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Easter

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

Easter Bun and Butter Pudding

Easter Bun and Butter Pudding

28th March 202028th March 2020 - tara Leave a comment

Easter is likely to be a strange one this year. Normally a day when families come together to celebrate, eat delicious food and head on out for a walk possibly culminating in a trip to the pub for a drinkie. With our Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicating the lockdown in the United Kingdom is likelyRead 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

S O M E B A K E R I E S just stay on your must-v S O M E  B A K E R I E S  just stay on your must-visit list. And this one has been on mine for years.

I’ve made a few pilgrimages to @violetcakeslondon in Hackney over the years, ever since I bought founder Claire Ptak’s cookbook and became a bit of a fan girl.

Back in the day, I was completely obsessed with American-style cupcakes (very Sex and the City era, if you remember!). Violet was one of the places that really captured that style of baking for me.

Things have moved on a little since then, although the cupcakes are still very much worth your attention. Beautifully light sponge, interesting toppings and, importantly, nothing overly sickly.

These days there’s so much more to tempt you. Buttery madeleines, sweet and savoury scones, mini Victoria sponges, cookies and seasonal cakes, alongside lovely brunch and light lunch options.

When we popped in last weekend, there were little ghost cupcakes on the counter. Chocolate sponge topped with Italian meringue ghosts. Obviously we wanted one for the journey home, but knew full well it wouldn’t survive intact!

Instead, we sheltered from the storm with a much-needed coffee, a coffee madeleine and an egg yolk chocolate chip cookie. Both absolutely delicious. I could happily have eaten more, but we had a second dessert situation planned at Tano up the road, so a little restraint was required! (Another place to visit if you are in the area btw for delish ice cream)

Claire Ptak might have gone on to make the lemon and elderflower wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but this independent Hackney bakery still feels wonderfully down to earth. A small, welcoming place that’s all about really good baking.

No fuss, no unnecessary frills, just lovely things made with care. And that’s exactly my kind of place.

My usual hunting ground might be Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West, but I’m always going to make room for a brilliant independent bakery wherever I happen to be.

Where is your favourite must visit independent bakery? I’m always looking for another excuse to go on a little pilgrimage.

#VioletBakery #HackneyFoodie #LondonBakeries #IndependentBakery #SouthWestFoodie
H O W T O spend an autumn day in Exeter like a lo H O W  T O spend an autumn day in Exeter like a local

Visiting Exeter this autumn? I’ve put together a day of good coffee, independent shops, excellent cake and a few different things to do in Exeter that go beyond the usual tourist trail.

Hi, I’m Tara, a Devon-born foodie who’s called Exeter home for decades. I love finding independent places that are genuinely good and worth your time and money, and Exeter has plenty of them.

I’d start with a coffee and a bun at @butta_club , then have a stomp around Exeter Quay before weaving my way through town. There are homemade bakes at @boatyardbakery , @betweenbreadexeter and @the_ridge_coffee_shop , brilliant independent shops along Fore Street (I love @pullo.shop for cheese and wine and @bunyipcraft for all things craft), vintage treasures at @aurorathehoarder and plenty of lovely spots for coffee, a drink or something to eat.

Fancy a film at @exeterpicturehouse ? Or perhaps pottery painting at @thejollypottery ? Add in a pint at the @thefatpig_exeter , vodka sauce pizza at @portal_pizza_exeter and a final cake stop at @pinkgingerexeter , and you’ve got yourself a pretty lovely day exploring Exeter’s independent food and drink scene.

The best bit? It’s all walkable, and the route weaves through different parts of the city, with plenty of opportunities to discover something unexpected along the way.

If you’re looking for things to do in Exeter this autumn, whether you’re visiting Devon for the first time or fancy seeing your own city differently, this is a lovely place to start.

Save this Exeter day out for your next visit and tell me, where would you be heading first? I am thinking Heavitree will be my next area to explore. Any recommendations? 

#ExeterFoodie #VisitExeter #ExeterIndependent #DevonFoodie #ExeterCafes
Y O U K N O W me, I’m always on the hunt for a Y O U  K N O W me, I’m always on the hunt for a bloomin’ good place to eat, drink or find something delicious. And October has been a particularly good month for that!

