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Coronation Crown Egg-In-A-Basket

Coronation Crown Egg-In-A-Basket

28th April 20231st May 2023 - tara Leave a comment

I googled what to call eggs in toast and apparently, there are at least 66 names for this simple little breakfast, brunch, and lunch idea according to Wikipedia! Egg-in-a-hole, egg-in-a-basket, toad-in-a-hole (definitely not the toad-in-a-hole I know. Isn’t that sausage in batter?) to name a few. Can you guess any others? Let me know inRead more

Simnel Cake - The Perfect Easter Treat

Simnel Cake – The Perfect Easter Treat

3rd April 20233rd April 2023 - tara Leave a comment

I am probably wrong because I always have time for a slice of cake but just in case. Plus it gives me time to share the recipe I used with you. I slightly adapted the BBC Good Food recipe for this cake and it turned out pretty darn tasty even if I do say soRead more

Places To Eat - Rafikis, Ashburton

Places To Eat – Rafikis, Ashburton

22nd January 202322nd January 2023 - tara Leave a comment

If you are like me you will be constantly on the lookout for amazing and interesting food destinations. In which case let me highlight Rafikis in Ashburton to you. Rafikis owner, Susie Moss is very proud of the business she has created since returning from travelling the world with her family. What began as aRead more

Peanut Butter Oreo Truffles

Peanut Butter Oreo Truffles

20th January 202320th January 2023 - tara Leave a comment

Did you know that it’s National Peanut Butter Day next Tuesday 24th January? No? I know, it’s a bit random and why would you? Just before Christmas, I googled “days of food” and was presented with an extraordinarily long list of national and international food days! Try it.. you will be surprised at what randomRead more

Morrocan Spiced Tea Loaf

Morrocan Spiced Tea Loaf

4th January 20234th January 2023 - tara 2 Comments

If you are anything like me you dislike this time of year because all of the Christmas treats that you love are no longer available, don’t seem appropriate or you are trying your best to not indulge too much! Personally, I don’t subscribe to the “new year, new me” philosophy and would given half theRead more

The Lilac Bakery - Exeter

The Lilac Bakery – Exeter

10th December 202210th December 2022 - tara 3 Comments

The Lilac Bakery opened its doors on Cowick Street, St Thomas just over a year ago after taking on an empty betting shop. What was once William Hill is now a bustling hub of the local community providing amazing handmade pastries, cakes and savouries as well as expertly made coffee. The project was a labourRead more

Sensational Spiced Bundt Cake

23rd November 202223rd November 2022 - tara 1 Comment

I’m beginning to feel a little bit festive over here which in turn makes me think about wintery spices, edible glitter and snowballs. This Sensational Spiced Bundt Cake recipe ticks all of those boxes but in a non-showy way. I have always been a firm believer that the Christmas season doesn’t start until the 1stRead more

Places to Eat in Exeter – Daily Bowl

Places To Eat In Exeter – Daily Bowl

20th November 202220th November 2022 - tara Leave a comment

Let me introduce to you the newest eatery in Exeter, Daily Bowl. Situated right next door to Central Station, it’s in the perfect spot for a sit-down lunch or a takeaway for your journey further afield. Daily Bowl is a social enterprise concept conceived by a group of passionate individuals, brought together by husband andRead more

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

30th October 202230th October 2022 - tara Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but at this time of year I hanker for a cosy pub lunch situation with friends. The season is changing from summer to autumn and I want little pub nooks, log fires and hearty food. My mission to find the perfect moor side pub lead me to The Dartmoor InnRead more

The Sunset Society - Exeter

The Sunset Society – Exeter

9th October 20229th October 2022 - tara Leave a comment

Exeter’s independent food scene has a new star in the form of The Sunset Society. This chilled-out cafe by day and live music bar and pizza joint by night is going to be a firm favourite of mine. It just so happens to be on my route to and from the city centre so youRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

Devon-based food & travel content creator exploring top UK restaurants, cafes & vineyards. Sharing tips from the South West & beyond

T H I S I S T H E A P P E T I S E R i bring whe T H I S  I S  T H E  A P P E T I S E R i bring when I want to be invited back to Friendsmas…

ad Baked herby olives and creamy burrata = festive chaos in the best way.

