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A Week In The Life - Volume 5

A Week In The Life – Volume 5

7th June 20217th June 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hi all and Happy June! It’s been a busy and enjoyable week so grab yourselves a coffee and take a little walk through my week with me. First Barbecue Of The Year It’s been a long time coming due to the inclement Great British weather but last Monday we dusted off the barbecue and gotRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume Four

A Week In The Life – Volume Four

31st May 202131st May 2021 - tara Leave a comment

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. Sicily my little tabby cat has been in and out of kitty hospital all week and I have been feeling really down about it. I am sure there are other cat mums and dads out there that understand how terrifying it is when something you love with allRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume Three

A Week In The Life – Volume Three

19th May 202120th May 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Well hello there! It actually feels that normality is creeping back and I am not sure how I feel about that. Who else thought during lockdown that life in its simplest form was so much better? Did you like me say that you weren’t going to let your old life creep back in? I feelRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume Two

A Week In The Life – Volume Two

5th May 20215th May 2021 - tara Leave a comment

I believe it’s the little things that make a difference in life. That’s why I couldn’t have been more excited when I hopped on the train and headed out of Exeter for a few hours to meet my friend Chloe. In the past year, I have only left Devon once which is insane due toRead more

A Trip To Gelato Paradise

A Week In The Life – Volume 1

27th April 202127th April 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Like anything I go through phases as I am sure you do. Phases of things I eat, places I like to visit and also having the mojo to get motivated to write a blog post. I guess with the various limitations through lockdown other things have been prioritised and that’s all good. It’s not likeRead more

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 9

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 9

15th March 202115th March 2021 - tara 2 Comments

This week must have been the wettest in history! Every time I ventured out of the house I was either hailed on, rained on or almost blown away. I don’t mean to start my blog post talking about the weather as there has been other stuff way more interesting going on but I did feelRead more

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3.0 Week 8

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3.0 Week 8

7th March 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Welcome to week 8 of the third lockdown in the United Kingdom. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. From tomorrow lockdown rules begin to ease meaning that schools can go back and a few weeks after that we can meet up with more than one person socially outdoors. Then in stagesRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 6

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 6

21st February 202128th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Sunday friends. Can you believe another week had gone by? It’s been half term for me from most of my ballet classes and normally I would have gone away somewhere but obviously not this year! Last year Steve and I went on a rather soggy break to Falmouth for a few days and discoveredRead more

Snowy Walks & Hot Chocolate

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 5

15th February 202115th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy New Week! Firstly, let me apologise for not posting “My Week In Pictures” last week. Literally, nothing of note happened apart from my recipe for Rose & Chocolate Macaroons. I guess that’s going to be the case in a global pandemic. This week however I have done stuff! Yey! It’s all been in a CovidRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

31st January 202131st January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hello all and happy Sunday. It’s been an odd week don’t you think? I overheard someone say on a zoom group class I was taking earlier that she was suffering from lockdown fatigue. Maybe that’s a thing because I most certainly for the best part of the week have been feeling a bit low. IRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

Devon-born foodie & content creator
Finding brilliant places to eat, drink & explore
Indie restaurants • cafés • vineyards • South West gems

N E E D S O M E W H E R E good to eat this weeken N E E D  S O M E W H E R E good to eat this weekend but don’t fancy anything too fancy? I’ve got you.

This is exactly why I love exploring the South West. I’m always on the lookout for those places you can wander into without dressing up, overthinking the menu or needing a special occasion - just really good food, a relaxed atmosphere and somewhere you actually want to sit and stay awhile.

So I’ve pulled together 10 casual dining spots across the South West that I’d happily recommend to a friend.

Think juicy burgers, brilliant bagels, small plates made for sharing, laid-back cafés, independent restaurants and all the good stuff in between. Some are hidden gems, some are well-known favourites, but they’re all places I think are worth knowing about if you love good food without the fuss.

I’m a massive foodie and spend a lot of my time exploring Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West, looking for the places that are genuinely worth the trip. So hopefully this gives you a few new ideas for your next lunch, dinner or casual weekend food adventure.

