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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
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 ✨
T H I S I S V E R Y B O R I N G .. Apparently T H I S I S V E R Y B O R I N G .. Apparently. According to Instagram, anyway - because my insights keep reminding me (in their best passive-aggressive tone) that “non-followers stop watching after 3 seconds” and my “reel could be more engaging.” Honestly, after a decade of sharing the things I love - beautiful places, hidden gems, and the best spots for dinner, coffee or a mooch - it sometimes feels like the algorithm and I need couples therapy. But this week, I decided to ignore all that and just enjoy. We escaped to Lyme Regis to celebrate Steve’s birthday. We wandered along the Cobb, admired those views from the gardens, pottered through some of my favourite indie shops, and found a darn good coffee (priorities). So, if this post doesn’t go viral, that’s fine. It’s still full of everything I love: sea air, slow moments, and small joys. And if you spot a little heart from me on your post, know it’s because I do care even if we’re all just mindlessly scrolling half the time. ❤️ Here’s to more real moments, less algorithm anxiety, and maybe another trip for more coffee soon. Watch this space.☕️ The great coffee was from @amid_giants_and_idols in case you were wondering!
G R A P E T O G L A S S : Harvest day at Lyme Ba G R A P E T O G L A S S : Harvest day at Lyme Bay Winery. Last Tuesday I spent the day at @lymebaywine right in the middle of harvest - what a treat! 🍇 I watched and participated - yes, I was allowed to brandish a rake to help guide the Pinot Noir grapes up the conveyor belt to their next resting place, got to peek behind the scenes checking fermenting juice with their clever little machine, and even saw their new Bacchus Rosé in progress. A new one on me - anyone else ever seen a Bacchus rosé? Lyme Bay work with some of the best growers across the south - think Essex, Kent and a little more local, Devon to get the top fruit for their wines. Their aim? To make the best still English wines out there. Pretty inspiring to see it all in action. What’s your favourite English wine or variety. I’d love to know. ad / pr invite @cheskahull @rawfoodanddrink
I J U S T L O V E this time of year 🍂 Somerse I J U S T L O V E this time of year 🍂 Somerset is honestly showing off - all golden fields, cosy sunshine, and that soft autumn glow. Last weekend I stopped by the @farmshopuk at Hauser & Wirth and completely fell for their gorgeous pumpkin display (how could I not?!). What is it with those spherical delights that sparks so much joy? I am like a moth to a flame! 🧡 If you’re local, you really should pop by. TBH, even if you aren’t, it’s totally worth the drive. You can visit @dacosta.somerset, @rothbar.somerset, and @hauserwirth - they’re all on the same site and just 1 hour 20 from Exeter. Bruton town centre is only 10 minutes away too, so you can make a full day of it. I definitely did! If you want more Bruton recommendations they are below. Make sure you save this post for your next Somerset day out 💛 @briar_restaurant @atthechapel @oldpharmacybruton
I N E E D E D T H I S . . A little road trip wit I N E E D E D T H I S . . A little road trip with a friend to Da Costa, just outside Bruton, on the beautiful Hauser & Wirth Somerset estate. We laughed our way through a long, lazy lunch (hello burrata with pickled plums! - deffo need to recreate. So delicious) then wandered (and danced - you can’t take me anywhere) through the art installations. Good friends. Great food. Lovely wine. Art and countryside. Honestly, that’s medicine for the soul. Some countries ( hey Sweden I see you) actually prescribe time outdoors and connection as medicine and after a day like this, I completely get it. 💛 Tag the friend who’s your favourite kind of therapy .. #HauserAndWirth #DaCostaBruton #SomersetDays #RoadTripVibes #FriendsAndFood #GoodForTheSoul #ArtAndNature #BrutonLife #EatWellTravelOften #SimpleJoys #ModernWellbeing
D A C O S T A - S O M E R S E T An Italian in S D A C O S T A - S O M E R S E T An Italian in Somerset that truly feeds the soul.✨ Forever on a quest for brilliant places to eat, drink and be merry, I stumbled upon Da Costa. A warm, contemporary Italian restaurant in Somerset, tucked away on Durslade  Farm just outside Bruton, one of the county’s top dining hotspots. The space has that rare mix of relaxed Italian charm and Somerset comfort. Perfect after a visit to the art‑filled Hauser & Wirth gallery or a cocktail at Roth Bar next door. Driven by seasonality (and my tummy), Da Costa is right up there with the best farm‑to‑table restaurants in the region. The locally grown and reared ingredients create dishes that feel like the kind of Italian food you’d find shared with family. Simple, generous, and delicious. Jemma and I started with creamy burrata and pickled plums, beetroot with apple and walnuts, then perfectly flame‑grilled courgettes with basil and yoghurt. To finish, the prettiest pear mousse with apricot sponge - each bite worth the trip for any foodie travelling through Somerset. 🍐 If you love discovering hidden gems and Somerset food experiences, don’t forget to save this post for your next trip or share it with a fellow foodie! Thank you @jessicaparkhouse for the recommendation. ♥️
I F Y O U L O V E D 130 Basement, you’re goin I F Y O U L O V E D 130 Basement, you’re going to be just as obsessed with A L M A - Exeter’s newest cafe that’s keeping all the best bits of the original and adding even more space to enjoy it. I actually featured the old spot in my Olive Mag article on my favourite Devon places, and I’m so happy to say the new space keeps that same warm, laid-back vibe - just bigger and even better. Think vintage furniture, amazing in-house cakes, and some of the best coffee in Exeter. I’ve been twice already in two weeks and it’s been buzzing both times. It’s the same lovely team, the same welcoming feel, just an even better spot to meet friends, work, or simply hang out with a black Americano and something sweet. Definitely one of the best independent cafes in Exeter for coffee, cake, and good company. Have you been to @alma_exeter yet? Let me know your thoughts.
