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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

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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

C A L V O L O C O - E X M O U T H Exeter’s C C A L V O  L O C O -  E X M O U T H 

Exeter’s Calvo Loco has a new seaside sibling… and Exmouth is very lucky indeed.

I’ve raved about the original @calvolocouk on Magdalen Road before, so I was very happy to hear that owner Mikey was opening a second, slightly bigger spot over in Exmouth.

I popped over on Friday with my friend Polly & her little dog for a late lunch, and it was pretty much what I was hoping for. The same Spanish flavours I love at the Exeter one, great wine, cava, beers & cocktails, but with a lot more space.

We ordered a few dishes to share, including my usual pan con tomate and Padron peppers, then added a couple of specials. There was a delicious pan-fried plaice and a pork dish with the crispiest crackling, which Polly absolutely devoured and declared exceptional. We also had some queso frito because, well, fried cheese. I’m only human.

The big difference here is the space. There’s room for live music, bigger groups & celebrations, which the Exeter restaurant simply doesn’t have room for. And yes, I’m mentioning Christmas parties in September because apparently that’s what we have to do now! I think it could be really cool to have a Spanish Christmas celebration don’t you? 

We trained over from Exeter so we could have a glass of cava, and with trains running every 30 minutes and the last one back after midnight (I think), it actually makes for a very easy little Exeter-to-Exmouth food trip.

Service was lovely too. Grace was charming & attentive, and Mikey was around for a chat, which was fab as we hadn’t met in person before. Plus, it’s dog friendly, which Mabel was obviously very pleased about.

Exmouth really does have such a good indie food scene, and Calvo Loco is a very welcome addition.

I’m actually thinking about putting together a post of my favourite Exmouth indies next because there are so many good ones. So help me out… what absolutely needs to be on my list?

#CalvoLocoExmouth #ExmouthFood #ExmouthIndie #DevonFoodie #ExmouthEats
1 0 S O U T H W E S T P U B S you should be vis 1 0  S O U T H  W E S T  P U B S you should be visiting this weekend

If, like me, you’re very happy to travel for great food, a delicious glass of wine and a proper cosy pub, this one’s for you.

I’ve picked 10 of my favourite foodie pubs across Devon, Dorset, Somerset & Cornwall. They’re all very different in style and setting, but have one very important thing in common: fabulous seasonal, locally sourced food wherever possible.

And because I’m me, there’s also some seriously good wine involved. For those of you who prefer a decent local pint, there’s plenty of that too.

The hardest part? Picking just 10!

These are the kind of South West pubs where you get a warm welcome, great service, cosy pub vibes and that lovely sense of community that makes you want to linger a little longer.

I’ve also discovered some absolute bangers recently thanks to your recommendations, and two of those pubs have made it onto this list. So I’m listening…

This weekend I’m off to try @cotleyinnwambrook and @queensarmspub in Corton Denham, both in Somerset, and I’m hoping they’ll be contenders for my next must-visit list.

So come on, friends of Instagram… which foodie pub in Devon, Dorset, Somerset or Cornwall should I know about? Tell me your favourites. I may well be heading your way next.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SomersetFoodie #DorsetFoodie
M I L L B R O O K I N N The Devon pub that lite M I L L B R O O K  I N N 

The Devon pub that literally every foodie I know told me I MUST visit…

Ad Let me introduce you to the @millbrookinnsouthpool 

This tiny village pub in South Devon may look unassuming, but it seriously packs a punch. The food is all about local provenance, with meat from their own animals, fish caught locally & vegetables from their own farm. In fact, almost everything is grown, caught or reared within a few miles of the pub.

And the food? This definitely isn’t pub grub.

We shared whipped cod’s roe with homemade focaccia & crispy calamari with lemon mayo, followed by the chunkiest skate wing I’ve ever seen for me & sea bass with roast fennel & lobster sauce for Steve.

Add in brilliant, genuinely knowledgeable hospitality and you’ve got a pretty special destination pub.

We visited for Thursday lunch at the very end of summer & it was almost completely full. Always a good sign when there’s very little else in the village!

A huge thank you to everyone who told me I MUST visit, especially Sadie who said I’d absolutely love it. She was right.

I love that people I’ve never met have become my Insta friends & somehow know me well enough to send me places they know I’ll love.

