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Split, Croatia

12th August 201612th August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

I have decided that I will dedicate this post to my time in Split, Croatia. I spent a week staying in a little Air BnB apartment right in the heart of the old town. Within about 10 minutes walking distance of most of the main sites. Obviously being a complete and utter foodie I hadRead more

Konoba Matejuška, Split, Croatia

Konoba Matejuska. Split, Croatia 

9th August 20169th August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

Wow! What a find this place was. When wandering around the old town of Split on our second evening we stumbled across this tiny restaurant nestled in a back street. Hidden from the rat race and tourists who aren’t willing to explore this wonderful small fish restaurant serving local Dalmatian cuisine. It was completely full when we arrived weRead more

Week in pictures

My Week In Pictures 31/16

7th August 20167th August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

My week started with an invite to the newly opened Exeter Cookery School. Jim and Lucy Fisher were throwing open their doors for foodies like me to take a sneaky peek inside. What a place… I can’t wait to get myself down there to try out one of their many wonderful courses. I was inRead more

Crediton Coffee Company

6th August 20166th August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

Last week I hopped on a train and took the short 10 minute journey to Crediton. I was met at the station by Andrew Webb, one half of the father and son team that own and run the Crediton Coffee Company. Plus Suzie, one of my regular readers who engineered the visit. We made our way toRead more

Konoba Pizzeria Feral - Split, Croatia

Konoba Pizzeria Feral. Split, Croatia

5th August 20165th August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

Split is a really foodie town. Booking in restaurants particularly in high season is recommended at least a day in advance if you want to sit outside in the sunshine or the warm evening air. We booked Konoba Pizzeria Feral a day ahead whilst walking by. The restaurant was situated in our neighbourhood about aRead more

Diocletian’s Culinary Tour in Split, Croatia

3rd August 20163rd August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

Whilst holidaying in Split recently I took a culinary tour of the town with a wonderful guide, Tanja. We met at the Golden Gate which is the north entrance of Diocletian’s Palace in the old town. After our introductions we made our way towards the piazza getting an insiders knowledge on all the wonderful foodie delightsRead more

Putalj Winery - Split, Coatia

Putalj Winery – Split, Croatia

2nd August 20162nd August 2016 - tara Leave a comment

I spent my final evening in Split with Anton and his wonderful team at his vineyard on the outskirts of the city. From the moment Steve and I were picked up from our meeting point (The Golden Gate) I knew we were in for a treat. Mutya, Anton’s assistant was there to meet us justRead more

Putalj Winery - Split, Coatia

My Week In Pictures 30/16

31st July 201630th July 2016 - tara Leave a comment

Once again my week has been split into two. The first couple of days were in Croatia and the tail end of my wonderful holiday. The last few days back to normality in Devon. Let me start with the beginning of the week and a tour of Putalj Winary and Vineyard. Steve and I experiencedRead more

My week in pictures

My Week In Pictures 29/16

24th July 201624th July 2016 - tara Leave a comment

It’s been a week of two halves. The first half was spent at home doing normal foodie things and visiting “local to me” foodie venues. The second half has been based in Split, Croatia. A much needed holiday to celebrate the end of term and the start of the summer break. Let’s start with theRead more

My week in pictures

My Week In Pictures 28/16

17th July 201617th July 2016 - tara Leave a comment

My week started with a catch up dinner date with my friend Johanna at the amazing Harrys on Longbrook Street in Exeter. We had organised the date what seemed like months ago and it finally came around. What better place to go than Harrys. The atmosphere is always buzzing and the staff are so niceRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

Devon-born foodie & content creator
Finding brilliant places to eat, drink & explore
Indie restaurants • cafés • vineyards • South West gems

C H A P E L H O U S E - A dreamy boutique stay in C H A P E L  H O U S E - A dreamy boutique stay in Penzance, Cornwall

ad From the minute I walked through the door at @chapelhousepz , I knew I was going to love it. 

Whitewashed floors, an eclectic mix of old and new, curiosities in every corner and artwork by James F Johnson, cats included, had me completely hooked.

