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A Week In The life - Volume 7

A Week In The life – Volume 7

19th July 202119th July 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Lakemoor Alpacas What can I say about Lakemore Alpacas that I didn’t gush about on Instagram? It was the best day ever and I left feeling like I had had a really great massage. I was so calm and relaxed. Spending time with the alpacas in the countryside was just the tonic I needed. ThankRead more

A Week In The Life – Volume 6

6th July 20216th July 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Happy July folks. Where is the time going? Blink and another week passes. Blink again and a month has flown by. Lockdown easing and things opening up have meant I have been out and about a little more than in previous months but I am still behaving cautiously. I think I always will now. IRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume 5

A Week In The Life – Volume 5

7th June 20217th June 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Hi all and Happy June! It’s been a busy and enjoyable week so grab yourselves a coffee and take a little walk through my week with me. First Barbecue Of The Year It’s been a long time coming due to the inclement Great British weather but last Monday we dusted off the barbecue and gotRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume Four

A Week In The Life – Volume Four

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

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. Sicily my little tabby cat has been in and out of kitty hospital all week and I have been feeling really down about it. I am sure there are other cat mums and dads out there that understand how terrifying it is when something you love with allRead more

A Week In The Life - Volume Three

A Week In The Life – Volume Three

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

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

A Week In The Life - Volume Two

A Week In The Life – Volume Two

5th May 20215th May 2021 - tara Leave a comment

I believe it’s the little things that make a difference in life. That’s why I couldn’t have been more excited when I hopped on the train and headed out of Exeter for a few hours to meet my friend Chloe. In the past year, I have only left Devon once which is insane due toRead more

A Trip To Gelato Paradise

A Week In The Life – Volume 1

27th April 202127th April 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Like anything I go through phases as I am sure you do. Phases of things I eat, places I like to visit and also having the mojo to get motivated to write a blog post. I guess with the various limitations through lockdown other things have been prioritised and that’s all good. It’s not likeRead more

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 10

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 10

23rd March 202123rd March 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Sunday lunching had become a bit of a thing of late and pasta has been playing a huge part in that. A few weeks ago I discovered La Tua. An authentic Italian pasta home delivery service that deliver nationwide. I have ordered twice now and can’t fault the ease of purchase from start to finish.Read more

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 9

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3 Week 9

15th March 202115th March 2021 - tara 2 Comments

This week must have been the wettest in history! Every time I ventured out of the house I was either hailed on, rained on or almost blown away. I don’t mean to start my blog post talking about the weather as there has been other stuff way more interesting going on but I did feelRead more

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3.0 Week 8

My Week In Pictures Lockdown 3.0 Week 8

7th March 2021 - tara Leave a comment

Welcome to week 8 of the third lockdown in the United Kingdom. There is light at the end of the tunnel though. From tomorrow lockdown rules begin to ease meaning that schools can go back and a few weeks after that we can meet up with more than one person socially outdoors. Then in stagesRead 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

P U B L I C S E R V I C E A N N O U N C E M E N P U B L I C  S E R V I C E  A N N O U N C E M E N T for anyone who loves discovering genuinely special places. Village Farm Cafe is the kind of spot you stumble upon once and immediately want to tell everyone about. It’s a cosy mix of mismatched furniture, vintage crockery, old books and little nicknacks on the tables, all softened by dried flowers from the in-house florist. Alongside the cafe, there’s a small farm shop, a boutique, a florist studio and even a massage therapist on site. They host workshops too in their open plan upstairs space, and have just started serving Sunday roasts, which I’m already planning to go back for. I bet they are lush! 

Brunch was super tasty. I had the miso sesame mushrooms on sourdough toast and Steve ordered the Salcombe Smokie (local smoked mackerel) on toast. 

Both really hit the spot, and the Voyager coffee (my all time fav) made it even better. If you’re ever in the area and hunting for a memorable breakfast or brunch spot, consider this your sign to visit @village_farm_cafe .

#DevonBrunch #CountrysideCafe #HiddenGemCafe #BrunchInDevon #BestBrunchSpots #foodiefinds #devonfoodie
P U M P K I N P I E S E A S O N is back - a litt P U M P K I N  P I E  S E A S O N is back - a little messy, very spiced, and exactly what November should taste like.