So, get yourselves to South Pool. You won’t be disappointed. Unless you can’t get a table, obviously… in which case, form an orderly queue. I’d wait.

Next time, I’m staying in the village to experience the evening atmosphere.

Have you been? Or what other Devon pub do I absolutely need to visit?

#SouthDevonFood #DevonFoodie #DevonPubs #SouthPool #DevonFood
A L I T T L E R E I N T R O D C T I O N , becaus A  L I T T L E  R E I N T R O D C T I O N , because there might be some new faces around here..

If we haven’t properly met yet, hi, I’m Tara.

I’m a Devon-born South West foodie explorer with a rather enthusiastic love of good food, indie businesses and the people behind them.

I’m here to seek out the places worth knowing about across the South West of England, from brilliant bakeries and cosy pubs to wine bars, restaurants, foodie retreats and those little independent gems you might otherwise walk straight past.

And it really doesn’t have to be fancy. For me, it’s about delicious food, seasonal and local ingredients, attention to detail, genuinely great service and people who care about what they’re doing.

Because the places I love most aren’t necessarily the fanciest. They’re the ones that leave you thinking, “I’m so glad I found this place.”

So, if you love discovering independent places to eat, drink & be merry, enjoy supporting local businesses and are always up for a good food recommendation, you’re very much in the right place.

Follow along for my South West finds, honest recommendations and plenty of reasons to plan your next meal around somewhere worth visiting.

And if you know someone who would happily travel for a really good lunch, send them my way too. I think they’ll fit right in.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SouthWestEats #DevonEats #IndieFoodie
Y O U R W E E K E N D B R U N C H plans are sort Y O U R  W E E K E N D  B R U N C H plans are sorted: 10 South West spots to try

You know I love a good brunch. I’m definitely team savoury, but I do understand the love of pancakes… so this one is for all brunch people!

I’ve rounded up 10 brilliant spots across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset & Bristol for a slow weekend brunch with friends or family.

Choosing just 10 was HARD. There are so many great independent cafés and brunch spots across the South West, but hopefully there’s one on this list not too far from you.

Save this one for your next brunch day out and send it to your favourite brunch companion.

Which one would you choose? And tell me your favourite South West brunch spot I need to try next!

#SouthWestFood #DevonBrunch #BristolBrunch #SouthWestCafes #IndieFoodUK
T H E R I D G E A T N O 1 Finally… a proper T H E  R I D G E  A T  N O 1 

Finally… a proper pastry fix on our side of the river!

This morning I headed to @the_ridge_coffee_shop at No.1 on Polsloe Road and, just one week in, it’s already getting quite the reputation. And rightly so. I’ve been a fan of The Ridge’s pastries, doughnuts and cakes since their original spot on the Quay, so I’m VERY happy they’re now a little closer to home.

My friends and I met for a debrief after last night’s Bank Holiday birthday festivities (happy 40th Vik!) and, unsurprisingly, coffee and serious carbs were required.

We shared a smoked salmon, dill cream cheese brioche, with the lightest, airiest bread roll made right there, followed by a pistachio & chocolate pain suisse and a raspberry jam doughnut. All absolutely delicious.

It was buzzing too! Every table inside and out was full when we arrived around 10am, with things starting to thin out a little by 11. Clearly we weren’t the only ones needing The Ridge fix the morning after the night before!

There’s a lovely courtyard, it’s dog friendly and there’s an awning for those very Exeter moments when the weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing.

The interior hasn’t changed much from the previous No.1 Polsloe, but the menu very much has. Think excellent coffee, freshly made bread, pastries, cakes and savoury treats with those proper indie Exeter vibes.

I’m just very much delighted we finally have The Ridge on our side of the river. Good coffee, really good pastries and somewhere lovely to meet for breakfast, brunch or a morning treat without crossing town? About time.

Have you been yet? What are you ordering?

#ExeterFood #ExeterCafe #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie #Polsloe
Who else couldn’t stop shrieking every time @djo Who else couldn’t stop shrieking every time @djotime said Bristol 🫣🫠

#forwardsfestival #djotour2026 #bristolmusic #djo #musicfestival
L I T T L E S H O P & P A N T R Y BRISTOL… I L I T T L E S H O P &  P A N T R Y 

BRISTOL… I think you’re going to be seeing a little more of me.

Now that my bestie Alex has moved back to Bristol, expect a few more Bristol finds popping up on my grid. 