My top-floor room had a huge bed, a beautiful wet room and a bath where you can lie back and watch the stars through the glass ceiling. Honestly, what more could you want from a boutique hotel in Penzance?

There are peaceful gardens to relax in, a sauna and hot tub overlooking Penzance harbour, plus dry robes ready for post-swim cosiness after a dip at Battery Rocks. I even braved the cold water and, despite not being a cold-water person, absolutely loved it.

Breakfasts are cooked to order, Susan and her team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and beyond Chapel House there’s so much to explore - from a fermenting workshop with @newlynfermentary to wild swims at Priest Cove or a warm soak in the @jubileepool geothermal pool.

Add in Penzance’s independent food and drink scene and you’ve got everything you need for a proper South West escape: good food, sea air, wild swims, coastal walks and somewhere beautiful to come home to.

Save this for your next Penzance escape - especially if you love boutique stays, sea swims and very good food or share it with a friend you would love to go with. 

Press Stay @masseytravel 

#ChapelHousePenzance
#PenzanceCornwall
#BoutiqueHotelCornwall
#CornwallFoodie
#Southwestescape
F A V O R I T A - N E W L Y N If you’re planni F A V O R I T A - N E W L Y N 

If you’re planning a Cornwall food trip, put @favoritanewlyn firmly on your list.

Looking for restaurants in Newlyn or wondering where to eat near Penzance? This little place needs to be on your radar.

I went on Friday night and… LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Open for barely four weeks, this tiny restaurant by Newlyn harbour is already buzzing. Upbeat, brilliant service, great music and food that had me thinking about it all weekend.

There’s serious kitchen pedigree too. Chef Henry Russell spent more than 20 years in London kitchens, including Moro and Morito, before bringing his love of Mediterranean food to Cornwall with Laura, who runs front of house.

Think small plates with a Spanish and Mediterranean nod, brilliant local produce and a wine list that takes you from Spain to Italy and beyond.

I started with a dreamy fig leaf spritz and their take on a Gilda - olives stuffed with labneh, tiny pickled onions and sun-dried tomatoes. What a start.

We asked Laura to send out her favourites and ate very handsomely - pickled sardines, fava bean purée with the flakiest flatbreads, crawfish and tarragon croquettes, grilled skewers and more.

The fig, dukkah and Ele cheese salad and fried aubergine with macha, agave and goat’s cheese were standouts, alongside a whole lemon sole with capers and lemon.

Sherry was poured, rosé was enjoyed and beautiful beetroot-coloured shrubs kept the non-drinkers happy.

This is exactly the kind of independent restaurant in Cornwall I get excited about.

Small, welcoming, full of personality and seriously good food. It might just be one of the most exciting new additions to the West Cornwall food scene.

And from Exeter, Penzance is around three hours by direct train, so make a weekend of it. Explore Newlyn, eat your way around West Cornwall and stay at @chapelhousepz - another one I’d happily recommend.

Save this for your next Cornwall food trip and share it with your foodie travel companion.

And if you’ve been to Favorita already, I NEED to know what you ordered.

ad Thank you @masseytravel for taking me as part of my PR trip ♥️

#CornwallFoodie #CornwallRestaurants #Newlyn #Penzance #WestCornwall
I S T H I S T H E B E S T B A K E R Y in Cornw I S  T H I S  T H E  B E S T  B A K E R Y in Cornwall? 

Ooh, I’m putting this one out to my very knowledgeable foodie friends because I definitely couldn’t make that claim… I haven’t been to every bakery in Cornwall!

But I did pop into @loafsbakery yesterday and it was absolutely buzzing, which is always a good sign. And there was a very tempting line-up of pastries, bread and cakes.

I went for a plain croissant because, for me, it’s the pastry that tells you a lot about a bakery. This one was crisp and beautifully flaky on the outside, with a light, open, aerated crumb inside. Basically, exactly how I like my croissants.

My friend went for the croissant cube filled with peanut butter and Nutella, which I had never actually seen in the flesh before, so that was quite exciting, and we also took home one of their big sourdough loaves.