The best bit? You can prep it entirely in advance, wrap it up (or aggressively battle cling film like I did), take it to your friends’ house and just… pop it in the oven. No stress. No last-minute cooking. No washing up at home.

If you’re hosting or hopping between Christmas dinners this season - save this recipe.

Trust me, it disappears every time 🎄✨

Ingredients:
300–400g mixed olives
3 - 4 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
A few sprigs fresh rosemary & thyme
Generous glug of good olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large burrata
Warm crusty bread, to serve

Method:
Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.
Add olives, garlic, lemon zest and herbs to a small baking dish.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and crack over black pepper.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and fragrant.
Remove from oven, tear burrata over the top and let it melt slightly.
Serve immediately with warm bread.

Tip: Prep everything ahead, cover, and bake when you arrive. Easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.

#FriendsmasFood
#DevonFoodWriter
#FestiveAppetisers
#DinnerPartyFood
#SouthWestEats
“S O M A N Y P E O P L E have inspired me to b “S O  M A N Y  P E O P L E have inspired me to be nothing like them.”

Not out of bitterness.
Not out of judgment.
But out of clarity.

Watching. Learning. Noticing patterns.
Seeing what drains joy, what dims self-worth, what hardens people over time.

Here’s the truth:
Sometimes inspiration isn’t about who you want to become it’s about who you consciously choose not to be.

So I choose differently.
I choose emotional health over toxicity.
Authenticity over approval.
Self-awareness over repeating cycles.
I stay true to myself - a non-toxic, food-loving, wine-drinking woman who loves cats, her friendships, long walks in nature, and chasing golden hour light.

Because being true to yourself matters.
Learn from people. Learn from their mistakes.
But don’t repeat patterns that were never meant to be yours.

That’s why…
so many people have inspired me to be nothing like them.

#authenticity #selfawareness #personalgrowth #emotionalhealth #healingjourney #selfrespect #beingyourself #mindfulliving #growthmindset #learnandgrow
T H I S D I D N ‘ T H A P P E N O V E R N I G T H I S  D I D N ‘ T  H A P P E N  O V E R N I G H T - and it definitely didn’t happen by accident.

Everyone loves an influencer… until it’s you.
Someone they know. Someone local. Someone building something steadily, around real life and real work.

It’s funny how we’ll double-tap a stranger or a celebrity without thinking, but hesitate when it’s someone we actually know.

In 2025 , Instagram has opened doors I never expected - all alongside my other jobs. I teach ballet and dance fitness classes, run my own business, and fit this creative work in around everything else.

Some things I’m quietly proud of in 2025:

• My first-ever national magazine commission, writing about my passion for the Devon indie food scene, after being approached by Olive magazine through Instagram

• A viral reel nearing 650k views, from finally posting what I genuinely love

• PR opportunities - meals, spa visits, nights away - because brands trust my voice and perspective

• Paid UGC commissions with indie brands I truly believe in

• Being asked to manage two business Instagram accounts, after they found me through my own content

• Brands reaching out directly, asking if I could create for them after seeing my work here

None of this came from chasing trends - it came from showing up consistently, staying curious, and backing myself.

I hope my friends are proud. I know I am.

#southwestcreators #ukcontentcreator #devoncreators #cornwallcreators #somersetlife #dorsetlife #ugccreator #indiefooduk #creatoreconomy
W E L L I E S , F L O O D W A T E R & the best kin W E L L I E S , F L O O D W A T E R & the best kind of brunch ✨

Yesterday I pulled on my wellies and crossed very soggy fields (actual flood water… my Hunters survived by one inch) to get to my lovely friend Gemma’s for brunch, a proper catch-up and some much-needed sunshine after the storm.

Nothing beats that golden calm that arrives once the rain has passed am I right? 