Oh and p.s - I’m heading to Penzance and the surrounding area this weekend so I’m currently looking for recommendations. If you know somewhere I need to eat, drink or explore, tell me below - I’m always happy to add another place to the list.

Save this for the next time you’re wondering where to eat, and share it with someone you’re always making food plans with.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFood #CasualDining #CornwallFood
M A Y B E A U T U M N isn’t the season to hiber M A Y B E  A U T U M N isn’t the season to hibernate. Maybe it’s the season to lean in. 🍂

I was playing around yesterday between my ballet classes and came up with my Devon autumn bucket list - all the things I want to do, eat, drink and experience before winter arrives.

Some are tiny pleasures that cost very little.
• A blustery beach picnic
• Hot chocolate with whipped cream at an indie café
• Pumpkin decorating
• Baking a pumpkin pie from scratch
• Getting outside when the leaves are turning and the light is doing that very special autumn thing

And then there are the ones I’ve been meaning to do forever…

• An autumn colours walk and lunch at Gidleigh Park
• Wands & Wizards afternoon tea at Borringdon hall 
• A cosy roast at Shilston House, which has been on my radar for far too long

That’s what I love about an autumn in Devon and the South West. You don’t need a big budget or a packed diary to make it feel special. There are beaches, woods, villages, brilliant independent cafés, pubs, bakeries and restaurants, seasonal food and so many beautiful places to explore.

I love summer, but there’s something about slowing down and properly leaning into autumn - the colours, the cooler days, cosy food, long walks and finding reasons to get together.

So this is my little reminder to make the most of it rather than wishing summer back.

What would you add to my Devon autumn bucket list? Give me your indie foodie, cosy, outdoorsy and slightly magical suggestions… I want ideas. 🍁

Devon autumn | South West England | Devon food | independent cafés | Devon pubs | autumn days out | things to do in Devon
T H E F A T P I G - E X E T E R Crispy roastie T H E  F A T  P I G - E X E T E R 

Crispy roasties. A proper Yorkshire. Piping hot gravy. Cauliflower cheese. A buzzing pub.

Now tell me… is this what makes the perfect Sunday roast?

Yesterday I went to one of my favourite Exeter pubs, @thefatpig_exeter for Sunday lunch with my sister Juliet - and honestly, this is what a Sunday roast should feel like.

It’s everything I want from an authentic English pub. 
Cosy, wooden floors, brilliant artwork, a log fire when winter arrives and, most importantly, that feeling you’ve walked into a place where you feel welcome.

We both had the homemade nut roast with all the trimmings - crispy roasties, carrots, parsnips, Savoy cabbage, a big old Yorkshire, gravy and cauliflower cheese. Piping hot, perfectly sized and absolutely delicious.

But for me a good Sunday lunch is much more than what’s on the plate.

The pub was buzzing. Banter behind the bar, dogs, locals perched with pints, people coming in for lunch and that wonderful feeling of a proper community pub.

Excellent local beer, English rosé and, obviously, a shared chocolate dessert because Sunday lunch rules are different.

So is this the best roast in Exeter?

For me, yes.

It’s the sum of all the parts - the food, welcome, service, atmosphere, drinks, people and, most importantly, the way a place makes you feel.

And sharing it with my sister after far too long without some proper one-to-one time made it even better.

What makes a great Sunday roast for you? Is it the roasties, the Yorkshire, the gravy, the cauliflower cheese… or everything that happens around the table?

And if you’re building your Exeter Sunday roast list, I’d definitely keep The Fat Pig in mind. I have a feeling I’ll be back sooner rather than later now roast season is in full swing. 

Exeter Sunday roast | Best Sunday roast Exeter | Sunday lunch Exeter | Exeter pubs | Devon food
T H E C O T L E Y I N N - W A M B R O O K Some T H E  C O T L E Y  I N N - W A M B R O O K 

Sometimes you don’t need a big holiday. You just need one night somewhere beautiful with a friend you can completely switch off with.

