Tara's Busy Kitchen (and other stories)

Food, recipes and my life

Skip to content
  • Home
  • About me
  • Contact

Food

Saturday Brunch

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 2

17th January 202117th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hello all. We seem to have made it through another week in lockdown so let’s give ourselves a pat on the back for that. it’s challenging and we are all doing a great job. However we get through the week and whatever we do is alright. If you want to spend a day in your PJ’sRead more

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

16th January 202116th January 2021 - tara 1 Comment

I don’t know about you but when it’s cold outside I want to eat spicy food; something with a bit of zing and kick. This recipe has been on the back burner until now purely because I hadn’t received a cauliflower in my weekly organic veg box delivery but as soon as I saw theRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In pictures #4

My Nine Best Things Of 2020

30th December 202030th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

2020 has been challenging for all. Work has been sparse for some and non-existent for others. Loneliness for many has become a real issue. There have been constant challenges thrown our way that has meant we have had to adapt and adopt new ways of thinking, working, socialising and exercising. For me, 2020 has givenRead more

Pigs In Puff Pastry Blankets - A wonderful Party Canapé

Pigs In Puff Pastry Blankets – A wonderful Party Canapé

22nd December 202022nd December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

(Ad) I was recently sent some sausages from my friends at HECK. These aren’t any old sausages though. Of course, they are delicious, we know that, but these sausages are doing good at the same time. With each packet, purchased HECK are contributing to a very worthwhile campaign to combat homelessness. I wanted to highlightRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In pictures #4

Let It Be Sunday – My Week In pictures #4

20th December 202020th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

Wow! Another week where our worlds get picked up and thrown down thus jiggling all plans once again. I guess in reality I was expecting a u-turn on the Christmas rules. It had to happen but why with less than a week to go? Why not last week when people could switch up/cancel plans/food deliveriesRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In Pictures #3

Let It Be Sunday – My Week In Pictures #3

13th December 202013th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Sunday friends! Are you feeling festive yet? With less than two weeks to Christmas I feel like I should be but I am not. I am excited for Christmas but I certainly don’t have that festive warm feeling yet. It may be because we don’t have our tree or it maybe because I don’tRead more

Gingerbread & Chocolate Chip American Style Cookies

Gingerbread & Chocolate Chip American Style Cookies

5th December 20205th December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

It’s been a whole year since I found myself in New York and it got me thinking about all those yummy sweet treats that the Americans do so well. Yes, I love a crunchy English biscuit but sometimes a doughy, soft American style cookie is just what a girl (or boy) needs. Am I right?Read more

Gingerbread Loaf With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Loaf With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

19th November 20201st December 2020 - tara Leave a comment

This sweet and spicy gingerbread loaf with spiced cream cheese frosting is a perfect alternative to Christmas cake for those who don’t like a fruit cake option at Yuletide. I do however love a traditional Christmas cake so will most probably make both! After all, it is the season to be jolly and this secondRead more

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In Pictures #2

Let It Be Sunday – My Week In Pictures #2

8th November 20208th November 2020 - tara Leave a comment

For me, this week has been made up of two contrasting halves. I am pretty sure that for others based in England right now you may agree with me? Lockdown 2.0 started at 12.01 am on Thursday morning with many restrictions in place that we haven’t seen since the easing of the first lockdown inRead more

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Cake

2nd November 20201st November 2020 - tara 2 Comments

Ok, this cake may sound and look really like a Halloween cake but rest assured it’s more than that. As always I am a little behind with my posting and this recipe comes a day or so late so I apologise. I really need to deal with that especially now we have just had theRead more

Posts navigation

Previous 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 48 Next
Categories

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

H E R B I E S - E X E T E R 🍃 Ad I am excited H E R B I E S - E X E T E R 🍃

Ad I am excited about this one ... I wasn’t expecting to love it quite this much.

Yesterday I went to @herbies_exeter for lunch with my friend Viki, and it completely surpassed my expectations.

I hadn’t been for years. I used to come here regularly with my nan before she passed away, and somehow I just got out of the habit. Back then it was always somewhere we loved, and thinking about it, Herbies was probably one of the original independent restaurants in Exeter. It’s stood the test of time for a reason.