I’m still very much keeping the South West vibes going, but being able to stay overnight without a big hotel bill means a lot more opportunity to explore, eat, drink and discover some new places.

And Alex, you get me!! Recommending a bakery with a wine shop attached couldn’t have been a better shout! 

Saturday morning, on my way back to the train home, I knew I needed a decent coffee, so Alex sent me to Littleshop & Pantry and what can I say… bakery + coffee + wine shop + deli? Is this the dream situation or what?

Great coffee, excellent pastries and the opportunity to pick up a bottle of something delicious (hello Folc, a firm favourite in my house) plus some lovely deli bits to take home.

I could officially move in 🫣

The coffee was great, the vibes were buzzing and from what I spotted, there are some pretty tempting brunch and lunch options too.

@littleshop_lsp is a sister to Little French, which I visited for my birthday back in May and absolutely loved, so I’m very excited to have both on Alex’s new doorstep.

Basically, Bristol… I think I may have just found another reason to keep coming back.

And to my Bristol followers, I’d LOVE your recommendations. Where should I be eating, drinking and exploring next?

#BristolFood #BristolFoodie #BristolIndependent #BristolEats #SouthWestFoodie
C O N S I D E R this your sign to add a few new S C O N S I D E R  this your sign to add a few new South West food spots to your list…

I’m Tara, Devon born & bred, and I spend a lot of my time travelling around the South West hunting out brilliant independent places to eat, drink & be merry. These are five places I’ve discovered or revisited recently that deserve a little more love.

Gidleigh Park, Chagford
Seven years since my last visit and I’m wondering how this beautiful Dartmoor country house hotel ever fell off my radar. Set in 107 acres, with one Michelin star, outstanding service and seriously impressive food, this is one for the special-occasion list.

Holm, South Petherton
Back for my fourth visit with Rebecca from Emile Wines, who was hosting a wine tasting and pairing with head chef Jack. This time we sat at the kitchen counter with a brilliant bird’s-eye view of the action. Completely different to my previous visits and, as always, a very good reason to return.

The Candlelight Inn, Bishopswood
Cosy Somerset pub, cocktails, lovely wine & seriously good elevated pub food. Add catching up with Alex, who has just moved back to Bristol, and it was the perfect excuse for a little meet-up. We stayed at Dimpsey Shepherd Huts just a mile away too, which I’d absolutely recommend if you fancy making an overnight of it.

Harman Bagels, Totnes
Finally ticked this one off the list during a day trip to Totnes with Steve. Properly stuffed, homemade bagels and SO good. The salmon & cream cheese with extra pickles gets my vote. I’ll be back.

The Fat Pig, Exeter
A regular haunt for a glass of wine, but this time my Sunday shopping trip somehow turned into sitting at the bar with a plate of heritage tomatoes, tonnato sauce & anchovies. Mega yum. Now I need to go back and try more of their ever-changing menu.

This is exactly why I love exploring the South West. There are brilliant independent places everywhere if you know where to look.

So, South West foodies… where should I be heading next?

Devon | Somerset | South West food | independent restaurants | Exeter food | Totnes food | Dartmoor food | Somerset pubs | South West foodie

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SomersetFoodie #DevonEats #SouthWestEats
G I D L E I G H P A R K - C H A G F O R D ad Wh G I D L E I G H  P A R K - C H A G F O R D 

ad Where to eat in Devon when you want lunch to feel like an occasion…

@gidleighpark near Chagford needs to be on your radar.

Set in 107 acres of beautiful grounds on the edge of Dartmoor, this country house feels like stepping back in time and into an Agatha Christie novel… minus the murder and Hercule Poirot, obviously!

From the warm welcome to the glass of Laurent-Perrier Héritage on arrival, everything felt properly special.

We settled on the terrace with views across the manicured gardens, sculptures and Dartmoor beyond. 
The sun even came out after an earlier downpour. Blue skies, beautiful gardens and heavenly silence. What more could you want?

Then came a leisurely Michelin-starred lunch.

Mussels with cider & tarragon, garden salad with ham hock & poached egg, violet artichoke for me and John Dory with lobster sauce for Polly. Beautifully presented and delicious, with wonderfully attentive service.

We took a wander around the gardens before dessert, discovering the more rugged, very Dartmoor side of the estate with moss-covered granite, streams and woodland which I personally loved. 

