Ideal location to explore
Exmoor
Our Tea Room is situated in the heart of Exmoor. An ideal location that suits any countryside pursuit that this idyllic area of the Moor has to offer.
Withypool is a truly pretty place, what better way to enjoy its tranquility and peace than with a cup of our finest and a slice of cake!
All home made on the
Premises
Withypool Tea Room is run by local staff who care about their service and produce. The award winning homemade cakes, savories and soups attest to their dedication. Our Exmoor cream teas are sought-after, with the ‘Withybig’ scones and locally produced jams and cream being a favourite.
The homemade pasties and sausage rolls are exceedingly popular, as are homemade soups, especially on a chillier day. A mouth-watering selection of homemade cakes are available daily, including excellent gluten free, dairy free and vegan options. The cheese scones with locally made cider chutney are a popular pleasant choice.
For the Early Bird! Why not grab a breakfast roll and a sweet treat and enjoy the peace and quiet by the River?
Holders of an alcohol licence, the Tearoom is able to sell local ales, ciders and West Country lagers, while also housing a small selection of wines.
We also produce a range of gluten free, dairy free and vegan options available too.
As well as the atmospheric seating inside, we also have seating both out front and behind our Tea Room. A perfect choice on a sunny day to enjoy the incredible views Withypool has to offer.
Tea Room are open daily, Spring through to the end of autumn.
Contact:- Anita Howard
01643 831279
Withypool Tea room in the heart of Exmoor
GALLERY
The Withypool Tea Rooms are just as much a historical landmark as the bridge or the church, largely because of their unique “Wes Anderson-esque” aesthetic and their connection to the village’s motoring history.
1. The “Filling Station” Origins
The most distinctive thing about the tearooms isn’t just the scones—it’s the architecture. The building was originally part of the village filling station.
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The Retro Pumps: Standing right outside the tearooms are a set of rare, iconic early 20th-century Shell petrol pumps. These are among the last of their kind in the UK.
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The End of an Era: The pumps were actually operational until 2001, when the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak effectively halted tourism and agricultural movement in the area, leading to their permanent closure as a fuel station.
2. The “Withybig” Cream Tea
The tea rooms are famous across Exmoor for their signature “Withybig” cream tea.
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The Scones: They are known for serving exceptionally large, homemade scones.
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The Somerset Debate: Being in Somerset, you’ll find the locals often debate the “correct” way to dress a scone (jam first vs. cream first), though the tearoom generally remains a neutral ground for both styles!
3. A Hub for Moorland Figures
For decades, the tearoom and the adjacent village shop have been the social heart of the village.
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Hope Bourne: The legendary Exmoor author and artist Hope Bourne, who lived a self-sufficient life in a caravan on the moor for 24 years, was a frequent visitor to the village center. In her later years, after moving to a cottage in Withypool, she was often seen around this area.
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Refuge for Hikers: Sitting right on the Two Moors Way (the long-distance path spanning Devon and Somerset), the tearooms have served as a vital “refueling station” for hikers since the path was established in 1976.
4. Modern Renovations
In 2014, the tearooms underwent a significant renovation. The kitchen was moved into an adjoining building to expand the seating area, but the owners kept the Victorian pine furniture and antique decor to maintain the “step back in time” atmosphere that visitors expect.