It’s now owned by the lovely team behind Calvo Loco on Magdalen Road, and they’ve created a menu of seasonal small plates that are packed with flavour.

We shared six dishes between us. The recommendation is three small plates each, but for lunch I’d actually say five between two would have been plenty because the portions are really quite generous.

Everything we ordered was delicious. The corn ribs, banana blossom tacos, smashed triple-cooked potatoes with the lemon and herb dip, za’atar broccoli with romanesco sauce, pickled watermelon and feta salad and the buffalo cauliflower were all genuinely excellent. 

Every single dish felt exciting. Nothing felt like it was trying to replace meat or prove a point. It was simply brilliant food, full stop.

The restaurant itself feels calm and welcoming, with a beautiful hand-drawn mural running the length of the space and across the front windows. The service was warm and friendly too, which always makes such a difference.

I think Herbies might just have become my favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Exeter. Even if you usually eat meat, I honestly don’t think you’d miss it here. The food is so full of flavour that it never feels like it’s lacking anything. It feels fresh, seasonal and nourishing without ever feeling worthy.

Safe to say it gets my seal of approval, and I already can’t wait to go back.

Have you been to Herbies recently, or is there another independent Exeter restaurant you think I should add to my list?

#ExeterFood #ExeterRestaurants #VeganExeter #IndependentExeter #SouthWestFoodie
I D O N ‘ T S A Y this lightly, but I genuinel I  D O N ‘ T  S A Y this lightly, but I genuinely think this might be the best value lunch in Topsham.

Ad The @galleytopsham have started serving their fish finger sandwiches to take away for just £8.50, and they’re every bit as good as you’d hope. Fresh bread (we had sourdough, although focaccia is usually the norm), chunky breaded fish, homemade tartare sauce, homemade pickled cucumber sriracha, served with a generous handful of salted fancy crisps.

Place your order with Patrick and the team, have a wander around Topsham while it’s freshly made, (I recommend the best charity shop ever next door. It’s all vintage and it’s  full of amazing things to look at) and around 10 minutes later you’ll be walking away with a piping hot sandwich.

Here’s why I’d do it this way every time...

Take it down to the quayside, lay out a picnic blanket, open a chilled bottle of English rosé and spend an hour watching the boats, birds and the River Exe drift by. It’s such a simple way to turn an £8.50 lunch into something that feels really special.

If you’re looking for a food spot in Topsham that won’t break the bank but still feels like a treat, this is one I’d happily recommend.

Have you discovered any other brilliant value food spots in Topsham? I’d love to add them to my list.

#Topsham #TopshamFood #DevonFood #VisitTopsham #FoodieDevon
T H E R E W A S A T I M E when someone told me T H E R E  W A S  A  T I M E when someone told me that nobody would be interested in what I had to say or do.

I’m so glad I didn’t let their voice become my own.

I’ve been sharing here on my little corner of insta for more than ten years now. It hasn’t been an overnight success as you can see and I’m still not sitting at 10k followers, but that’s never really been the point.

Because here’s the thing...
This account has given me experiences I never imagined. It’s introduced me to incredible independent businesses across Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the wider South West. It’s taken me to restaurants, cafés, pubs, vineyards, bakeries and farm shops that I might never have found otherwise.

More importantly, it’s introduced me to people.
One of those people is Alex. We met through this app over a decade ago and last year I had the privilege of standing beside her as one of her bridesmaids. That alone is worth every photo, every caption and every hour I’ve spent creating.

People have told me my “little account” takes up too much time. But when you genuinely love something, how much time is too much? This has always been a hobby rooted in curiosity, good food and supporting passionate independent businesses.

This year my community has doubled in size and I’m incredibly grateful to every single person who follows along, leaves a comment, sends a recommendation or shares one of my posts with a friend. You’ve made this feel like a proper little community, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

So if you’re worried about starting something because of what someone else might think, don’t let their opinion become your voice.

Slow growth is still growth. Authenticity lasts longer than trends. And the people who are meant to find you usually do.

For those of you who are landing here for the first time -  i’m Tara. A South West foodie championing independent cafés, restaurants, pubs, vineyards and the people behind them.

I’d love to know... has someone ever doubted you, only for you to prove them wrong?

