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A Week In The Life - Volume Three

A Week In The Life – Volume Three

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

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

Tara Makes - Beetroot Borscht

Tara Makes – Beetroot Borscht

13th February 202113th February 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy Saturday friends. I thought I would share with you my version of Beetroot Borscht that I made for my bubble lunch date last Sunday. For those of you that have never heard of borscht before, think of it as an Eastern European minestrone. A hearty soup that uses odds and ends of vegetables inRead more

Quick Spiced Lentils - Dahl Inspired

Quick Spiced Lentils – Dahl Inspired

29th January 202129th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

It’s that time of year that calls for comfort food. It’s cold, it’s grey and on the most part pretty soggy outside. So I reach for gentle spices and recipes that make me feel warm from the inside out and incredibly satisfied. Food that feels like a big hug from your Nanna, do you knowRead more

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

The Secret Garden Cafe – Exeter

20th July 202020th July 2020 - tara 4 Comments

There are many places I have discovered during my lockdown walks including hopefully my new home! (eek!). I have walked and walked and walked every day uncovering new places that I simply wouldn’t have known existed if we hadn’t have been confined to home pretty much for the last 4 months. The Secret Garden CafeRead more

Places To Eat - Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke

Places To Eat – Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke

17th March 202017th March 2020 - tara 1 Comment

I know at these uncertain times a blogpost about eating out might not be of much interest to you but you know what? It’s worth a read anyway. We all need to keep our chins up and plan fun stuff for when all of this virus stuff is over and we can finally get outRead more

Easy Brunch - Beetroot Cream Cheese and Leafy Greens on Toast

Easy Brunch – Beetroot Cream Cheese and Leafy Greens on Toast

7th February 20207th February 2020 - tara Leave a comment

I have always loved pink and green as a colour combination when it comes to food. Matcha cake with raspberry pink icing, beetroot pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, the pink pickled turnip you get at Lebanese restaurants served alongside herby tabbouleh and now I can add beetroot cream cheese and wilted leafy greensRead more

Places To Eat – The Coombe Cellars, Combeinteignhead

16th March 201916th March 2019 - tara Leave a comment

Sunday lunch. A great British tradition. A time to get together with friends, family and loved ones whilst catching up on the week’s news. My friends and I did just that last weekend at The Coombe Cellars, Combeinteignhead. We headed down the A380 from Exeter on a very cold and blustery Sunday. The Coombe CellarsRead more

Places To Eat - The Swan Inn, Lympstone

Places To Eat – The Swan Inn, Lympstone

9th March 20199th March 2019 - tara 1 Comment

The Swan Inn, Lympstone has been at the hub of the local community for years. It offers a cosy interior complete with exposed oak beams and fireplaces that are perfect to snuggle up next to whilst sheltering from the inclement Devonshire weather in winter. In the summer it has one of the busiest beer gardensRead more

Riverford Field Kitchen - Spring Cookery Demonstration

Riverford Field Kitchen – Spring Cookery Demonstration

7th May 20187th May 2018 - tara 2 Comments

A week or so ago I hopped in the car with my chum Sarah and headed down to Riverford Field Kitchen, Buckfastleigh. We were booked on one of their spring vegetable cookery demonstrations with head chef Patrick Hanna and I’m not going to lie. We were pretty excited about it! After a hairy last 10Read more

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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

O N E D A Y , we’ll look back and realise this O N E  D A Y , we’ll look back and realise this was the magic.

This age. This health. Back in this exact moment.

Seasonal food cooked slowly, great wine shared generously, laughter with friends who feel like home.

Supporting indie businesses, local makers and small brands across the South West.

Rooted in Devon, choosing slower living, good food, and real connection, every time. 🤍

If you’re here too, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

#SouthWestLiving
#SlowLivingUK
#SeasonalEating
#IndieBusinessUK
#WomenInTheSouthWest
#DevonLife
#CornwallLiving
#SomersetLife
#DorsetLife
#WiltshireLife
“E V E R Y T H I N G I N L I F E I S A W I “E V E R Y T H I N G  I N  L I F E  I S  A  W I N  if your goal is to experience”

And that’s the energy I’m taking into 2026 ✨

Trying the new restaurant.
Booking the solo trip.
Saying yes before self-doubt has a chance to speak.