It’s officially pumpkin pie season in my kitchen and yes, I’m still trying to make a rectangle of pastry fit into a round tin. The classic recipe on the can of pumpkin purée never fails though .. all those cosy autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove make the whole house smell incredible.

No whipped cream this time (the fridge let me down), so it was a simple slice (I had two - not going to lie) and a cup of tea after ballet class. Pure comfort after about 20,000 plies and squats!

Even Biscotti the cat got a treat with the leftover evaporated milk… we don’t do food waste around here!

Ad Trousers @turtledovelondon - my all time favourite Kate’s. Use my discount code TARASBUSYKITCHEN20 for 20% off. It even works on current sale items as I just got myself a tartan co-ord! Can’t wait for it to arrive. ♥️

#PumpkinPie #AutumnBaking #HomeBaking #CozyRecipes #PumpkinRecipes #EasyDesserts #BakingAtHome #SeasonalBaking #ComfortBaking #LifeLately #FallRecipes #TeaAndCake #HomemadeDessert #KitchenDiaries
S W E E T & W I L D ad - in partnership with @s S W E E T &  W I L D 

ad - in partnership with @sweetandwild_treats 

When Sweet & Wild reached out, I was instantly drawn to their story - and to Teddie, whose passion for creating something both indulgent and mindful shines through in every piece. 

She wanted me to capture the essence of indulgence, reimagined in a healthier way - that comforting, nourishing kind of treat that feels like self-care.

Because honestly, what’s better than a moment of calm? A steaming pot of tea, your cat curled up beside you (hello, Biscotti .. a star in the making), and a sweet bite that’s full of real ingredients - fruits, nuts and seeds - crafted with thought and care.

Their Complete Collection brings together all of their natural, palm-oil-free, refined-sugar-free treats, beautifully packaged by an independent South West brand that truly values sustainability. And the best part? Sweet & Wild deliver, and they even offer a subscription service, so you can have a box of their artisan treats arrive every two weeks, every month or whatever rhythm suits you. I can’t think of a lovelier gift than that. A little joy through the letterbox and a gift that keeps on giving.

Working with thoughtful, ethical brands like Sweet & Wild is such a joy - helping tell stories that feel real, grounded and full of heart. If your brand believes in authentic, mindful storytelling, I’d love to help bring your vision to life too. 

What’s your moment of calm? 

#Ad #SweetAndWildTreats #SouthWestCreatives #IndependentSouthWest #MindfulTreats #ArtisanChocolate #SustainableSnacking #AuthenticStorytelling #UGCCreatorUK #ContentWithHeart #CreativeCollaboration
I C A N ‘ T S T O P T H I N K I N G about thi I  C A N ‘ T  S T O P  T H I N K I N G about this mystery Italian cocktail and I need your help to track it down.

Have you ever stumbled across a drink online and just had to try it… but then couldn’t find it again? That’s me right now. Why didn’t I save the post? 

I saw this beautiful Italian cocktail on someone’s Instagram. (Who though?) The story was that a local bar somewhere in Italy was serving Prosecco stained with Campari, which feels wonderfully poetic. I remember the name reflecting that in Italian but can’t for the life of me remember what it was. On numerous google searches I can’t find anything about it. 

Apparently it’s very regional, and now I’m determined to find out more.

I’ve made my own version from memory: a splash of Campari over chilled Prosecco, a slice of orange or clementine, and a little ice. Simple, elegant, and perfectly festive. Add a few aperitivo snacks - olives, artichokes, stuffed peppers, maybe a bit of chilli cheese and you’ve got the ideal pre-dinner moment.

But here’s the mystery - does anyone know what this cocktail is called or where it’s from? I’d love to track down the original.