#devonfoodie #southwestfood #independentbusiness #devoncafes #foodiesofinstagram
M A G D A L E N  C H E E S E  L A T E S 

If you’re wondering where to drink good wine in Exeter... this is your sign.

Yesterday my friend Jo and I headed to Magdalen Cheese & Provisions for their very first Magdalen Cheese Lates and I have a feeling this is going to become one of Exeter’s favourite Thursday evening spots.

From 4-8pm every Thursday, they’re serving a simple menu of seasonal small plates alongside carefully chosen wines by the glass or bottle. We shared creamy mozzarella with in season peaches & tomatoes, thick slices of sourdough with proper butter (I knew the butter would be the right choice), and a glass of the house rosé.

By the time we left, every table was full.

It makes complete sense. Magdalen Cheese has long been one of my favourite places in Exeter for incredible cheese, beautiful local bread, thoughtful wines and all the little provisions that make entertaining at home feel special. This feels like such a natural extension of what they already do so well.

I chatted to Jacob before we left and he mentioned that if Thursday evenings prove popular, they may look at opening on Fridays and Saturdays too. I really hope they do. Exeter could always do with more places serving interesting wines in a relaxed setting.

This isn’t an ad, just a genuine recommendation from a lovely evening with a friend.

If you’re looking for things to do in Exeter, wine bars in Exeter, cheese boards in Exeter or somewhere for a relaxed date night, I’d add Magdalen Cheese Lates to your list.

* p.s .. Magdalen Cheese & provisions is beautifully air conditioned so if this heat wave continues you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!! 

Have you been to @magdalencheese yet, or is this one for your list?

#ExeterFood #ExeterFoodie #VisitExeter #DevonFood #IndependentExeter
K I L N - T O P S H A M 

Come with me to Topsham’s newest café... and trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your list.

After following @kilntopsham journey on Instagram from the very beginning, I couldn’t wait for the doors to finally open - and it absolutely lived up to the anticipation.

From the beautiful handmade pottery crafted in-house to the carefully considered interiors, every detail has been thought through. Think rough plaster walls, original stained-glass windows, sheepskins draped over benches and modern wooden furniture - it’s effortlessly stylish without trying too hard.

The coffee? Absolutely lush. Kiln serves coffee from @normacoffeeroasters , an independent speciality roastery run by Lauren and Joe from a converted barn on the edge of Dartmoor. They focus on sourcing exceptional seasonal coffees from small, underrepresented growers, and you can genuinely taste the care that goes into every cup.

There’s also a gorgeous little deli and gift shop filled with fresh Taw Valley milk, local produce, pantry treats and carefully curated gifts. I very nearly came home with the Bakery Tourist cap I’ve been eyeing online... but that’ll have to wait for payday!

A huge shout-out to the lovely member of staff behind the counter who happily answered all of my many coffee questions with a smile. Friendly service always makes such a difference.

My lemon and poppy seed cake was the perfect pairing with my coffee, the café had a lovely buzz about it, and it’s dog friendly too - always a win. 

Would I go back? Without a doubt. This is one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Save this for your next visit to Topsham, Devon, and tag the person you’d take for coffee and cake!

#Topsham #TopshamDevon #DevonCafes #SpecialityCoffee #VisitDevon
S W I M - L Y M E R E G I S Ad If you’re loo S W I M -  L Y M E  R E G I S 

Ad If you’re looking for an excuse to plan a Dorset day trip, consider this your sign.

I’ve definitely entered my Discover Dorset era, and my latest stop was @swimlyme 

If you know Heydays in Exmouth, you’ll recognise the vibe. Swim has the same relaxed beachside feel, a buzzing atmosphere, a great menu, attentive staff and brilliant cocktails and mocktails.

We visited on the first weekend of the summer holidays, so Lyme Regis was absolutely buzzing. My friend and I started with the Pentire Margarita mocktail (I’d been thinking about it ever since having one at Heydays) before ordering the anchovy pan con tomate, which I couldn’t resist.

Alongside that we shared the specials - creamy white wine moules with Rise Bakery sourdough and breaded scallops with tomato salsa - plus the Sunburst Salad with roast chicken. I’d accidentally ordered the full-sized moules rather than a side, so we were very grateful our waitress persuaded us to skip the truffle parmesan fries.🫢

The mussels were delicious, the sourdough was perfect for mopping up the sauce (made at their sister venue @risebakestore ) too. 