Because the joy isn’t just in the outcome it’s in the trying, the tasting, the travelling, the moments shared over good wine and seasonal food. 

As a Devon-based creative and foodie, this year is about supporting indie businesses, eating with the seasons, wandering without a plan, and choosing curiosity over comfort.

Remember - you don’t need permission to live a life that excites you.

This is your sign to make experience the goal and let everything else be a bonus.

Let’s make this the year we actually show up for our lives.

Follow along for food finds, indie gems, travel moments & creative joy

💬 What’s one thing you’re saying yes to this year?

#ExperienceOverEverything
#DevonCreative
#DevonFoodie
#IndieBusinessLove
#SeasonalEating
#FoodAndWineLife
#SoloAdventures
#CreativeLifestyle
#EatLocalTravelOften
T H R O U G H  M Y  L E N S - The Pig at Combe 🐖

It’s been a while since I last visited The Pig at Combe in Dittisham, and I’m not quite sure how it slipped off my radar - because it really is such a special place. A few years back I swear I was here at least once a month, and stepping through the doors again yesterday felt like a gentle reminder of just how lovely it is.

The service is impeccable, warm and effortless. The decor is country shabby chic but elevated - rubbed-down wood-panelled walls, cosy corners bathed in soft lighting, jars of pickles and potted plants dressing the tables, china that perfectly complements the food, and beautiful boxes of butterfly taxidermy dotted throughout. It’s thoughtful, relaxed and quietly luxurious.

The food? Simple, seasonal, and locally sourced within a 25-mile radius - honestly my favourite style of cooking and one of the reasons The Pig hotels are so loved. We shared dishes from their local menu, drank Simpsons Sparkling Rosé (a truly delicious drop), and soaked up the joy of being together.

Most importantly, yesterday was about celebrating my stepdad Tim’s 80th birthday, surrounded by family, laughter and winter sunshine. A gloriously bright January day, good food, good wine and a beautiful Devon setting - the kind of afternoon that stays with you.

Sometimes the best memories are made when you slow down and savour exactly where you are. 

#ThePigAtCombe #Dittisham #DevonDining #ThroughMyLens #FamilyCelebration #SeasonalFood #LocalProduce #JanuarySunshine #CountryInteriors #SlowLiving
C O N G R A T S O N T H E F A I L U R E S. Some C O N G R A T S  O N  T H E  F A I L U R E S. Some people didn’t even try!

This year has been a mix of bold leaps, quiet doubts, creative highs and proper “what am I even doing?” moments.

But every reel, every review, every rewrite has helped me get clearer on what I love - eating well, drinking locally, and shouting about the small businesses that make the South West so special.

From coastal bites in Cornwall to cosy pubs in Wiltshire (and everywhere in between), this space is about real food, real places, and real people.

If you’re here for good vibes, great eats, local drinks, and supporting independent businesses - you’re my kind of person 🤍

Here’s to learning as we go, backing ourselves, and building something that actually feels like us.

✨ If this resonates, stick around — and tell me your favourite South West spot below.

#SouthWestFoodie
#SouthWestEats
#SupportLocalSW
#IndependentFood
#UKFoodCreator
#CornwallFood
#DevonEats
#SomersetFood
#WiltshireEats
#foodiecommunity
T H E D I N N I N G T O N D O C K S - If you lov T H E  D I N N I N G T O N  D O C K S - If you love a good Sunday roast and a pub with a story, this one’s worth knowing about. Slowly working my way through Somerset’s country pubs, this time we headed to the @dinningtondocks on the outskirts of Hinton St George - a proper old-school pub with a personality all of its own.

What sets the Dinnington Docks apart is its unmistakable steam train and railway theme, a nod to the former railway sidings that once served the area. It’s not overdone or gimmicky - just a gentle thread of nostalgia that gives the place real character. In fact, if you have a relative who loves steam trains or railway memorabilia, taking them here will absolutely make their day. 