#ItalianCocktails #ProseccoCocktail #Campari #AperitivoTime #CocktailMystery #FestiveDrinks #HolidayCocktails #HomeBarIdeas #DrinkInspiration #AperitivoHour #ChristmasDrinks #CampariCocktail #ItalianStyle #CocktailCulture #DrinksOfInstagram
H O L M - S O U T H P E T H E R T O N Would you H O L M - S O U T H  P E T H E R T O N 

Would you do a three‑hour round trip just for lunch? Because honestly… I would (and did). 😌 I hopped on a train from Exeter to Crewkerne, grabbed a taxi to South Petherton, and finally made it to Holm - a restaurant I’ve had bookmarked forever. And it was so worth every mile (and every mouthful).

Think simple, cosy interiors with that golden, late‑afternoon glow and a Sunday menu built entirely around seasonal Somerset produce. We ordered one of everything .. (don’t judge - we travelled a long way and wanted to make sure we didn’t leave wondering) The Westcombe cheddar fries were outrageously good, the gnocchi with chanterelles and sweet corn melt‑in‑the‑mouth perfect, and the roast? Pure comfort. Amy’s beef was perfectly pink, Polly’s pork was melt in the mouth and the roast potatoes were divine. 🍽️

The kitchen is headed up by Chef @nicholasbalfe , who made waves in London with Salon in Brixton, Levan and Larry’s in Peckham before bringing his seasonal, flavour‑driven cooking to the Somerset countryside. You can taste that same creative sparkle here - elevated yet relaxed, full of heart.

And just when we thought we couldn’t possibly be any happier, he appeared with an off‑menu hazelnut‑praline dessert that was the loveliest finish - indulgent yet balanced, leaving us perfectly content ready for a coffee by the fire before heading back to the train. 

📍If you love South West food adventures, local dining gems, and beautifully curated menus, Holm deserves a top spot on your “must‑visit” list. 

#farmtofork #seasonaldining #southwesteats #somersetlife #hiddengemrestaurant #sundaylunchgoals
A U T U M N B E A C H D A Y - There’s somethin A U T U M N  B E A C H  D A Y - There’s something about a quiet autumn day by the sea that just slows everything down in the best way. The sunshine felt all glowy, the sea was calm, and for a few hours it honestly felt like summer was still hanging on. Loving that I can still go out with bare legs!! Who’s with me? 

It got me thinking - we don’t always need big holidays or far-flung adventures to spark joy. Sometimes all it takes is a little change of scene: a walk somewhere new, a different route, a small day trip that breaks the rhythm. I read something recently about how those tiny shifts can reset the brain and lift your mood and today really proved it.

A simple wander along the beach, a coffee break somewhere different and pebbles underfoot, was enough to put the spring back in my step after a few tiring days. ✨ This girl has been covering extra classes, started two new ones and was feeling a little done in. The autumn sunshine and fresh air has definitely fixed that. 🩰

#SimpleJoys #CoastalDays #AutumnLight #LittleAdventures #SlowLiving #BudleighBeach
D O N ‘ T T E L L D O R S E T … but this Dev D O N ‘ T  T E L L  D O R S E T … but this Devon girl might just have perfected their famous Easy Dorset Apple Cake!

Our trees went wild this year - after batches of cider and one too many crumbles, I needed a new way to use them up. This soft, buttery apple cake is bursting with fresh orchard apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s the kind of traditional British bake that makes your kitchen smell like autumn.

It’s beautifully simple: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, spice, and plenty of chopped apples. About 45 minutes later, you’ve got golden, crumbly, apple‑filled perfection. Perfect served warm with custard or ideal with a cup of tea (bonus points if it’s raining outside - and it is!).

Ingredients 
115g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
225g self-raising flour
2 tsp cinnamon 
115g light brown sugar 
1 large egg, beaten
6-8 tbsp milk 
225g peeled, cored and chopped apples
100g sultanas 
Demerara sugar to sprinkle (optional) 

Method 
Add flour, sugar and cinnamon to a large bowl. Todd in the butter and rub in until the mix resembles small breadcrumbs.

Add in the egg and milk and mix to create a thick, smooth batter. 

Add in sultanas and apples and mix again. 

Tip into a lined and greased cake tin, sprinkle with Demerara sugar and bake in a preheated oven at 160C for 30-40 mins. 

•Save this recipe for your next cosy weekend bake
•Tag me if you try it. I can’t wait to see your Devon‑inspired versions!

