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Roasted Butternut Squash, Feta and sultana salad with toasted sunflower seeds, chilli and a yoghurt and tahini dressing

30th October 201530th October 2015 - tara Leave a comment

This is my homage to Halloween as it uses butternut squash but you could use any squash or pumpkin. It is a hearty salad that is served with the butternut from the oven so it’s slightly warm once you build the salad and serve it at the table.       

Pear and date chutney

12th October 201513th November 2015 - tara Leave a comment

I was lucky enough to have been given to big bags of pears from Steve’s mum and dads pear tree. We have been having lots of pear based meals over the last week or so. Today I decided to make a pear and date chutney with some of them. I thought it might be aRead more

Asparagus, roasted red pepper, chickpea and haloumi salad

24th August 201524th August 2015 - tara Leave a comment

This salad was made up one Saturday afternoon whilst thinking of something hearty to go with a chicken I was roasting for Steve. I don’t eat meat so it had to be robust enough for me to have as a main dish. This is a really pretty salad that is hearty enough as a mainRead more

Garlicky green bean,chickpea and sundried tomato salad

14th August 201516th August 2015 - tara Leave a comment

This is a wonderful fresh and hearty salad. You can have it with a side dish or as a main if you feel so inclined!   That’s it! So easy. I urge you to give this salad a go. It would be delicious served alongside some grilled fish or meat.. Whatever you fancy! So good.  Read more

Buttermilk scones

11th August 201513th August 2015 - tara 2 Comments

A wonderful recipe that creates light and fluffy scones..   I have to confess I have had some bad scone baking incidents!! In the past they have come out of the oven as flat as a pancake or as hard as bullets! This particular recipe worked for me.. I was thrilled as I love sconesRead more

Easy peasy flatbread recipe

24th July 201513th August 2015 - tara Leave a comment

This recipe is incredibly easy to make. I was surprised myself to be honest. You need just four ingredients to make these lovely, moist flatbreads.                         

Apricot and feta salad

30th June 201513th August 2015 - tara Leave a comment

I made this salad last night for supper when I had some apricots in need of using up. It was delicious so I thought I would share it with you. The sweetness of the apricots with the saltiness of the feta cheese worked really well.   Have it as a side dish to fish orRead more

Date and coconut ‘truffles’

16th June 201513th August 2015 - tara 2 Comments

Another quick, easy and healthy recipe for you. If you fancy a little sweet treat that is vegan, sugar free and pretty darn good then this is the recipe for you. You need just two ingredients and a food processor. There is no cooking involved so perfect for a quick bite of something sweet andRead more

Jewelled marinated kale and haloumi salad

11th June 201513th August 2015 - tara Leave a comment

This is another easy recipe that anybody could make. It’s an assembly job really! Hey presto! That’s it! A lovely, tasty, nutritious salad ideal for lunch or as a side dish to something more substantial. Give it a go.. It’s so easy!            Serve with some homemade bread and houmous perhaps? Maybe someRead more

Parsley houmous

10th May 201517th February 2016 - tara Leave a comment

I would like to share one of my go to dips. It’s great for lunch in a sandwich, as an appetiser with dippage (carrots, cucumber and pita bread all good!) or just as a good old snack when you are a bit peckish. It’s a good all rounder as ‘they’ say!  It takes just aRead 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

D O Y O U E V E R F E E L like everyone else ca D O  Y O U  E V E R  F E E L like everyone else can see your success except you?

Because lately, imposter syndrome has been louder than my confidence.

My body’s been tired, my energy has felt low and with another birthday approaching, I’ve found myself questioning everything a little more than usual - whether I’m good enough, strong enough, young enough, achieving enough.

Which is strange really… because when I step back, I’m living a life filled with things I genuinely love. Teaching. Movement. Beautiful food. Great wine. Discovering independent places. Writing. Creating. Exploring.

I think sometimes we raise the bar so often for ourselves that we forget to stop and recognise how far we’ve already come.