Steve and I visited for Sunday lunch. I chose the veggie roast - a butternut squash and spinach filo pie with feta, served with all the classic trimmings, while Steve went for the roast pork with proper crackling. Drinks were spot on too: a crisp Picpoul de Pinet for me, and a Somerset ale from Butcombe Brewery for Steve.

And just when you think it can’t get more comforting, the service seals the deal. The staff were friendly, chirpy and genuinely welcoming. Exactly what you hope for from a country pub in Somerset. If you’re looking for a relaxed Sunday lunch near Hinton St George, somewhere with warmth, history and plenty to chat about, add the Dinnington Docks to your list and give it a try.

#SomersetPubs
#CountryPubsSomerset
#SundayLunchSomerset
#SomersetFood
#HintonStGeorge
#TraditionalPub
#SteamTrainLovers
#SomersetRoast
#ExploreSomerset
#SomersetLife
A S L I G H T L Y belated Happy New Year… but o A  S L I G H T L Y belated Happy New Year… but one I actually believe in ✨

This year I’m taking a leaf out of Virginia Woolf’s 1931 New Year reflections - not grand resolutions, just living well.

Eating thoughtfully. Wearing what lasts. Letting life be a little less frantic.

I’ve never really believed in New Year’s resolutions. January is dark, cold, and demanding enough without adding pressure to “be better” overnight. Instead, 2026 for me feels like a year to slow down.

Control the controllable. Let the rest unfold.

That looks like seasonal plates, good local produce, and a glass of wine that tells a story 🍷

It looks like supporting small growers, lingering over food, and choosing quality over quantity - whether that’s what’s on my table… or in my wardrobe.
(I don’t really buy clothes — but when I do, they’re usually thrifted, natural fabrics only… so honestly, Virginia and I are very much on the same page.)

Here’s to a softer year. One rooted in flavour, place, and presence 🤍

If you’re a Southwest foodie who believes good food, good wine, and good company matter - you’re very welcome here.

Follow along for seasonal eats, local finds, and slower living.

#SouthWestFoodies
#SlowFoodUK
#SeasonalEating
#LocalIsBest
#FoodAndWineLife
#MindfulLiving
#BritishFoodCulture
#WineLoversUK
#SustainableLifestyle
#ThriftedStyle
#NaturalFabrics
#CreativeLiving
#TrialReel
A G O O D W A L K , Good Company, and Chips! A  G O O D  W A  L K , Good Company, and Chips! 

After a few weeks that felt a bit louder than I’d have liked, this is how I chose to start 2026 - slower, saltier, and with no grand plans at all.

I hopped on the train with my friend Amy and her dogs and let the South West do what it does best. We walked the estuary path from Lympstone to Exmouth: sea air, proper conversations, dogs chasing balls, and that familiar feeling of life settling back into place.

And because this is me, there was only ever going to be one destination at the end - the chippy. (I’m only human) Chips on the beach doused in salt and vinegar, with a bottle of English sparkling wine tucked into my bag because … fizz and chips just works. 🥂🍟

Cue seagull standoffs, Lachie living his best life, Joe doubling as my personal hot water bottle and that rare feeling of being completely present. No trends. No booking six weeks in advance. Just the Devon coastline, good company, chips, good wine and the simple joy of things done well.

Turns out the best reset isn’t a big plan - it’s a long walk, chips on the beach, and choosing to enjoy what’s right in front of you.

If you love the South West, English wine, beach walks, and food that doesn’t need to be fancy to be perfect you’re my people. 

Follow along for more Devon food & drink, coastal days, and a slightly slower way of living in 2026.

#SouthWestLife #DevonFoodAndDrink #ExmouthBeach #LympstoneToExmouth #EnglishSparklingWine #CoastalWalks #ChipsOnTheBeach #SlowLivingUK #DevonContentCreator #LifeBeyondTrends
W E L C O M E to 2026, food lovers! I share the W E L C O M E  to 2026, food lovers! 

I share the best places to eat and drink across South West England - from Devon and Cornwall to Bristol, Dorset and Somerset so you don’t waste your hard-earned money on one more disappointing meal.

