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My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 4

31st January 202131st January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hello all and happy Sunday. It’s been an odd week don’t you think? I overheard someone say on a zoom group class I was taking earlier that she was suffering from lockdown fatigue. Maybe that’s a thing because I most certainly for the best part of the week have been feeling a bit low. IRead more

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3 Week 3

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3 Week 3

24th January 202125th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

It’s been a funny old week here. Firstly, I have been on my own as Steve has been working away. Don’t panic! It’s all within the Covid laws – testing and a work bubble has been created. Professional musicians are allowed to rehearse which has meant that for the whole week I have been atRead 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

My Week In Pictures - Lockdown 3.0 Week 1

My Week In Pictures – Lockdown 3.0 Week 1

9th January 20219th January 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Here we go again! Lockdown 3.0 started on Tuesday here in England. I did manage to get one evening in of live ballet classes with my primary-school-age children before resuming online from Tuesday which was lovely. A chance to reconnect with the children albeit briefly. Obviously, with lockdown 3.0 I haven’t been out and aboutRead 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

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

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

Let It Be Sunday - My Week In Pictures #1

Let It Be Sunday – My Week In Pictures #1

1st November 20201st November 2020 - tara Leave a comment

It must have been about 2 years since my last Week In Pictures post. To be sure I would have to look back through my archives. Why this week of all weeks? Well, in all honesty, there is no particular reason apart from having a little more time than normal. It’s half term here inRead more

My Birthday in Lockdown

A Birthday in Lockdown

27th May 202027th May 2020 - tara Leave a comment

What a day. It was filled with emotion and joy. I can only liken it to how I must have felt as a small child. By the evening I was pretty much wiped out from feeling completely overwhelmed. All the messages, cards, phone calls, zoom chats and even socially distant curbside cake eating were amazingRead 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

T H I S I S M Y C L U B B I N G Not your typi T H I S  I S  M Y  C L U B B I N G 

Not your typical “clubbing” scene… unless you count farm shops, vintage finds, and sunset wine as wild nights out. 

I’m happiest wandering through bakeries, rummaging in second-hand shops, discovering hidden gems in vintage stores, and lingering over long lunches in independent restaurants. Throw in matcha and cake, poolside chats, and beach sunsets, and that’s my kind of letting loose.

Call it “granny hobbies” if you like… I call it slowing down, savouring every bite, and finding joy in the simple things. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for any dancefloor. (Even though I am a dancer by trade🫣)

If your idea of a perfect day sounds a little like mine… you’re in the right place.

✨ Mid-scroll reminder: the soft life isn’t boring - it’s intentional, delicious, and deeply joyful.

📍Exeter, Devon foodie sharing cosy finds, local gems, and slow living inspiration. 

Follow along for more hidden spots, foodie adventures, and simple pleasures ✨

#ExeterFoodie #DevonLife #SlowLivingUK #VintageLoversUK #CosyLifestyle
F O O D I E D A Y T R I P S B Y T R A I N - Vo F O O D I E  D A Y  T R I P S  B Y  T R A I N - Volume 3 is finally here, friends!

If you’re new around here, I’m Tara - your go-to foodie explorer. I’m on a mission to find the absolute best places to eat & drink, but with one golden rule: Indies only. 

Absolutely no big, boring chains allowed! If it’s in my guide, you can 100% trust it’s been personally vetted by me & is worth the trip.

Is there anything better than a foodie daytrip by train? 

Honestly, I don’t think so! Researching the perfect spots & not worrying about driving… plus, it means we can enjoy a drinkie (or two!) & truly relax. I think you all know how I feel about train drinkies! 

Today we’re talking about my favourites from Topsham to Exmouth. With a @lympstone_manor special mention.

All of these places are 15-30 mins from Exeter & absolute gems!

First stop Topsham - it’s the cutest town by the water. Almost every buisiness here is an indie, which makes my heart so happy:

• Coffee: @circletopsham 
• Drinks: @theoldfirestationtopsham The Bridge Inn or @salutationinn 
•Lunch/Dinner: Salutation or @galleytopsham (the seafood is 🤌)
Special mention: @thefarmtable_restaurant at Darts Farm (recently did an Italian wine tasting there - divine!) 