Alex and I meet up every month, usually somewhere beautiful with very good food, and this time we headed to @cotleyinnwambrook for a girls’ weekend away in Somerset.

Tucked into the Blackdown Hills, this beautiful Grade II listed former farmhouse is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive.

Our split-level room had a cosy sitting room downstairs, then a beautiful king-size bed and roll-top bath upstairs. We poured ourselves drinks in our private courtyard, caught up properly and put the world to rights before wandering the few steps to the pub for dinner.

The Cotley Inn has retained its place in the Michelin Guide 2026, and the food was every bit as lovely as we hoped - thoughtful Somerset food, local and seasonal, with some really interesting combinations.

My goat’s cheese and corn vol-au-vent with pickled apple was a favourite, followed by rose harissa glazed aubergine with paneer and pickled blackberries. Alex went for beetroot-cured salmon with potato rösti.
And yes, cocktails happened. That spicy marg was VERY good.

Later, we raided the guest pantry for sweets, crisps and chocolate before getting into pyjamas and watching Sex and the City.

Honestly, those are the moments I remember.

No rushing. No cooking. No timetable. Just good food, a gorgeous room, countryside outside the window and a friend you can laugh with until your face hurts.

After breakfast the next morning - homemade breads, pastries, cheese and an actual little egg boiler - we headed out for a long walk with Ziggy through the Blackdown Hills.

We left feeling properly rested.

And perhaps that’s what makes a really good Somerset weekend getaway: beautiful food, a beautiful place and time with someone who makes you feel completely at home.

Save this for the next time you and your favourite friend need to escape for a night.

Ad - pr stay
I T ‘ S K I N D A S C A R Y how social media h I T ‘ S  K I N D A  S C A R Y how social media has made us think small numbers don’t matter .. imagine if one person stopped you to tell you that they love what you do.. how would that make you feel?
P R O P A G A N D A I’m not falling for: A bad m P R O P A G A N D A I’m not falling for: A bad meal 

If the food is disappointing, I’m not going to pretend it’s brilliant just because everyone else says it is.

I’m a Devon-born foodie who spends far too much time hunting down the places that are actually worth knowing about - independent restaurants, cosy pubs, brilliant cafés, bakeries, wine bars and those little South West gems you’ll want to tell your friends about.

I’m here for good food, lovely people, great service and places with something to say for themselves.

Devon is home, but I’m constantly exploring across Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and the wider South West looking for my next foodie find.

No chains. No hype for the sake of hype. Just honest recommendations from someone who genuinely loves eating her way around the South West.

So if you’re wondering where to eat in Devon, which independent restaurants are worth a visit or where to find your next hidden food gem...

You’ve come to the right place.

Save this for your next foodie adventure and send it to your permanently hungry friend.

#DevonFoodie #SouthWestFood #DevonEats #IndependentRestaurants #FoodieFinds
1 0 S O U T H W E S T food spots I genuinely can’t stop thinking about this month ..

September has been quite the foodie month for me. I’ve travelled through Cornwall, Devon & Somerset, discovering some absolute gems along the way.

I’ve been lucky enough to try places I’d been meaning to visit for ages, discover places I didn’t even know existed (and goodness, I’m glad I found them), and return to a few old favourites that never fail to make me happy.

If, like me, you love seasonal, local food cooked with care, brilliant service and beautiful settings, you’re going to want to save this one.

These aren’t all here for the same reason. Some blew me away with the food, some with the setting, some with the whole experience - but every single one left me thinking about it afterwards.

And they all have one thing in common: service that goes above and beyond.