Homemade, comforting, and the easiest apple cake recipe you’ll ever make.
A T A B L E F O R T W O , A G L A S S O F W A  T A B L E  F O R  T W O ,  A  G L A S S  O F  W I N E & an evening you never want to end.. 

ad - I honestly can’t stop thinking about our evening at The Seahorse in Dartmouth. The atmosphere was buzzing, and every dish was just incredible. Visiting chef, Ed Wilson from Brawn, London, and the amazing Seahorse team completely knocked it out of the park. Simple food, cooked beautifully, shared with the best company - hands down one of those nights you never want to end.

The @seahorse.restaurant is now officially my favourite restaurant - they can add that to their recent accolades!! 😂

#SeafoodLovers #FoodieTravel #DevonDining #HiddenGemsUK #RestaurantGoals
E A S I N G I N T O A U T U M N with the dreamie E A S I N G  I N T O  A U T U M N with the dreamiest Cranberry, Almond & Dark Chocolate Granola - cosy, crunchy and just a little bit festive. 

Ad - I was recently asked by @girafmacadamiauk (check them out!) if I wanted to try their creamy macadamia nut milk, and I have to say, I was intrigued. I adore macadamia nuts, but I’d never thought about them as milk before!

After a little research, I found it’s brilliant in coffee, hot chocolate, porridge… and granola. So, inspired by @sallysbakingaddiction, I whipped up this delicious cranberry, almond and dark chocolate granola, and honestly? The result is divine.

The creamy, buttery notes from the macadamia milk really elevate the flavours - it’s not as strong as almond milk, so everything stays perfectly balanced. It’s like autumn and Christmas had a breakfast baby. 🍂🎄

Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped almonds
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chunks
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
⅓ cup coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:
Preheat oven to 160C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, cinnamon and salt.
Add honey, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir until well coated.
Spread evenly on the tray and bake for 30-35 mins, stirring halfway.
Allow to cool completely, then fold in cranberries and dark chocolate chunks.
Serve with creamy macadamia milk (trust me!) and enjoy your new favourite breakfast.

Tip: Store in an airtight jar for up to two weeks if it lasts that long!

#homemadegranola #autumnbreakfast #macadamianutmilk #breakfastinspo #sallysbakingaddictioninspired
W O U L D Y O U B E L I E V E this used to be ou W O U L D  Y O U  B E L I E V E this used to be our garden shed? 

A while ago, I asked on stories if you wanted a closer look at our garden pub and you said yes! So here it is: welcome to The Lyngarth Arms.

What started as a little lockdown project somehow turned into The Lyngarth Arms - our very own garden pub (and yes, it actually has hand pulls for that ultimate pub pint).

Landlord ( & my other half) Steve built the bar himself and hunted down proper pub furniture from a village pub near Exeter that was sadly closing, so it really does feel like the real thing. We pour beer from local brewers @crossedanchorsbrewing, keep the snacks flowing (Scampi Fries forever my fave), and there’s always something happening - match nights, family parties, quizzes or the odd late‑night disco & singalong.

And of course, every good pub needs a regular… ours is Dustin the cat, who’s rarely more than one barstool away. Safe to say, heading out to other pubs feels like a bit of an effort now. The Lyngarth’s got everything we need right here.

P.S. We get our beer from the fab team at @crossedanchorsbrewing in Exeter - they do home delivery! You can order their 5 or 10 litre bag-in-box ales or bottled beers straight from their website, and they’ll drop it right to your door (usually on Fridays if you’re local). Honestly, the easiest way to keep The Lyngarth taps flowing!

Ad - beer from @crossedanchorsbrewing kindly gifted

18+ | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
O C T O B E R  H I G H S &  L O W S 

This month’s been a real mix to be honest. 

Low:
Living with ongoing arthritis pain has been challenging - it’s constant and definitely affecting my quality of life. I can feel the impact on my back and hip as I shift my weight to accommodate it. As a dancer and dance teacher, that’s worrying and has made me think a lot about how to future-proof my body and my work so I can keep doing what I love for as long as possible.