Exmouth is seriously upping its food game lately:

Casual: @thedoughworks_exmouth (my new obsession!), The Coastal Beaver & The Italian Store
The Main Event: Rockfish, The Chronicle, Heydays, or El Olivo & you HAVE to try River Exe Cafe - accessible only by water taxi!

My fave thing? And a more budget friendly option is grabbing a bottle of chilled rosé or champagne, heading to Exmouth beach & getting fish & chips. Simple perfection. I’m also dying to try @lolulisluckyfish new venture next!

Which spot are you adding to your bucket list first? Let me know below! 

#FoodieDayTrips #SupportLocalDevon #ExeterFoodies #TrainAdventures #TopshamAndExmouth
D U K E ‘ S - P A R I S S T R E E T , E X E T E D U K E ‘ S - P A R I S  S T R E E T , E X E T E R 

I’d been meaning to try Dukes in Exeter since it opened a couple of weeks ago, and finally made it in yesterday for a very late lunch with my chum, Amy.

It’s an American-style deli on Paris Street with proper retro decor - big booths, old-school signage, that full Americana feel. The menu is packed with hot and cold deli sandwiches, and they make their own bread, which really does make a difference.

Amy went for the Philly cheesesteak and was very impressed - she’s had a fair few and said this one held its own. I went for the aubergine parmigiana. I can’t compare as I haven’t had one before, but I can say it was absolutely delicious. Properly saucy, cheese pulls galore, full of flavour and a bit messy in the best way.

The bread deserves a mention because it’s spot on - soft on the inside but sturdy enough to hold everything together and soak up all the juices. Portions are very generous. I ate half there and took the rest home, which I later finished with a glass of red in front of the telly. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night tbh! 

I had a Coke as well - if I’m going to lean into the American deli vibe it felt appropriate - and it all came to £14, which feels very fair for the portion size and quality.

There’s still loads on the menu I want to try, so I’ll definitely be back.

Also really enjoying how Paris Street in Exeter is becoming a bit of a food & drink destination with @dukesdelidevon , @pinkgingerexeter , @cuckootaproom and @12barmusicandsocial all within a few doors of each other.

If you’re looking for independent food spots in Exeter, this is well worth adding to your list.

Big portions, proper fillings and bread made in-house - a great new Exeter food spot

Have you tried Dukes Exeter yet, or is it on your list? What sarnie should I go for next time? Let me know in the comments. 

#ExeterFood
#ExeterRestaurants
#DevonFood
#IndependentExeter
#ExeterFoodie
P I P ‘ S - L O P E N , S O M E R S E T I went P I P ‘ S - L O P E N , S O M E R S E T 

I went somewhere yesterday that’s been on my list for ages… and I’m actually annoyed I didn’t go sooner!

@pipatthecarriage is one of those places that’s just a bit different - you can sit in a railway carriage, a vintage bus or a marquee, and somehow it all feels really relaxed, not gimmicky. We ended up in the botanical carriage which I loved, but I already want to go back and try another one. The circus themed one looked fun! 🎪

The food is small plates and a bit all over the place in the best way in terms of style… bang bang cauliflower, halloumi with honey, smoked pork with labneh, the softest focaccia made on site, and loaded fries with cheese and pickles. It shouldn’t all work together but it really does. I did a spot of carb loading as I had been dancing all morning and it was close to 2.30 by the time we ate. (🩰 ballet teacher over here.. hey 👋🏻)

I had a Somerset cider (felt rude not to), when in Somerset and all that - Steve was on water because… driving.

It just felt like one of those easy, slightly quirky lunch spots you could go back to with anyone - friends, family, even for a birthday. They do Friday nights too which I didn’t realise, so that’s 100% happening. Who’s up for that - let’s get the train so we can have a cocktail or two! 

Also… the willpower it took for me not to climb into the kids’ mini buses in the garden 🥲

If you know anywhere else like this in Somerset or further afield in the South West tell me - I’m clearly in my “find cute lunch spots” era.

#somersetfood #somersetlunch #hiddenfoodspots #ukfoodfinds #quirkycafesuk
T H E M O S T F I N A N C I A L L Y irresponsib T H E  M O S T  F I N A N C I A L L Y  irresponsible thing I’ve ever done? 

Developing a weakness for farm shops. One minute you pop in for eggs… the next you’re £50 deep in artisan cheese, fresh bread, and a bottle of something you absolutely didn’t need - but fully deserved.