A little tip... sit inside if you can. Especially right now - It’s air-conditioned, you can grab a window seat overlooking the beach and, most importantly, you’re out of reach of Lyme’s fearless seagulls. You still get the beach vibes but stay cool in the process. 

For my Exeter friends, Lyme Regis is only around 45-50 minutes away, making it an easy day trip. If you’re looking for restaurants in Lyme Regis, places to eat in Dorset or beachside dining in Dorset, Swim is well worth adding to your list.

Their sister resto, @risecafebar in West Bay, is next on my list as I continue exploring beautiful Dorset.

Have you got a favourite restaurant or café in Dorset that I should try next? Let me know below. You know I am always on the lookout for great local places to eat, drink and be merry. 

#lymeregis #dorsetfoodie #discoverdorset #independentrestaurants #southwestfoodie
I F Y O U A S K E D me where I’d take you for I F  Y O U  A S K E D me where I’d take you for lunch or dinner in Dorset, this list would be a very good place to start... although, if I’m honest, my must-visit Dorset restaurants list seems to grow every single week! 

From fluffy bao buns and the freshest Dorset seafood, to beautiful seasonal local vegetables, cosy country pubs, charming cafés and destination restaurants... Dorset’s food scene is absolutely thriving right now, and I am here for it. 

Some of these are places I’ve already fallen in love with, while others come highly recommended by you lovely lot. I genuinely have the best community for foodie recommendations, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your favourite local gems with me.

As a Devon-based foodie, I’m always exploring the very best places to eat and drink across the South West, and Dorset never disappoints. Whether you’re planning a foodie day out, a weekend escape or searching for the best restaurants in Dorset, I hope this gives you plenty of inspiration.

Now it’s your turn... 

Where’s your favourite place to eat in Dorset that I absolutely have to visit? I’m always looking for my next amazing meal, so leave your recommendations below and let’s make this list even bigger! 

#DorsetFood #DorsetRestaurants #VisitDorset #SouthWestFoodie #FoodieFinds
I R E A L L Y J U S T like taking pictures Jum I  R E A L L Y  J U S T like taking pictures 

Jumping on the viral audio… and honestly, it’s true.
I really do just like taking pictures.

The food before the first bite. The cosy independent cafés. Seasonal menus. The golden hour skies. Ocean views. Colourful doors. Fresh flowers. Beautiful tables. 

Little details most people walk past but I see them. 

Some people collect things. I collect moments in time. My camera roll sparking happiness, love and joy but also reminding me of people and pets I have lost. 💔

At this point, taking pictures isn’t a hobby… it’s just part of my personality. And I’m perfectly okay with that. 

Have a great Friday everyone and remember to get that pic! 

Love Tara x

#SlowLiving #RomanticisingLife #Aesthetic #DevonFoodie #lovedevon
W H A T M A K E S L I F E B E T T E R ? For m W H A T  M A K E S  L I F E  B E T T E R ? 

For me, it’s the simple things. Good food. Slow mornings. Butter. Bakeries. Friends. The summer. Being outside. My cats. Finding something brilliant in a charity shop. Supporting independent businesses. Choosing second-hand over new whenever I can.

Living in Devon means I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the best independent cafés, restaurants and bars in the South West. Sharing them here has become one of my favourite things to do because these places are what give our communities character, and they deserve to be celebrated.

The older I get, the more intentional I become about where I spend my time, my money and my energy. Less rushing, less clutter, more good food, great people, happy animals and experiences that actually mean something.

If you’re a foodie who loves discovering independent places, enjoys thrifting, believes in shopping mindfully, or simply appreciates the quieter joys in life, you’re in the right place.

What makes life better for you?

#DevonFoodie #SouthWestFood #SupportIndies #ThriftedLiving #CatLovers
L Y M E R E G I S - D O R S E T One of the bes L Y M E  R E G I S -  D O R S E T 

One of the best day trips from Exeter? Lyme Regis, every single time. 