And the reward for braving the elements? The most perfect brunch. Homemade sourdough, wilted kale, fried mushrooms, a perfectly fried egg and a very generous dusting of Parmesan cheese - basically my dream brunch. It was as if she’d read my mind. Gold star behaviour ⭐️

Gemma is also a jewellery designer and makes the most exquisite fair-mined gold jewellery, all designed here in Devon and British made. I’ve been a mega fan since day one and wear her pieces every single day.

I couldn’t resist trying on some of her newest designs - because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing a little Christmas shopping for yourself, right? ✨

Tap through to see the brunch, the sunshine and the jewellery - and tell me, are you a savoury brunch person too?

If you love the jewellery like I do be sure to check out Gemma’s account @cabinetjewellery ✨
#devonlife
#devonfoodie
#brunchinspo
#savourybrunch
#eatdrinkdevon
#supportsmallbusinessuk
#devondesigner
#fairminedgold
#britishmade
#countrysideliving
B U Y I N G C H E E S E F O R C H R I S T M A S B U Y I N G  C H E E S E  F O R  C H R I S T M A S .
Eating the Christmas cheese.
Buying more cheese for Christmas… and eating that too.

At this point I’ve accepted that I’m a Devon-based foodie with a serious cheese addiction 🧀

If you love cheese boards, wine nights, cosy pubs, restaurants, food festivals, and hunting out the best places to eat and drink in Devon and the South West, you’re very much my people 🍷

Follow along for cheese content, wine pairings, food recommendations, restaurant reviews, pub finds, and South West food spots - especially if your cheese never survives until Christmas.

#cheeselover
#cheeseaddict
#cheeseboard
#foodreels
#foodieuk
#devonfoodie
#southwestfood
#ukfoodblogger
#foodcontentcreator
#wineandcheese
#winenight
#christmascheese
#eatdrinkdevon
#pubfooduk
#restaurantrecommendations
#supportlocalfood
H I D D E N G E M A L E R T I N T O T N E S - H I D D E N  G E M  A L E R T  I N  T O T N E S - if you love your beer brewed right in front of you, keep reading.

Copperhead Ales might sit on an industrial estate (but let’s be honest… aren’t the best microbreweries always tucked away?) and from the second we walked in, it had all the vibes. Tanks clanking, a stout bubbling away, and that rich, satisfying aroma hanging in the air.

✨The interior? Makeshift in the best way, covered in eclectic artwork that makes the place feel completely its own. Add friendly staff, ace beers, a laid-back crowd, Seattle-sound-era music, and a room full of mixed ages (plus plenty of cute dogs 🐕)… and I was sold.

@copperhead_ales is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why independent breweries matter - and if you want my recommendation ask for a pint of Pale Rider. 

Save this for your next Totnes visit and tag your beer-loving mate who needs to go with you. If you’re local and haven’t been yet - you’re seriously missing out.

#TotnesBeer
#DevonMicrobrewery
#TotnesLife
#SouthDevonDrinks
#UKCraftBeerScene
L O R D P O U L E T T A R M S - We broke up a bu L O R D  P O U L E T T  A R M S - We broke up a busy Saturday in Somerset the perfect way - with lunch at the gorgeous Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George! 

This traditional village pub has always been one of my favourites, and it feels even more welcoming under the Beckford Group’s ownership - the same brilliant folks behind places like Beckford Canteen in Bath (yes, the one I love!). 

✨ Cosy Saturday-vibe atmosphere - think wood fires, candlelight, twinkling Christmas decorations and that just right winter pub feeling.

The food is honest but elevated: classics like fish & chips, pies and burgers done so well and a few more cosy, considered dishes too. I went for the roasted celeriac with creamy sauce (so comforting) with lots of delicious warm bread for mopping up and Steve devoured his chicken & mushroom pie.

The wine list was top-notch - Two English sparklings available, perfectly priced for lunch. Gold star! ✨🍾 Plus plenty of choice from aside the usual suspects. Again, something I would expect from the Beckford Group. 

Steve enjoyed a local festive pint (hello Otter Elf), and we even noticed lovely rooms upstairs that weren’t overly expensive for folks on a budget (👋🏻) - I’d definitely tempted to stay next time for the full cosy countryside vibe.