Think great food, good wine, welcoming spaces and independent spots worth your time. I do the research, the tasting and the exploring, so you can book with confidence and simply enjoy yourself.

If you love discovering South West food gems, supporting local businesses and always saying yes to a good glass of wine - you’re in the right place ✨

#SouthWestFood
#SouthWestFoodies
#DevonFood
#CornwallFood
#BristolFood
#DorsetFood
#SomersetFood
#WineLoversUK
#FoodAndWineUK
#EatLocalUK
M A N I F E S T I N G G O O D T I M E S A H E A M A N I F E S T I N G  G O O D  T I M E S  A H E A D 

Repeat after me… “Let me walk into the best year of my life.”

New here? Welcome 🤍

I’m a South West–based food content creator sharing where to eat, drink and explore - from Devon’s best food spots and Cornwall cafés to Bristol bites and local gems across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

Last year was special because things finally clicked.
I created food content for brands I genuinely love, turned a passion into paid work, and had my writing featured in Olive Magazine (June ’25), celebrating some of Devon’s best food and drink destinations.

Now I’m carrying that momentum into 2026 - aiming higher, telling stronger food stories and discovering more of the South West’s independent scene. More growth, more balance, and more of what feels right.

If you love good food, supporting local businesses and discovering the South West - you’ll feel at home here ✨

#SouthWestFood #UKFoodContentCreator #DevonFood #CornwallFood #BristolFood #DorsetFood #SomersetFood #WiltshireFood #GloucestershireFood #SupportLocalUK #IndependentFood #FoodieUK #DiscoverTheSouthWest #Manifesting2026
W H E R E T H E C O O L K I D S should be eatin W H E R E  T H E  C O O L  K I D S should be eating in 2026!

My favourite meals of 2025 become your must-visit restaurants in the South West for 2026. Save this one.

2025 saw me venture further afield across the South West to find places that truly nail food, wine & atmosphere. These are the restaurants that really stayed with me:

The Seahorse, Dartmouth - a birthday visit in May and instantly hooked. Venetian-style interiors, beautifully simple fish dishes &  a brilliant value set lunch. Returned in September for the Brawn takeover at Dartmouth Food Festival - just as good. My top dining experience of 2025.

Briar, Bruton - another birthday trip with friends and one I’ll never forget. A seasonal menu by Sam Lomas, thoughtful decor, an excellent wine list & an ambiance that makes you want to linger. Dining out done properly.

The Old Pharmacy, Bruton – late summer produce meeting early autumn stone fruit. Candlelit, simple interiors, great service & rosé by the carafe. Effortlessly elegant and completely lush.

HOLM, South Petherton - autumn Sunday lunch with impeccable service and a buzzing dining room. Chef Nicholas Balfe is seriously impressive - we ordered everything!

Da Costa, Bruton - a cool Italian in the Somerset countryside next to Hauser & Wirth. Open-plan kitchen, beautiful interiors & a setting that feels like a destination in itself.

Oak, Bath - vegetarian dining that doesn’t feel restrictive at all. Italian-leaning flavours using incredible local produce. Beetroot and ricotta with candied walnuts and dill was the standout.

Emilia, Ashburton - my favourite Italian osteria outside of Italy. Open kitchen, small plates packed with flavour, buzzing atmosphere & a consistently great wine list.

Andria, Dartmouth - a girls’ lunch date that turned into a standout meal. A brilliant small plates menu & an unapologetically heavy hand with the Parmesan made it seriously memorable.

•Save this for your next South West trip
•Share with someone who loves great food & wine
•Tell me where I should eat in 2026

Because the best meals aren’t just eaten, they’re remembered ✨

#southwestfood #devonfood #somersetfood #bruton #ukfoodguide #restaurantrecommendation
K I C K O F F N Y E with the ultimate flavour co K I C K  O F F  N Y E with the ultimate flavour combo! 

ad Start your celebration with the crunch of sea-salt crisps crowned with soured cream, salmon caviar, lemon zest and chives - a canapé that’s as elegant as it is effortless. 