If you’ve never considered getting the train to Lyme Regis, this is your sign. Just 1 hour 8 minutes total from Exeter (with a quick bus from Axminster), it’s barely any different to driving - except you can enjoy a couple of drinkies along the way!

Lyme Regis has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up in Sidmouth, Devon, a few towns away along the coast, I spent so many happy days here and it still feels just as special every time I visit.

From brilliant coffee at Amid Giants & Idols or Kiosk, pastries from Town Mill Bakery, indie shopping, beach picnics, cosy pubs and some fantastic places to eat, Lyme is the perfect foodie day out on the Dorset coast. Don’t miss The Pop Up Kitchen either – the recent residencies from Mark Hix and Jack’s Bistro have been incredible.

If you’re looking for things to do in Lyme Regis, planning a Dorset day trip or simply searching for the best food in Lyme Regis, I promise this gorgeous seaside town won’t disappoint.

Where should I try on my next Lyme visit? Let me know below! ❤️

#LymeRegis #VisitDorset #DorsetFoodie #FoodieDayOut #DevonFoodie
C I R C L E - T O P S H A M You know when you fi C I R C L E - T O P S H A M 

You know when you find somewhere that just feels nice to be? This is one of those places. 

Circle in Topsham has been one of my go-to coffee spots for years now. The coffee is always so good (which is probably why I nearly always end up staying for one more), the staff are lovely, and there are usually a few pastries or cakes calling my name too.

I also love having a little browse while I’m there. They stock beautiful gifts, houseplants and bits from local makers, so there’s always something to catch your eye.

I spent a couple of hours there last Monday with my book before heading off for a charity shop mooch. If you’re into thrifting, Topsham is such a good place for it. There are some great charity shops, vintage and antique stores, and it’s just a lovely place to wander by the water for a bit.

Sometimes it’s nice to slow the pace a little, isn’t it? Life can be more than a little hectic.

If you’re ever in the area and fancy a really good coffee, I’d definitely pop in.

Have you got a favourite coffee spot that you always find yourself going back to? I’d love to hear about it. 

#Topsham #DevonCoffee #IndependentCoffeeShop #DevonDaysOut #CoffeeAndCake
S U M M E R S I N D E V O N look like this... S U M M E R S  I N  D E V O N look like this... 

Beach days, picnic blankets, BBQs that go on way longer than planned, vineyard visits, eating outside whenever the sun decides to show up, lots of laughter with lovely people and, of course, plenty of delicious food along the way.

I honestly feel so lucky to live here. Devon is full of brilliant independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars, and there always seems to be somewhere new to discover. Add in all the incredible local produce and talented chefs, and it’s such a special place to explore if, like me, you love to eat, drink and be merry.

If you’re looking for foodie inspiration, hidden gems and the best places to eat and drink around Devon and the South West, I’d love to have you here.

What’s been your favourite summer find so far? Pop it in the comments - I always appreciate a recommendation! 🤍

#DevonFoodie #DevonFood #LoveDevon #SouthWestFood #EatLocal
I F Y O U T H I N K D O R S E T ‘ S food scen I F  Y O U  T H I N K  D O R S E T ‘ S food scene is boring… think again.

I’ve been visiting Lyme Regis for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Sidmouth, day trips there were a regular treat usually involving the fudge shop, fish and chips on the beach and a wander around the harbour with a scary walk along The Cobb. 

Before anyone points it out, I know Lyme Regis isn’t all of Dorset. It’s a bit like assuming everyone from Britain lives in London. There is a reason why it’s my first point of call so read on ..

I still have so much of Dorset to explore, but as someone who relies on public transport, Lyme has become my gateway to the county. And if what I’ve found so far is anything to go by, Dorset has one of the most exciting independent food scenes on the South Coast.

A few favourites include Sandro’s, Jack’s Bistro, Swim, Amid Giants & Idols, Town Mill Bakery, The Whole Hog, Lyme Regis Brewery, The Rose & Crown in Trent and Parnham Restaurant in Beaminster.

My wishlist is growing too, with @brassicadorset , @toms_lymeregis , @strawberrytreelyme , @foxandowllymeregisuk , @risecafebar , @platformrestaurant and plenty more of Bridport all firmly on my list. It would be nice to get to @pursuitofhoppinessbridport too as I was a big fan when they were in Exeter for a while. 