This is a trial reel so if you have found me .. hi! 👋🏻 
I’m a South West foodie through and through - passionate about seasonal eating, championing local producers, and keeping it small by supporting independent farm shops and makers. There’s something about wandering through shelves of locally made goodness that feels less like shopping and more like a cultural experience…

If you know, you know 😉

Stick around if this is your kind of indulgence.

#SouthWestFoodie #FarmShopFinds #EatSeasonalUK #SupportLocalProducers #IndieFoodScene
M Y C U R R E N T S N A C K O B S E S S I O N M Y  C U R R E N T  S N A C K  O B S E S S I O N 

Okay so… I think I’ve accidentally found my current obsession. 

I came home from a full morning of teaching ballet & fitness absolutely starving and just wanted something quick but really satisfying… so I made anchovy toast. I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a great lunch but hear me out on this. 

Proper sourdough from @finns_devon in Colyton (grabbed it on Sunday and it’s basically made for toast at this point), loads of salted butter, anchovies, then a sharp little mix of parsley, shallots, capers and a handful of peppery rocket on top.

But wait - are anchovies having a moment right now?! Because I’m seeing them everywhere here on Instagram and I am fully on board. I’ve been a fully paid up member of the anchovy fan club for years now! 

Also… just because … I had a bottle of white in the fridge with literally one glass left and, since I’m not teaching again today, it felt like the perfect excuse for a slightly elevated lunch.

It’s a Floreal that was recommended by @partnerinwineuk a few weeks ago - I bought 6 bottles and it’s SO good with something like this. Proper crisp, cuts through all the richness.

Thanks for the rec Lucy! 💛

Honestly this is one of those low-effort, high-reward things I’ll be making on repeat - lunch, snack, drinks nibble, all of it.

If you think anchovies aren’t for you… I’d still try this 😉

Ad | PR GIFTS TAGGED 

@turtledovelondon have kindly given me a code if you see anything you like TARASBUSYKITCHEN20

#anchovylovers #sourdoughlove #simplegourmet #wineandfoodpairing #southwestfoodie
T H E T Y T H E R L E I G H A R M S ad If you T H E  T Y T H E R L E I G H  A R M S 

ad If you love a cosy countryside pub stay with incredible food, you need to know about this hidden gem.

Tucked away on the Devon–Somerset border, The Tytherleigh Arms is one of those places that just gets everything right. Think beautifully styled courtyard rooms, thoughtful touches, and a dining experience that food lovers travel for.

But here’s the thing - it’s not just a place to eat. Staying overnight completely transforms the experience.

From relaxed self check-in, to pre-dinner drinks at the bar, to a menu that makes choosing almost impossible, every moment feels considered. The kitchen is led by chef @nic.ktopham , whose focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients really shines through in every dish.

And then, the morning. Slow, calm, and just as delicious. A proper countryside breakfast with golden yolks, fresh coffee, and no rush to be anywhere else.

If you’re looking for a foodie staycation in the South West, this is your sign to book it.

Little bonus for you:
The Tytherleigh Arms would like to offer the code TBK30, which will give a £30 restaurant voucher with a room booking when booking directly (not via a third-party website). Just add the code in the booking comments.

Save this for your next UK staycation.

Pr Invite 

#DevonFoodieStay
#SomersetEscape
#UKPubWithRooms
#SouthWestStaycation
#FoodieGetawayUK
I really hope that person is right! I’m ready.. I really hope that person is right! I’m ready.. 🌿

#eldestdaughter #devonlife #eldestsister
I need this so bad rn as I look out of my window a I need this so bad rn as I look out of my window at the rain.. 

#beach #summer #carefreemoments #shortsweather
I  A L M O S T  D I D N ‘ T  G O and that would’ve been a HUGE mistake. 

ad On Friday night we tried Brothers tucked inside Exeter’s Guildhall – a new-ish indie spot that has just started opening Wednesday - Saturday evenings for dinner… and honestly? It completely exceeded my expectations.

Let’s talk about it…
We started with a few small plates to share (because that’s the only way to do it, right?): a Caesar salad piled high with cloud-like Parmesan, halloumi drizzled in honey and chilli and hummus with black tahini and warm pita - all alongside a very decent Chardonnay. Simple, but done so well.

And then the mains arrived… and this is where they really got it right. 

Polly went for surf & turf (upgraded to sirloin with chimichurri), and I had wild mushrooms with peppercorn sauce. From what I could see (and taste), the steak was cooked perfectly and every single flavour just worked. Mega yums. 