And just to clarify… stale bread, crap coffee and OK cakes is most definitely NOT how I’d describe our visit!

But now I want to know what you think.

Cornwall is absolutely spoilt for brilliant independent bakeries, and as someone who WILL TRAVEL FOR BAKED GOODS, I need your recommendations.

Where should I be heading next for a really good croissant? The best sourdough? A brilliant pastry? A hidden bakery gem that deserves much more love?

Tell me your favourite Cornish bakeries in the comments - I’m making a list!

And please share this with your fellow pastry people because I have a feeling you lot are going to come up with some absolute corkers.

Save it too if you’re planning a Cornwall food trip - future bakery research starts here.

#CornwallFoodie #CornishBakery #CornwallFood #ArtisanBakery #CornwallEats
S U M M E R ‘ S O V E R… Now what? Please do S U M M E R ‘ S  O V E R… Now what?

Please don’t tell me we’re all going to hibernate until spring.

Autumn is such a lovely time to explore Exeter, and there’s so much more to do than simply finding somewhere good to eat.

I’ve rounded up 10 ideas to get you out and about this autumn - from making the most of the last warm days and discovering a new hobby, to heading to the theatre, seeing a gig, having a mindful mooch around the independents or popping into Exeter Library for free events, exhibitions and entertainment.

And yes, there’s still plenty of good food and drink involved too.

I’m Tara, a Devon-born foodie who loves finding the good stuff - great places to eat and drink, independent businesses, hidden gems and all the little things that make Exeter worth exploring.

Think of me as your local friend who’s always on the lookout for somewhere worth knowing about. I love exploring the south west for the best places to eat drink and be merry and if you can throw in a bit of thrifting or charity shopping I am in my element. 

Save this for your autumn in Exeter and share it with someone you’d like to make a few plans with.

What would you add? I’m all ears .. 

#ExeterAutumn #ThingsToDoInExeter #ExeterEvents #VisitExeter #exeterindependant
N E E D S O M E W H E R E good to eat this weeken N E E D  S O M E W H E R E good to eat this weekend but don’t fancy anything too fancy? I’ve got you.

This is exactly why I love exploring the South West. I’m always on the lookout for those places you can wander into without dressing up, overthinking the menu or needing a special occasion - just really good food, a relaxed atmosphere and somewhere you actually want to sit and stay awhile.

So I’ve pulled together 10 casual dining spots across the South West that I’d happily recommend to a friend.

Think juicy burgers, brilliant bagels, small plates made for sharing, laid-back cafés, independent restaurants and all the good stuff in between. Some are hidden gems, some are well-known favourites, but they’re all places I think are worth knowing about if you love good food without the fuss.

I’m a massive foodie and spend a lot of my time exploring Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West, looking for the places that are genuinely worth the trip. So hopefully this gives you a few new ideas for your next lunch, dinner or casual weekend food adventure.

Oh and p.s - I’m heading to Penzance and the surrounding area this weekend so I’m currently looking for recommendations. If you know somewhere I need to eat, drink or explore, tell me below - I’m always happy to add another place to the list.

Save this for the next time you’re wondering where to eat, and share it with someone you’re always making food plans with.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFood #CasualDining #CornwallFood
M A Y B E A U T U M N isn’t the season to hiber M A Y B E  A U T U M N isn’t the season to hibernate. Maybe it’s the season to lean in. 🍂

I was playing around yesterday between my ballet classes and came up with my Devon autumn bucket list - all the things I want to do, eat, drink and experience before winter arrives.

Some are tiny pleasures that cost very little.
• A blustery beach picnic
• Hot chocolate with whipped cream at an indie café
• Pumpkin decorating
• Baking a pumpkin pie from scratch
• Getting outside when the leaves are turning and the light is doing that very special autumn thing

And then there are the ones I’ve been meaning to do forever…

• An autumn colours walk and lunch at Gidleigh Park
• Wands & Wizards afternoon tea at Borringdon hall 
• A cosy roast at Shilston House, which has been on my radar for far too long

That’s what I love about an autumn in Devon and the South West. You don’t need a big budget or a packed diary to make it feel special. There are beaches, woods, villages, brilliant independent cafés, pubs, bakeries and restaurants, seasonal food and so many beautiful places to explore.

