River Cottage Kitchen at Park Farm

There’s a new home and a fabulous new view for the River Cottage Kitchen. Now located just outside Axminster in East Devon, the restaurant and small shop has relocated to what was former office space at the entrance to Park Farm, the HQ of River Cottage on Trinity Hill.

The reincarnated cafe and restaurant is a lot smaller than it’s former self which was in the centre of Axminster, but does enjoy the benefit of a lovely large decking area making the most of it’s hillside location.

River Cottage Kitchen cafe

Relax at River Cottage

The inside space is light and airy with a modern and informal feel and large glass windows to make the most of the views. I had taken my mum for a morning coffee and we enjoyed sitting outside (as was everyone else) taking in the view. In one direction we could see Axminster and the view across to the Stockland mast, the other way was Colyton.

The cafe is open daily from 9am to 5pm (food until 3pm) serving breakfast and lunch as well as drinks and cakes. We enjoyed a delicious chocolate and beetroot Brownie and a nice coffee.

Cakes at River Cottage Kitchen

Lunches at River Cottage Kitchen

While we were there I took a peek at the lunch menu. The kitchen prides itself on using home grown and locally sourced ingredients. The mussels where popular when we were there, steamed with  cider and served with sourdough  (£15), also on the menu was a Moroccan goat tagine (£14.50), soup and a mozzarella and onion sourdough sandwich (£9).

You can see other sample menus here.  I could happily find things on the menu to eat but I have to admit I’m not sure my teenagers or younger children would be so keen. It doesn’t really feel like most children are catered for. On the plus side the cafe welcomes dogs.

The kitchen is open from 9am – 5pm,  so no evening meals. At the moment they are not taking bookings.

River Cottage Store

River Cottage Store

At the entrance to the restaurant there is a small shop selling a range of drinks such as River Cottage’s own ciders, beers and kombucha and gifts such as books, blankets, bags and soaps. You can also purchase gift vouchers.

River Cottage courses

Courses and Feast Nights

As well as the kitchen cafe which is at the top of the hill, you can also visit Park Farm itself as part of a pre-booked course or meal.

The feasts are a real celebration of local food and offer 7 courses prepared by the River Cottage Chefs. With time to explore the gardens beforehand, the whole evening,  which is set in the restored barn is quite an experience. You even get a lift back up to the car park in a Land Rover or tractor and trailer!

Another option is a chef’s demo and meal.  I was lucky enough to join one of these quite a few years ago – it may have changed a bit now but you can read my review of that here.

Prices start at £70 for a lunch up to £125 for the popular feast nights.

Courses

There are a huge range of courses and these are a great idea for a gift or a special treat. From bakery, fermenting, charcuterie and butchery to bee keeping and foraging, there is something for all interests. Even the children can enjoy the experience with you for a day of baking and family style cooking.

The Old Farmhouse

The old farmhouse at Park farm has been converted into a bed and breakfast so there’s no need to leave after your meal or day out.  You can even book your wedding at River Cottage HQ.

River Cottage Kitchen balcony

River Cottage Kitchen Review

I hope that this short review gives you a bit of an idea of what to expect if you visit the new River Cottage Kitchen. It is certainly a lovely place for breakfast, drinks or lunch. The service was good and friendly. Be warned that there’s no cash taken so card payments only and do expect River Cottage prices.

For me the visit was largely out of curiosity but I think I may treat myself to lunch one day soon. When the days are shorter it will also be a great spot to see the sunset.

If you enjoy walking then nearby is the Trinity Hill Nature Reserve and also a nice Forestry Commission walk. Just a short drive away is Lyme Regis and you can read all about my ideas for days out in this pretty seaside town.

Directions to river cottage 

River Cottage HQ, Trinity Hill Road, Axminster, EX13 8TB – just off the Trinity Hill Road, 1 mile from the A35 .


Thank you to River Cottage (via Matt Austin) for supplying some of the photos here, a few are also my own.