If you’re around Somerset or Bath, this is a must-visit for a relaxed lunch, great wine and that quintessential South West pub charm. ❤️
T H I S L I T T L E T O T N E S bakery is a mus T H I S  L I T T L E  T O T N E S  bakery is a must-visit ✨
I popped into @littlelunastotnes at the top of town near The Bull Inn on Friday and honestly loved it. It’s the younger sister to Luna’s at Dartington, and it already feels like a proper local favourite in the making.

They focus on sourdough, sweet and savoury pastries, and right now the mince pies are excellent. Not overly sweet, really good short pastry, and my personal favourite - a frangipane topping 🤍 Perfect for this time of year.

They also had some really interesting sourdough options - one with little flecks of turmeric (which I’m telling myself is great for my poorly joints 👀), and a seeded loaf that looked absolutely lush. That one’s definitely for next time.

I did go back for a simple sourdough loaf though - I got the last one. It looked far too good to leave behind. It’s now sliced and in the freezer, ready for Christmas morning - buttered toast with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Simple and perfect as a celebratory breakfast. 

📍If you’re in Devon, or passing through to Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset, it’s well worth popping in. Totnes is a fab town for indies too so you will love it - I know you will. 

💬 Save this for later, and follow for more South West food spots and recommendations if that’s your jam. 

Love Tara x

#UKFood
#UKFoodie
#BakeryLovers
#SourdoughBakery
#IndependentFood
#DevonLife
#SouthWestUK
#FoodReelsUK
#EatLocalUK
#FoodFinds
C H R I S T M A S F O R M E isn’t about gifts C H R I S T M A S  F O R  M E  isn’t about gifts or glitter… it’s about gathering the people you love and sharing a table full of good food and a warm festive glow.

Ad As we step into this season of abundance, I can’t help but lean into one of my greatest family traditions… a festive cheese board. I come from a long line of devoted cheese lovers, and honestly, nothing brings me more joy than creating a beautiful, indulgent board filled with Devon’s finest.

Think rich, velvety cheeses from @sharphamcheese , their brand-new charcuterie crafted in collaboration with Blackwell & Co, and a few carefully chosen bottles from Sandridge Barton - wines that pair perfectly with every glorious bite of cheese and charcuterie. 

There is no right or wrong way to create your board just think more is more! Lots of yummy cheeses, sliced salami and cured meats, sourdough crackers, chutneys as well as dried fruits and grapes. However you do it will be perfect. 

It’s the cosiest kind of celebration: comforting, delicious, and made to be shared.

Here’s to gathering, grazing, and revelling in the simple festive pleasures. 🧀✨🍷

I hope you all have a wonderful time this Christmas celebrating with your nearest and dearest. 

Love Tara x

#DevonProduce #SharphamCheese #BlackwellAndCo #ChristmasGatherings #LocalFoodLove #FestiveTables #SharingIsCaring #FoodieMoments #DevonFood #WineAndCheese #FamilyAndFriends #HolidayAbundance #ContentCreatorUK
POV: You thought Christmas was for humans… then POV: You thought Christmas was for humans… then your cats got fancy. 

ad We were sent this gorgeous festive box from @lilyskitchenpetfood and the advent calendar alone has caused absolute chaos. There are three treats per day which is perfect when you have three furry food critics who refuse to share a single crumb.

Every morning we do our little advent-treat ritual… and on day one, I nearly lost a finger because Dustin was that excited.

Dustin (5) is a full-time wet-food fanatic, Biscotti (13) is loyal to her dry food, and Sicily (10) - my little gourmand - likes a bit of both. Honestly, it works perfectly because Lily’s Kitchen treats are made with real, responsibly-sourced meat and fish, no weird fillers, and vet-approved ingredients. Perfect for their varying ages and needs.

The three of them are absolutely thrilled to have some gourmet festive food of their own. If I’m going all out at Christmas, my angel cats deserve the same.