So this is your reminder (and mine): you’re probably doing better than you think you are ✨

What’s something you’ve achieved lately that you haven’t given yourself enough credit for?

#BalletTeacherLife #FoodWriter #FitnessInstructor #RestaurantReels #LifestyleCreator lifequote
T H E S O U T H W E S T I N D I E S P O T S I T H E  S O U T H  W E S T  I N D I E  S P O T S I have been loving lately. 

A little collection of some of my favourite independent cafes, coffee spots, restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaways I’ve visited recently across Devon, Somerset & Dorset. All genuinely worth the trip.

I’m Tara - a Devon born-and-raised food explorer, always on the hunt for the best places to eat, drink and be merry across the South West and beyond. If a place features on my grid, it’s somewhere I truly love and would recommend wholeheartedly and most importantly would visit again. That speaks volumes I think. 

There’s something special about independent businesses. So many are family run, built from passion, hard work and people who genuinely care about what they do. You can feel the difference in the atmosphere, the service, the food, the coffee, the wine - every little detail matters because their livelihood rests on creating something brilliant.

From neighbourhood coffee shops and cosy wine bars to destination restaurants, laid-back pubs and unforgettable takeaways, the South West food scene is full of places doing things really, really well. I’m gradually working my way through my saved list! 

If you’re looking for the best cafes in Devon, Somerset restaurants worth travelling for, Dorset restaurants with atmosphere, independent coffee spots, foodie hidden gems and local businesses to support this is your sign to add these places to your list.

And honestly, finding incredible food and drink spots across the region will never get old for me. There’s nothing I love more than discovering somewhere amazing and sharing it with people who’ll appreciate it too.

So - where have I missed?

What’s your favourite indie spot in Devon, Somerset or Dorset that deserves more love?

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFood #SomersetFood #DorsetFood #IndieFoodSpots
S A N D R O ‘ S - A hidden foodie gem in Lyme Re S A N D R O ‘ S - A hidden foodie gem in Lyme Regis you need to book. 

If you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Lyme Regis, this tiny Dorset bistro absolutely stole my heart…

Tucked away between the main street and the mill area in beautiful Lyme Regis, @sandros_lymeregis is the kind of place you almost want to keep secret. Run by chef Sandro and partner Vicky, this intimate little restaurant is all about locally caught fish, seasonal Dorset produce and the freshest ingredients available that day - which is why the menu changes constantly and is handwritten fresh each service.

And honestly? I loved every second of it.

Being in Dorset we had to start with a glass of Tommy from @langhamwinery Blanc de Blanc alongside @iowtomatoes with olive oil, white balsamic, homemade sourdough and whipped butter… pure heaven. Those English tomatoes were unreal - sweet, fragrant and tasting exactly how summer should taste.

Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, beautiful wines and that relaxed Lyme Regis charm… honestly my perfect kind of lunch.

We shared monkfish with marinated octopus and haricot beans, plus spinach and mushroom rotolo packed with rich, comforting flavour. Then came the mains - Wye Valley asparagus, Jersey Royals, wild garlic, quail’s egg and summer truffle for me (basically spring on a plate) and wild bass with potato & prawn rasam for Rebecca. Beautifully balanced flavours, thoughtful wine pairings and genuinely warm hospitality throughout.

What makes this place even more special is the story behind it. The building was once Sandro’s father’s Italian restaurant many years ago before changing hands several times. Then one phone call from his dad saying “the old restaurant is available… go for it” brought everything full circle. I love stories like that.

Would I go back? Without hesitation. I already know Steve would absolutely love it too, so maybe another Lyme Regis birthday trip is calling? 

If you’re planning a Dorset foodie weekend or searching for restaurants in Lyme Regis, put this one on your list immediately.

pr visit / ad 

#LymeRegis #DorsetFoodie #VisitDorset #LymeRegisFood #DorsetRestaurants
M A N A A T M O K S A - E X E T E R If you’r M A N A  A T  M O K S A - E X E T E R 

If you’re in Exeter & looking for a calm, beautiful independent space to spend an hour… go and find Chloe. 