I know i’ve barely scratched the surface of Dorset’s restaurants, cafés, pubs and foodie spots, and I can’t wait to explore more.

I’m also putting together a weekend guide to Lyme Regis, packed with my favourite places to eat, drink, stay and explore, so keep an eye out if you’re planning a visit.

In the meantime, I’d love your recommendations. 

What’s the one independent Dorset restaurant, café, pub or bakery that I absolutely shouldn’t miss? Let me know in the comments. I have a feeling this is just the start of my Dorset adventures.

#DorsetFood
#LymeRegisFood
#DorsetFoodie
#WestDorset
#southwestfood
B I R D H O U S E - E X E T E R ad The Exeter ca B I R D H O U S E - E X E T E R 

ad The Exeter café where every coffee changes lives. 

Tucked away in the beautiful surroundings of Pinces Gardens, St Thomas, @birdhouseexeter is so much more than an independent Exeter café. Run by Garland Support, this not-for-profit social enterprise creates paid employment and training opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, so every coffee, toastie and slice of cake gives back to our local community.

And the food? Delish.

The new Jammy Tomatoes on Toast with tahini and lemon & herb dressing, plus the Dukkah Spiced Hummus on Toast with roasted onions, are both packed with flavour. If you’re after something heartier, the Veggie Breakfast Toastie is an absolute winner (can confirm it’s delicious!).

The coffee is excellent too, made with beans from local Exeter roastery Crankhouse Coffee. Pair a long black with one of their legendary millionaire slices and thank me later.

On sunny days, the garden setting is one of the loveliest spots in Exeter, and there’s now a cosy indoor space too, creating even more opportunities for the young adults Garland Support supports.

If you’re looking for brunch, lunch or great coffee in Exeter, this is somewhere that genuinely makes a difference with every visit.

📍Save this for your next Exeter brunch, lunch in St Thomas or coffee stop in Pinces Gardens, and tag someone you’d love to visit with.

#ExeterFoodie #ExeterCafe #DevonFood #SupportLocalExeter #SocialEnterpriseCafe
J A C K ‘ S B I S T R O - L Y M E R E G I S J A C K ‘ S  B I S T R O - L Y M E  R E G I S 

ad If you’re looking for one of the best dining experiences on the Jurassic Coast this summer, this is it.

After weeks of admiring Jack’s incredible dishes on Instagram (thank you, algorithm!), I finally got to experience his pop-up kitchen in Lyme Regis and it completely lived up to the hype in my head. You know that feeling when you absolutely know that somewhere is going to be good before stepping foot in the door? That’s how I felt.. 

@imjackyr usually works as a private chef in Australia but is back in the UK for a limited time, bringing his talent to Dorset. Instead of asking us to order, he simply asked if we’d trust him to cook whatever was at its absolute best that day. We said yes... and I’m so glad we did.

From citrus-cured scallop and local Lyme Bay crab to perfectly cooked lemon sole and an unforgettable chocolate miso tart, every plate celebrated beautiful local produce, incredible flavour and thoughtful presentation.

The wine list, curated by The Modest Merchant, was spot on, and Fi made us feel instantly welcome, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Lyme Regis, somewhere special to eat in Dorset, or a memorable Jurassic Coast dining experience, Jack’s Bistro deserves a place at the top of your list.

Bookings for the final dates (14th–25th July) are open now and if I could go back tomorrow, I absolutely would.

Book in friends. You won’t be disappointed. I definitely wasn’t. 

#LymeRegis #DorsetFood #JurassicCoast #DorsetRestaurants #FoodieFinds
1 0 D E V O N S P O T S I’ve been loving recen 1 0  D E V O N  S P O T S I’ve been loving recently. 

I could have easily turned this into 20 places because Devon has so many incredible independent food spots, but I thought I’d keep it to the places I’ve genuinely visited and enjoyed over the last month or so. 

From cute bakery finds and birthday coffee with pastries at my forever favourite, to vineyard lunches, starting a champagne train at a seafood restaurant, Spanish tapas nights, burgers with the wildest toppings and beach views that never get old... these are the places I’ve been recommending to everyone lately.

✨ Save this for your next Devon food adventure...