So, in no particular order, here are my 10 South West foodie favourites for September:

• The Seahorse, Dartmouth - exceptional fish and seafood cooked with an Italian twist
• The Jack in the Green, Rockbeare - a brilliant pub for modern British food and proper pub favourites
• Central Dairy, Bradninch - my new favourite spot for a light lunch, with an excellent bakery too
• Sabzi Deli, Nansledan - gorgeous salads, soups, cakes and deli treats
• The Queen’s Head, Corton Denham - a seriously good roast
• The Cotley Inn, Wambrook - seasonal cooking, pub classics and a lovely gastro-pub feel
• Calvo Loco, Exmouth - brilliant tapas and a menu full of flavour
• The Millbrook Inn, South Pool - a beautiful pub serving delicious food with locally reared meat and great fish
• Fowlescombe Farm, Ugborough - a small chef’s tasting menu showcasing exceptional ingredients, with a lovely communal dining experience
• L’Image Café & Bazaar, Budleigh Salterton - the surprise of the month… delicious seafood and brilliant roasts.

I’ve genuinely loved every one of these experiences and would happily go back to all ten.

Save this for your next South West food adventure and tell me which one you’ve tried - or which one I need to put on my list next.

#SouthWestFood #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #IndependentFood #SeasonalFood
A R R I E T T Y - E X E T E R Exeter coffee love A R R I E T T Y - E X E T E R 

Exeter coffee lovers put this one on your radar. 

It’s that time of year when Exeter feels like its population has doubled overnight. The University is back, first years are arriving with their parents, suitcases and everything but the kitchen sink, and the city is buzzing again.

And to all the new students - hello! If you want some good local indie intel while you’re here, you know where to find me.

But today, it’s all about @arrietty_exeter on Longbrook Street.

This is one of those independent Exeter coffee shops that deserves a bit more love. Great coffee, lovely service and so many thoughtful homemade and local touches.

They serve Origin coffee roasted in Cornwall with Oak Park Dairy milk, pastries from Boatyard and cookies from Exeter favourite Harry’s. And please ask for Sam’s homemade raspberry jam - it is unbelievable.

The granola pot is also well worth ordering. Oak Park Dairy yoghurt, homemade berry compote and homemade granola packed with nuts and seeds. Properly delicious.

There are toasties for lunch, with homemade soup making a comeback as autumn arrives, and for an afternoon treat you can’t really go wrong with coffee and a Harry’s brownie.

I’m also rather fond of the window seat, which somehow always becomes my table when I pop in.

And don’t miss the little shop area and those gorgeous fresh flowers from @hollacombeblooms 

Arrietty is exactly the sort of indie Exeter spot I love seeing thrive - good coffee, attention to detail, homemade treats and genuinely warm service.

Save this for your next Exeter coffee stop and send it to someone who needs a new local favourite.

#ExeterCoffee #ExeterCafe #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie #ExeterIndependents
L ‘ I M A G E - B U D L E I G H S A L T E R T O L ‘ I M A G E - B U D L E I G H  S A L T E R T O N 

I do love a food discovery, especially when I arrive knowing very little and leave already planning when I can go back.

That’s exactly what happened at @limagebud in Budleigh Salterton. Richard and Marie invited me for Sunday lunch and, apart from knowing the locals love it, I really didn’t know what to expect. I left completely understanding why.

The menu changes with the seasons and everything is cooked to order by Richard in what he tells me is the tiniest of kitchens. We ate Lyme Bay scallops, lamb cutlets and halibut with butterflied king prawns. Beautifully cooked, generous and full of flavour.

Then there’s their famous pavlova - one enormous portion piled with Chantilly cream and berries. I can see why it’s famous, although I’m fairly sure it could feed four!

I loved the little details too. Budleigh was bombed during WWII and you can still see shrapnel marks in the original Victorian tiles outside - actual living history right there. More Victorian tiles have recently been uncovered after being hidden under laminate flooring for I don’t know how long. Why would you cover those up?!

L’Image is open seven days for breakfast and lunch, with Saturday night bistro evenings and special events. This Friday it’s Paella & Prosecco night.

Lovely service, an interesting wine list, a warm atmosphere and Mabel could join us too. Basically, my kind of Sunday lunch. 

Budleigh is one of those sleepy seaside towns I’ve always loved, full of independents and vintage shops. 