You may have seen Chloe from @moksa.skincare on Instagram recently after being told to remove the table, chairs and A-board outside her Castle Street businesses - something that seriously impacted footfall for her new wellness café in Exeter. So, I wanted to pop on here to let you all know about this special new addition to Exeter’s cafe scene. Even if one or two of you pop in and say hi & order a delicious iced strawberry matcha (highly recommend) it will make a huge difference to a new business. We all know how hospitality is struggling right now. 

Before Mana Wellness Café opened, Chloe created Moksa - a gorgeous independent wellbeing & skincare shop filled with handmade facial oils, botanical balms, candles, gifts & products from local Devon makers. It’s one of those spaces that instantly makes you feel calmer the second you walk in. I regularly use her face oil & left with her facial serum yesterday which she tells me is developing a cult status with her customers! High praise so I needed to try it obviously! 

And now, next door, she’s created @mana_at_moksa - a peaceful wellness café in Exeter serving homemade cake, artisan matcha, hojicha & tea in the most calming environment. A space to slow down, work quietly or just take a breath for an hour.

I proudly contributed to the crowdfunder that helped Mana open, so visiting yesterday felt really special. 

Chloe & I chatted about life, politics, independent business struggles, cake & matcha - and it ended up being one of the loveliest hours of my week.

✨ Little reminder mid-scroll: independents are the beating heart of our towns & cities and deserve to be appreciated don’t you think?

So this weekend, skip the chains if you can & support somewhere small, local & unique - whether that’s Mana & Moksa in Exeter or an independent business in your own town.

Save this for your next Exeter café visit, send it to your matcha-loving friend & tag your favourite independent business below. 

#ExeterWellness #ExeterCafe #DevonWellness #IndependentExeter #ExeterMatcha
W A N T T O U N D E R S T A N D A C I T Y ? St W A N T  T O  U N D E R S T A N D  A  C I T Y ? Start with its indie cafes & coffee shops. 

There’s something special about exploring Exeter through its cafes and coffee shops in my opinion. Every independent coffee spot tells a different story and gives you a different feeling. One day it’s a black americano and a slice of cake tucked away in a cosy corner, another day it’s an iced strawberry matcha while watching the city move around you, and sometimes only a perfectly made cortado or cappuccino will do.

Exeter’s cafe scene feels like a reflection of the city itself - layered, creative and full of character. After so much of Exeter was destroyed during WW2, the city rebuilt itself through different eras of architecture, and you can see that everywhere you go. Georgian streets meet post-war modernism, Victorian buildings sit beside hidden historic gems, and every coffee shop nestled in these buildings seems to bring its own personality to the mix.

That’s why I always think the best way to truly experience a city is through its independent cafes. You get a real sense of community, creativity and local culture that chains just can’t replicate. Exeter’s indie coffee scene has become one of my favourite ways to slow down, explore and connect with the city and I’ve made some great friends whilst chatting along the way. 

I’ve tagged some of my favourites here but if you want an extensive list of my favourite cafes and coffee shops in Exeter I can send you my go-to list. 

✨ Save this for your next Exeter coffee crawl and tell me - what’s your go-to coffee order when you explore a new city or are you like me.. change your order depending on your mood? 

#ExeterCoffee
#IndieCafeCulture
#ExeterFoodie
#DevonCoffeeShops
#CafeHopping
M A Y - my birthday month, my favourite month… w M A Y - my birthday month, my favourite month… when everything feels a bit more possible. 🌿✨

A few little wishes I’m holding onto this month as I navigate another year around the sun …

May I travel far and wide, following good food and warm sunshine. May I eat flaky, buttery pastries outdoors without rushing. May I find delicious things in places I’ve never been before. May I enjoy my own company, properly switch off, and (finally) catch a break - I truly believe that 2026 will be the making of me. May I treat myself to those little things I always stop to photograph… and say yes to more time with friends.