Highs:
There have still been so many lovely moments this month despite the low being quite a biggie.
•Celebrating Steve’s birthday with friends (and a big cake).
•A night away in Lyme Regis - time off, exploring, and resetting.
•Visiting Lyme Bay Winery during harvest and seeing all the hard work, skill and passion that goes into producing amazing English wines. It was fascinating to get a glimpse behind the scenes and appreciate what makes our local producers so special.
•Finally getting that perfectly made Negroni at Joe’s Bar.
•An incredible dinner when Brawn came to The Seahorse in Dartmouth for the Dartmouth Food Festival - they’ve been on my foodie list for ages, so it was brilliant to experience them close to home.
•A night at Boringdon Hall - amazing service, the friendliest hotel cat, and a cheese trolley that completely made the visit.
•And, as always, discovering and supporting brilliant independent businesses. The care, creativity and service you find in the South West never fail to impress - it still baffles me that people choose to spend elsewhere when the indie experience is always better.

A real highlight this month has been creating content for small and independent businesses, helping them showcase their amazing products and stories. It’s another creative outlet that feels fulfilling and, importantly, a little gentler on my body.

Here’s to slowing down, supporting small businesses, and finding joy in good food, good company, and local adventures.
E V E R Y  G R E A T  H O T E L  needs… 

I can’t let these photos sit in the camera roll - Steve captured the sweetest shots of Boringdon Hall’s resident cat last week, and honestly… my heart can’t cope. 🐈💛

This post is for anyone who, like me, believes a hotel instantly becomes 100x better when there’s a resident cat padding around to greet you. I think my face says it all. Love at first sight.

#CatsOfInstagram #HotelCat #BoringdonHall #CatLover #TravelWithCats
B L A C K B E E R G I N G E R B R E A D This i B L A C K  B E E R  G I N G E R B R E A D 

This is perfect for a Halloween or Bonfire Night get together. It’s a little bit spooky and serves loads! 🎇🎃

Now the clocks have changed and summer fruits are gone, it’s time for all things magical and spiced. This beauty is based on Nigella Lawson’s Black Beer Gingerbread but I’ve swapped the Guinness for a local favourite: “Darkness” from @exeterbrewery (why use anything else when it’s brewed less than a mile away?).

Recipe:
150g butter
300g golden syrup
200g dark muscovado sugar
250ml stout (I used @exeterbrewery Darkness)
300g plain (all-purpose) flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
300ml sour cream
2 eggs

Method:
Preheat oven to 170°C and line a square or rectangle tin.
Melt butter, golden syrup, and sugar in a pan until smooth.
Stir in the stout, then whisk in the flour, spices, and bicarbonate.
In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and eggs, then fold into the warm batter.
Pour into the tin and bake for about 45 minutes until risen and springy.
Cool completely, then dust with icing sugar.

Serve with a big pot of tea and a quiet moment - this is autumn in a slice. 🍁 If you are lucky a cat or two to share it with. 🐾

#Gingerbread #AutumnBaking #NigellaInspired #ExeterBrewery #LocalBeer #CosyBakes #HomeBaking #SpicedCake #BakingReel #CatsAndCake #SeasonalBakes
G E N I U S O R A G L O O P Y D I S A S T E R G E N I U S  O R  A  G L O O P Y  D I S A S T E R ? 
I’m trying something new with pasta 🍝 

One-pan, no-drain spaghetti cooked right in the sauce!
Here’s how I did it:
• Sizzle garlic, chilli + oil in a wide pan.
• Add 75g raw spaghetti per person.
• Add 125ml pasatta per person to the pan and season. 
• Mix 200 ml boiling water + 1 tbsp tomato purée per person, pour gradually into the pan. 
• Season + simmer till al dente, adding more water if needed.

Optional: oregano, olives, capers or let it char slightly for a smoky flavour.

I topped mine with grated Devon red cheese (it’s all I had but worked) and parsley - basil would have been better but use what you have.

Tasty, minimal effort and barely any washing up 👌
Would I make it again? Yeah… with a few tweaks!

#onepotpasta #easyrecipes #pastanight #midweekmeals #homecooking #quickdinner #budgetmeals #pastaexperiment #comfortfood #cookingtiktok #weeknightdinner
A U T U M N D E S S E R T I N S P O that would m A U T U M N  D E S S E R T  I N S P O that would make a mean Christmas pud alternative too. 