This week it’s a little busier thanks to the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, and L’Image would be perfect for a pre or post-event lunch, dinner or glass of wine.

And as a public transport girl, I loved how easy it was - train to Exmouth, then the bus. No driving means I can have the Rioja. Obviously.

I’ve already spotted a scallop and bacon ciabatta on the breakfast menu, so I suspect I’ll be back.

Save this one for your next East Devon day out and tag the person you’d take with you.

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#BudleighSalterton #BudleighLiteraryFestival #EastDevonFood #DevonFoodie #DevonIndependents
When you finish your coffee and cake and realise t When you finish your coffee and cake and realise the best part of your day is over .. 🫠

Send help xoxo
God forbid a woman needs to nourish her body .. al God forbid a woman needs to nourish her body .. also this IS the correct amount of French butter for a baguette ♥️
I D O N ‘ T K N O W about you, but we’re def I  D O N ‘ T  K N O W about you, but we’re definitely getting into Sunday roast territory…

The evenings are drawing in, there’s a little nip in the air in the mornings and autumn is quietly making its way towards us. I’m not quite ready to let go of summer yet, but I do love this bit in between. It’s still warm enough to sit outside, the evenings aren’t too dark and the light has that gorgeous, slightly golden hue that I particularly love at this time of year.

And then there’s the food.

A proper Sunday roast suddenly feels like exactly what I want. Crispy roasties, proper gravy, seasonal veg and that lovely feeling of settling in for a long, lazy Sunday lunch.

So, if you’re starting to think about where to go for a Sunday roast in the South West, I’ve rounded up 10 of my current favourites across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and beyond. 

This is very much a current favourites list rather than a definitive guide - there are far too many brilliant Sunday roasts across the South West for that, and I certainly haven’t tried them all.

Which means I need your help…

Where do you go for a banging roast? Have I missed your favourite? Tell me where I should be trying next - I’m always looking for another excuse for a Sunday lunch.

And if you’re planning your autumn food adventures, save this one for the next time you’re looking for a Sunday roast, Sunday lunch or somewhere good to eat in the South West.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SundayRoast #SouthWestFood #DevonEats
M Y L I T T L E H E A R T T O H E A R T | Autu M Y  L I T T L E  H E A R T  T O  H E A R T | Autumn in Exeter edition 💌

If you came to visit me in Exeter and said, “Right Tara, show me your Exeter…” this is where I’d take you.

I’ve lived in Devon all my life and I’m constantly eating, drinking and exploring my way around this city, so I’ve got plenty of places I love to share. Indies only, always.

Think independent Exeter cafés, brilliant bakeries, foodie finds, brunch, a really good glass of wine and a few places worth making a little detour for.

I love days that start outdoors - a coffee at an outside table, a wander around the city and then somewhere cosy to end the day.

And some of my favourite moments don’t have to cost the earth. Fish and chips on the Quay, a bottle of something delicious picked up from a deli or wine shop - a dreamy situation if you ask me. And whilst it’s still mild enough to do that, let’s take advantage.

There’s something here for every budget and every mood, and I love that about Exeter.

I couldn’t tag every business because Instagram only allows 20 tags, so if you spot somewhere you love, tag them below and help other Exeter foodies discover them too.

Save this for the next time you’re planning a day in Exeter, and send it to the friend you’d bring with you.

And if you’re new around here, stick around. I’m always out exploring Exeter and the wider South West, looking for the independent places worth knowing about.

Tell me where I need to try next - I’m always on the lookout for my next foodie find.

Sending love,
Tara xx

Exeter food | Exeter cafés | Exeter restaurants | Exeter bakeries | Exeter brunch | Exeter wine bars | independent Exeter | things to do in Exeter | Devon foodie | South West food
J U N G L E C O F F E E - E X E T E R Exeter ha J U N G L E  C O F F E E - E X E T E R 

Exeter has a new coffee spot and it’s a good one.

Introducing @junglecoffeetrailer - the newest indie coffee spot in town (although technically it’s a rather lovely horse box) owned and run by Jess, who has 20 years of barista experience and some seriously good latte art skills.

