Last week I hopped on the number 9 bus out of Exeter with my friend Amber. Our destination was Froginwell Cider Barn and Vineyard. I had personally driven past a number of times and have been intrigued to what was there but Amber was unaware. I enticed her with promises of tea and cake. It doesn’t take much!!

Froginwell is a family run business having first opened its doors in 2012. They specialise in weddings and I can see why it might be a venue choice for many people. The views and grounds are really rather wonderful. Alongside the weddings they have a cafe that is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm serving morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas. They pride themselves in sourcing local produce and creating delicious things in their kitchen using top quality, fresh ingredients.

We arrived at about 11.30am and took a table on the terrace. The views were outstanding. Overlooking the vines and the countryside beyond. The sun was shining and it felt like a proper English summer’s day. After a quick look at the menu we made our choices. I went for a “tadpole” tea. A small version of their full tea. Amber is a mega carrot cake fan so that was her choice along with a cappuccino.

The cream tea was outstanding. A warm freshly baked scone with plenty of clotted cream and strawberry jam served with loose leaf tea that added to my pleasure. Ambers carrot cake was moist and topped with a gooey cream cheese frosting. She commented that it was one of the nicest she had had in a long while.

After our tea and cakes we asked if we could take a walk around the vineyard. Permission granted. So we took a stroll past the vines and around the grounds taking in the views and admiring the beautiful roses. It couldn’t have been a better place for a long overdue catch up.

I would highly recommend a visit especially for a cream tea. I haven’t stopped thinking about the one I had since I left!

Froginwell Vineyard and Cider Barn, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1EP