Back inside, coffee and a date & ginger pudding with geranium & lime leaf sorbet. I did initially think “interesting flavour combo” but the tart sorbet was the perfect contrast to the sweetness and felt like the first little nod towards autumn. Although I really do want to hang on to summer a little longer. Don’t you? 

I’d enjoyed afternoon tea at Gidleigh Park before, but had never really considered it for lunch. I’m so glad I accepted the invitation because this was one of the loveliest lunches I’ve had in a long time.

If you’re looking for somewhere special for lunch in Devon, put this one-Michelin-starred country house on your list.

Have you been to Gidleigh Park for lunch? Where else should I be adding to my Devon food bucket list? Let me know as I am always trying to find new places to eat, drink and be merry. 

#DevonFood #DevonFoodie #DartmoorFood #DevonRestaurants #Chagford
1 0 D E V O N B A K E R I E S . . If bakeries 1 0  D E V O N  B A K E R I E S . . 

If bakeries make your heart happy, this one’s for you.

10 Devon bakeries to try this weekend, because I genuinely believe a good bakery is worth travelling for.
I love a bakery pilgrimage. Give me really good sourdough, buttery pastries, pillowy focaccia, light-as-air sponge and anything made with brilliant ingredients and I’m very, very happy.

From independent bakeries and artisan bread to beautiful pastries, cakes, focaccia and proper sourdough, these are 10 Devon bakeries I think are well worth putting on your list.

And yes, this is very much a saveable one for your next Devon food adventure.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Devon, the best bakeries in Devon, independent bakeries in Devon, artisan bread, sourdough, pastries or just really good baked goods, start here.

I’m not sure there is such a thing as going too far for a really good pastry. ♥️

Now I need your recommendations...

What’s your favourite bakery in Devon and where should I go next? Tell me in the comments because I’m always looking for another bakery pilgrimage.

#DevonFood #DevonBakery #DevonBakeries #DevonFoodie #IndependentDevon
T H I N G S W E A B S O L U T E L Y need to brin T H I N G S  W E  A B S O L U T E L Y need to bring back from the past…

A medically prescribed trip to the seaside.

Just imagine popping to the doctors and being handed a prescription for sea air, sunshine and a brisk walk along the beach.

Or better still… the doctor comes to your house and prescribes it there.

I mean, I’d be booking my appointment immediately.

I was lying on my bed reading a Patricia Wentworth murder mystery, body aching after teaching copious amounts of ballet and fitness, and honestly… I thought, I need a trip to the seaside. 

I’m Devon born & bred and grew up by the water, but now I live inland, so perhaps my body is simply protesting.

And while we’re bringing things back, can we bring back the seaside cure, proper old-school beach holidays and the belief that a day by the sea fixes almost everything?

What would be on YOUR prescription? Sea air, a cream tea, fish & chips, a coastal walk… or something else?

And if you’re new here, I’m a Devon-born massive foodie exploring the South West, from indie cafés and bakeries to brilliant restaurants, pubs and food spots worth travelling for.

Follow along if you fancy discovering more of Devon & the South West with me.

#DevonFoodie #DevonLife #SouthWestEngland #DevonDaysOut #IndieFoodUK
N O T T O B E D R A M A T I C . . Ad Is there N O T  T O  B E  D R A M A T I C . . 

Ad Is there anything better than escaping from the everyday to the countryside for quality time with your bestie. Recently, myself and @alex_deesh went to visit the beautiful Dimpsey Glamping Shephard’s Huts in Somerset for a night away and we haven’t stopped talking about it since.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next getaway, then this is it - everything you could need and more from a rural retreat. From cosy interiors and bedlinen, to the tranquil soundtrack of birdsong and rustling trees - this is a little slice of heaven that’s only 40 minutes from Exeter and just over an hour from Bristol. (Or train to Taunton and get your bestie to pick you up like I did!✨) 

There are three Shephard’s Huts on site, but each is within its own private area of the Dimpsey Farm site - the only other guests you’ll find are the on-site sheep, pigs and chickens. We absolutely loved the outdoor space surrounding the hut - a generous decking area where we enjoyed some local Somerset bubbles, alongside your very own outdoor hot tub and oven. 

There was even a quaint swing seat which we perched on and chatted, putting the worlds to rights.

Whilst being so remote, you’re also not far from local amenities - including The Candlelight pub nearby which we enjoyed a brilliant meal at that evening.