From brilliant indie cafés and bakeries to small plates, pizza, seafood, wine bars and a very good pub or two, these are the places that have really stood out for me this month.

Favorita in Newlyn was a definite highlight, with gorgeous small plates, great wine and cocktails. And Rockfish in Exmouth had to make the list. Delicious seafood, lovely service, sea views, unlimited chips and watching the sun go down over the water. Pretty hard to beat, if you ask me. And that Albariño? So glad I tried it.

There are a few familiar Devon and Cornwall favourites in the mix, alongside some brilliant finds from my recent London trip. Because good food is good food, wherever you happen to find it!

From a little bakery serving a cracking savoury scone to a buzzing neighbourhood pub, interesting pizzas, a tiny wine bar and even a gelateria worth visiting in October. Yes, I eat ice cream all year round. Anyone else with me?

If you’re new around here, I’m Tara, a Devon-born foodie hunting down bloomin’ good independent cafés, bakeries, pubs and restaurants across the South West and beyond. I share the places I genuinely love and think are worth your time and money!

Where should I be heading next? Which independent café, bakery, pub, restaurant or hidden gem do you think deserves a spot on my next favourites list?

Tell me in the comments. I love discovering new places through your recommendations, too!

Save this for your next foodie outing, and share it with someone who loves finding a good place to eat as much as you do.

#DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #CornwallFoodie #IndependentFood #FoodieFinds
H O W T O E A T your way around North London P H O W  T O  E A T your way around North London 

Pizza, pastries, indie gems and a very good glass of wine. Just the sort of foodie adventure I love!

I’m a Devon-born foodie who’ll happily travel miles for a cracking meal, a brilliant bakery or an excellent coffee. Last weekend, I was staying with a friend in London who’s equally food obsessed (and works in the wine trade), so naturally we planned an afternoon of eating and drinking our way around Hackney and Stoke Newington, with a little detour to Harringay.

Here’s our foodie itinerary for your next North London adventure.

12:20 | The Spurstowe Arms, Hackney
Start with a buzzing pub, incredible pizza and a couple of glasses of Sicilian white. We had spicy tuna and margherita. No bookings, so be prepared to wait for a table.

14:30 | Violet Cakes
A must for bakery lovers. Cupcakes, cookies, savoury bakes and good coffee. Obviously, I went for dessert!

15:30 | Tano
An Argentinian gelateria serving gorgeous flavours like dulce de leche, lemon curd and raspberry, and gianduja. Yes, a second dessert was essential.

16:15 | Church Street, Stoke Newington
Wander the lovely independent shops, soak up the neighbourhood vibes and grab another coffee if you fancy.

17:40 | Bonne Route, Harringay
Finish with a glass of delicious wine or a cocktail at this tiny wine bar. Snacks are available if you’re still peckish.

20:30 | Home, cheese, biscuits and PJs.

The perfect end to a very good day.

I loved discovering so many brilliant independent places in this corner of London. I’m always hunting out the best indie cafés, bakeries, pubs and restaurants across Devon and the South West, but a good foodie adventure has no postcode!

Save this for your next London trip and share it with your favourite foodie companion.

Follow along for independent food and drink finds across Devon and the South West, plus the occasional adventure further afield. 

#NorthLondonFoodie #HackneyFood #StokeNewington #LondonFoodGuide #IndependentFoodie
Q U I N C E - A bakery worth planning your day aro Q U I N C E - A bakery worth planning your day around

Sunday done right, if you ask me.

One of my favourite things about travelling is exploring a new neighbourhood and hunting out the very best independent bakeries, cafés, bars and restaurants. And I’ve certainly been doing that this weekend in London.
Yesterday’s little pilgrimage was to @quince.bakery in Islington, a tiny bakery that had me at hello. Beautiful-looking bread, coffee, deli bits and plenty to tempt you, but I had my eye on something savoury for my Sunday lunchtime wander.