I love summer, but there’s something about slowing down and properly leaning into autumn - the colours, the cooler days, cosy food, long walks and finding reasons to get together.

So this is my little reminder to make the most of it rather than wishing summer back.

What would you add to my Devon autumn bucket list? Give me your indie foodie, cosy, outdoorsy and slightly magical suggestions… I want ideas. 🍁

Devon autumn | South West England | Devon food | independent cafés | Devon pubs | autumn days out | things to do in Devon
T H E F A T P I G - E X E T E R Crispy roastie T H E  F A T  P I G - E X E T E R 

Crispy roasties. A proper Yorkshire. Piping hot gravy. Cauliflower cheese. A buzzing pub.

Now tell me… is this what makes the perfect Sunday roast?

Yesterday I went to one of my favourite Exeter pubs, @thefatpig_exeter for Sunday lunch with my sister Juliet - and honestly, this is what a Sunday roast should feel like.

It’s everything I want from an authentic English pub. 
Cosy, wooden floors, brilliant artwork, a log fire when winter arrives and, most importantly, that feeling you’ve walked into a place where you feel welcome.

We both had the homemade nut roast with all the trimmings - crispy roasties, carrots, parsnips, Savoy cabbage, a big old Yorkshire, gravy and cauliflower cheese. Piping hot, perfectly sized and absolutely delicious.

But for me a good Sunday lunch is much more than what’s on the plate.

The pub was buzzing. Banter behind the bar, dogs, locals perched with pints, people coming in for lunch and that wonderful feeling of a proper community pub.

Excellent local beer, English rosé and, obviously, a shared chocolate dessert because Sunday lunch rules are different.

So is this the best roast in Exeter?

For me, yes.

It’s the sum of all the parts - the food, welcome, service, atmosphere, drinks, people and, most importantly, the way a place makes you feel.

And sharing it with my sister after far too long without some proper one-to-one time made it even better.

What makes a great Sunday roast for you? Is it the roasties, the Yorkshire, the gravy, the cauliflower cheese… or everything that happens around the table?

And if you’re building your Exeter Sunday roast list, I’d definitely keep The Fat Pig in mind. I have a feeling I’ll be back sooner rather than later now roast season is in full swing. 

Exeter Sunday roast | Best Sunday roast Exeter | Sunday lunch Exeter | Exeter pubs | Devon food
T H E C O T L E Y I N N - W A M B R O O K Some T H E  C O T L E Y  I N N - W A M B R O O K 

Sometimes you don’t need a big holiday. You just need one night somewhere beautiful with a friend you can completely switch off with.

Alex and I meet up every month, usually somewhere beautiful with very good food, and this time we headed to @cotleyinnwambrook for a girls’ weekend away in Somerset.

Tucked into the Blackdown Hills, this beautiful Grade II listed former farmhouse is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive.

Our split-level room had a cosy sitting room downstairs, then a beautiful king-size bed and roll-top bath upstairs. We poured ourselves drinks in our private courtyard, caught up properly and put the world to rights before wandering the few steps to the pub for dinner.

The Cotley Inn has retained its place in the Michelin Guide 2026, and the food was every bit as lovely as we hoped - thoughtful Somerset food, local and seasonal, with some really interesting combinations.

My goat’s cheese and corn vol-au-vent with pickled apple was a favourite, followed by rose harissa glazed aubergine with paneer and pickled blackberries. Alex went for beetroot-cured salmon with potato rösti.
And yes, cocktails happened. That spicy marg was VERY good.

Later, we raided the guest pantry for sweets, crisps and chocolate before getting into pyjamas and watching Sex and the City.

Honestly, those are the moments I remember.

No rushing. No cooking. No timetable. Just good food, a gorgeous room, countryside outside the window and a friend you can laugh with until your face hurts.