So, if you’re looking for something a bit different and off the beaten tracks - make sure to check out @dimpsey_somerset 

#somersetglamping #somersetgetaway #shepherdshut #countrysideescape #bestiegetaway
C A N D L E L I G H T I N N - B I S H O P S W O O C A N D L E L I G H T  I N N - B I S H O P S W O O D 

A proper pub that serves seriously tasty food.

Ad I’m always on a mission to find brilliant places to eat in the South West, and @the_candlelight_somerset in Bishopswood, Somerset is definitely one to add to your list.

It’s a proper pub for those who love a pint and a packet of scampi fries, but it also serves a seasonal, local food menu that is packed with flavour.

Think beer garden, cocktails or a pint on a late-summer evening, then candles, open fires and cosy vibes when the sun goes down. A pub for all seasons.

A lovely Instagram follower, Emma, recommended I visit and I’m so glad she did. My bestie Alex and I met halfway for our first reunion since she moved to Bristol, starting with margs outside before settling in for dinner.

We ate Padrón peppers, crispy squid with charred corn, chicken schnitzel & fries, Cornish sole with roasted Jersey royals & samphire, followed by a blondie affogato because apparently we did have room for dessert. I mean, who were we kidding? 

Wine was consumed, lots of catching up was done and a very good evening was had.

Save this one for your next Somerset food trip. The Candlelight Inn is very much worth knowing about.

#SomersetFood #SomersetPubs #Bishopswood #SouthWestFoodie #SomersetEats
A  F R O L I C  A R O U N D  T O T N E S 

If you’re looking for a day trip from Exeter that feels like a proper little escape, put Totnes on your list.

I love a day trip to Totnes. It has such a different feel to Exeter, and with independent shops pretty much everywhere you look, a brilliant food & vintage market, great charity shops & so many good places to eat & drink, you can easily fill a whole day here.

Start early with a pastry from Luna’s Bakehouse and a coffee from @kommunekult or @the.hairy.barista , which are conveniently close together. Or, if you fancy a longer walk, start your indie shopping adventure at the bottom of town and pick up your coffee from @thecuratortotnes . 

My two shops I never skip? Me & East and Palmer by Design. Both are brilliant for clothing, gifts and things you probably didn’t know you needed.

Then there’s the Totnes Market, where I’ve picked up some great vintage clothing finds for just a few quid.

Lunch is where things get difficult because there are so many good choices. The Bull Inn for a proper pub lunch, Shaka for an excellent burger & sides, or my latest Totnes discovery, Harman Bagels. Eat in or grab a bagel to take down to the river if the weather is behaving.

Fancy walking it off? Follow the river towards Dartington Hall or even the Cider Press Centre, before heading back into town for happy hour at Rosso, a wine shop come wine bar with a brilliant selection and cool atmosphere.

Then Albatross for very good pizza before looping back towards the station via Copperhead Brewery. They brew all their own beer on site and the playlist is always a winner.

Basically, one day in Totnes = independent shopping, good food, vintage finds, coffee, wine, walking, beer and a lot of eating.

I’m planning a few more Totnes weekends as autumn arrives because there is SO much more I want to explore. @flock.totnes is next on my list and apparently it’s epic.

Where else should I be adding to my Totnes list?

#TotnesDevon #TotnesFood #SouthWestFoodie #DevonDayTrip #IndependentDevon
H A R M A N B A G E L S Are these the best bage H A R M A N  B A G E L S 

Are these the best bagels in Devon? I’ll let you be the judge.. 

I’m asking because I’ve just discovered Harman Bagels in Totnes and I’m already wondering why it took me almost six months to get there.

They opened their second shop here after starting out in Plymouth, and this one actually came recommended by someone on Instagram when I asked for inspiration for new places to try. I’m very glad I listened. Thank you to whoever it was .. I do take note of all your recs by the way. ☺️

The menu is small but mighty. Think salt beef with sauerkraut, house pickles & mustard mayo, smoked salmon with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, dill & capers, bacon, egg & cheese, halloumi with red pepper jam & spinach, plus a vegan mushroom option.

I went for smoked salmon on an everything bagel with cream cheese, tomato, dill & extra pickles. Obviously. I am a serious pickle lover so if there is an option to add I will most definitely be jumping on that …

In my opinion, these are proper bagels. Weighty, generous with the fillings, thickly cut salmon and cream cheese spread on both sides. The bagel itself was doughy but light with that lovely chew you want.

