Secret Garden

Market Street Kitchen, Appledore

Happy smiling faces

Ah, Appledore, stunning estuary village, nestling on a hillside, with quaint pastel coloured cottages lining narrow cobbled streets, sloping gently down to the Quay.

The historic port of Appledore, North Devon is well known for its boatyard. However. Appledore has many secrets, one of them being the delightful hidden garden which forms part of Market Street Kitchen Tea Room.

Josie Gosbee. Proprietor of the said establishment, is, in Appledore speak, like myself, a “blow in”. Whether it is complimentary or not, I will leave for you to decide. But it refers to us newcomers, who have chosen to live and work in this beautiful part of North Devon.

Market Street Kitchen is situated just behind the Quay, in a quirky street inhabited by other small locally owned businesses. Josie, originally from London, grew disenchanted with the fast pace of life in the capital, had from time to time, holidayed in Appledore and made friends within the locality.

When the shop in Market Street became available, the premises which had been used as food related businesses, for well over fifty years. Josie bade farewell to the smoke. Having had no previous experience in catering, she opened the tea room which is now in its third year. As well as the Tea Room, Josie has created a little haven at the rear of the shop, a tranquil garden, which abounds with cottage garden flowers and fruits. Last year their Grape Jam, won an award at Appledore Horticulture Show. Their apples were also mentioned in dispatches.

Market Street Kitchen is run with a very strong local ethos., food is all freshly sourced from local suppliers and the staff all reside in Appledore. Josie has a very happy relationship with the local community, encouraging such activities as bunting making & crocheting as part of the in-house activities. While I was visiting a lively group of local ladies were enjoying their Monday morning breakfast club, in the dappled shade of the garden.

Coffee in the garden

Market Street Kitchen has a tempting menu of reasonably priced, freshly made dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. Hearty Devon Breakfasts are served until noon when Light “Kitchen Specials” take over, these include grilled open toasties, Enchiladas and pate. Maybe a “Kitchen Classic” also served from noon, will tempt you? Fresh home made soup, sandwiches and jacket potatoes are offered. Who can refuse a Fresh Devon Crab Salad? or for the vegans amongst you, Lemony Lentil and Beetroot Salad – my mouth is watering as I type-. After a saunter along the Quay a Kitchen High Tea is a must, or if you feel like something less substantial why not try a Devon Cream Tea, either sweet of savoury. Children are also catered for with a “Kids Kitchen” meal deal.

Andy, the manager and trained Barista presented me with a delicious Mocha, when I visited and I must say, being a bit of a Mocha connoisseur it was the best I have ever tasted. Chocolatey rich, creamy and with that bitter hint of good coffee, which makes it so special.

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  Mines a Mocha

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  Devon Cream Tea

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  Coconut and Lime anyone?

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  Make mine a flat white

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  Table service

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  Chocolate treat

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  Savoury Cream Tea

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  Every comfort in this garden

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  Thanks for the service

Market Street kitchen is available for private evening functions and events. Christmas parties and high teas are also available, however, early booking is advisable, due to heavy demand.

I wish Josie, continuing success with her thriving business, although with her drive and enthusiasm it isn’t needed. This “blow in” has certainly made her mark. I must mention that most locals are friendly and welcoming, but, like all small villages, a few might need a slice of The Market Kitchens delicious homemade cake, to sweeten them up.

Market Kitchen, Meeting Street, Appledore, North Devon, 10-4pm daily. booking advisable. Email: info@marketskitchen.com Telephone: 01237 474168