Devon's new 'destination' café offers something extraordinary

A trendy new coffee spot has opened its doors in Devon thanks to founder Justin Duerden and his team.

A specialty coffee roastery, bakery, and coffee shop rolled into one, 51° North Coffee Co at Atlantic Court just outside Braunton promises to offer something extraordinary.

For Justin, coffee is more than a beverage - it’s a connection, a story in every cup. His journey began with a solar-assisted coffee van and a small shop in Braunton, where he quickly garnered a loyal following.

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“The area has been calling out for a place like this for a while,” Justin explains. “We wanted a destination, not just a café—a place to experience. Community is at the heart of everything we do. It’s about creating a space where people can come together, make connections, or just ‘be’.”

The name 51° North stems from a serendipitous moment during a run, when Justin noticed he was standing precisely on the 51st latitude of Earth. That detail now encapsulates the ethos of his venture: rooted in locality, yet aiming for something globally inspired.

“From the calming tones and natural wood to the abundance of plants, everything was designed to make you feel at ease,” Justin says.

The space includes a bakehouse, where artisan baker Rupert crafts sourdough loaves and other delectable treats in full view of visitors. On the mezzanine, the coffee roastery hums with activity.

“People want that connection to the product—seeing where it comes from and how it’s made,” Justin says. “There’s something special about drinking coffee roasted just 20 feet away.”

The layout itself encourages a sense of community. “Our centre table, which we call the community table, is designed to be four feet wide. It’s wide enough for people to work or sit comfortably without feeling too close, yet it still encourages interaction,” says Ben, a co-owner who also spearheaded the design.

Custom-made furniture and a minimal, modern aesthetic strike a delicate balance between fostering conversation and promoting relaxation. “We partnered with local artisans like Ed Knight Carpentry for the woodwork and Mulberry Furnishings for the cushions. We gave them our vision and let them bring it to life,” Ben adds.

When it comes to coffee, Justin’s passion for quality is undeniable. “We source high-grade single-origin coffee, working closely with farmers. We don’t blend our coffee because it’s about honouring the unique flavours and methods of the farmers,” he explains.

This philosophy extends to the baking. Rupert’s Bakehouse prides itself on using regeneratively grown and stoneground flour. “It’s about soil health and customer health,” Rupert says. “We use organic ingredients where possible, ensuring quality in everything we make.”

Signature offerings include the Cotswold sourdough loaf and the indulgent cinnamon chocolate and date babka. “We’re also perfecting our plain croissant and pain au chocolat,” Rupert adds.

Fostering connections is central to 51° North’s mission. “Community isn’t just about our visitors,” Justin adds. “It’s about local businesses, young parents who might not have found us yet, or the single person who’s just moved here. We want to be that space where people feel they belong.”

The team has plans to host events that celebrate local talent and bring people together. “It’s all about lifting each other up and making the area an even better place to live.”

Opening a space like this comes with challenges. “We’re very aware of the cost-of-living struggles many face,” Justin says. “At the same time, we’re navigating rising costs in hospitality. It’s a balancing act.”

Looking to the future, Justin’s ambitions are clear. “This is just the next chapter. We aim to expand our coffee roasting operation, create more jobs, and put 51° North on the map as one of the UK’s most recognised coffee brands.”

For Justin and his team, the space itself holds deep personal significance. Ben describes it as “a love letter to those who welcomed me when I moved here. I hope it passes that welcome on to others.”

Justin highlights the inclusiveness of the space and the sensory experience it provides. “It’s about touch, taste, sight, and smell,” he says.

When asked who he’d invite for a coffee, Justin smiles. “Anyone new to the area looking for a place to connect with others.”

Justin describes the ideal experience for visitors to 51° North saying: “A high-end but inclusive coffee experience, coupled with a sense of belonging.”