Enter the roasted onion and Stichelton scone. Sweet, sticky roasted onions, salty blue cheese and a lovely wholemeal scone. Absolutely delicious and just the ticket for an eat-on-the-go lunch while exploring.

There was a queue outside its sister café, @clementine.quince , across the road, so we decided to save a sit-down visit for a weekday next time. Always good to have a reason to come back!

And if, like me, you love a good bakery find, you could easily turn this into a little Islington bakery crawl, with Pophams, Jolene and Sourdough Sophia on your list too, before mooching down to Camden Passage for a browse around the vintage shops and another coffee.
Add a sunny, perfectly autumnal day and honestly, what’s not to love?

I will happily make a bakery the main event of a day out. Finding brilliant independent food spots is half the fun of travelling, and London certainly delivers when it comes to good bread and baking.

Save this one for your next London foodie day out, or share it with someone who is always up for a bakery detour. You know the sort!

#IslingtonFood #LondonBakeries #LondonFoodie #IndependentBakeries #LondonFoodGuide
S O M E P E O P L E come to London for the shops. S O M E  P E O P L E come to London for the shops. I come for the cheese, wine and bakeries. You get the picture!

I might be a Devon girl, but I’ll happily travel for a bloomin’ good cheesemonger, and @mellischeeseltd in Crouch End is somewhere I wish was right on my doorstep.

I spotted it on my last visit but it was closed. This time I finally got inside and honestly, I didn’t want to leave.
Artisan cheese, wine, deli meats, condiments, crackers, bread and all the lovely bits for a dreamy cheeseboard. The staff know their stuff, offer recommendations and let you sample. My kind of place!

I left with some lovely-looking oatie biscuits for a friend and a wedge of sheep’s milk Camembert to slather on top. Salty, silky and gloriously stinky. The perfect cheese, if you ask me.

A little pocket history … Mellis began in Edinburgh in 1993, founded by Iain Mellis, and brought its Scottish cheesemonger’s approach to Crouch End in 2025, its first shop outside Scotland.

And Crouch End itself is a proper foodie destination, with independent cafés, restaurants, artisan food shops and the OG @sourdoughsophia bakery. If you love a good pastry, you’ll understand why I make a pilgrimage whenever I’m nearby.

I’m popping back today for fresh bread and possibly a bottle of Solco Lambrusco to put aside for Christmas entertaining. Well, that’s the plan!

So tell me, where’s your favourite cheesemonger or deli? Or what’s your perfect cheese, cracker and chutney combination? London or the South West, I’m always up for a good foodie tip.

Because apparently, I don’t just travel for baked goods. I travel for cheese, too. 

#CrouchEnd #LondonFoodie #ArtisanCheese #IndependentFoodShops #SouthWestFoodie
T H I N G S I will never need convincing to spend T H I N G S  I will never need convincing to spend my money on…

A really good croissant. Coffee made properly. Homemade cake. Seasonal food cooked with care. A bloomin’ good pub. A lovely glass of English wine. And independent businesses run by people who genuinely care about what they do.

I’m a Devon-born foodie who loves discovering independent cafés, artisan bakeries, brilliant pubs, restaurants championing seasonal and local produce, and those little places that make you want to go back again and again (and again if it’s really special)! 

Give me a buttery, flaky pastry, a proper coffee, a cracking roast or a long lunch with a glass of English wine and I’m a happy woman. Good service is a must too obviously … I always enjoy myself way more when the service is top notch. 

And when it comes to wine, I’m always up for discovering more of what’s being made here in England. @sugruesouthdowns is one to look out for if you love a good glass of English fizz and served at my fave The Seahorse in Dartmouth. 

Luckily, here in Devon and across the South West, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to independent food and drink. There are so many brilliant local businesses worth seeking out, and I’m always happy to give them a little love.

Now, over to you. What will you always happily spend your money on? Are you addicted to buttery pastries too? 

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #IndependentBusinesses #SeasonalFood #SupportLocal
D O R S E T breakfast & brunch spots to add to you D O R S E T breakfast & brunch spots to add to your bucket list..

A really good croissant, perfectly cooked eggs, proper sourdough toast and a coffee worth getting out of bed for. Is there a better way to spend a weekend morning?