That being said… we were Lily’s Kitchen fans long before this gifted box arrived so we will keep on supporting until the three of them turn their noses up! 😸✨

One last note, Lily’s Kitchen will be making donations to London Inner City Kitties & Dog Trust during the Christmas period. ♥️ So, lovely. 

#CatChristmas #FestiveCats #CatsOfInstagram #LilysKitchen #Gifted #CatAdventCalendar #PetFoodThatCares #ThreeCatsClub #CatMumLife #GourmetCats
POV: You catch me drinking at 1pm. But plot twist… I’m not the problem.The real question is: why aren’t you?

‘Tis the season after all 🎄✨♥️

This was a trial reel and insta suggested I post it so it will be interesting to see what happens now! 🤩

18+ | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

#dailylaughs #girlswhosip #weekendenergy #contentcreatorlife #maincharacterenergy #devonfoodie #southwestlife #devonlife #southwestsocial
I T ‘ S O F F I C I A L - it’s mince pie seas I T ‘ S  O F F I C I A L - it’s mince pie season… and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. 🥧✨

As a committed seasonal eater, I save mince pies for this magical month-before-Christmas window because if I ate them all year, I might not love them quite this much.

But right now? Give me buttery pastry, rich boozy filling, and (my personal favourite) a frangipane topping. That little hit of almond? Next level festive joy. Being a Devon girl a big old dollop of clotted cream wouldn’t go amiss either! Especially if the mince pie is slightly warm… 🤤

So here I am… out in the snow, in my Christmas jumper, fully embracing the mince pie life and not even pretending to be chill about it. ❄️

If you’re a seasonal foodie too, tell me:
👉 Where do you get your favourite mince pies in the South West?

Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Cornwall - I want ALL your recommendations so I can go “research” immediately.

I took these images last year and they are just too good not to share again! 💖

#MincePieSeason #FestiveFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #SomersetFoodie #DevonFoodie #DorsetFoodie #ChristmasBakingUK #SeasonalEating #UKFoodCulture #FoodieFindsUK
I F Y O U N E E D A F A I L S A F E festive c I F  Y O U  N E E D  A  F A I L S A F E  festive canapé that looks fancy but takes minutes… this is the one. ✨🥂

ad I’ve been playing with my new @cuisinart_europe food processor and the first thing I wanted to make was the creamiest whipped cottage cheese the perfect base for a Christmas party nibble.

Simply blend a tub of cottage cheese until silky-smooth, then pulse in fresh chives, lemon, salt and pepper. It’s unbelievable how fluffy it gets in seconds with the Cuisinart!

Smear generously onto toasted sourdough, spoon over cranberry sauce, then top with thin slices of your fav charcuterie (and leave a few meat-free for your veggie guests). Finish with extra snipped chives and serve alongside a chilled bottle of Crémant. The ultimate festive canapé to get the party started. 🎄✨

Save this recipe for your Christmas gatherings, and tag me if you make it!

#cuisinart #cuisinarteurope #christmascanapés #festiverecipes #holidayentertaining #partyfoodideas #christmasfood #easyentertaining #canapéideas #whippedcottagecheese #devonfoodie
T H I S C H R I S T M A S it was my turn to make t T H I S C H R I S T M A S it was my turn to make the cake. 

Not just a quick bake, but a proper, old-fashioned Christmas cake - made slowly, from scratch, the way I grew up watching the people I love do it.

Five hours of mixing and baking, filling the kitchen with the smell of spices and dried fruit. Then the quiet ritual that followed… feeding the cake every week with generous splashes of port, brushing it on slowly, letting it soak in, and looking forward to the next time.

In my family, someone has always made the Christmas cake. My Nan. My mum. My sister. And this year, because it’s just Steve and me, it became mine to make - and I’ve loved every single part of it.

There’s no fancy icing here. (I’m not a fan) Just a simple circle of marzipan, piles of figs, apricots and cherries, and a scattering of golden sprinkles for good measure. A little rustic. A little imperfect. Completely us.

And the best bit? Because it’s just the two of us this Christmas, this cake won’t disappear in a weekend. It will be sliced slowly, shared quietly, and last us well into the new year when the next celebrations begin.. my stepdads 80th birthday. He’s a fruit cake fanatic so I will make sure I save some to share with him. 