After breakfast the next morning - homemade breads, pastries, cheese and an actual little egg boiler - we headed out for a long walk with Ziggy through the Blackdown Hills.

We left feeling properly rested.

And perhaps that’s what makes a really good Somerset weekend getaway: beautiful food, a beautiful place and time with someone who makes you feel completely at home.

Save this for the next time you and your favourite friend need to escape for a night.

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I T ‘ S K I N D A S C A R Y how social media h I T ‘ S  K I N D A  S C A R Y how social media has made us think small numbers don’t matter .. imagine if one person stopped you to tell you that they love what you do.. how would that make you feel?
P R O P A G A N D A I’m not falling for: A bad m P R O P A G A N D A I’m not falling for: A bad meal 

If the food is disappointing, I’m not going to pretend it’s brilliant just because everyone else says it is.

I’m a Devon-born foodie who spends far too much time hunting down the places that are actually worth knowing about - independent restaurants, cosy pubs, brilliant cafés, bakeries, wine bars and those little South West gems you’ll want to tell your friends about.

I’m here for good food, lovely people, great service and places with something to say for themselves.

Devon is home, but I’m constantly exploring across Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and the wider South West looking for my next foodie find.

No chains. No hype for the sake of hype. Just honest recommendations from someone who genuinely loves eating her way around the South West.

So if you’re wondering where to eat in Devon, which independent restaurants are worth a visit or where to find your next hidden food gem...

You’ve come to the right place.

Save this for your next foodie adventure and send it to your permanently hungry friend.

#DevonFoodie #SouthWestFood #DevonEats #IndependentRestaurants #FoodieFinds
1 0 S O U T H W E S T food spots I genuinely can’t stop thinking about this month ..

September has been quite the foodie month for me. I’ve travelled through Cornwall, Devon & Somerset, discovering some absolute gems along the way.

I’ve been lucky enough to try places I’d been meaning to visit for ages, discover places I didn’t even know existed (and goodness, I’m glad I found them), and return to a few old favourites that never fail to make me happy.

If, like me, you love seasonal, local food cooked with care, brilliant service and beautiful settings, you’re going to want to save this one.

These aren’t all here for the same reason. Some blew me away with the food, some with the setting, some with the whole experience - but every single one left me thinking about it afterwards.

And they all have one thing in common: service that goes above and beyond.

So, in no particular order, here are my 10 South West foodie favourites for September:

• The Seahorse, Dartmouth - exceptional fish and seafood cooked with an Italian twist
• The Jack in the Green, Rockbeare - a brilliant pub for modern British food and proper pub favourites
• Central Dairy, Bradninch - my new favourite spot for a light lunch, with an excellent bakery too
• Sabzi Deli, Nansledan - gorgeous salads, soups, cakes and deli treats
• The Queen’s Head, Corton Denham - a seriously good roast
• The Cotley Inn, Wambrook - seasonal cooking, pub classics and a lovely gastro-pub feel
• Calvo Loco, Exmouth - brilliant tapas and a menu full of flavour
• The Millbrook Inn, South Pool - a beautiful pub serving delicious food with locally reared meat and great fish
• Fowlescombe Farm, Ugborough - a small chef’s tasting menu showcasing exceptional ingredients, with a lovely communal dining experience
• L’Image Café & Bazaar, Budleigh Salterton - the surprise of the month… delicious seafood and brilliant roasts.

I’ve genuinely loved every one of these experiences and would happily go back to all ten.

Save this for your next South West food adventure and tell me which one you’ve tried - or which one I need to put on my list next.

#SouthWestFood #DevonFoodie #SouthWestFoodie #IndependentFood #SeasonalFood
A R R I E T T Y - E X E T E R Exeter coffee love A R R I E T T Y - E X E T E R 

Exeter coffee lovers put this one on your radar. 

It’s that time of year when Exeter feels like its population has doubled overnight. The University is back, first years are arriving with their parents, suitcases and everything but the kitchen sink, and the city is buzzing again.

And to all the new students - hello! If you want some good local indie intel while you’re here, you know where to find me.

But today, it’s all about @arrietty_exeter on Longbrook Street.