I’ve got friends coming over for a midweek supper and I wanted to get ahead so I can focus on enjoying the moment. I have created a decadent fruit and nut topping for creamy ice-cream that will fit the cosy autumnal Halloween dessert vibes I am looking for. 

Make-ahead indulgence: soak 75 g raisins + 75 g chopped walnuts in 1 cup of hot black tea for 30 mins until plump; drain and pour over ~75 ml of rich, malty, sherry-like @lymebaywine Black beer & Raisin wine + 1 tbsp honey; refrigerate overnight so the flavours deepen. Then… serve by spooning over top-quality vanilla ice cream for a quick, heavenly dessert. Perfect for a mid-week get-together or as a lighter Christmas-pud alternative. 

Gifted items - @lymebaywine / @turtledovelondon Kate trousers / @saltwatersandals_uk Shark Fisherman sandals / @fryth_made chopping board / @hotpotteryuk bowl 

#fruitandnutdessert #makeaheaddessert #autumndessert #christmasdessertalternative #vanillaicecream #raisinsandwalnuts #LymeBayWine #easyrecipes #dessertrecipe #swsambassadoruk
ad Less than 24 hours at @boringdonhall , but it h ad Less than 24 hours at @boringdonhall , but it honestly felt like a full weekend away. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional - thoughtful, personal, and full of those little touches that make all the difference (yes, even my bag got its own stool at dinner).

We dined at @acleafrestaurant , where Head Chef Scott Paton takes fine dining to another level. The autumn four-course menu was beautifully curated using the best local ingredients, with wine pairings that travelled from Devon’s own @sandridgebarton stop ferment Bacchus to Greece, Lebanon, and Italy. And then came the cheese trolley of dreams - naturally, I went straight for the stinkiest ones. Apologies to the other diners but needs must! 

Day two started with a 7:15 barre class, followed by eggs florentine and Marmite on toast - because balance. Before heading home, I couldn’t resist one last dip in the pool at @gaiaboringdon ; the pool, hot tubs, and saunas are next-level. Oh, and don’t miss Fidget, the hotel cat who happily claims his spot outside the spa for a fuss or two. I have never met a more chilled feline. 🐱

To top it all off, a thoughtful gift of honey from their own bees and a bespoke Boringdon gin with our names on the label. A perfect end to a perfectly indulgent stay.

GIFTED STAY 
#BoringdonHall #LuxuryHotel #DevonGetaway #FineDining #MichelinStar #SpaBreak #GourmetExperience #TravelUK #WeekendEscape #RoyalTreatment
B R A W N x T H E S E A H O R S E ad Last nig B R A W N  x  T H E  S E A H O R S E 

ad Last night I braved Storm Bert and made my way by train & bus from Exeter to @seahorse.restaurant in Dartmouth - recently crowned UK Restaurant of the Year Outside London. 

For one night only, Chef Ed Wilson and his wife Josie Wilson from @brawn_london were in residence - and as someone who’s had Brawn high on my London fine-dining list for ages, there was no way I was missing it.

The food was nothing short of spectacular: buttery Parmesan fritters, anchovy toast (dreamy), scallops steamed in their shells with puff pastry, indulgent sea urchin spaghetti, and the lightest turbot with mushrooms and spinach. Dessert? A silky panna cotta with figs - my current fruit obsession. 🍮

The Seahorse was buzzing, the staff impossibly charming as always, and the whole evening pure foodie heaven. Totally worth battling the rain and two modes of public transport. Literally nothing would’ve kept me away. Thank you for such a magical night in what is now my favourite Devon restaurant. 

PR INVITE 

#seafoodlovers #pastalovers #seahorsedartmouth #devonfoodie #brawnlondon #bestrestaurantoutsidelondon #dartmoutheats #dartmouthfoodfestival
I ‘ M N O T E V E R Y T H I N G I want to be I ‘ M  N O T  E V E R Y T H I N G  I want to be yet, but I’m a lot of things I wanted to be two years ago, and what a wonderful thing to realise that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to save for your next trip to Lyme Regis ✨
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© Tara Smith 2022