If you have stopped on my little post today I am somewhere between a wanderer and a demon for good food. I’m always hunting out local and seasonal deliciousness, cute little independents and a bit of magic along the way. My love of bigging up gorgeous indies and artisans is limitless. So, you won’t find chains here.. sorry (not sorry) friends. 

If you’re in your soft, slow, savour-it-all era too… you’re in the right place.

What are your hopes this May? 

To everyone else out there who loves the month of May and celebrates their birthday like me have a great one. May birthdays are the best.🎂

#DevonFoodieFinds #SouthWestFoodies #EatSeasonalUK #SupportLocalDevon #SlowFoodLife
A  L I T T L E  R E - I N T R O D U C T I O N 

I’ve had such a lovely little wave of new people here recently, so I thought it was time for a proper hello. 

I’m a Devon girl through and through, endlessly inspired by seasonal food, local finds and those hidden gems you stumble across when you’re not really looking.

You’ll usually find me teaching ballet or fitness, cooking something delicious, styling a table “just because”, or hunting down the best food and wine spots across the South West (and occasionally a little further afield).

I live in pre-loved pieces, believe in slow fashion, and put a lot of thought into the things I bring into my life.

I write, I host, I explore… and I love making people feel at home through food.

And yes… my cats feature heavily 🐾

If you’re into good food, slow living, beautiful details and discovering special places… then hello, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you’ll stick around. 

✨ Tell me - what kind of content do you love seeing most? 

#southwestfoodie
#slowfashionliving
#devonlifeuk
#seasonalliving
#prelovedstyle
I D I D N ‘ T R E A L L Y P L A N T H I S D I  D I D N ‘ T  R E A L L Y  P L A N  T H I S  D I N N E R … and it ended up being one of those core memory kind of evenings. 

Thursday was a last-minute girls’ night - a bit of a fridge raid that somehow turned into the easiest, most delicious spread. My favourite king of hosting. 

Herby roasted vegetable couscous, warm olives with shallots, lemon & parsley topped with burrata (obviously - I am still firmly on that train!), creamy hummus… and crisps with cornichons and parmesan (I didn’t expect these to be the star, but here we are 👀 - salt on salt on salt).

We opened a bottle of @drink.folc rosé for Great British Rosé Week 🌸 - I love that it’s an English, low-intervention wine. It’s dry, fresh and just one of those bottles that works effortlessly with simple, flavourful food like this.

I set the table with British tulips and added the softest glow with my @shopbottlelume touch lamp (you can pop it into any bottle which I love) and it all just felt so relaxed and easy.

It’s always these slightly unplanned evenings - good wine, simple food, no pressure that end up being the most special. 

Save this for your next easy hosting night & tell me… what’s your go-to “fridge raid” dish?

Tagged items - ad / gift 
@turtledovelondon use code TARASBUSYKITCHEN20

18+ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

#GreatBritishRoséWeek #EasyEntertaining #GirlsNightInspo #SimpleSeasonalCooking #WineAndMoments
M Y  L I T T L E  H E A R T  T O  H E A R T - M Y  L I T T L E  H E A R T  T O  H E A R T - summer in Exeter edition 💌

If you were coming to visit me this summer, this is exactly how I’d spend our day… think slow, simple and full of all my favourite things to do in Exeter.

Slow mornings with really good coffee, something fresh from an independent bakery, wandering the streets with no real plan (the best kind), dipping in and out of little shops, and finishing by the water with a glass of something cold in hand. Light evenings, golden hour, nowhere to be but right there.

Exeter just shines in the summer, doesn’t it? And for me, it’s always about the Exeter independents - the places that feel personal, the ones you want to return to again and again.

Think: pastries still warm, Exeter food spots worth coming back for, seasonal plates, wine in the sun, takeaway treats by the quay, and those simple, wholesome moments that don’t cost much but mean everything.

I couldn’t fit every favourite into one post (and I’m always discovering new ones), so please tell me yours… I’d genuinely love to know your go-to indie spots 🤍

If you’re local, or planning a visit to Exeter, I hope this gives you a few ideas for your own little summer days here.