And coffee drinkers, I know you care about the beans…
Jess uses @girlswhogrindcoffee a female-founded specialty coffee roastery based in Wiltshire, sourcing directly from women producers around the world. So there’s a lovely story behind the cup too.

You’ll find Jungle Coffee parked up in Northernhay Gardens Monday to Saturday, in one of the prettiest spots in central Exeter, beneath the castle and surrounded by flowers and greenery.

It’s a stone’s throw from Exeter College - hey students, where are you? - and just five minutes from the High Street, Exeter Library and Queen Street. Pretty perfect city centre positioning.

And then there’s the cold foam menu…

I had to try it. I went for a black iced Americano with vanilla cold foam - it genuinely looked like a pint of Guinness - while Amy had an iced vanilla matcha with matcha cold foam. Both delicious.

Not into coffee? There’s matcha and Pukka teas too.
And for the all-important coffee and cake combo, Jess stocks brownies from fellow Exeter indie @cakeordeathldn . Honestly, good coffee + chocolate brownie = hard to beat.

So if you’re looking for good coffee in Exeter, specialty coffee, matcha or an independent coffee shop, put Jungle Coffee on your list.

Save this for your next Exeter coffee stop and share it with the person you’re always meeting for coffee.

And if you’re passing Northernhay Gardens, go and say hello to Jess - let’s give our newest indie a proper Exeter welcome.

#ExeterCoffee #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie #IndependentExeter #SouthWestFoodie
T H E S E A H O R S E - D A R T M O U T H I get T H E  S E A H O R S E - D A R T M O U T H 

I get asked all the time what my favourite restaurant is… so let me finally answer it.

My absolute Devon favourite? @seahorse.restaurant in Dartmouth. Hands down.

ad And I never need an excuse to go back. There is just something about this place that gets me every single time.

So what actually makes The Seahorse my Devon favourite?

Well, firstly, the food. Gorgeous local, fresh fish and seafood cooked in an Italian style. I don’t think there is anywhere else locally doing the same thing. Every time I eat here I feel like I’ve been whisked off to Venice for a few hours - and what’s not to love about that?

But it’s more than the food.

It’s the feeling you get when you’re here. You feel special. Loved. Looked after. Like you’re part of something, rather than simply a customer. The staff talk to you like old friends, remember you, and seem genuinely interested in you. That kind of hospitality is pretty special.

Then there are all the little extras. The set lunch menu is incredibly good value, and the main menu is exceptional for the quality. There’s always bread with anchovy dip, some little nibbles - on this visit, the loveliest pickles - and those gorgeous little Italian doughnuts that appear with your coffee or the bill. Such thoughtful touches.

And the service? Next level. You’ll struggle to find better.

I also adore the setting. Butterscotch-coloured banquettes, original artwork, framed menus signed by chefs from special events, pristine white tablecloths, beautiful silverware and the servers in their white jackets. It all adds to that wonderfully old-school, Italian restaurant feel.

And then there’s Joe’s Bar - the epitome of the perfect restaurant bar. Very Italian, very relaxed and serving a seriously good Negroni. Trust me on that one.

So yes, I’m officially declaring it…

The Seahorse is my favourite restaurant in Devon.

If you know, you know.

Now I want to know yours. What’s your favourite Devon restaurant - and can you tempt me away from The Seahorse?

#TheSeahorseDartmouth #DevonFoodie #DartmouthFood #SouthWestFoodie #DevonRestaurants
T H E J A C K I N T H E G R E E N - R O C K B T H E  J A C K  I N  T H E  G R E E N - R O C K B E A R E 

ad Ten years is a long time between visits… especially when the food is this good.

I genuinely couldn’t tell you why I hadn’t been back to @thejackinthegreen at Rockbeare for over a decade, but I’m very glad I finally did.

We were there on Friday to celebrate the launch of Taste East Devon, a nine-day festival celebrating the food, drink and brilliant businesses across East Devon.