If you love a good breakfast or brunch in Dorset, I’ve put together a little bucket list of places I think deserve a spot on your radar. From brilliant independent bakeries and farm shops to lovely cafés serving up all the good things, there’s plenty here to inspire your next weekend outing.

Whether you’re all about a flaky, buttery croissant, pancakes piled high, eggs every which way, expertly made coffee, a matcha moment or a smoothie to kick-start your day, I’ve got you covered. And if there’s an edible flower involved, season permitting, well, you’ve probably already won me over! I’m a sucker for an edible flower! 

One of the best things about breakfast and brunch out is the excuse to get together with friends. A long catch-up over coffee, ordering something delicious, sharing a pastry (or not - I won’t judge!) and putting the world to rights. These are the little outings that make a weekend feel special for me. 

This is my Dorset breakfast and brunch bucket list, but I know there are plenty more gems out there.

Dorset locals, I need your recommendations! Where would you add to this list? Is there a favourite independent café, bakery or farm shop I absolutely should be visiting?

Tell me below. I’m always up for discovering somewhere new, especially when breakfast is involved! If I can have a glass of fizz or a Bloody Mary then even better! 

#DorsetFoodie #DorsetBrunch #DorsetCafes #DorsetBakeries #DorsetFoodAndDrink
6 S O U T H W E S T restaurants worth travelling 6  S O U T H  W E S T restaurants worth travelling for

Looking for somewhere special to eat this weekend? 

How about looking a little further afield?

These are six restaurants across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset that I fell in love with from my very first visit. All personally tried and tested, and all places I’d happily recommend for a really good meal.

Here’s why they’re worth the trip:

1. Holm, South Petherton, Somerset
Modern British food, a brilliant seasonal menu, fabulous wine and cocktails, and some of the best service around.

2. Emilia, Ashburton, Devon
Italian small and larger plates, an open kitchen and a lovely natural wine list.

3. The Seahorse, Dartmouth, Devon
A little slice of Venice in Devon, with Italian-inspired seafood and a brilliant-value set menu. Stop at Joe’s Bar for a drink first.

4. Favorita, Newlyn, Cornwall
Mediterranean small plates, interesting cocktails and lovely wines from a mostly family-run team.

5. Sandro’s, Lyme Regis, Dorset
A husband-and-wife team serving seasonal, local food with a particular love of seafood.

6. Àclèaf, Plymouth, Devon
Michelin-starred fine dining and a cheese trolley of dreams. One for a special occasion.

Different styles, different settings, but every one a restaurant I’d recommend from personal experience.
And yes, I know there are some brilliant South West pubs too. They can have their own list!

Save this for your next South West food adventure and tell me, which would you book first? I’m always looking for another excuse to eat somewhere lovely.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonRestaurants #SomersetFood #CornwallRestaurants #DorsetFood
B E T W E E N B R E A D Exeter: two visits in a w B E T W E E N  B R E A D Exeter: two visits in a week, and two VERY different experiences!

I love eating out, but when you’re watching the pennies, Exeter cafés and coffee shops often win over restaurants and pubs. I save those for special occasions, so a really good sarnie and coffee is right up my street.

Last Sunday, I stopped at the new-ish @betweenbreadexeter on Exeter Quay while walking my friend’s dog, Lachie. It was late in the day, so the pastry choice was limited to their homemade plain croissants, but I was really there for the coffee. They serve @yallahcoffee , a Cornish coffee roaster, and I’m a big fan.

I sat outside with Lachie, coffee in hand, watching the world go by. Lovely, chilled-out vibes.

Fast forward to yesterday, when Michelle and I popped back for lunch. The Exeter Quayside market was on, the sun was shining and the place was BUZZING. The queue was out the door, but it moved quickly thanks to a well-drilled team.

We ordered coffees and two sarnies: halloumi with little French fries tucked inside and curry sauce for dipping, plus chicken and chorizo with a pillowy mound of Parmesan and Caesar-style dressing for dipping.

The bread was lush, the fillings were tasty and both sandwiches hit the spot. At £15 for a sandwich and coffee, I thought it was fair value for lunch.