This is one of those independent Exeter coffee shops that deserves a bit more love. Great coffee, lovely service and so many thoughtful homemade and local touches.

They serve Origin coffee roasted in Cornwall with Oak Park Dairy milk, pastries from Boatyard and cookies from Exeter favourite Harry’s. And please ask for Sam’s homemade raspberry jam - it is unbelievable.

The granola pot is also well worth ordering. Oak Park Dairy yoghurt, homemade berry compote and homemade granola packed with nuts and seeds. Properly delicious.

There are toasties for lunch, with homemade soup making a comeback as autumn arrives, and for an afternoon treat you can’t really go wrong with coffee and a Harry’s brownie.

I’m also rather fond of the window seat, which somehow always becomes my table when I pop in.

And don’t miss the little shop area and those gorgeous fresh flowers from @hollacombeblooms 

Arrietty is exactly the sort of indie Exeter spot I love seeing thrive - good coffee, attention to detail, homemade treats and genuinely warm service.

Save this for your next Exeter coffee stop and send it to someone who needs a new local favourite.

#ExeterCoffee #ExeterCafe #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie #ExeterIndependents
L ‘ I M A G E - B U D L E I G H S A L T E R T O L ‘ I M A G E - B U D L E I G H  S A L T E R T O N 

I do love a food discovery, especially when I arrive knowing very little and leave already planning when I can go back.

That’s exactly what happened at @limagebud in Budleigh Salterton. Richard and Marie invited me for Sunday lunch and, apart from knowing the locals love it, I really didn’t know what to expect. I left completely understanding why.

The menu changes with the seasons and everything is cooked to order by Richard in what he tells me is the tiniest of kitchens. We ate Lyme Bay scallops, lamb cutlets and halibut with butterflied king prawns. Beautifully cooked, generous and full of flavour.

Then there’s their famous pavlova - one enormous portion piled with Chantilly cream and berries. I can see why it’s famous, although I’m fairly sure it could feed four!

I loved the little details too. Budleigh was bombed during WWII and you can still see shrapnel marks in the original Victorian tiles outside - actual living history right there. More Victorian tiles have recently been uncovered after being hidden under laminate flooring for I don’t know how long. Why would you cover those up?!

L’Image is open seven days for breakfast and lunch, with Saturday night bistro evenings and special events. This Friday it’s Paella & Prosecco night.

Lovely service, an interesting wine list, a warm atmosphere and Mabel could join us too. Basically, my kind of Sunday lunch. 

Budleigh is one of those sleepy seaside towns I’ve always loved, full of independents and vintage shops. 

This week it’s a little busier thanks to the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, and L’Image would be perfect for a pre or post-event lunch, dinner or glass of wine.

And as a public transport girl, I loved how easy it was - train to Exmouth, then the bus. No driving means I can have the Rioja. Obviously.

I’ve already spotted a scallop and bacon ciabatta on the breakfast menu, so I suspect I’ll be back.

Save this one for your next East Devon day out and tag the person you’d take with you.

Ad - Pr Invite 

#BudleighSalterton #BudleighLiteraryFestival #EastDevonFood #DevonFoodie #DevonIndependents
When you finish your coffee and cake and realise t When you finish your coffee and cake and realise the best part of your day is over .. 🫠

Send help xoxo
God forbid a woman needs to nourish her body .. al God forbid a woman needs to nourish her body .. also this IS the correct amount of French butter for a baguette ♥️
I D O N ‘ T K N O W about you, but we’re def I  D O N ‘ T  K N O W about you, but we’re definitely getting into Sunday roast territory…

The evenings are drawing in, there’s a little nip in the air in the mornings and autumn is quietly making its way towards us. I’m not quite ready to let go of summer yet, but I do love this bit in between. It’s still warm enough to sit outside, the evenings aren’t too dark and the light has that gorgeous, slightly golden hue that I particularly love at this time of year.

And then there’s the food.

A proper Sunday roast suddenly feels like exactly what I want. Crispy roasties, proper gravy, seasonal veg and that lovely feeling of settling in for a long, lazy Sunday lunch.