Oh… and unlimited chips. YES. Unlimited. And they were elite-tier chips too. You know when you are full yet you can’t stop - they were that good! 

We finished with a deconstructed Biscoff cheesecake which was the perfect sweet ending.

Now I’ll be honest with you… when we arrived it was quiet, and I worried the atmosphere might feel a bit flat. But actually? Great music, genuinely lovely staff (Simon - you were fab), and a lovely welcoming vibe.

We even got chatting to Costa (one half of the brother duo behind it all) about their Okehampton roots and coffee roasting side business - these guys are passionate, hardworking, and it shows in everything they do.

And here’s the thing…
Exeter, this place deserves to be BUSY.

If you’re looking for an independent restaurant in Exeter, somewhere serving quality local food, reasonably priced (mains around £20 with those unreal chips), with great service and a relaxed vibe… this is one to have on your radar.

So next time you’re deciding where to eat… just have a little think about where that money’s going. 

I know which table I’ll be heading back to…

#ExeterFood #IndieEatsUK #HiddenGemsUK #SupportLocalUK #FoodieFinds
F O O D I E D A Y T R I P S by Train Vol 2 | Ex F O O D I E  D A Y  T R I P S by Train  Vol 2 | Exeter → Totnes 

After the love on my Foodie Day Trip Volume 1, I’m back with another elite foodie day trip - this time from Exeter to Totnes… and it’s only 30 minutes by train.

Totnes seriously punches above its weight and is packed with indie gems serving up exceptional food, drink, and proper West Country hospitality. All of my recommendations are indie and offer very different vibes depending on your mood. 

Drinks stops:
Rosso | The Bay Horse | The Albert Inn Brewery | Totnes Brewing Co | The Bull Inn | Copperhead Brewery |

Dinner spots:
Circa | The Bull Inn | Tamarind Tree

Coffee, lunch & pastries:
Luna’s | The Hairy Barista | Kommüne | The Curator | Picnic 

If you’ve got time, venture just outside Totnes…

The Maltsters Arms is worth it - riverside drinks, summer BBQs, and rooms if you fancy staying over. A short stroll away, The Watermans Arms delivers laid-back vibes, great beers, and waterside seating.

Want to go bigger? Head to Dartmouth - catch the bus from outside of the station . Home to one of my all-time favourites, The Seahorse (don’t skip a negroni at Joe’s Bar first). And yes, Andria lives up to the hype - especially if you’re a parmesan lover.

Still hungry? Hop on the bus to Kingsbridge and stop at The Bear & Blacksmith (the bus stops right outside) - top-tier food, service, and vibes. 

This corner of Devon just gets it right - seasonal food, independent businesses, and hospitality that makes you want to stay longer.

Honestly - just book the train and go explore.

Save this for your next day trip & tag someone you’re taking with you. Any South Devon recommendations? Send them my way please. I am always on the hunt for newness. 

#DevonFoodScene #TotnesEats #SouthWestFoodies #UKTrainTrips #IndieFoodGuide
A L I T T L E D A Y I N M Y L I F E … I st A  L I T T L E  D A Y  I N  M Y  L I F E …

I started the morning with a sunny walk to the studio for my barre class & honestly… the warmth on my skin just felt so good. Those bright, slow starts are my favourite.

I stopped off at @sidwellstreetbakehouse on the way (I can never resist). If you know, you know… that smell of fresh bread, shelves of crusty sourdough & the most beautiful cakes. I picked up a loaf still warm (always the “almost white” one… it’s perfect imo), even though the cakes were very tempting… but I’ve still got some homemade Simnel cake at home, so I behaved (just about!).

Class went really well, which always sets the tone for the day, then it was straight home for a cuddle with my lovely Dustin & a little sit down… my legs were definitely feeling it!

Lunch was simple & perfect - salad & warm bread - then a quick shower & change before heading out again. I met a friend & her dog for a beach walk, with a coffee stop along the way… one of those easy, happy moments.

Back home, it was time to switch into content creation mode. I work with some gorgeous local indie businesses (always editing theirs first), and it’s something I’d really love to grow over time… especially as my body starts to feel the years of dancing a little more.

Then back to teaching.. 3 hours online this evening: a private, Ballet Fusion & my Ballet Fit class. Busy, but so rewarding.

