Home from Home

A good coffee shop or tea room should be, ideally, a really comfortable 'Home from Home'. Brophy's used to be such a place. I've rarely ventured in there for many a month now. However, I met up with Lou the other day. She told me although the coffee is much improved, the food is still a bit "over priced and indifferent". I thought I would go into Brophy's and test the quality of the coffee for myself. But then this morning I met Simon and he told me not to bother - poor quality coffee.

After our bridge class this week we all piled into the Tudor Rose Restaurant for lunch. I was really impressed. I only had a jacket potato but others had roast beef or chicken. It looked really appetising. The cost was modest. I'll certainly go there again.

Brophy's Coffee Shop Sidmouth

It's surprised me just how many hits my blog entries on Brophy's coffee shop have generated. They brought a wide range of readers to peer at this blog and some then leave a comment. Having written a few times about what used to be my favourite meeting and eating place when in Sidmouth I couldn't see why so many people ended up Googling 'Brophy's' and then falling onto my pages. I googled Brophy's myself and then found that these blog entries came out quite high along with Brophy's of Soton. So now I know. Well, I think I do. I assume they are in fact trying to find out more information about this Brophy's.

But just in case there are a few folk out there trying to find out whether or not Brophy's in Sidmouth is worth a try - then may I point you in another direction, in a friendly manner towards:

1. The Chattery - (I love the name) I've yet to try it as it has been crowded when I've tried to get in. I have heard very good reports from many people. Informal, relaxed, good coffee, good food.
2. Fields Coffee Shop: all round good value for money, excellent friendly service. If you ask for a glass of tap water they ask if you'd like ice and a slice in it ...
3. Baraza: excellent coffee (not quite up to Gary's standards but well that was perfection...a once in a lifetime experience ... sigh)
4. Clock Tower in Connaught Gardens - wonderful cakes, good coffee splendid views in fine weather

As you will see from this link of businesses in Sidmouth there are many eating places, from formal restaurants, to pubs, to coffee shops. I have enjoyed a snack and a place to rest weary limbs in many of these places. Most are very friendly. Brophy's appears conspicuous by its absence from this site. I wouldn't say that is a great loss.. .. the best I can say about it is - the seats are comfortable, it is spacious, it is not very crowded and the waitresses, Angela in particular, are friendly..

Brophy's Coffee Shop - Sad

I went again to Brophy's Coffee shop this morning. I had to go out to collect a prescription and to liberate some cash from my bank account. I thought I'd pop in to have a coffee for a treat. What a let down. What a disappointment. It was nowhere as nice as last year. The coffee was very thin, weak and watery. There was hardly a soul in there. I should have taken that as a 'warning sign'. If the locals haven't filled the place by 10 a.m. then it's not to be recommended. I didn't recognise the people working in there so it has obviously changed hands. If this morning was a yardstick of success then I guess it could well soon change hands again.

Early Start in Brophy's Coffee Shop

I was in town early this morning as i had to call in for an urgent prescription collection. So I called into Brophy's for a coffee and some breakfast. I had toast and marmalade. Huge thick chunks of locally made bread. The journey to town was a bit hair raising. So many of the mum's drop the kids off at school and set off again with a mobile glued to their ear. I saw at least 3 people driving one-handed within 10 minutes. Then on my way back home I was almost carved up by a young man in a black Honda as he swerved across the white line on the A3052 driving towards Exeter. As we passed I saw he was on the mobile phone. Next time I'll have the wit to take his number and blog about him and the mothers' on their return from the school run. So beware - if you drive and use a handheld mobile phone and live in East Devon watch this space. You may be named and shamed. Well, your car registration numbers could well be. Will have to check out the legal implications if I do this. Would it be libel or slander?

updated: Unfortunately since a change of ownership at the end of last year Brophy's doesn't have the stamp of approval from those that like good food and fine coffee. see: http://sidmouth-town.blogspot.com/2007/03/brophys-in-sidmouth-town.html

Brophy's in Sidmouth town

I went to Sidmouth again. A really hot spring day and at 12.30 I needed a drink and a little light bite. I ended up in Brophy's coffee shop and restaurant which is next door to the greengrocers. They make particularly good coffee and many snacks and lunches. The portions are generous and good value for money. It's very popular with the locals. It's well worth trying if you visit Sidmouth and want a friendly place to relax a while.

updated 27th Feb 2008 I regret to say this is no longer the case - it has changed hands. I haven't tried the food but the coffee is only good if you like thin watery weak coffee.