The atmosphere was a world away from Sunday, though. Busy, buzzy and very canteen-style, with the volume turned right up! I enjoyed the energy, but Michelle and I definitely found ourselves raising our voices to hear each other.

I love that it’s dog-friendly, too, so Lachie and I have another spot for good coffee and homemade pastries when we’re exploring Exeter Quay.

I’m glad I gave the new site a try, and I’ll definitely be back. I might just choose a quieter time if I’m planning a proper catch-up!

Have you tried Between Bread on Exeter Quay, or are you more of a fan of the original Between Bread in Exeter city centre? And while we’re talking sandwiches, what’s your ultimate sarnie filling? I’m always up for a good sandwich recommendation!

#ExeterFoodie #ExeterQuay #ExeterEats #SouthWestFoodie #IndependentExeter
S O M E A F T E R N O O N ‘ S are supposed to b S O M E  A F T E R N O O N ‘ S are supposed to be lingered over ..

Ad If there’s one thing I look forward to when autumn rolls around, it’s mussel season.

Yesterday we headed to @therockfishuk in Exmouth for a late lunch. Delicious seafood by the sea on a sunny autumn afternoon is hard to beat.

We tried the Lyme Bay mussels two ways: Fisherman’s with white wine, garlic and parsley, and Moules Normandie with cider, smoked bacon and cream. Both were delicious, but the little surprise for me was just how good they were with a glass of Sentidiño Albariño. 

The fresh acidity and those lovely mineral, sea-salty notes complemented the mussels beautifully, while the food brought out even more in the wine. One of those pairings where the two really do make each other better.

Of course, there were bottomless chips with salt and malt vinegar (a proper seaside essential), crab gratin with soft, pillowy bread for dipping and a retro firecracker prawn cocktail to start. All washed down with a glass of Rock Story by Sugrue South Downs. I’m a sucker for a glass of English sparkling wine. 

My fave part other than the good food and location? 

Lingering over coffee and another glass of wine, watching the sunshine on the water and having absolutely no reason to rush off.

Rockfish Exmouth is my favourite for the views, although I really must try Budleigh next! You can literally sit on the pebbles to eat if you wanted to. 

There’s something about good seasonal food, a lovely spot by the sea and time spent around a table that makes an ordinary afternoon feel rather special. That sunshine helped too of course. We didn’t want to leave! 

Tuck this one away for your next trip to Exmouth. Good seafood, sea views and absolutely no need to rush.

#Rockfish #Exmouth #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #lymebaymussels
A U T U M N P L A N S , A C C O R D I N G T O M A U T U M N  P L A N S , A C C O R D I N G  T O  M E 🍂
 
A little less rushing about, a little more of the things that make life feel good.

My very specific autumn to-do list is a mixture of getting outside while the days are still kind to us, eating food that makes me feel good, and making absolutely no apologies for the occasional glass of wine and a pudding. You know me.

There’s time with friends around a table, new restaurants to try across the South West, long walks in nature whatever the weather, and evenings at home with a good book and absolutely nowhere to be.
I’m also trying to be a bit more mindful. Wearing the clothes I already own rather than constantly wanting something new, making time to move my body, and remembering that looking after myself doesn’t have to mean being sensible every minute of the day.

And on the exercise front? I’m a ballet teacher and fitness instructor, so you’d think I’d always be raring to go. Absolutely not. Sometimes getting started is the hardest bit, but I pretty much always feel better afterwards. I’m taking that as a reminder to keep showing up for myself, without expecting perfection.

Autumn isn’t just about pumpkin everything and cosy jumpers - although I do love those things too. It’s about finding those little things that make everyday life feel lovely, too.

Now, over to you.

What’s on your very specific autumn to-do list? Is there a restaurant you’ve been desperate to try, a walk you want to do, a book waiting on your bedside table, or a little treat you’re already planning?