There are loads of events happening throughout the festival - vineyard tours, talks, celebratory lunches and food experiences - so it’s well worth checking out the itinerary.

And The Jack in the Green has created a very special seasonal @tasteeastdevon menu.

We started with drinks in the beer garden. Polly had a Sarti Spritz - blood orange and mango aperitivo with Prosecco - while I had a lovely glass of Provence rosé.

Then came the food…

Ham hock terrine, quail egg and pickles for Polly and whipped blue cheese with fig for me.

Pork belly with the most fabulous gravy for Polly, and cod with caper, gherkin and parsley sauce for me. The cod wasn’t officially on the menu, but Kirsty very kindly swapped it in as I’m pescatarian.

And then, because apparently we hadn’t eaten enough, we shared the apple and caramel mille-feuille. We’re still not quite sure how we managed it, but it was delicious enough to make room for.

Everything was so, so good.

And Kirsty deserves a special mention. Spectacular service from someone who really knows hospitality. Thank you for looking after us so brilliantly.

I’ve definitely got The Jack in the Green firmly back on my radar.

Even better, you can get the No. 4 bus from Exeter and it stops right outside, so you can enjoy the whole experience without having to drive. Perfect.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat your way around East Devon, this one is worth knowing about.

Have you got an East Devon favourite I need to rediscover?

#TasteEastDevon #EastDevonEats #DevonFoodFinds #DevonIndependent #SouthWestFoodie
T H E C E N T R A L D A I R Y - B R A D N I N C T H E  C E N T R A L  D A I R Y - B R A D N I N C H 

I think I’ve just found my new favourite coffee shop, bakery and lunch spot.

Ad @thecentraldairy has officially been catapulted to the top of my list.

I first visited at the beginning of summer with my friend Amy. We’d been desperate to go for ages, but work always seemed to get in the way. We had the dog with us that day, so couldn’t go inside but the lovely team opened the hatch and served us coffee and pastries to eat on the grass opposite, picnic style. Even then, I knew we’d found somewhere special.

This time, after teaching ballet all morning, I was very ready for lunch.

And crikey, it was perfect .. but let’s just talk about the focaccia for a sec. 

It’s all made in-house by co-owner Saskia, who also makes the cakes, and honestly, it’s some of the best focaccia I’ve had in a very long time. Lovely crust, just the right amount of sea salt and that fabulous pillowy texture.

We had homemade lentil soup with focaccia, plus tomato, mozzarella and basil focaccia for me and meatballs in tomato sauce focaccia for Amy. The sandwiches are BIG - I took half mine home - but they are seriously good.

Then Waj, Saskia’s husband and business partner, chose dessert for us. After establishing that we’re both feeders who love sharing our love of good food, he brought us three slices of cake and ice cream for the still-warm pear and almond cake.

Heaven.

The coconut cloud cake was a particular favourite - so moist and delicious - to be honest, every morsel was divine.

But here’s what really tipped The Central Dairy into my number one spot.

It’s the people.

Waj and Saskia are so lovely and genuinely humble about the very special place they’ve created. Watching Waj chat to the regulars, many of whom I suspect have now become friends, and seeing different generations sitting together, chatting and enjoying good food honestly made me a little emotional.

So, The Central Dairy, you’re officially my new favourite.

Have you been yet? What would you order when you go? It’s all good do you can’t make a mistake! 

*PR invite 
#TheCentralDairy #DevonFoodie #DevonIndependent #DevonBakery #SouthWestFood
1 0 D E V O N C O F F E E S H O P S to try this 1 0  D E V O N  C O F F E E  S H O P S to try this weekend. 

Morning everyone. I am not sure where this week has gone - it’s flown by. If you are heading out this weekend and are looking for somewhere lovely to grab a coffee in Devon this weekend? I’ve got you. 

I’ve pulled together 10 of my favourite indie coffee spots across Devon. A mix of cosy cafés, little hatches and brilliant coffee trucks that are all serving an absolutely banging brew.

You know I love a local find, and these are the kind of places I’d happily plan a mooch, beach walk or slow weekend morning around.