Save this for later, send it to someone you want to spend a slow summer day with, and let me know where I should try next…

Sending love,
Tara xx

#ExeterIndependents
#SummerInExeter
#ExeterFoodFinds
#IndieExeter
#exeterdays
T E X T I N G I S C O O L . . but how about you T E X T I N G  I S  C O O L . .  but how about you come over and share a bottle of wine and watch the sun go down? 

My ideal date night tbh .. 

There’s something about simple pleasures that just hits differently - for me it’s good food, great wine, and even better company. I’m a Devon-based foodie who lives for those slow, meaningful moments: cooking for friends, hosting, pouring “just one more glass,” and letting conversations stretch long past sunset.

If your idea of a perfect date includes homemade seasonal food, a beautiful view, and a perfectly paired wine… you’re in the right place. Follow along for more cosy hosting, wine moments, and foodie inspiration 🍽️✨

#DevonFoodie #WineLoversUK #SimplePleasures #FoodieLife #EntertainingAtHome
Ò R - P O R T R E E , I S L E O F S K Y E Sma Ò R - P O R T R E E , I S L E  O F  S K Y E 

Small businesses don’t just sell products… they bring places to life. ✨

There’s something special about stepping into an independent shop in a small town - the kind where every item has a story, every shelf feels curated, and every purchase actually means something. Midway through browsing, you realise… this isn’t just shopping, it’s connection.

From thoughtfully sourced gifts and locally inspired artwork to beautifully crafted knitwear and pieces by independent designers, shops like @or.skye in Portree are what make high streets feel vibrant, personal, and worth exploring. Every pound spent goes straight back into the community - supporting local makers, championing small creatives, and keeping these unique spaces alive for all of us to enjoy.

If you’re ever wondering where to shop for meaningful gifts (or your next “treat yourself” moment), choose independent. You’ll always find something you didn’t know you needed and support a whole community while you’re at it. 

Next time you visit a small town, skip the chains and step into an indie… you never know what treasures you’ll find.

#IsleOfSkyeShops #ShopIndependentUK #SupportLocalMakers #ScottishHighlandsLife #PortreeFinds
L E A N T O C O F F E E - S K Y E Some places L E A N  T O  C O F F E E - S K Y E 

Some places just stop you in your tracks… and this was one of them.

On our way back from the Isle of Skye, we stumbled across the most beautifully unique coffee spot - a shipping container café perched against the wild Skye landscape, sitting beside an old family croft that’s been lovingly (and imperfectly) restored. Think dried flower garlands, rustic wooden furniture, and just the right amount of “left to the elements” charm… effortlessly cool without even trying.

And the pastries? WOW.

Soft, fragrant vanilla buns, perfectly spiced cinnamon & cardamom swirls, and berry muffins and scones flying off the counter while we queued. (Always a good sign) 

There were croissants and other bakes too… honestly, choosing was the hardest part.

If you’re more savoury-inclined, their toastie menu is just as tempting - my sister had the cheese & kimchi toastie and couldn’t stop talking about it the entire drive after. High praise.

If you ever find yourself exploring the Scottish Highlands or heading to Skye (it’s just over the bridge), make this your coffee stop. It’s the kind of place you don’t just visit - you remember it. If I am ever back in Skye I honestly will make a beeline here. 

Saving this for your next trip? Trust me, you’ll want to. 

#specialtycoffeeuk #hiddenplacesuk #coffeestop #independentcafes #scotlandtravel
S E A F L O W E R - S K Y E I almost didn’t sh S E A F L O W E R - S K Y E 

I almost didn’t share this… but this experience is too special to gate-keep. 

If you’re heading to Skye, you HAVE to look at @seaflowerskye - this was honestly the perfect end to a lovely weekend on the island. 

We left Portree Harbour and within minutes I spotted my first puffin (tiny and adorable), then not long after a white-tailed sea eagle flew right over us… I actually couldn’t believe it. We also saw seals, red deer, and so many seabirds as we travelled on towards the Isle of Rona.

After the excitement of the eagles we moored up in Rona’s natural harbour - and then lunch .. wow.

