Barricane Beach Café, Woolacombe, Devon
Every year, roundabout Easter time, a huge crane can be seen in Woolacombe, lifting Barricane Beach Café over the cliff to the beautiful bay below. This is a marker in the calendar locally, and a draw for the tourists who find out about it, because the café serves the tastiest authentic Sri Lanken curries; initially, they only do them at weekends but as the summer kicks in, weather dependent, they do them every night.
You should try it, if you like curries because, yes, the food is fantastic, but it’s more than that, it’s the whole ambience, the laidbackness, the happy chatter on the evening air, and sunsets to behold. What they don’t do is take bookings – you just turn up, order your food and find a spot on the beach – there are a few benches, but not many and you’ll need to get there very early to bag one; otherwise take a rug and cushions and sit on the sand. If you want booze you must take your own as Barricane Beach Café isn’t licensed – they do soft drinks only.
So, all good, but what if you’re not keen on curries or follow a special diet? Well, the curries are dairy free and gluten free, and you can have a baked potato or a bap if spicy food isn't your thing. During the day, usually from about 10am, the café serves baguettes, ciabattas, wraps and ice creams.
Best to check their Facebook page for when they’re open and serving curries.
All information correct at the time of writing