3 Of The Best Cafes in South Somerset

I rarely need an excuse to investigate a new place for coffee.  However, a personal recommendation and the arrival of a new book with lots of great suggestions, lead me to South Somerset recently.   Having already tried out two others nearby,  it seemed a good opportunity to put together a list of three of the best cafes in South Somerset.  

Driving to the West Country on the A303 near Chard and Ilminster means leaving behind typical service stations. If you want a nice place to stop you need to be in the know before you set off.  Locals have already proved these are popular choices.

The Railway Café at the Trading Post Farm Shop

Just 5 minutes off the A303 Ilminster bypass at Lopen, this café (restaurant) and farm shop are not even sign posted!
Locals don’t seem to have any problem finding it though! So don’t be fooled, make sure you book a table.

The cafe really is a great find and pretty unique. Seating is in one old railway carriage, an old double decker bus as well as large communal tables in a lean too off the bus.  There’s a dressing up corner for children as well as large outside area with tables, plus a space for stretching your legs with lovely views across the Somerset countryside.

Best Cafes in South Somerset The Railway Carriage Cafe mural
Best Cafes in South Somerset The Railway Carriage Cafe

We went for lunch and the food was fantastic. Fresh, largely vegetarian and very tasty.  The delicious looking homemade cakes and coffee were very tempting but we just didn’t have room for more. 

If you’ve not got time to sit down,  then the farm shop next door has a counter full of lovely looking pies and pasties, fresh bread and all sorts of other delightful food.  Directions and details to Pips Railway carriage here.

Best Cafes in South Somerset The Railway Carriage Cafe tasty lunch

The Old Calf Shed 

Located in Jordans Courtyard this lovely cafe is a stones throw from the hustle and bustle of the main road just off the A303 at Horton Cross, the Chard / Ilminster / Taunton roundabout.  It’s easy to find and plenty of parking. You will also find The Wellness and Yoga Centre, The Cottage Garden (plants, florist and local art) as well as other business units.

Since my first visit the cafe and restaurant have new owners, Paul and Nell.  I am yet to visit but judging by photos on social media it all looks great, they have added their own stamp on the menu and have added delicious weekend brunch specials. 

 

The Old Calf Shed Horton

Riverside Cafe and Farm Shop near Ilminster

You can find this at the Rose Mills Industrial Estate, Ilminster. Review to follow.
There are also art and crafts on display as well as courses run in the same building.  

Enjoy Coffee and Cake with the Locals

So I hope you have to time to try out some of these suggestions.

I was sent a complimentary copy of the book  –  The Extra Mile by Laura Callacott and Alistair Sawday, which prompted me to write this round up.  It covers great independent places no more than 15 minutes drive off the motorways and main routes across the UK.  I’ve seen it also lists my local Millers Farm Shop, River Cottage and previously reviewed  The Coffee Factory as well.

I love it when my readers recommend places to try, so feel free to message me with your favourite coffee and cake stops or days out.  I think I am really going to enjoy continuing my research with help from this book as well!

Best Cafes in South Somerset Jordans

Pin for later

Best cafes in South Somerset on the A303
Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
Dream Team linky
3 Little Buttons