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The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

30th October 202230th October 2022 - tara Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but at this time of year I hanker for a cosy pub lunch situation with friends. The season is changing from summer to autumn and I want little pub nooks, log fires and hearty food. My mission to find the perfect moor side pub lead me to The Dartmoor InnRead more

A December Weekend In St Ives

A December Weekend In St Ives

28th December 202130th December 2021 - tara 2 Comments

I must confess I have never been to St Ives in the height of the summer season so I really can’t compare and contrast with visiting in December, but I do know that I would rather visit this wonderful town when it’s quiet. I appreciate that a little bit of summer sun whilst basking onRead more

New York – My Little Guide To The Big City

7th December 20191st January 2020 - tara Leave a comment

New York is one of those cities that you never get tired of exploring. I have been lucky to visit four times over the course of my life and have never had the same holiday twice. The city, like so many others, is constantly changing and evolving which makes visiting so exciting. It’s been atRead more

Winchester

Places To Stay In Winchester – The Wykeham Arms

20th November 201920th November 2019 - tara Leave a comment

Whenever I find myself in Winchester I always have to stop in at The Wykeham Arms. It might just be an drink after a long walk or dinner if I am lucky. This time I enjoyed the works. Post walk afternoon drinks, dinner and the most exciting nights stay in their Bakehouse Suite. Steve andRead more

City Gate Hotel - Exeter

City Gate – Exeter 

27th June 201728th June 2017 - tara 2 Comments

What would you class as a staycation? A holiday in your own country perhaps? Maybe a neighbouring county? Or perhaps even closer to home? I recently had the pleasure of staying the night at the City Gate Hotel which happens to be a ten minute walk from my house. Now, that has got to beRead more

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

I ‘ M N O T E V E R Y T H I N G I want to be I ‘ M  N O T  E V E R Y T H I N G  I want to be yet, but I’m a lot of things I wanted to be two years ago, and what a wonderful thing to realise that.

It’s funny how something that once felt like such a scary decision ends up being exactly what you needed. After years of teaching ballet for someone else, stepping back felt like a big risk - but it gave me space to really focus on my own direction. Old injuries over the past few years have definitely pushed me to think differently and explore new paths alongside my teaching.

Spending more time on other areas of my life (like building a stronger social media presence) has brought opportunities I never imagined. My last post shows a bit of what’s come from that shift… proof that trusting your gut (and putting yourself first for once) can lead to some pretty amazing things. 🌿

#Balletlife #Dancerjourney #Embracingchange #Lifeafterdance #Selfdiscovery #Resilientmindset #Futureproofing #Creativecareer #Findingbalance #Growthmindset #Lifebeyondthebarre #Balletteacherlife #Newchapter #Evolvingartist
R E A L T A L K - taking silly pictures for Insta R E A L  T A L K - taking silly pictures for Instagram can look a little ridiculous sometimes, but that’s the life of a content creator! 

I’ve learned to ignore the curious stares when I’m out capturing those behind-the-scenes moments that tell real foodie and lifestyle stories.

It’s not always easy to stay confident or avoid comparing yourself to other creators, but creating content like this reminds me why I started - sharing my love for good food, drinks, and everyday moments that inspire connection. Every post is proof of how far I’ve come and a reminder of all the exciting opportunities still ahead. Thank you so much for all the love and kind words this past week - they are what keep me creating. 💛
A M I D G I A N T S A N D I D O L S A slow Fr A M I D  G I A N T S  A N D  I D O L S 

A slow Friday morning in Lyme Regis with Steve after our little birthday getaway - the perfect excuse to hunt down an indie coffee shop. 

We found @amid_giants_and_idols , a cosy hidden gem just up the hill, and it couldn’t be more inviting. Definitely enough out of the way to be full of locals which was right up my street.

No hipster vibes here, just regular folks enjoying good coffee and seriously tempting homemade cakes. The barista even double-checked that I meant an espresso macchiato (I did, of course - I’m no heathen.. I can’t remember the last time I went to a chain coffee shop.. macchiatos are definitely different there! 😂). 

We grabbed a window seat, soaked in the coastal town calm, and loved the “pay it forward” board for anyone in need. If you’re ever in Lyme Regis, be sure to wander off the main drag and find this local café - it’s worth the few extra steps up the hill. 