Tell me what you’d add to mine, or share your own list. I’m always looking for a good idea, especially if it involves somewhere lovely to eat.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #AutumnBucketList #SlowLiving #EatLocal
I F Y O U R I D E A of a good time is a table fu I F  Y O U R  I D E A of a good time is a table full of cheese, charcuterie, good local wine and a few of your favourite people, I have a feeling we’re going to get along rather well.

Give me a lazy afternoon, a generous cheeseboard, a bottle of something lovely from a South West vineyard and hours around the table putting the world to rights, and I’m a very happy woman.

It’s one of the things I love most about living in the South West. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to independent food producers, brilliant local wine, proper little foodie gems and places that make eating and drinking together such a pleasure.

And that’s what @tarasbusykitchen is all about. Finding the good stuff, supporting independent businesses and sharing the places, plates and people worth knowing about across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and beyond.

So, if you’re a fellow South West foodie who plans weekends around where to eat, will happily travel for good cheese or pastries and believes most things are better shared around a table, you might just have found your people.

Tell me, what’s your idea of foodie heaven? I’m always up for discovering more people who appreciate the good things in life.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SouthWestEngland #LocalFoodAndDrink #FoodieFinds
Y O U R C O F F E E R U N could be a whole lot m Y O U R  C O F F E E  R U N could be a whole lot more interesting. Try these 5 indie Exeter cafés instead of the chains.

Exeter city centre is full of independent cafés with their own personality, and I love finding the ones that give you a reason to try somewhere new.

From seriously good coffee and homemade cakes to matcha, hojicha, Thai tea and a little taste of France, these five independent Exeter coffee shops and cafés all have something different to offer.

I’m Tara, a Devon-born foodie sharing the independent cafés, brilliant food and hidden gems I genuinely love across Exeter and the South West. These are five city-centre spots I’d happily recommend, whether you’re meeting a friend, treating yourself to coffee and cake or looking for somewhere different for lunch.

Now over to you: which independent Exeter café would you add to this list? I’m always looking for new places to discover.

#ExeterCafes #ExeterCoffee #IndependentExeter #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie
B U T T A - E X E T E R Exeter, we need to talk B U T T A - E X E T E R 

Exeter, we need to talk about these light-as-air cinnamon buns.

I’ve been wanting to visit @butta_club , Exeter’s bun bakery and coffee spot, since it opened a few months ago, and this morning my friend Polly and I finally made it happen.

You know I WILL TRAVEL FOR BAKED GOODS, and although I didn’t need a bus or train this time, I did walk an hour from home. So obviously, three buns to share felt entirely justified.

We tried the Biscoff cinny bun, one topped with cinnamon glaze and the classic cinnamon roll. Nothing plain about that last one, by the way. Light, airy, ridiculously soft and utterly delicious. I can see why the weekend queues are a thing!

There was iced matcha with vanilla cold foam for me (grey skies weren’t going to stop me) and excellent coffee from Triple Co Roast. The team were lovely, too, answering all my many bun-related questions.

Tucked between Exeter Quay and Marsh Barton, Butta is well worth seeking out. Everything is made in-house, the flavours change regularly and the buns are generously sized. My advice? Grab your bun-loving chums, order a few flavours and share the cinnamon bun love. It’s also dog-friendly, so Mabel came along and promptly stole the show with the staff!

Get there early for the best selection, and don’t be surprised if you leave with a box for later. I certainly did.

Now, the important question: are you an unraveller or a cutter? Do you peel your cinnamon bun apart layer by layer or go straight in with a knife? Let me know .. is it a bit like team cream or team jam first I wonder? 

Ad - Pr Invite 

#ExeterFoodie #ExeterBakery #ExeterCoffeeShops #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie
M Y S O U T H W E S T F O O D I E bucket list f M Y  S O U T H  W E S T  F O O D I E bucket list for October. Because there are just too many good places to eat and drink and not enough days!

One of the tricky things about exploring the South West is that I come across SO many places I want to visit, and I simply can’t get to them all. So I thought it was time to start keeping a little monthly bucket list of the places I’m desperate to try. 

Some have caught my eye on Instagram (the algorithm does occasionally get it right!), while others have been recommended by fellow foodies. And honestly, I love hearing your recommendations as much as I love discovering somewhere new.