Fresh langoustines caught & cooked that morning, the best smoked salmon I’ve ever had, homemade quiche, traditional Scottish oatcakes, wine… all with the most unreal views and cute little seals basking on the rocks a mere few meters away. 

After our epic lunch we had a couple of hours to explore Rona - it was just us, my family, and Steve (the island’s only resident!). It felt so peaceful and completely untouched.

This isn’t just a boat trip - it feels really personal, like you’re seeing Skye through locals who truly love it.

If you’re planning a trip, save this and book with Seaflower - I’d do it again in a heartbeat. 

#IsleOfSkye #SkyeScotland #ScotlandTravel #HiddenGemsUK #WildScotland
F R I E N D S H I P S D O N ‘ T always start in F R I E N D S H I P S  D O N ‘ T always start in classrooms… sometimes they bloom over shared plates, chance conversations, and the beautiful chaos of everyday life. 

Four women. Four different paths. One shared love for eating, drinking, exploring - and laughing until it hurts.

Somewhere between life at 40 and 60, we found each other - not through school gates, but through real life. Through work, passion, loss, joy… and a lot of good food. 

One lives for literature and storytelling
One thrives in the world of hospitality
One is building her own business dream
And me? A Devon-based foodie who loves to dance. Ballet is in my DNA. 

Because the most unexpected friendships often become the most meaningful ones.

If you’ve found “your people” later in life - this is your sign to celebrate them.

Tell me… where did your most important friendships begin?

#FriendshipOver40 #WomenSupportingWomen #FoodieLifeUK #DevonLife #RealLifeConnection
1 0 H O U R S L A T E R … Devon - Isle of Skye 1 0  H O U R S  L A T E R … Devon - Isle of Skye

Not quite planes, trains & automobiles but definitely an adventure worth every mile.

The family have landed somewhere truly special - rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and views that honestly don’t feel real. It almost feels like I am beside a lake in Italy if I am honest. And it’s actually warm .. love that! 

Our first evening called for something simple to eat - homemade tomato pasta, fresh salad, a good glass of wine, and a little whisky to toast the journey. @talisker of course - an Isle of Skye must. Apparently distilled 30 minutes from where we are staying according to @jushardlow ! 

The sunset melted into the loch and then bed. A long day but a good day. 

Day one of my very first Scotland trip… and I already get the magic.

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping somewhere wild, peaceful, and breathtaking - this is your sign. Come with me on this journey 💛

Tell me are you team sunrise or sunset? I mean they are both pretty magical when you are next to the water. 

#IsleOfSkyeMagic #SlowTravelMoments #ScotlandHiddenGems #CoastalEscapeUK #NatureLoversJourney
M Y S U N D A Y R E S E T ad I headed to Budle M Y  S U N D A Y  R E S E T 

ad I headed to Budleigh Salterton for one of those first proper spring days - blue skies, actual sunshine, the sea looking almost inviting. I may need a few more weeks until I contemplate a dip though! I walked along the beach, found the cutest little tea room and devoured a homemade scone, fresh out of the oven, with butter (as you should).

You may have noticed I’ve been carrying this cute Spläsh Crossbody bag in taupe from Gaston Luga (A Stockholm based brand known for its clean, minimalist Scandinavian feel) with me lately pretty much everywhere I have been and i wanted to share it with you - it’s my current grab and go bag - no overthinking. 

What I’ve really been loving are the little details - the hook clasp has three settings depending on how full your bag is, which is so handy, and the poppers on the sides mean it expands on days when you end up carrying more than planned. It’s also got zip pockets for loose coins or cards if you’re a bit old school like me.

It’s been ideal for everyday bits, whether I’m out for coffee, working or travelling. I also really like that they’re moving towards more eco-friendly materials - makes it feel like something I’ll keep reaching for.

If you’ve been looking for something similar, you can use my code TARASBUSYKITCHEN15 for 15% off.

@gastonluga

You can find it here: gastonluga.com

#GastonLuga #anywherewithgl
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
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