In no particular order:

📍The Oyster Shack – Bigbury
📍The Central Dairy – Bradninch
📍Calvo Loco – Exeter
📍Heydays – Exmouth
📍Rosso – Totnes
📍Creamo’s – Ashburton
📍Hippo – Moretonhampstead
📍Polly’s Little Greek – Exeter
📍Shaka – Totnes
📍Roam – Stoke Gabriel

Whether you’re looking for the best cafés in Devon, hidden foodie gems, independent restaurants, coastal dining, brunch spots or your next weekend food adventure, every one of these is worth adding to your ever growing list. 

💛 Save this for your next Devon food adventure, and tag the person who’s always asking, “Where shall we eat?”

Have a fab time exploring and trying .. Love Tara xx

#DevonFoodGuide #DevonFoodie #DevonCafeGuide #SouthDevonEats #VisitDevonFood
Y O U  M A Y  W A N T  T O  S A V E  T H I S... 🤍

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Somerset, the cosiest country pubs, unforgettable Sunday lunches, or beautiful places for a special meal, this one’s for you.

Over the past year I’ve been lucky enough to discover some truly wonderful places to eat across Somerset, and I wanted to bring them all together into one little saveable guide.

From incredible Sunday lunches and brilliantly fun themed nights at Dinnington Docks, to more small plate feasts than I can count at Holm, long lazy lunches in the stunning surroundings of @thenewtinsomerset, and everything in between - from cosy country pubs and converted railway carriages to elegant Manor House’s - it’s been a year full of memorable meals.

For me, good food and happy memories will always go hand in hand, and every restaurant on this list has given me both.

Each one offers something completely different, but they all share beautiful seasonal food, thoughtfully chosen wines, warm hospitality and the kind of experience that makes you want to come back again.
If you’re planning a foodie weekend in Somerset, even better. Holm, Wraxall Vineyard, Lord Poulett Arms, The Newt, The Manor House and Briar (via No 1 Bruton) all have beautiful places to stay too.

So whether you’re searching for:
✨ the best restaurants in Somerset
✨ where to eat in Somerset
✨ the best Sunday lunch in Somerset
✨ country pubs with rooms
✨ romantic restaurants
✨ or somewhere special to celebrate...

...I hope this gives you plenty of inspiration.

If you’ve found this helpful, I’d love you to save this post for later and follow along for more of my favourite places to eat, stay and explore across Somerset and the South West.

Obviously Somerset is a big old county and I am limited to public transport from Exeter on the most part so forgive me if your area in Somerset hasn’t featured yet. I will take on board any recs and try my best to get out and explore if I can get there via train or bus! 

Now tell me... Where’s your favourite place to eat in Somerset? I’m always looking for somewhere new to add to my list.

Happy discovering everyone...
Y O U M A Y W A N T T O S A V E T H I S ... my Y O U  M A Y  W A N T  T O S A V E  T H I S ... my must visit places to eat in Somerset. 

Over the past year I’ve collected some really rather lovely food memories across Somerset, and I wanted to bring them all together into one little saveable post for you.

From incredible Sunday lunches and wonderfully fun themed nights at @dinningtondocks , to more small plate feasts than I can count at Holm, long lazy lunches in the beautiful surroundings of @thenewtinsomerset , and everything else in between - from cosy country pubs and railway carriages to elegant manor houses - it’s been a year full of unforgettable meals.

For me, good food and happy memories will always go hand in hand, and every place on this list has given me both.

Each one is completely different, but all serve beautiful seasonal food, thoughtfully chosen wines and the kind of warm service that makes you want to return.

If you fancy turning dinner into a little getaway, even better. @holmsomerset , The View at @wraxallvineyard , @lordpoulettarms , The Newt, @themanor_house and Briar (via @numberonebruton ) all have places to stay, so you can make a proper foodie weekend of it.

So whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Somerset, the perfect Sunday lunch, beautiful country pubs with rooms, or somewhere special for a celebration, I hope this gives you plenty of inspiration.

If you’ve found this helpful, I’d love you to save this post for later and follow along for more of my favourite places to eat, stay and explore around Somerset and the South West.

