By Andy, founder
There's something wonderfully unhurried about a Devon cream tea. Nobody expects you to talk about anything serious over a scone, and that's exactly why it works so well for a first date. If you've been wondering where to suggest meeting someone, this is one of my favourites.
Why it works
A cream tea is short, sweet and cheap to say yes to. It's daytime, it's public and there's always something in front of you to focus on if the conversation pauses. You can have a pot of tea and a scone in an hour, or you can order another pot if you're getting on well. Either way, nobody feels trapped.
Choosing where to go
Look for a tearoom or café in a place you'd enjoy wandering round anyway. Market towns like Totnes and Tavistock are good for this, and so are harbour towns like Dartmouth, where you can stroll along the water afterwards. You could also pair it with a walk: a turn along Exeter Quay or the seafront at Sidmouth first, then tea to warm up and sit down.
Check opening times before you set off. Many tearooms close mid afternoon, and some keep shorter hours outside the summer months.
The great jam question
In Devon, the tradition is cream on the scone first, then jam on top. Cornwall does it the other way round, and people have strong views. Don't be afraid to mention it. It's a lovely, harmless way to get a conversation going, and you'll quickly find out whether the person across the table can laugh at themselves.
What to talk about
Keep it light and curious. A few easy starters:
- Favourite places in Devon, and the ones you keep meaning to visit
- What you do on a perfect free Saturday
- The best (or worst) cream tea you've ever had
- Something you've been enjoying lately, a book, a series or a walk
Ask questions, listen to the answers and don't feel you need to fill every silence. A sip of tea is a perfectly good pause.
A few practical tips
- Suggest a time. Late morning or early afternoon feels relaxed and leaves the evening free.
- Make your own way there. Arriving and leaving separately keeps things simple and comfortable.
- Tell a friend. Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. Our guide to dating safely has more.
- Be clear about the bill. Offering to split it, or taking turns, avoids any awkwardness.
Taking it further
If it goes well, a walk afterwards is the natural next step, and our first date ideas in Devon have plenty of places to try. If you haven't met anyone to share a scone with yet, see who's near you on Go Devon Dating. There's no rush, and the kettle's always on.
- cream tea
- first dates
- devon
