan Davis

Thank you for visiting us, we're sorry your experience wasn't as would like. There was a new team in place and it was a busy day, so we will use your feedback to ensure the team are aware of the glitches. It would seem that you were UNLUCKY, as other reviews around d the same time have been unanimously positive. We can't agree however that the pricing is a 'rip off''. We believe that the menu is priced competitively for the ingredients deployed, menus and prices are clearly displayed and clearly clients are free to choose whether to use our services or not.

Written April 13, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris D

2 contributions

Average!

Sep 2023 • family

After hearing good things about Birdie's Kitchen, was slightly disappointed. I ordered a jacket potato with cheese, when it arrived it was exactly that, with no garnish at all, just slapped on a plate, which was not really acceptable for the price paid . The others in our party fared somewhat better, and their meals looked appetizing enough. Service was a bit on the slow side, and toilets not particularly clean. Not awful, but not as good as we hoped.

Written September 10, 2023

Jonathan Davis

Hi Chris, thanks for your review. Sorry you were disappointed with the jacket potato offer. There is a salad option to go with it albeit at extra cost. We'll take your feedback on board but are pleased that the rest of the poarty enjoyed their meals somewhat more.

Written October 12, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sue

3 contributions

Dreadful experience!

Apr 2022 • couples

We have just visited this cafe which proved to be a dreadful experience! I ordered a cream tea which was grossly over priced but thought it would be nice. Sat down at table which was dirty from previous guests so not had been cleaned inbetween which in these days of covid is a real failure of hygiene! When the cream tea came they were plain scones ( we were not given a choice). The pot of tea which was advertised with the cream tea was a three quarters filled mug. I asked the girl for cutlery & she brought me a desert spoon for my mug of tea ( to take the tea bag out) & knife which was completely dirty! The cream did not taste fresh at all & quite frankly has made me feel sick! It cost more than a NT cream tea where you have fresh fruit scones & freshly made te served in a pot with China cups. Shame on you birdies cafe, you have given such a bad reflection & experience to what had been a very plesant holiday in beautiful Devon.

Written April 14, 2022

newsedg

Chudleigh14 contributions

Late afternoon tea

Oct 2022 • family

We arrived on the 1500 train from Totnes and after a short visit to the museum went into Birdues for tea and cake. The service was very slow as one member of staff was putting chairs in the tables leaving the other to serve. We were told it was take away only even though the cafe did not close until 4pm. When I complained and pointed out the time we were allied to remain inside but we had to sit surrounded by tables with chairs on them while the staff waited for us to go. We were not made welcome. Don’t bother going in after 3:30pm. When I worked in hospitality you never started closing until the last customer had gone. When we visited this establishment st the same hour four years ago the same thing happened. I had hoped for some improvement but alas no

Written October 25, 2022

Wendy B

1 contribution

Exceptional service

Jul 2024 • family

My daughter, her two young sons and I had a lovely hour or so eating tasty food, with delicious drinks, and cooling Yarde Farm ices yesterday afternoon. JJ and the other staff were exceptionally welcoming and helpful, ably catering to our food allergies/intolerances. We had been to the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary which was great fun, the weather was sunny so having Birdie’s a short walk away in which to relax and refuel was a great way to end the day.

Written July 5, 2024

Jonathan Davis

Thanks Wendy for your wonderful review. We're delighted that you enjoyed visiting us and that the team looked after you so well.... Team Birdie's

Written July 6, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Katie J

1 contribution

Recommend

Jul 2022 • friends

Visited Birdies Kitchen with a friend and our children, it was a pleasant visit and definitely worth the travel and choice We were greeted by a gentlemen named Danny who made the visit an absolute joy. Nothing was to much trouble and with his well mannered tone and kind polite nature it made the trip to south Devon railway a delight. Customer service as such should be recognised and we would like to say how much of a pleasure it was to have been served by someone with such a good willing attitude who seems to be an absolute asset to the team. Our experience was faultless and the food was beautiful and well presented along with a conversation and consistent smiles from this particular member of staff. Birdies kitchen should be proud!

Written July 17, 2022

Dave

2 contributions

A breakfast delight

Sep 2022 • none

After a very early start and along driver from East Sussex, we decided to pop into Birdie's Kitchen at South Devon's Railway and was pleasantly surprised. Very friendly staff who were very helpful and enthusiastic (a rare thing in this day an age) - and could also advise on the local area too! Great menu choice, even for my vegitarian wife, and yes the sausages were lovely! Nothing was to much trouble for the staff (sorry I can't remember their names) and after a long driver for us, it was nice to relax for a while and feel appreciated. Having worked in the Hospitality industry for many years, understand the many challenges it can throw at you, its nice to give the recognition and appreciation back to those who deserve it. Will look forward to our return trip soon - well done Birdies kitchen :o)

Written October 7, 2022

RidgewalkerWing

24 contributions

Excellent

Apr 2024 • family

We held the wake for our Mum at Birdie's and it was fantastic. We chose a veggie/vegan tea menu which was absolutely delicious. The staff were helpful and respectful and I don't think we could have asked for a better experience. Thank you.

Written April 26, 2024

Jonathan Davis

It was a privilege to be selected to support you and your family and friends for this occasion and we're delighted that we met your expectations on the day. We hope to see you again soon in happier times.

Written May 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gary A

74 contributions

A trifle underwhelming and overpriced

Oct 2023 • couples

Food was average, I had a pasty that I would doubt it was made in house. My wife has similar. It just seemed utterly disorganised, and, I can only repeat overpriced for the quality of fare. If I travelled the Dart Valley Railway from Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh again which was a beautiful journey, I would either bring a supermarket meal da all of search further afield. I think that Birdie's has a captive audience that they don't serve up the best service. Sorry!

Written October 18, 2023

PandyPandora

Harpenden891 contributions

Birdie's Kitchen at the South Devon Railway - Buckfastleigh

Mar 2023 • friends

This canteen style cafe is the perfect place for lunch. Parking in the railway car park but it does get busy. Find a table and then place your order at the counter. There is a decent menu selection (including vegetarian options) of traditional items with small plates and larger options; there is something for everyone. The service is prompt and the food is reasonably priced and good. There is a small railway themed gift shop next door.

Written April 10, 2023

Jonathan Davis

Thanks for your lovely review, we hope to see you again soon

Written April 13, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pamela T

1 contribution

Best Mac n cheese ever

May 2024 • friends

We called into Birdies kitchen after a trip on the steam train at Buckfastleigh. So pleased we did! I had the best Macaroni cheese ever - hot and cheesy, cooked to perfection, all just right. Although the cafe was busy, we weren't waiting too long for our food, and staff couldn't have been more helpful. Thank you!

Written May 6, 2024

Jonathan Davis

That's a lovely review and we're delighted that you enjoyed the ambience, food and our wonderful staff. We hope to see you again soon.

Written May 7, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.