My other recommendations for Lyme Regis are .. 
The Volunteer - a friendly locals pub with cosy vibes
@swimlyme - for drinks and hearty food
@ryderandhope - a beautifully curated shop 
@lymeregisbrewery - for amazing local beer
@foxandowllymeregisuk - bar & cinema 
@thewholehoglyme - homemade donuts 
@cibodelilyme - out of this world deli 

Be sure to save for your next trip to Lyme Regis ✨
T H I S I S V E R Y B O R I N G .. Apparently T H I S  I S  V E R Y  B O R I N G .. 

Apparently.

According to Instagram, anyway - because my insights keep reminding me (in their best passive-aggressive tone) that “non-followers stop watching after 3 seconds” and my “reel could be more engaging.”

Honestly, after a decade of sharing the things I love - beautiful places, hidden gems, and the best spots for dinner, coffee or a mooch - it sometimes feels like the algorithm and I need couples therapy.

But this week, I decided to ignore all that and just enjoy.
We escaped to Lyme Regis to celebrate Steve’s birthday. We wandered along the Cobb, admired those views from the gardens, pottered through some of my favourite indie shops, and found a darn good coffee (priorities).

So, if this post doesn’t go viral, that’s fine. It’s still full of everything I love: sea air, slow moments, and small joys.

And if you spot a little heart from me on your post, know it’s because I do care even if we’re all just mindlessly scrolling half the time. ❤️

Here’s to more real moments, less algorithm anxiety, and maybe another trip for more coffee soon. Watch this space.☕️

The great coffee was from @amid_giants_and_idols in case you were wondering!
G R A P E T O G L A S S : Harvest day at Lyme Ba G R A P E  T O  G L A S S : Harvest day at Lyme Bay Winery. 

Last Tuesday I spent the day at @lymebaywine right in the middle of harvest - what a treat! 🍇

I watched and participated - yes, I was allowed to brandish a rake to help guide the Pinot Noir grapes up the conveyor belt to their next resting place, got to peek behind the scenes checking fermenting juice with their clever little machine, and even saw their new Bacchus Rosé in progress. A new one on me - anyone else ever seen a Bacchus rosé? 

Lyme Bay work with some of the best growers across the south - think Essex, Kent and a little more local, Devon to get the top fruit for their wines. Their aim? To make the best still English wines out there. Pretty inspiring to see it all in action. 

What’s your favourite English wine or variety. I’d love to know.

ad / pr invite @cheskahull @rawfoodanddrink
I J U S T L O V E this time of year 🍂 Somerse I  J U S T  L O V E this time of year 🍂 Somerset is honestly showing off - all golden fields, cosy sunshine, and that soft autumn glow. Last weekend I stopped by the @farmshopuk at Hauser & Wirth and completely fell for their gorgeous pumpkin display (how could I not?!). What is it with those spherical delights that sparks so much joy? I am like a moth to a flame! 🧡 

If you’re local, you really should pop by. TBH, even if you aren’t, it’s totally worth the drive. You can visit @dacosta.somerset, @rothbar.somerset, and @hauserwirth - they’re all on the same site and just 1 hour 20 from Exeter. Bruton town centre is only 10 minutes away too, so you can make a full day of it. I definitely did!

If you want more Bruton recommendations they are below. Make sure you save this post for your next Somerset day out 💛

@briar_restaurant 
@atthechapel 
@oldpharmacybruton
I N E E D E D T H I S . . A little road trip wit I  N E E D E D  T H I S . . A little road trip with a friend to Da Costa, just outside Bruton, on the beautiful Hauser & Wirth Somerset estate. 

We laughed our way through a long, lazy lunch (hello burrata with pickled plums! - deffo need to recreate. So delicious) then wandered (and danced - you can’t take me anywhere) through the art installations. 

Good friends. Great food. Lovely wine. Art and countryside. Honestly, that’s medicine for the soul. Some countries ( hey Sweden I see you) actually prescribe time outdoors and connection as medicine and after a day like this, I completely get it. 💛

Tag the friend who’s your favourite kind of therapy .. 