So, if you’re starting to think about where to go for a Sunday roast in the South West, I’ve rounded up 10 of my current favourites across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and beyond. 

This is very much a current favourites list rather than a definitive guide - there are far too many brilliant Sunday roasts across the South West for that, and I certainly haven’t tried them all.

Which means I need your help…

Where do you go for a banging roast? Have I missed your favourite? Tell me where I should be trying next - I’m always looking for another excuse for a Sunday lunch.

And if you’re planning your autumn food adventures, save this one for the next time you’re looking for a Sunday roast, Sunday lunch or somewhere good to eat in the South West.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonFoodie #SundayRoast #SouthWestFood #DevonEats
M Y L I T T L E H E A R T T O H E A R T | Autu M Y  L I T T L E  H E A R T  T O  H E A R T | Autumn in Exeter edition 💌

If you came to visit me in Exeter and said, “Right Tara, show me your Exeter…” this is where I’d take you.

I’ve lived in Devon all my life and I’m constantly eating, drinking and exploring my way around this city, so I’ve got plenty of places I love to share. Indies only, always.

Think independent Exeter cafés, brilliant bakeries, foodie finds, brunch, a really good glass of wine and a few places worth making a little detour for.

I love days that start outdoors - a coffee at an outside table, a wander around the city and then somewhere cosy to end the day.

And some of my favourite moments don’t have to cost the earth. Fish and chips on the Quay, a bottle of something delicious picked up from a deli or wine shop - a dreamy situation if you ask me. And whilst it’s still mild enough to do that, let’s take advantage.

There’s something here for every budget and every mood, and I love that about Exeter.

I couldn’t tag every business because Instagram only allows 20 tags, so if you spot somewhere you love, tag them below and help other Exeter foodies discover them too.

Save this for the next time you’re planning a day in Exeter, and send it to the friend you’d bring with you.

And if you’re new around here, stick around. I’m always out exploring Exeter and the wider South West, looking for the independent places worth knowing about.

Tell me where I need to try next - I’m always on the lookout for my next foodie find.

Sending love,
Tara xx

Exeter food | Exeter cafés | Exeter restaurants | Exeter bakeries | Exeter brunch | Exeter wine bars | independent Exeter | things to do in Exeter | Devon foodie | South West food
J U N G L E C O F F E E - E X E T E R Exeter ha J U N G L E  C O F F E E - E X E T E R 

Exeter has a new coffee spot and it’s a good one.

Introducing @junglecoffeetrailer - the newest indie coffee spot in town (although technically it’s a rather lovely horse box) owned and run by Jess, who has 20 years of barista experience and some seriously good latte art skills.

And coffee drinkers, I know you care about the beans…
Jess uses @girlswhogrindcoffee a female-founded specialty coffee roastery based in Wiltshire, sourcing directly from women producers around the world. So there’s a lovely story behind the cup too.

You’ll find Jungle Coffee parked up in Northernhay Gardens Monday to Saturday, in one of the prettiest spots in central Exeter, beneath the castle and surrounded by flowers and greenery.

It’s a stone’s throw from Exeter College - hey students, where are you? - and just five minutes from the High Street, Exeter Library and Queen Street. Pretty perfect city centre positioning.

And then there’s the cold foam menu…

I had to try it. I went for a black iced Americano with vanilla cold foam - it genuinely looked like a pint of Guinness - while Amy had an iced vanilla matcha with matcha cold foam. Both delicious.

Not into coffee? There’s matcha and Pukka teas too.
And for the all-important coffee and cake combo, Jess stocks brownies from fellow Exeter indie @cakeordeathldn . Honestly, good coffee + chocolate brownie = hard to beat.

So if you’re looking for good coffee in Exeter, specialty coffee, matcha or an independent coffee shop, put Jungle Coffee on your list.

Save this for your next Exeter coffee stop and share it with the person you’re always meeting for coffee.

And if you’re passing Northernhay Gardens, go and say hello to Jess - let’s give our newest indie a proper Exeter welcome.

