Nestled high above Sidmouth’s Connaught Gardens, the Clock Tower Café offers more than just exceptional baked goods—it presents a stunning panorama of the Jurassic Coast. For owners Lewis Macleod and his wife Susie, this breathtaking location was the perfect backdrop for fulfilling their dream of a new life away from the city hustle.
In just a few years, the couple has turned the café into a local legend, thanks largely to their signature cake slices that are famously “bigger than my hand,” as radio presenter Jeremy Vine put it after visiting. These generous portions attract both loyal residents and eager tourists who return, craving those iconic treats and the café’s relaxed atmosphere.
Lewis and Susie’s journey to seaside entrepreneurs wasn’t straightforward. Both once thrived in London’s corporate world—Lewis as an accountant, Susie with Disney—but sought a slower pace and a lifestyle more connected to community and nature. The pandemic provided an unexpected opening when the café went up for sale late in 2021. Having long admired Sidmouth, the couple seized the chance to start fresh.
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Lewis recalls the challenge of reopening: “We had to build everything from scratch. The previous owners weren’t prepared, so we learned on the go what worked and what didn’t,” he said, highlighting the cautious optimism as the public adjusted to post-lockdown life.
His leap into hospitality came after a bold career change in 2017 when he trained at Leith’s School of Food and Wine, leaving accountancy behind to embrace his passion for cooking. This commitment is clear in every bite served. The café emphasizes homemade, unprocessed ingredients, avoiding margarine and highly processed oils even in their decadent cakes.
Local input played a vital role in shaping the menu. “We asked what people wanted, and the answer was overwhelmingly big cake—so that’s what we gave them,” Lewis explained. Today, the offerings also cater to dietary preferences, with popular vegan and gluten-free options such as rhubarb coconut cake and a mushroom toasty that customers love.
More than the food, it’s the atmosphere that sets the Clock Tower Café apart. Its unhurried, welcoming vibe—complete with deckchairs scattered on the lawn and no booking pressures—invites visitors to linger and soak in the view. Regulars return year after year, some even scheduling vacations around their favourite treats.
Despite the seasonal challenges and unpredictable coastal weather affecting footfall, the café thrives, especially during sunny peak months when the team expands to meet demand. Their efforts even caught the attention of Jeremy Vine, who not only praised their cakes on social media but incorporated the café into his novel and made a memorable visit to serve cake and sign books.
This unique blend of community connection, quality baking, and stunning scenery makes the Clock Tower Café a standout destination. Beyond the celebrity nods and large slices, Lewis finds the real reward in seeing happy customers and staff enjoying every moment.
Looking ahead, the couple plans to launch a winter takeaway home-meal service, offering hearty, homemade dishes that fill a gap in local options. As they approach their five-year anniversary, they’re quietly plotting a special celebration.
Lewis invites newcomers with simple advice: “Come up and try something new. Enjoy the view, the food, and the atmosphere.” For those seeking a taste of coastal charm paired with unforgettable cakes, the Clock Tower Café is a must-visit slice of paradise.