From destination restaurants and independent pubs to artisan bakeries, brilliant coffee spots and hidden foodie gems, there’s a mix of price points here. 

Because one of the things I love most about the South West is just how brilliant our food and drink scene is. 

There are so many talented people doing lovely things, and so many independent businesses worth making a detour for.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Tara, a Devon-born foodie explorer with a serious love of hunting out good places to eat, drink and be merry. I love supporting independents and sharing the places that make this part of the world so special. From Devon and Cornwall to Somerset and Dorset, there’s always somewhere new to discover!

Now, I’d love your help with this one.

Have you been to any of these places? Or is there somewhere else in the South West that you think I’d absolutely love?

I’m always up for a recommendation, whether it’s a bakery worth travelling for, a pub with a proper welcome, a brilliant neighbourhood restaurant or somewhere completely under the radar. Tell me your favourites in the comments. I’m always looking for an excuse to plan my next foodie adventure, and who knows, your recommendation might make next month’s list!

And if you know someone who loves discovering independent food spots as much as i do, feel free to share this with them. More recommendations, more places to explore and more good food. What’s not to love?

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SouthWestEngland #IndependentFood #FoodieBucketList
W H A T ‘ S Y O U R E X E T E R A U T U M N d W H A T ‘ S  Y O U R  E X E T E R  A U T U M N date type? 

Not every date has to be romantic, involve dressing up or cost a small fortune. Sometimes it’s a cosy pub on a Sunday, exceptional Thai food on a chilly evening, a glass of wine and a few snacks, or simply coffee and cake with someone you haven’t seen in ages.

I’ve lived in Exeter for most of my adult life, and one of the things I love most about this city is its independent food and drink scene. From brilliant indie cafes and wine bars to proper pubs, foodie destinations and places with great music, there’s somewhere for every mood and every kind of date.

First date, girls’ date, friend date, second date, a catch-up or a date with yourself - I’ve rounded up the Exeter spots I’d recommend when you’re deciding where to eat, drink and spend time together this autumn.

Now I want to hear from you. Where’s your go-to date spot in Exeter? Have I missed an independent gem that deserves a place on the list?

Save this for your next Exeter outing, share it with someone who needs to make the plans, and tell me your favourites in the comments. I’m always happy to add another indie to my list.

#Exeter #ExeterFoodie #ExeterRestaurants #ExeterCafes #DevonFoodie
W H E R E I W O U L D T A K E you in Penzance f W H E R E  I  W O U L D  T A K E you in Penzance for the perfect weekend

If you love good food, great coffee, independent shops, vintage finds and getting outside in nature, I think I’ve got your Penzance weekend pretty much sorted.

My little Penzance and Newlyn mini guide for a weekend of eating, drinking, exploring and slowing down.

Friday

Check into @chapelhousepz because honestly, it’s dreamy. Beautiful artwork, gorgeous interiors, brilliant service and a hot tub overlooking the harbour. There’s a sauna too.

Head to @figattheexchange for coffee, pastries and soft serve, with a mooch around the gallery.

Then walk along the promenade to Newlyn for dinner at @favoritanewlyn - small plates, interesting cocktails and a great wine list. I loved it.

Wander back via @four_penzance for cocktails.

Saturday

Sea swim at Battery Rocks, then back to Chapel House for breakfast and a warm-up.

Spend the morning mooching around Penzance. Vintage at @happydais_vintage , then independent shops including Handworked, @sevenstonesstore and The Apothecary.

Coffee at @roundhouse_pz , then picnic supplies from The Cornish Hen and @loafsbakery . And if you spot @newlynfermentary kimchi or sauerkraut, get it. Mega yum.

Take your picnic to the headland above Priest Cove, walk down to the tidal pool and spend the afternoon outside.

Back to Penzance for a cosy pub and dinner at @45queenstreet 

Sunday

@jubileepool for one last swim - or the geothermal side if the cold water is absolutely not happening.

If you’re lucky, you might also find a flea market or vintage sale at @shivermetimberscornwall just outside Newlyn.

Then home, reluctantly.