They’re handcrafted and freshly baked, with their salt beef brined for five days, so there’s clearly plenty of care going into them and I love that. 

We grabbed ours to take away and headed down to the river because the weather was too good not to. 

FYI - Bagel + River Dart = excellent Saturday lunch.

So now I need to know…Are these the best bagels in Devon? Where else should I be trying? Please share as I am on a constant look out for the best of the best. (Indies only please) 

#DevonFoodie #DevonEats #TotnesFood #TotnesFoodie #DevonFood
M A Y B E T H E A L G O R I T H M brought me to M A Y B E  T H E  A L G O R I T H M  brought me to you for a reason…

If you’re someone who likes to eat good food, find lovely independent places, wander around somewhere beautiful, drink something delicious & generally make a day of it, I think you might want to stick around.

I’m Tara, a Devon based foodie who earns her living dancing & spends a lot of my life eating, drinking, exploring & enjoying the good stuff with the people I love.

Think Devon food, independent cafés & restaurants, seasonal food, local produce, South West food adventures, picnics, coffee, wine, pastries & places worth travelling for.

I’m passionate about keeping things local, supporting independents, eating seasonally & finding the places that make you want to get out there and explore.

So if the algorithm has landed this reel in front of you… maybe it knew what it was doing.

Tell me where you’re watching from & what kind of food adventure I should take you on next.

#DevonFoodie #DevonEats #SouthWestFoodie #DevonFood #IndependentFood
I F Y O U R I D E A of a good life involves food I F  Y O U R  I D E A of a good life involves food, fresh air & a lot of wandering… we might get along.

I’m Tara, a Devon based foodie who earns her living dancing, but spends a very large portion of her spare time eating, drinking, exploring & finding lovely places to eat, drink and be merry. 

I love independent food spots, seasonal produce, good coffee, a picnic in the sunshine, a walk somewhere beautiful, a glass of wine, music, dancing around, cooking at home & spending time with the people I love.

And really, that’s what you’ll find here.

Devon & South West food recommendations, independent cafés & restaurants, seasonal eating, local producers, places worth travelling for, little adventures & plenty of reasons to get outside.

I’m a big believer in community, keeping things local & supporting independent businesses whenever I can. If it’s on my grid, chances are I’ve genuinely loved it and think it’s worth your time.

So if you’re into Devon food, independent businesses, seasonal eating, local produce, food adventures & making a day of it, you’re in the right place.
Come along for the food, stay for the adventures.

#DevonFoodie #DevonFood #SouthWestFoodie #DevonEats #IndependentFood
W H A T T O P U T in your shopping basket this A W H A T  T O  P U T in your shopping basket this August

August is basically nature’s way of saying EAT ME NOW.

This is the month for making the most of those gorgeous summer fruits and vegetables before the seasons start to shift. Think juicy berries, soft fruits, stone fruits, early apples & pears, alongside tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, runner beans, broad beans, peas and those delicious new potatoes.

And honestly, when produce is this good, you barely need to do anything to it.

A bowl of perfectly ripe tomatoes with good olive oil, a handful of berries with yoghurt, buttery new potatoes, or a simple salad packed with whatever you’ve brought home from the farm shop.

I’m Tara, a Devon-based foodie and massive lover of seasonal food. I love cooking with what’s growing around us, partly because it means fewer food miles and better flavour, but also because buying local seasonal produce means supporting the brilliant growers, farmers and independent businesses around us.

And if you get ridiculously excited when tomato season comes around, you’re definitely in the right place.

When I’m not in the kitchen cooking up something seasonal, I’m out exploring the South West looking for the best places serving up local, seasonal food. If I feature somewhere, you can be sure it has my seal of approval.

So tell me, which seasonal fruit or vegetable gets you most excited and what’s your favourite way to eat it? I’m always looking for foodie inspiration.

#DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #SeasonalEating #LocalFood #DevonFood
T H A N K Y O U for reading my announcement. Norm T H A N K  Y O U for reading my announcement. Normal service will resume until my next monthly meltdown. 

The good news is, I shan’t be writing my CV this month .. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with that tbh .. how do ballet teacher skills translate to real life??🫠

Love Tara xx
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© Tara Smith 2022