I love Exeter and it’s thriving independent businesses. In my opinion, the indies drive the city forward and are the heart of the community. Over the years I have always favoured independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants over the bigger names in our shopping centres and high streets. I love seeking out the unusual andRead more
Georgie & Flo is a little shop with a big heart nestled just off the beaten track off Queen Street on Upper Paul Street. Founded three years ago by two friends who decided that a city like Exeter deserved a place to buy local, handcrafted lovely things. Quite possibly one of the smallest retail spacesRead more
My love affair with English Wines continued when I was lucky enough to visit Brickhouse Vineyard a week or so ago. Brickhouse Vineyard is situated just outside Kenton at Mamhead, about a 20-minute drive from Exeter in the beautiful Devonshire countryside. The views from the vineyard are outstanding and you can even see the seaRead more
One Mile Bakery What a treat to be invited to the One Mile Bakery. I love baking but had never tried making a yeasted loaf before. My bread making efforts have taken the form of flatbreads and soda bread so learning something new excited me. I spent the best part of a day with BoudiccaRead more
A long time in the planning due to everybody’s busy schedules, we finally made it to the Lord Poulett Arms in the picturesque Somerset village of Hinton St George. I had booked a table for 4 for lunch at this award-winning 17th-century inn. Recently taken over by new owners I was eager to see ifRead more
A year or so ago I went on a wine tasting and vineyard tour of Sharpham Vineyard in Devon and our guide said: “you never find an ugly vineyard”. How true his words have been. Abbazia Santa Anastasia is no different. Once an abbey, Abbazia Santa Anastasia is nestled high up in the Madonie MountainsRead more
In 2012, journalist turned baker Elisabeth Mahoney launched the first One Mile Bakery in Cardiff, delivering artisan bread, seasonal soups and delicious preserves by bike within a mile of her domestic kitchen, and teaching inspirational baking classes to more than 2000 people. Now a new One Mile Bakery floury adventure has begun, with branches openingRead more
My oh my, what a July! I can’t get over the weather we have been having. Week upon week of sunshine is virtually unheard of in Blighty but it just keeps on shining. I love it! Spending time outside, warm summer evenings and alfresco dining have been highlights for sure. The sunshine also gave meRead more
I was lucky enough to be a guest at The Ginger Peanut recently. Describing itself as a “restaurant and bar with rooms”, it offers fine locally sourced food in a relaxed environment. You will find The Ginger Peanut in Bampton. A small but charming town a short drive from Tiverton. For me being car-less IRead more
Having visited Le Vignoble, Bath a few months back I was eager to head down to its older sibling in Royal William Yard, Plymouth. With the day starting rather drearily after all the fabulous sunshine, Steve and I headed off on the train to Plymouth hoping that the sun might show its welcome face yetRead more