And now… the best bit. Dinner, a glass of wine, and out to the terrace to catch that soft spring sunset… hazy, pink & so calming.

This is me… Devon-based ballet teacher, fitness instructor & content creator, sharing simple, happy moments. 

What’s been a little highlight in your day today? 

#devonlife #barrelife #balletteacher #contentcreatoruk #simplepleasures
I N ‘ S A N D O U T ‘S of the last two weeks I N ‘ S  A N D  O U T ‘S of the last two weeks. 

A mix of cooking dinner for friends at home, Easter baking, hosting (and loving every second of it), working from home in my own little bubble… alongside tulip field wanders, wine with friends, long dinners out and those evenings that turn into something a bit special without even trying. 

Someone messaged me on here recently saying they wished they lived a life like mine, and it really made me think… because the truth is, you absolutely can. My life is like anyone else’s. I work really hard - sometimes to the point of pain. (I teach ballet & fitness so it comes with the territory) 

For me, it’s never been about anything extravagant. It’s the simple things that win every time - sharing home cooked food, making time for friends, baking something for family, or just sitting around a table chatting for hours. Of course I treat myself now and again (and I’m so grateful for the lovely things that come my way), but the real magic is in the everyday.

I truly believe you get out what you put in. Whether that’s your work, your friendships, or the effort you put into making people feel special. When I have the energy both physically and emotionally I give it my all. 

Welcome to my little corner of Devon life, filled with seasonal food, good wine, and moments worth sharing. Feel free to stick around if I sound like part of your tribe.

What have been your recent “ins”? I’d love to hear what’s been bringing you joy lately? 

#DevonFoodie #SeasonalLiving #SimplePleasures #FoodieLifeUK #CosyLiving
M Y P R O B L E M I S I F E E L E V E R Y D M Y  P R O B L E M  I S  I  F E E L  E V E R Y  D A Y should look like this … is that too much to ask? 

An afternoon like this and suddenly I’m questioning every life choice that doesn’t involve a glass of wine and a view…

Because why does a little sunshine, a long weekend, and actual time to sit down and enjoy it feel like a completely different lifestyle? As a Devon-based foodie who’s been fully booked and wrapped in layers, this slower, warmer moment is doing things to me…

Honestly, I’m not saying I’ve figured life out… but I am saying more afternoons like this might be the answer.
So tell me - are we normalising mid-afternoon pauses with good food, good wine, and a better view… or are we gatekeeping this energy? 

If you’re into this kind of energy - more Devon food, slow moments, and little slices of joy - you’ll probably feel at home here. 

Love Tara x

#DevonFoodie #SlowAfternoons #WineWithAView #UKFoodies #LongWeekendMood
D A R T S F A R M T U L I P F E S T ad - I g D A R T S  F A R M  T U L I P  F E S T 

 ad - I genuinely didn’t realise how beautiful tulips are until today.

Not just fields of colour (although… unreal) but the detail in each one - different shapes, textures, edges… every single flower feels unique. It’s not until you’re slowly walking through and picking your own that you really notice it.

The tulips here are all homegrown, turning the fields into a sea of spring colour - and there’s something so special about creating your own bouquet from scratch so don’t miss that out. It was a highlight for me.

Such a lovely, simple thing to do… wander, pick, admire, repeat.

And if you’re making a morning of it - don’t skip the Gouda toastie or the stroopwafel treats. Trust me on that one. They even have fire pits where you can toast marshmallows for smores! They have thought of everything. 

If you’ve been, I’d love to know what your favourite part was - flower picking, posing in the tulip fields or maybe devouring a Gouda toastie alongside a glass of @pebblebedvinyard rosé .. or, if you haven’t been do you want to? 

@dartsfarm Tulip Fest runs until Sunday 19th April - I suggest going early to avoid the crowds. Enjoy! 

#tulipfestival #springflowers #pickyourown #devondaysout #springvibes
E A S T E R  M Y  W A Y 🌿

For me, Easter isn’t about doing everything “by the book” - it’s about creating my own traditions and embracing the simple joys that come with the season. I may not be overly religious, but I truly love what this time of year represents: fresh starts, longer days, and the arrival of spring.

It’s funny how we all take little snippets of celebrations and shape them into something that feels like us. And this year, my focus has been simple… slowing down. 