#HauserAndWirth #DaCostaBruton #SomersetDays #RoadTripVibes #FriendsAndFood #GoodForTheSoul #ArtAndNature #BrutonLife #EatWellTravelOften #SimpleJoys #ModernWellbeing
D A C O S T A - S O M E R S E T An Italian in S D A  C O S T A - S O M E R S E T 

An Italian in Somerset that truly feeds the soul.✨

Forever on a quest for brilliant places to eat, drink and be merry, I stumbled upon Da Costa. A warm, contemporary Italian restaurant in Somerset, tucked away on Durslade  Farm just outside Bruton, one of the county’s top dining hotspots. The space has that rare mix of relaxed Italian charm and Somerset comfort. Perfect after a visit to the art‑filled Hauser & Wirth gallery or a cocktail at Roth Bar next door.

Driven by seasonality (and my tummy), Da Costa is right up there with the best farm‑to‑table restaurants in the region. The locally grown and reared ingredients create dishes that feel like the kind of Italian food you’d find shared with family. Simple, generous, and delicious. 

Jemma and I started with creamy burrata and pickled plums, beetroot with apple and walnuts, then perfectly flame‑grilled courgettes with basil and yoghurt. To finish, the prettiest pear mousse with apricot sponge - each bite worth the trip for any foodie travelling through Somerset. 🍐

If you love discovering hidden gems and Somerset food experiences, don’t forget to save this post for your next trip or share it with a fellow foodie!

Thank you @jessicaparkhouse for the recommendation. ♥️
I F Y O U L O V E D 130 Basement, you’re goin I F  Y O U  L O V E D  130 Basement, you’re going to be just as obsessed with A L M A - Exeter’s newest cafe that’s keeping all the best bits of the original and adding even more space to enjoy it. I actually featured the old spot in my Olive Mag article on my favourite Devon places, and I’m so happy to say the new space keeps that same warm, laid-back vibe - just bigger and even better.

Think vintage furniture, amazing in-house cakes, and some of the best coffee in Exeter. I’ve been twice already in two weeks and it’s been buzzing both times. It’s the same lovely team, the same welcoming feel, just an even better spot to meet friends, work, or simply hang out with a black Americano and something sweet.

Definitely one of the best independent cafes in Exeter for coffee, cake, and good company. 

Have you been to @alma_exeter yet? Let me know your thoughts.
M O K S A - E X E T E R Not a food post this time, M O K S A - E X E T E R Not a food post this time, but all about my beauty regime and the glow up it’s getting! Last weekend I accidentally stumbled into the grand opening of Moksa, a multi-award-winning natural skincare boutique in Exeter. I was on the hunt for a new natural face cream, but left with the most beautiful rose facial oil and my skin has been glowing and hydrated ever since. I even tried a balm that I’m definitely going back for!

Their gorgeous side room is filled with local artisans, indie makers, and sustainable creators, showcasing everything from homewares and gifts to jewellery and repurposed fashion. Perfectly on brand and giving small businesses space to shine.

Supporting the indies in Exeter and discovering new sustainable beauty favourites? Always a yes from me 🌸
I N S T A G R A M I S A T I T A G A I N with a I N S T A G R A M  I S  A T  I T  A G A I N with another algorithm change, and this Instagram update might shake things up a bit! You’ll be seeing less content from the accounts you actually follow, which feels wild because we follow people for a reason, right? 😅

If you want to keep seeing content from your favourite creators, here’s a quick social media tip: tap the three dots on the top right corner of this post and add it to your favourites. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for engagement and keeps your feed filled with the content you love. I am making sure I do the same as I don’t want to miss out on what makes me happy. 

Sending love and hope to see you on here soon xx

#creatorsoninstagram #instagramvisibility #engagementboost
P A R M E S A N T A H I N I K A L E S A L A D P A R M E S A N  T A H I N I  K A L E  S A L A D  Make sure you watch to the end because my face says it all… When autumn cravings meet summer freshness, you get this Parmesan tahini kale salad. It’s tossed with toasted crunchy chickpeas and coated in the most unctuous, creamy dressing that blends rich Parmesan with silky tahini. A salad that’s hearty enough for cooler days but still vibrant and fresh. Proof that salad season doesn’t end with summer.

Serves 4
For the salad:
1 can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
250g kale (mix of cavolo nero and curly kale works well)
1 avocado, sliced

For the dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan
Water to loosen

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Toss the chickpeas in 2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, shake, then bake another 10 minutes until crisp.

Toast the pine nuts in a frying pan until golden.

Add kale and Parmesan to a large bowl.

Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth, adding about 1/4 cup water (more if needed) to loosen. Season to taste.

Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the kale and massage with clean hands to soften. Transfer to a serving platter, top with chickpeas, pine nuts and sliced avocado. Finish with an extra grating of Parmesan and the remaining dressing on the side.

#KaleSalad #HealthyRecipes #FallFood #TahiniDressing #EasyMeals #ParmesanLove #SaladSeason #VegetarianRecipes #WholesomeEats
WE T H O U G H T W E W E R E just buying a hou WE  T H O U G H T  W E  W E R E  just buying a house but it turns out we were on our way to being accomplished cider makers! Our 2025 cider is finally bottled and honestly, I think it might be our best yet. 🍎✨

When we bought this place back in 2020, we knew we had apple trees, but we never imagined they’d kick off a whole craft cider adventure.

Five years on, we’re still out here picking, pressing, fermenting, and bottling with whatever we’ve got to hand - including that little press I got Steve for his birthday in 2020. It’s way too small, but it’s part of the story now.

Every harvest teaches us something new, and this year… everything just came together. The apples, the process, the patience - it’s all in the bottle.

It’s become our tradition to open the last bottle of last year’s cider on bottling day - a small toast to how far we’ve come, and everything we’ve learned along the way.

Here’s to our 2025 vintage - crisp, fresh, homegrown, and made with love. 

#CraftCider #Homebrewed #FromTreeToGlass #SmallBatch
N O T J U S T A H O U S E Our 2025 homemade cid N O T  J U S T  A  H O U S E Our 2025 homemade cider is bottled and it might be our best yet 🍎✨ 

When we bought our house back in 2020, we knew we had apple trees but we never imagined they’d start our own craft cider journey.

Five years on, we’re still picking, pressing, fermenting, and bottling with whatever we have to hand (I got Steve that press for his birthday in 2020 - it’s too small really but we make it work) and this year’s homebrewed cider is something special.

It’s become tradition to open the last bottle of last year’s cider on bottling day. A small toast to how far we’ve come and everything we’ve learned along the way.

Every harvest teaches us something new, and it’s great to know our apple trees and all that hard work is really paying off.

Here’s to our 2025 vintage - crisp, fresh, and homegrown.🍺🍏

#HomemadeCider #CraftCider #CiderMaking #Homebrewing #AppleCider #HomeGrown #AppleHarvest #LockdownLegacy #SmallBatchCider #FarmToGlass #CiderLovers #CiderLife
W E S H O U L D D O T H I S M O R E O F T E N W E  S H O U L D  D O  T H I S  M O R E  O F T E N 

ad You know those weekends that just click? Good friends, laughter, and a table that slowly fills with food and wine. 

Last weekend I put together a simple cheese board with a yummy selection from @cornishcheeseco - their new Dozmary Camembert-style, a bold mature cheddar, and that dreamy Cornish Blue that we all know and love. 

Then came the figs, grapes, seasonal berries, a handful of nuts, homemade plum chutney (made from our own plums) and a few oatcakes for good measure. You have to have different colours and textures in a cheeseboard don’t you? Each bite is different that way. 

And to serve alongside, a chilled bottle of @lymebaywine Shoreline. Crisp, citrusy, and perfectly balanced - it cuts through the creamy cheeses and makes every bite better than the last. 

Simple, local, and totally delicious - the kind of evening that makes you say, “we need to do this more often!”.. It’s definitely time to get the next date night in the diary.
A U T U M N S L O E S U P P E R 🍁 Last weeke A U T U M N  S L O E  S U P P E R 🍁

Last weekend I went to the autumn Sloe Supper at Park Cafe in Heavitree hosted by the lovely folks from Sloe Bakery Exeter. It was their second supper club, and you could feel how much love went into it. The menu was full of cosy, seasonal things: jammy figs and blue cheese, pumpkin and yogurt, corn tortellini in brown butter, then beef shin or lentil and mushroom ragu, and the dreamiest apple galette with malt ice cream. 