Now tell me... where have I missed? What’s your favourite place to eat in Somerset? I always love discovering somewhere new. 🤍

Happy discovering everyone …. love Tara x

#SomersetFood #BestRestaurantsSomerset #VisitSomerset #FoodieSomerset #SouthWestFood
S H A K A - T O T N E S 

ad Is this South Devon’s best new burger spot? It might just be...

If I’m looking for somewhere independent to eat, I nearly always end up in Totnes or the surrounding area. For a small town, it’s absolutely packed with amazing indie eateries, bakeries, coffee shops, pubs, wine bars and taprooms and now @shaka_totnes has joined the party.

Run by Dickie Harrison and Hayley Gonzales, this new smash burger joint has only been open a few weeks, but it’s already making a name for itself. Dickie’s burger credentials speak for themselves having opened Ruby Burger in Exeter before moving to The Tors Inn in Belstone. If Totnes is a bit of a trek for my East Devon followers, they’ve also just opened a pop-up at The Grapevine in Exmouth so you can pair a burger with a trip to the beach instead.

One thing I really loved? The veggie and vegan options aren’t an afterthought. There are loads to choose from, so everyone leaves feeling like they’ve had the full Shaka experience. There is nothing worse when you aren’t a big meat eater to have what feels like an afterthought. 

I had the Kraut & Clout, Emily went for the Yes Chef chicken burger, and we couldn’t resist ordering frickles with sriracha mayo and halloumi fries. Did we need the sides? Definitely not. Did we enjoy every bite? Absolutely. Don’t worry .. nothing went to waste. We boxed up what we couldn’t finish to nibble on later. 

The staff were brilliant - attentive, knowledgeable and the right side of friendly without being too much. The courtyard was perfect in the sunshine but next time I’m grabbing one of the upstairs window seats overlooking the High Street. You get an amazing view of Totnes from there. 

A great burger can be surprisingly hard to find in my opinion, especially if you’re after a really good veggie option - so if you’re looking for a brilliant independent restaurant in Totnes, somewhere new to eat in South Devon, or simply a proper smash burger, Shaka gets my vote. 

Have you tried Shaka yet? And more importantly...are you team frickles or halloumi fries? 

#Totnes #SouthDevonFood #TotnesFood #SmashBurger #IndieEats
I S T H I S Y O U R N E X T F A V O U R I T E I S  T H I S  Y O U R  N E X T  F A V O U R I T E  restaurant in Devon.. ?

Ad I’d had Roam at Sandridge Barton on my list for ages and yesterday i finally visited and it didn’t disappoint.

From the moment we arrived we were welcomed so warmly by Miles, Roam’s General Manager and Co-Founder, before being shown to our table in the sunny courtyard. Every table was full, the atmosphere was brilliant and everyone was enjoying beautiful seasonal food alongside Sandridge Barton’s award-winning English wines.

The menu was right up my street. We ordered the ferments and pickles, beetroot with tahini and hazelnuts, sea trout with Pinot Blanc and edamame, the rigatoni with asparagus and pangrattata (I haven’t stopped thinking about that sauce!) and, of course, the hand-cut chips. 

They instantly took me back to the chips my nan used to make. Food has such a wonderful way of bringing back memories don’t you think? 

A little shout-out to Head Chef Sean Blood and his team too. There’s no fuss here, just really thoughtful cooking that lets beautiful local produce shine. Every plate felt considered, full of flavour and left us wanting to order more. More arrived in the form of pudding perfection .. a blueberry pavlova. Delish. 

We paired it all with a glass of Sandridge Barton’s Classic Cuvée Rosé, made from grapes grown, pressed, fermented and bottled right there on the estate. Local food and local wine just belong together.

After lunch we wandered up to Stonyfield Vineyard to take in the gorgeous views across the Dart Valley - the perfect end to a wonderful afternoon. 

Roam has gone straight into my top Devon restaurant experiences of the year. If you’re looking for exceptional restaurants in Devon, a memorable South Devon lunch, or somewhere to enjoy fantastic local food and English wine, put this one at the top of your list.

Save this one for your next trip to South Devon - you won’t regret it. Promise. 

#DevonRestaurants #SouthDevon #DevonFood #EnglishWine #FoodieUK
Load More Follow on Instagram

Sign up to my mailing list

© Tara Smith 2022