What to sip alongside? Enter the 2023 Tutiac Sauvignon Blanc, a Bordeaux white that’s fresh, citrus-driven and delivers a lasting finish - perfect for pairing with salty, tangy and creamy bites. This wine shows crisp grapefruit and lime notes with vibrant acidity and length, making it a brilliant match for seafood-led nibbles. 

But there’s more to love than flavour - with every bottle sold, Tutiac helps collect ocean-bound plastic and turns it into eco-minded corks, supporting coastal clean-ups and sustainable viticulture. 🍃🌊

✨ NYE isn’t just about the bubbles - it’s about great food, great wine and making a little impact. ✨

Tell me your favourite canapé + wine pairing this year and tag someone you’ll be clinking glasses with on New Year’s Eve!

18+ | Drink responsibly 

*All gifted items tagged 
#NYE2025 #WinePairing #SauvignonBlanc #TutiacWine #SustainableSipping #CanapeIdeas #HolidayEntertaining #SeafoodLovers #CelebrateResponsibly
Y O U K N O W Y O U A R E G R O W I N G when p Y O U  K N O W  Y O U  A R E  G R O W I N G when people stop supporting and start watching in silence.

It’s fine - I’m busy creating, baking, and discovering brilliant indie food & wine across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall. 

Exeter-based foodie | championing South West independents, local restaurants, vineyards & small businesses

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SomersetFoodie 
#DorsetFood #CornwallFoodie #UKWine 
#IndieFoodUK #SupportLocalSouthWest 
#ExeterFoodie #FoodAndWineUK
C A L L I N G A L L P A S T R Y L O V E R S - t C A L L I N G  A L L  P A S T R Y  L O V E R S - this is your sign to save your 2025 Bakery Bucket List! ✨

This year I’ve travelled, tasted and treasured some of the best pastries, breads and sweet spots I’ve ever experienced - and now I’m sharing the bakeries you absolutely need to visit in 2025.

From cosy Devon corners to iconic European favourites (and a few London classics), these stops delivered everything from buttery croissants to unforgettable sourdough. Swipe, save, and start planning your own pastry pilgrimage. 

My 2025 Bakery Highs:
🥐 Creamo’s – Ashburton
🍞 Boatyard Bakery – Exeter
🥖 The Ridge – Exeter
🍞 Landrace – Bath
🥨 Sidwell Street Bakehouse - Exeter
🍪 Duck Bakery – Exmouth
🍮 The Creamery by The Newt – Castle Cary
🥐 Sloe Bakery – various locations
🥧 La Colmena – Barcelona
🍞 Brier – Ashburton
🥐 Pophams – London (visited during hot cross bun season, but incredible all year round)
🍞 Jolene – London (Easter timing perfection, forever a favourite)
🥧 Luna’s Bakehouse – Totnes (standout mince pies and beautifully interesting sourdough)
🍞 Gorse – Cornwall

If you’re looking for the best bakeries in the UK, unforgettable pastries, dreamy patisseries and must-visit foodie stops, this list is your new best friend.

💛 SAVE this post so you don’t forget - your 2025 bakery adventures start here.

Any recommendations of must visit places are much appreciated too. Share below. xx

#BakeryBucketList #BestBakeriesUK #FoodieTravel2025 #PastryLovers #BakeryGuide #UKFoodieFinds #PastryPerfection #DevonFoodie #TravelAndTaste #FoodTravelGuide
I  D I D N ‘ T  T H I N K  I’d ever say this… but I went back to Artigiano.. 

ad I’ll be totally honest - i hadn’t stepped into @artigianoexe on Exeter High Street for 7+ years after a few disappointing visits. Sadly, enough to put me off completely.

BUT… my friend Serena (who’s there most mornings for her coffee ☕️) convinced me to give it another go after new owners took over and I’m really glad I listened.

From a casual chat about their new Sunday lunch, came an invite to try it… and wow.

Buzzing atmosphere, great music, lovely wines by the glass and a properly tasty roast.