I honestly can’t wait to dig in 🎄✨

#DevonFoodie #DevonLife #SouthWestFood #UKFoodie #ChristmasBaking #HomeBakingUK #FoodWriterLife #MicroInfluencer #ContentCreatorUK #FoodContent #FestiveBaking #SlowChristmas #HomemadeChristmas #BritishFood #ChristmasTraditions #CosyChristmas #SeasonalCooking #FromScratch #DevonEats #WestCountryLife
T H E B L E A K E S T O F M O N T H S Over the T H E  B L E A K E S T  O F  M O N T H S Over the next 25 days, a brave soul will ask if you’re doing Dry January. When they do… stay calm… and then block them immediately.

January is already bleak - I refuse to remove lunches out, cosy cocktails, pints with pals, or spontaneous champagne therapy. 🥂

Redirect all Dry-Jan energy my way for elite restaurant tips, wine pairings and maximum fun. 😌✨

#JanuarySurvival #FoodAndWine #RestaurantRecommendations #SouthWestEngland #DevonFoodie #CornwallFoodie #SomersetFoodie #DevonLife #CornwallLife #SomersetLife #SouthWestEats #UKFoodie #FoodieRecs #WineLover #NotDryJanuary
T H E I N T E R N E T M A D E M E D O I T - I T H E  I N T E R N E T  M A D E  M E  D O  I T - I had to see if this viral red wine float trend was worth the hype.. 

Round two of me “Trying this so you don’t have to!” Today’s experiment: the viral vanilla ice cream + red wine float I keep seeing all over Instagram. I mean… I love ice cream and I love wine, so it should be a match made in dessert heaven, right? 

All you do is pour a fruity red wine over vanilla ice cream and potentially enjoy.

The verdict: not totally gross… but I am absolutely not finishing it. I swear I hate food waste, but this one defeated me. 

Would you try this viral wine float trend?! Also, what should I try next? My internet bud @nataliebrereton suggested Dua Lipa’s dirty soda - a mix of Diet Coke and pickle juice! My stomach is actually turning a bit thinking about it tbh.. 😂 What do you think.. should I give it a go? 🥤🥒

#FoodTrends #ViralRecipes #IGFoodExperiments #WineTok #DessertFails #FoodieReels #ThingsITrySoYouDontHaveTo
Ad Yesterday I braved the gale-force winds and rai Ad Yesterday I braved the gale-force winds and rain to visit @heydaysdevon in Exmouth for a first taste of their brand-new Filthy Christmas Menu… and I’m so glad I did.

The moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in cosy festive vibes - dried flower wreaths, twinkling lights and beautifully wrapped presents dancing from the ceiling. Subtle, stylish, and perfectly seasonal.

My friend and I tucked into the sprout bhaji & Camembert bites to start followed by the cod loin with Jerusalem artichoke and the classic Heydays burger. We were so full but how could we resist the most gorgeous sticky toffee treacle tart with orange crème fraîche? Every dish was a festive nod without slipping into the usual turkey-and-stuffing lane. Fresh local fish, bold flavours, and perfectly comforting plates - exactly what Heydays does best.

They’ve even curated a festive cocktail menu… may I highly recommend the Tiramisu Martini? Dessert in a glass. (Pretty punchy too.. thankfully I wasn’t the designated driver!) 

With wonderful service and stormy sea views from the window, it was the perfect place to be warm and cosy. The Festive Menu runs until Christmas Eve - £25 for 2 courses, £30 for 3. A must-visit this season. 🎄✨

#ExmouthEats
#ExmouthDevon
#ExmouthFood
#DevonFoodie
#DevonEats
#SouthWestFood
#VisitDevon
#SupportLocalDevon
#FestiveFood
#ChristmasInDevon
F E S T I V E R E C I P E - Cranberry Walnut Snow F E S T I V E  R E C I P E - Cranberry Walnut Snowballs 

The ultimate easy holiday part nibble made with creamy goats cheese, crunchy walnuts, tart dried cranberries, and fresh dill. These festive no-cook party bites come together in minutes and are perfect for Christmas gatherings, holiday entertaining, and winter celebrations. A simple, flavour-packed make-ahead appetiser everyone will love!