After long, physical work days, this long weekend has felt like a gift - time to rest, reset, and reconnect with myself a bit. 

Think slow mornings at cosy cafés, lingering over good coffee. Evenings with a glass of wine, sharing laughter and a really good pizza. Hosting a relaxed Easter brunch for family, followed by a seasonal Easter lunch - my carrot & goat’s cheese tart tatin, dauphinoise potatoes, and a fresh green salad went down a storm. 

Add in a little baking (a homemade Simnel cake, of course), an Easter egg hunt, and plenty of wholesome, feel-good moments… and that’s my kind of celebration.

Today’s plans? One more day off, sunshine on my face, and wandering through a tulip festival - the perfect way to welcome spring 🌷

However you celebrate, I hope you’re finding your own version of joy in the little things.

If this is your kind of Easter too, stay a while - there’s plenty more slow living, seasonal food, and simple pleasures to come.

*gift ad @maiaprovence 

#slowlivinglifestyle
#seasonalfoodinspo
#eastertraditions
#springmoments
#simplepleasuresdaily
S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 2 6 mood board — S P R I N G /  S U M M E R  2 0 2 6 mood board —> rosé at sunset, truffle crisps, sea air and easy conversation. the kind of evenings you don’t plan, just fall into. devon, simple things, done well ✨

#devoncoast #roséevenings #sunsetmoments #slowlivinguk #quietluxuryvibes
L O O K I N G F O R T H E P E R F E C T Easter L O O K I N G  F O R  T H E  P E R F E C T  Easter bank holiday pub walk in South Devon?

Just a short walk along the river near Totnes, we stumbled across a real hidden gem. A waterside pub with beautiful views, a laid-back atmosphere, and genuinely great service - it’s exactly the kind of place you hope to find but rarely do. Let me introduce The Waterman’s Arms at Bow Bridge. I don’t think they are on Instagram so I can’t tag them but remember the name.

And this is where it gets even better. Sometimes it’s not about an extensive wine list or fine dining. It’s about a good pint, a bag of scampi fries, and sitting by the water in the sunshine watching the world go by. Simple, but spot on.

If you’re planning a Devon getaway or searching for scenic pub walks near Totnes, this one is well worth adding to your list. You can carry on down the River Harbourne to @the_maltsters_tuckenhay too - it’s only a 7 minute walk away. Another great pub right on the water.

Bookmark this for your next South Devon trip and let me know - would you go for a pint by the water?

#SouthDevon #Totnes #Tuckenhay #PubWalks #DevonGetaway
U N F O R T U N A T E L Y I C A N C O N F I R M U N F O R T U N A T E L Y  I  C A N  C O N F I R M … ditching the routine, ignoring responsibilities, and settling into a cosy midweek catch-up with your bestie really does fix most things ✨

The kind of place where seasonal plates, local gems, and tucked-away corners make you want to linger a little longer. 

Come back for more of the southwest’s most delicious little secrets ✨

#southwestfoodie #indierestaurantsuk #seasonaleating #localfoodlove #hiddengemsuk
A  G O O D  F R I D A Y , in every sense I met A  G O O D  F R I D A Y , in every sense

I met one of my oldest friends yesterday - 20+ years of friendship - for a drink at my new favourite wine bar in Exeter, Scapegoat. It turned into one of those evenings you wish you could bottle.

What I love most about Scapegoat, aside from the laid-back, no-fuss feel, is the wine. They get their bottles from Alex at Pullo, a brilliant little wine shop in Exeter, just down the road, and it shows. It’s a list that feels thoughtful without trying too hard - the kind where you trust whatever ends up in your glass is going to be good.

And when your friend happens to run her own wine import company (Emile Wines), you do feel a quiet pressure to choose somewhere that gets it right. Thankfully, this place really does - easily one of the best spots for wine in Exeter.

Halfway through we ordered pizza from Portal next door - some of the best pizza in Exeter, and it arrives straight to your table, which still feels like a small win. Vodka sauce base, garlic mayo on the side. Exactly what was needed.

If you’re in Exeter and looking for an easy, relaxed bar with great wine and a genuinely nice atmosphere, this is well worth a wander in. One of those independent Exeter spots that just gets it right.

Save this for your next Exeter evening, or pass it on to someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with. 

#ExeterLife #DevonFoodAndDrink #WineBarUK #IndependentExeter #PizzaAndWine
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© Tara Smith 2022