They serve roast beef and nut roast with generous trimmings (roasted parsnips, carrots, beetroot, crispy roast potatoes, brocolli and lashings of gravy) plus optional extras like pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese (yes please).

Prices sit around £16–£18, with extras at £4.50.
Serena went for the beef, I had the nut roast - and honestly? Both were delicious.

Sometimes it’s worth giving places a second chance… this one surprised me ❤️

Have you tried the Sunday roast at Artigiano yet? Save this for your next Exeter Sunday lunch and let me know what you think. 

#ExeterFood
#ExeterEats
#DevonFood
#DevonEats
#ExeterSundayRoast
#ExeterFoodie
#DevonFoodie
#HonestFoodReview
#ExeterHighStreet
#SundayLunch
A M O M E N T of silence for those who hate me bu A  M O M E N T of silence for those who hate me but can’t unfollow me because deep down, they need to know what I’m up to .. where I’m going & what I’m eating & drinking … 

I’m sure we can all relate 😀

#ExeterFoodie #SouthWestFoodies #DevonEats #ExeterEats #SouthWestWine #FoodieReels #LocalFoodLovers #EatLocalDevon #WineLoversUK #HonestFoodReviews
2 4 H O U R S I N B A T H A S A F O O D I E 2 4  H O U R S  I N  B A T H  A S  A  F O O D I E the weekend before Christmas. 

A perfectly cosy 24 hours in Bath ✨

The kind of weekend that revolves around indie bakeries, wine bars and seasonal plates, wandering cobbled streets with a coffee in hand and booking dinner somewhere you’ll still be thinking about weeks later.

From a mince pie pit stop at Bertinet Bakery, to wine and nibbles at Beckford Bottle Shop, an unforgettable veggie-led feast at Oak Bath, and late drinks at The Sickle on Walcot Street… this city really knows how to feed you well.

Sunday was all about more of Bath’s independent food scene - mooching local shops, pastry perfection at Landrace Bakery, coffee at Coret, and a small-plates lunch at Root Bath (still dreaming about those marmite & Old Winchester puffs).

Whilst travelling between these places I couldn’t help but notice so many other great places that I have added to my Bath list.. Magari being moved to the top for the fresh pasta! I have tagged all of my recommendations above. 

If you’re a Bath foodie, Bristol foodie, or love discovering South West independent restaurants, this city should be firmly on your list. Add these places to your must visit lists.

#BathFoodie
#BathEats
#VisitBath
#SouthWestFood
#BristolFoodies
#IndependentFood
#UKFoodie
#VegetarianFoodUK
#BathRestaurants
#IndieFoodUK
P U B L I C S E R V I C E A N N O U N C E M E N P U B L I C  S E R V I C E  A N N O U N C E M E N T - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - it is so worth entering Instagram competitions ✨

Because this week I won a case of @nito.london vermouth and @matchtonicwater and honestly… it made my entire week. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with vermouth. 

Chilled over ice, in a negroni, or my favourite easy party drink: vermouth + a great tonic. Long, cold, refreshing, festive. Serve over lots of ice, a couple of slices of orange and suddenly you’ve got a Christmas cocktail that looks fancy but takes seconds.

And because I always like a little snack with my drink whether it’s girls’ night on the sofa watching The Holiday (again) or Christmas drinkies with friends - these Parmesan & thyme shortbread biscuits are the perfect pairing.

Here’s why they work so well (keeping it simple):
The buttery, salty Parmesan balances the gentle bitterness and herbs in vermouth, while the thyme mirrors those botanical flavours. Basically… savoury, cheesy crunch + herbal, chilled drink = magic ✨

You can make them in moments with ingredients you probably already have at home so this is your chance to whip up a little cheesy snack of dreams.

Parmesan & Thyme Shortbread Biscuits
• 100g cold butter
• 120g plain flour
• 60g finely grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Pinch of black pepper

Pulse everything in a food processor until a dough forms.
Roll into a log using parchment paper and chill for 15–30 minutes.
Slice into 15–20 coins, place on a lined baking tray and bake at 180°C for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool… then pour yourself a drink.