This is exactly the sort of Cornwall weekend I love - good independent food, excellent coffee, local shops, sea air and plenty of time outside.

Save this for your next Penzance weekend and share it with your exploring companion.

And tell me what I’ve missed. I’m always looking for another great cafe, bakery, restaurant, pub, shop or hidden gem to add to the list.

Contains previously declared gifted experiences 

#PenzanceFoodie #PenzanceCornwall #NewlynFoodie #CornwallIndependent #SouthWestFoodie
C H A P E L H O U S E - A dreamy boutique stay in C H A P E L  H O U S E - A dreamy boutique stay in Penzance, Cornwall

ad From the minute I walked through the door at @chapelhousepz , I knew I was going to love it. 

Whitewashed floors, an eclectic mix of old and new, curiosities in every corner and artwork by James F Johnson, cats included, had me completely hooked.

My top-floor room had a huge bed, a beautiful wet room and a bath where you can lie back and watch the stars through the glass ceiling. Honestly, what more could you want from a boutique hotel in Penzance?

There are peaceful gardens to relax in, a sauna and hot tub overlooking Penzance harbour, plus dry robes ready for post-swim cosiness after a dip at Battery Rocks. I even braved the cold water and, despite not being a cold-water person, absolutely loved it.

Breakfasts are cooked to order, Susan and her team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and beyond Chapel House there’s so much to explore - from a fermenting workshop with @newlynfermentary to wild swims at Priest Cove or a warm soak in the @jubileepool geothermal pool.

Add in Penzance’s independent food and drink scene and you’ve got everything you need for a proper South West escape: good food, sea air, wild swims, coastal walks and somewhere beautiful to come home to.

Save this for your next Penzance escape - especially if you love boutique stays, sea swims and very good food or share it with a friend you would love to go with. 

Press Stay @masseytravel 

#ChapelHousePenzance
#PenzanceCornwall
#BoutiqueHotelCornwall
#CornwallFoodie
#Southwestescape
F A V O R I T A - N E W L Y N If you’re planni F A V O R I T A - N E W L Y N 

If you’re planning a Cornwall food trip, put @favoritanewlyn firmly on your list.

Looking for restaurants in Newlyn or wondering where to eat near Penzance? This little place needs to be on your radar.

I went on Friday night and… LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Open for barely four weeks, this tiny restaurant by Newlyn harbour is already buzzing. Upbeat, brilliant service, great music and food that had me thinking about it all weekend.

There’s serious kitchen pedigree too. Chef Henry Russell spent more than 20 years in London kitchens, including Moro and Morito, before bringing his love of Mediterranean food to Cornwall with Laura, who runs front of house.

Think small plates with a Spanish and Mediterranean nod, brilliant local produce and a wine list that takes you from Spain to Italy and beyond.

I started with a dreamy fig leaf spritz and their take on a Gilda - olives stuffed with labneh, tiny pickled onions and sun-dried tomatoes. What a start.

We asked Laura to send out her favourites and ate very handsomely - pickled sardines, fava bean purée with the flakiest flatbreads, crawfish and tarragon croquettes, grilled skewers and more.

The fig, dukkah and Ele cheese salad and fried aubergine with macha, agave and goat’s cheese were standouts, alongside a whole lemon sole with capers and lemon.

Sherry was poured, rosé was enjoyed and beautiful beetroot-coloured shrubs kept the non-drinkers happy.

This is exactly the kind of independent restaurant in Cornwall I get excited about.

Small, welcoming, full of personality and seriously good food. It might just be one of the most exciting new additions to the West Cornwall food scene.

And from Exeter, Penzance is around three hours by direct train, so make a weekend of it. Explore Newlyn, eat your way around West Cornwall and stay at @chapelhousepz - another one I’d happily recommend.

Save this for your next Cornwall food trip and share it with your foodie travel companion.

And if you’ve been to Favorita already, I NEED to know what you ordered.

ad Thank you @masseytravel for taking me as part of my PR trip ♥️

#CornwallFoodie #CornwallRestaurants #Newlyn #Penzance #WestCornwall
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© Tara Smith 2022