No chains, no faff just proper good coffee from lovely independent Devon businesses that deserve a bit of love.

Save this one for your next weekend caffeine fix and send it to your coffee companion. 

Which one are you visiting first? It’s a hard choice I know! Have I missed a favourite of yours off the list? If so please do share with me .. I always love exploring new places.

Love Tara xx
S A B Z I - N A N S L E D A N .. Is this the only S A B Z I - N A N S L E D A N .. Is this the only Cornish deli you need to know about?

Ad I think Sabzi might just be one of those Cornwall food spots you need to know about, especially if you’re looking for somewhere good to eat near Newquay.
There are four across Cornwall - Truro, Falmouth, Padstow & Nansledan, just outside Newquay. I popped into Nansledan after a lovely Monday morning wandering along Watergate Bay - sea air, beach time & then something delicious to eat. Perfect!

Founded by Cornish chef Kate Attlee, Sabzi brings together her Iranian heritage with seasonal Cornish & British produce to create colourful, Middle Eastern-inspired food made from scratch.

The lovely Zara recommended two of their top sellers: the Lunch box & House dahl. The Lunch box came with four colourful seasonal salads & homemade hummus, while the House dahl - red lentil, tomato & coconut, topped with Iranian mint yoghurt - proper comfort food.

With autumn on its way, those vibrant colours & flavours really lifted our mood. Eating the rainbow, quite literally.

We ate in the little courtyard garden before heading inside for coffee & a slice of Persian love cake to share. I definitely felt the love!

The deli is packed with lovely things to take home too — Perello olives, beautiful olive oils, Butter Bike peanut butter (a lovely Exeter connection!) & Babylonstoren goodies from the Newt’s sister estate in South Africa. I always pick these up when I see them!

But what really stood out was the service. Zara & her team were so warm, welcoming & genuinely interested in what they were doing. Zara took the time to chat, recommend dishes & make us feel so welcome. You could tell they really care - and that makes such a difference.

Cornish food lovers, have you been to Sabzi yet?

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F O W L E S C O M B E F A R M - A Devon countrysi F O W L E S C O M B E  F A R M - A Devon countryside stay with some seriously good seasonal food

Ad Last week we had an autumn staycation at @fowlescombe Farm near Ivybridge, and honestly, it was exactly the reset we needed.

We arrived around 3pm for afternoon tea, then headed to our room and spent the afternoon reading, which felt like such a treat. Cosy country interiors, beautiful artwork, rugs, cushions, sheepskins…all those lovely little details that make somewhere feel instantly homely.

It’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you like. There are countryside walks, open space, a wild swimming pond and sauna, plus seasonal activities like bread making, seed collecting, yoga and farm tours. If you go for a wander, keep an eye out for the ivy-covered ruins of the old farmhouse.

Before dinner, we had a cocktail in the gorgeous greenhouse, which was such a lovely way to start the evening.

But, as you can probably guess, it was dinner I was most excited about.

Dinner was cooked by Executive Chef Elly Wentworth in the refectory where we were close enough to see a little bit of the magic happening. I loved chatting to her about the dishes and how everything had been prepared, especially as someone who loves cooking. 

You could really feel her passion for seasonal, local food in every course. It made the whole evening feel really special.

As a Devon foodie, this is exactly the kind of experience I love sharing with you - beautiful surroundings, thoughtful details, local produce, and food that feels really connected to the place it comes from.

After dinner, it was back to our super king bed for a very good night’s sleep, followed by a communal style, help yourself breakfast the next morning.

And something worth knowing if you’re local: you don’t have to stay at Fowlescombe Farm to eat there. They keep a few tables for dinner bookings, so this is definitely one to add to your South Devon foodie list.

A really lovely Devon countryside escape, with the added bonus of some seriously good food.

Have you been to Fowlescombe Farm, or is it going on your Devon staycation list?

#fowlescombefarm #devonstaycation #southdevonfood #ivybridge
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© Tara Smith 2022