You will need
1 pack of soft goats cheese
Zest 1 lemon
Drizzle of local honey (I used @boringdonhall honey from a recent trip) 
Chopped walnuts
Chopped cranberries
Chopped fresh dill 

Method
In a bowl mix the goats cheese, lemon zest an honey until combined. 
Roll little balls  of the cheese mixture in the chopped nuts,cranberries and dill until coated. Place on a parchment lined baki g sheet and chill for a couple of hours. Skewer with a festive toothpick. Mine were topped with glittery stars and reindeers then pop on a plate. Serve with a glass of bubbles to get the Christmas party started. 

*Previously gifted items tagged 

#HolidayAppetizer #EasyAppetizers #GoatCheeseRecipes #FestiveFood #ChristmasPartyFood #HolidayEntertaining #PartyBites #NoCookAppetizer #FoodForGatherings #SeasonalEats #EntertainingMadeEasy #CheeseLovers #WinterRecipes
M Y T O P S O M E R S E T E A T S O F 2 0 2 5 M Y  T O P  S O M E R S E T  E A T S  O F  2 0 2 5 

Somerset has delivered some of the best food and drink I’ve had all year, so here are the places I keep going back to. 

From Bruton to Bath, vineyards to pasta spots, Sunday lunches to birthday treats - these are my top Somerset restaurants, cafés and bars of 2025.

Briar, Bruton - seasonal, elegant dishes perfect for a special lunch or dinner. 

The Old Pharmacy, Bruton - a different kind of Sunday lunch, candle lit and always delicious.

The View@Wraxall, Wraxall Vineyard - countryside views, wine tastings and great plates. And if you need a place to stay they have cute shepherds huts! 

At The Chapel, Bruton – the bakery alone is worth the trip (the jam donut is unforgettable - especially with a glass of pink English fizz).

The Creamery, Castle Cary Station -excellent coffee, brunch and relaxed lunches. Also perfect as a pre and post lunch foot if you are on the train.

Da Costa at Hauser & Wirth, Bruton - authentic, seasonal Italian in a beautiful setting. There’s a bar next door that I am keen to try next time too.

The Sickle, Bath - local beers, unusual wines and a laid-back atmosphere.

Wolf Wine, Bath - one of the best wine bars and bottle shops in Somerset.

Solina, Bath - buzzing, independent pasta spot that never disappoints.

Holm, South Petherton - standout seasonal cooking and warm, thoughtful service. Rooms above too if you fancy staying.

If you’re exploring Somerset’s food scene, start with these - and share your favourite Somerset eateries, bars or hidden gems. I always want to discover more. 2026 will be my year of discovery. 

#SomersetEats
#SomersetFoodGuide
#Bruton
#FoodieInSomerset
#UKFoodies
#SomersetRestaurants
I T S T I L L A M A Z E S me that the people wh I T  S T I L L  A M A Z E S  me that the people who engage with my posts most aren’t the ones who know me in real life… but the food lovers, wine wanderers and curious souls I’ve met right here on this app. 💛✨

So if you’re new here - hello! I’m a South West England foodie, wine enthusiast and explorer of the best restaurants, vineyards and hidden gems across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. (Beyond when I have the time) I share honest insights so you can discover the South West spots truly worth visiting.

When I’m not out tasting menus or sampling a glass (or two) of local wine, you’ll find me creating simple, seasonal recipes using local produce… or teaching dance… or writing about food… or creating content for brands I love. A little mix of all the things that make life delicious.

If you’re into South West restaurants, foodie travel, Devon dining, local wine, seasonal recipes and real, honest recommendations, you’re in the right place. 🥂

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #DorsetFoodie #SomersetFoodGuide #SouthWestRestaurants #UKFoodieLife #FoodAndWineLover
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© Tara Smith 2022