Everything was locally sourced, with a little menu card sharing where each ingredient came from - such a nice touch. You know I am all about food provenance. The room was packed and full of familiar faces, (hey Jo, hey Polly👋🏻) which gave it that proper Exeter food community energy. Definitely one of those evenings that makes you glad you said yes to going out on a blustery autumn night. 🍂

ad/gifted experience 

#AutumnSupperClub #SeasonalMenu #LocalFoodDevon #ExeterDining #FoodCommunity #HeavitreeEvents #SupperClubExperience #AutumnInExeter
C O S Y S E A S O N ✨🍁 ad There’s somethi C O S Y  S E A S O N ✨🍁

ad There’s something about an autumnal Sunday that just calls for a little comfort. A mug of indulgent hot chocolate made with Trewithen Dairy creamy gold milk and The Pudding Collection chocolate flakes is my go-to cosy afternoon treat. Simply heat, stir, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and you’ve got pure chocolatey bliss. Definitely the kind that makes you want to curl up on the sofa and stay there.

Gifted @the_pudding_collection dark chocolate flakes / @trewithen_dairy Gold 5% milk (now available at Sainsbury’s) 

#wintercomfort #cosyafternoon #weekendtreat
B A R E L B O R N - B A R C E L O N A Hidden G B A R  E L  B O R N - B A R C E L O N A 

Hidden Gem in Barcelona ✨

While exploring the El Born district, Steve and I discovered what might be the best bar in Barcelona and trust me, it feels like a true local secret. 

Think cozy vibes, amazing wine and craft beer, laid-back music you can actually chat over, and the kind of warm, welcoming staff that make you feel at home instantly.

If you’re looking for an authentic Barcelona bar experience away from the tourist crowds, this is the spot you’ll still be dreaming about after your trip. (But let’s keep it between us! I still need a seat at the bar when I return 😉).
T O U R L I F E U N F I L T E R E D Ever wonde T O U R  L I F E  U N F I L T E R E D 

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes on tour?

I found out this weekend in Barcelona. Instead of just turning up for the gig like I usually do, I got to dip into a little bit of the band tour life and it’s a whole different world. 

From soundchecks and backstage planning to last-minute nerves, the build-up really is its own show.

We kicked things off at La Carpa, Poble Espanyol for a sold-out @beprogmyfriend event - an incredible progressive rock concert in Spain. The energy in the crowd was unbelievable, and watching the crew at work made me realise how much goes into making it all happen before a single note is played.

The day went something like this:

• Picked up and driven to the venue (chauffeur life 🙌🏻)
• Watched the soundcheck
• Afternoon free for wandering. We walked miles from the Be Prog stage all the way to the beach for ice cream
• Lunch stop at La Colmena, an old favourite (amazing Barcelona bakery)
• Coffee fix at @primate.bakehouse - highly recommend
• Back to the venue to prepare
• Signing session -  a huge queue, which I happily observed from a safe distance
• Downtime before the 10 pm show
• The show itself - an absolute storm of energy on stage and in the crowd. Amazing!
• Midnight finish, then whisked off to the hotel while the band celebrated with a local beer and the crew packed down like pros

One of the highlights was just being behind the scenes: spending time with the band and crew, sharing a “band supper” (the food was questionable, but the memory wasn’t), and seeing exactly what it takes to put together such a brilliant night of live music in Barcelona.

Being part of the build-up, then watching it all explode on stage, was something really special. Huge thanks to @thepineapplethief for letting me tag along.
C A N ‘ T B E T R U S T E D That’s not ent C A N ‘ T  B E  T R U S T E D 

That’s not entirely true… I’m actually very trustworthy. I just wanted your attention. 

The truth is, I just can’t be trusted around certain things. Hand me an overpriced iced matcha latte and I’ll happily ignore the cost of living crisis. Put me in a boujie coffee shop and I’m suddenly ordering like I’ve got a loyalty card for life. Add a kitten into the mix and you’ll never see me leave. (Cats & kittens might be my ultimate weakness) 

Pastries mysteriously disappear in my presence, posh snacks don’t stand a chance, and salty snacks with allioli? Game over. 

Vintage stores feel like treasure hunts and don’t even get me started on my obsession with homewares. I could probably justify buying another serving platter I don’t strictly need.

Basically, snacks, vintage finds, and kittens noses are my kryptonite.

So tell me … what’s your ultimate can’t-be-trusted-around weakness?

#cantbetrusted #matchalatté coffeelover #pastrylove #snacklover #snackaddict #boujiecoffeeshop #catobsessed #foodiesofinstagram
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© Tara Smith 2022