Note - I used salted butter do omitted adding salt but if you use unsalted you may want a pinch of salt

Now excuse me while I sit on the sofa with Biscotti & Sicily, sip vermouth and watch The Holiday for the hundredth time 🎄🐾

Save this for festive hosting, and tell me - are you team vermouth on the rocks or vermouth & tonic?

#vermouthlover #festivecocktails #christmasdrinks #easyentertaining
#savorysnacks #parmesanbiscuits #shortbreadrecipe
#cocktailpairing #holidayhosting #cosychristmas
#drinkstagram #foodanddrink #catsonthesofa
L E A V I N G  A  V E R Y de-influenced 2025 ✌️
0 Labubus. 0 Love Island episodes.
0 bag charms. 0 Dubai chocolate.
100% don’t care.

Heading into 2026 with the same energy - 
I am me, I do me.

No trend chasing, no hype food, no buying things because the internet said so.

Instead:
seasonal produce, proper home cooking, good restaurants, great wine, and long meals with friends.

Exploring the best places to eat across the South West of England, living a fast-paced slow living life, and trying to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever I can.

If you love good food, honest cooking, restaurant recommendations, sustainable living and real talk - you’re in the right place.

Follow for flavour over trends. 

Love Tara x

#FoodieLife #UKFoodie #SouthWestFood #SeasonalCooking #SlowLivingLifestyle #SustainableLiving #RestaurantRecommendations #HomeCooking #FoodOverTrends
O A K - B A T H - If you’re eating out in Bath, O A K - B A T H - If you’re eating out in Bath, this needs to be on your list. ✨

Saturday night called for an early supper and a good catch-up, and Oak in Bath delivered everything. We lucked out with the most perfect window seat - prime people-watching while we devoured one of the most exquisite meals I’ve had in a long time.

Oak champions seasonal veggies and serves an entirely vegetarian menu And honestly? Who needs meat or fish when the food is this good. Every morsel was thoughtful, generous and deeply delicious.

The focaccia was pillowy and perfectly salty, the roasted sprouts with almond sauce and gremolata would convert even the most devoted sprout sceptic, and the beetroot with ricotta, candied walnuts and dill was an absolute standout for me - literally everything I love on a plate. Add a carafe of Italian white, great service, and that buzzy-but-relaxed vibe… perfection.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - is Somerset quietly becoming one of the most exciting food regions in the UK? My Somerset restaurant list keeps growing, and Oak has firmly earned its place on it.

If you’re in Bath or visiting Somerset, add Oak to your list immediately.

And if you trust my food opinions (I really hope you do - I’m an honest bean 😉), know this: Oak is AMAZING. 

Food, service, vibe - all outstanding.

Save this for your next Bath dinner date and tag the friend you’d go with.

#OakBath #BathRestaurants #SomersetFood #BathEats #SomersetRestaurants #PlantForward #VeganFriendlyBath #BathFoodScene #SouthWestEats #IndependentRestaurants
T H I S I S T H E A P P E T I S E R i bring whe T H I S  I S  T H E  A P P E T I S E R i bring when I want to be invited back to Friendsmas…

ad Baked herby olives and creamy burrata = festive chaos in the best way.

The best bit? You can prep it entirely in advance, wrap it up (or aggressively battle cling film like I did), take it to your friends’ house and just… pop it in the oven. No stress. No last-minute cooking. No washing up at home.

If you’re hosting or hopping between Christmas dinners this season - save this recipe.

Trust me, it disappears every time 🎄✨

Ingredients:
300–400g mixed olives
3 - 4 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
A few sprigs fresh rosemary & thyme
Generous glug of good olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large burrata
Warm crusty bread, to serve

Method:
Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.
Add olives, garlic, lemon zest and herbs to a small baking dish.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and crack over black pepper.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and fragrant.
Remove from oven, tear burrata over the top and let it melt slightly.
Serve immediately with warm bread.

Tip: Prep everything ahead, cover, and bake when you arrive. Easily doubled or tripled for a crowd.

Wine gifted @cratecomms - available from @waitrose £15

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© Tara Smith 2022