Stoked About the Shack

We really just stumbled upon the beautiful village of Stoke Gabriel as we walked aimlessly down the country paths near Peignton, Devon. The first place we stopped was the Church House Inn, which was idyllically placed next to an orchard and a church. The boys found new energy to play in the lovely playground next to the pub, while Helen and I relaxed in the sun with a drink. I knew there was a river nearby, and we soon found it. The setting was so perfect that I couldn’t help but be envious of the people who lived there. A dam in the river created a huge pool shared by swans and children in kayaks. Along the dam, families were catching crustaceans of varying types, and it was a timeless scene of simple pleasure.

What really impressed me though, was the River Shack: a cafe that could compete with the best in London, set right alongside the river in this hidden area of Devon. I’d love to know the story of how this place came to be, and who runs it. They were out of cream teas by the time we got there but the Tregothnan tea and cream cake were just right. The service was friendly; tea was served in a proper pot, and the atmosphere was one of complete relaxation.

Stoke Gabriel is firmly on my list of places I’d like to live.