#ExeterCoffee #ExeterFoodie #DevonFoodie #IndependentExeter #SouthWestFoodie
T H E S E A H O R S E - D A R T M O U T H I get T H E  S E A H O R S E - D A R T M O U T H 

I get asked all the time what my favourite restaurant is… so let me finally answer it.

My absolute Devon favourite? @seahorse.restaurant in Dartmouth. Hands down.

ad And I never need an excuse to go back. There is just something about this place that gets me every single time.

So what actually makes The Seahorse my Devon favourite?

Well, firstly, the food. Gorgeous local, fresh fish and seafood cooked in an Italian style. I don’t think there is anywhere else locally doing the same thing. Every time I eat here I feel like I’ve been whisked off to Venice for a few hours - and what’s not to love about that?

But it’s more than the food.

It’s the feeling you get when you’re here. You feel special. Loved. Looked after. Like you’re part of something, rather than simply a customer. The staff talk to you like old friends, remember you, and seem genuinely interested in you. That kind of hospitality is pretty special.

Then there are all the little extras. The set lunch menu is incredibly good value, and the main menu is exceptional for the quality. There’s always bread with anchovy dip, some little nibbles - on this visit, the loveliest pickles - and those gorgeous little Italian doughnuts that appear with your coffee or the bill. Such thoughtful touches.

And the service? Next level. You’ll struggle to find better.

I also adore the setting. Butterscotch-coloured banquettes, original artwork, framed menus signed by chefs from special events, pristine white tablecloths, beautiful silverware and the servers in their white jackets. It all adds to that wonderfully old-school, Italian restaurant feel.

And then there’s Joe’s Bar - the epitome of the perfect restaurant bar. Very Italian, very relaxed and serving a seriously good Negroni. Trust me on that one.

So yes, I’m officially declaring it…

The Seahorse is my favourite restaurant in Devon.

If you know, you know.

Now I want to know yours. What’s your favourite Devon restaurant - and can you tempt me away from The Seahorse?

#TheSeahorseDartmouth #DevonFoodie #DartmouthFood #SouthWestFoodie #DevonRestaurants
T H E J A C K I N T H E G R E E N - R O C K B T H E  J A C K  I N  T H E  G R E E N - R O C K B E A R E 

ad Ten years is a long time between visits… especially when the food is this good.

I genuinely couldn’t tell you why I hadn’t been back to @thejackinthegreen at Rockbeare for over a decade, but I’m very glad I finally did.

We were there on Friday to celebrate the launch of Taste East Devon, a nine-day festival celebrating the food, drink and brilliant businesses across East Devon.

There are loads of events happening throughout the festival - vineyard tours, talks, celebratory lunches and food experiences - so it’s well worth checking out the itinerary.

And The Jack in the Green has created a very special seasonal @tasteeastdevon menu.

We started with drinks in the beer garden. Polly had a Sarti Spritz - blood orange and mango aperitivo with Prosecco - while I had a lovely glass of Provence rosé.

Then came the food…

Ham hock terrine, quail egg and pickles for Polly and whipped blue cheese with fig for me.

Pork belly with the most fabulous gravy for Polly, and cod with caper, gherkin and parsley sauce for me. The cod wasn’t officially on the menu, but Kirsty very kindly swapped it in as I’m pescatarian.

And then, because apparently we hadn’t eaten enough, we shared the apple and caramel mille-feuille. We’re still not quite sure how we managed it, but it was delicious enough to make room for.

Everything was so, so good.

And Kirsty deserves a special mention. Spectacular service from someone who really knows hospitality. Thank you for looking after us so brilliantly.

I’ve definitely got The Jack in the Green firmly back on my radar.

Even better, you can get the No. 4 bus from Exeter and it stops right outside, so you can enjoy the whole experience without having to drive. Perfect.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat your way around East Devon, this one is worth knowing about.

Have you got an East Devon favourite I need to rediscover?

#TasteEastDevon #EastDevonEats #DevonFoodFinds #DevonIndependent #SouthWestFoodie
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© Tara Smith 2022
 

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