M O K S A - E X E T E R Not a food post this time, M O K S A - E X E T E R Not a food post this time, but all about my beauty regime and the glow up it’s getting! Last weekend I accidentally stumbled into the grand opening of Moksa, a multi-award-winning natural skincare boutique in Exeter. I was on the hunt for a new natural face cream, but left with the most beautiful rose facial oil and my skin has been glowing and hydrated ever since. I even tried a balm that I’m definitely going back for! Their gorgeous side room is filled with local artisans, indie makers, and sustainable creators, showcasing everything from homewares and gifts to jewellery and repurposed fashion. Perfectly on brand and giving small businesses space to shine. Supporting the indies in Exeter and discovering new sustainable beauty favourites? Always a yes from me 🌸
I N S T A G R A M I S A T I T A G A I N with a I N S T A G R A M I S A T I T A G A I N with another algorithm change, and this Instagram update might shake things up a bit! You’ll be seeing less content from the accounts you actually follow, which feels wild because we follow people for a reason, right? 😅 If you want to keep seeing content from your favourite creators, here’s a quick social media tip: tap the three dots on the top right corner of this post and add it to your favourites. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for engagement and keeps your feed filled with the content you love. I am making sure I do the same as I don’t want to miss out on what makes me happy. Sending love and hope to see you on here soon xx #creatorsoninstagram #instagramvisibility #engagementboost
P A R M E S A N T A H I N I K A L E S A L A D P A R M E S A N T A H I N I K A L E S A L A D Make sure you watch to the end because my face says it all… When autumn cravings meet summer freshness, you get this Parmesan tahini kale salad. It’s tossed with toasted crunchy chickpeas and coated in the most unctuous, creamy dressing that blends rich Parmesan with silky tahini. A salad that’s hearty enough for cooler days but still vibrant and fresh. Proof that salad season doesn’t end with summer. Serves 4 For the salad: 1 can chickpeas, drained and patted dry 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp paprika Salt and pepper 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 250g kale (mix of cavolo nero and curly kale works well) 1 avocado, sliced For the dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, grated 1/2 cup Parmesan Water to loosen Method: Preheat oven to 180°C. Toss the chickpeas in 2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, shake, then bake another 10 minutes until crisp. Toast the pine nuts in a frying pan until golden. Add kale and Parmesan to a large bowl. Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth, adding about 1/4 cup water (more if needed) to loosen. Season to taste. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the kale and massage with clean hands to soften. Transfer to a serving platter, top with chickpeas, pine nuts and sliced avocado. Finish with an extra grating of Parmesan and the remaining dressing on the side. #KaleSalad #HealthyRecipes #FallFood #TahiniDressing #EasyMeals #ParmesanLove #SaladSeason #VegetarianRecipes #WholesomeEats
WE T H O U G H T W E W E R E just buying a hou WE T H O U G H T W E W E R E just buying a house but it turns out we were on our way to being accomplished cider makers! Our 2025 cider is finally bottled and honestly, I think it might be our best yet. 🍎✨ When we bought this place back in 2020, we knew we had apple trees, but we never imagined they’d kick off a whole craft cider adventure. Five years on, we’re still out here picking, pressing, fermenting, and bottling with whatever we’ve got to hand - including that little press I got Steve for his birthday in 2020. It’s way too small, but it’s part of the story now. Every harvest teaches us something new, and this year… everything just came together. The apples, the process, the patience - it’s all in the bottle. It’s become our tradition to open the last bottle of last year’s cider on bottling day - a small toast to how far we’ve come, and everything we’ve learned along the way. Here’s to our 2025 vintage - crisp, fresh, homegrown, and made with love. #CraftCider #Homebrewed #FromTreeToGlass #SmallBatch
N O T J U S T A H O U S E Our 2025 homemade cid N O T J U S T A H O U S E Our 2025 homemade cider is bottled and it might be our best yet 🍎✨ When we bought our house back in 2020, we knew we had apple trees but we never imagined they’d start our own craft cider journey. Five years on, we’re still picking, pressing, fermenting, and bottling with whatever we have to hand (I got Steve that press for his birthday in 2020 - it’s too small really but we make it work) and this year’s homebrewed cider is something special. It’s become tradition to open the last bottle of last year’s cider on bottling day. A small toast to how far we’ve come and everything we’ve learned along the way. Every harvest teaches us something new, and it’s great to know our apple trees and all that hard work is really paying off. Here’s to our 2025 vintage - crisp, fresh, and homegrown.🍺🍏 #HomemadeCider #CraftCider #CiderMaking #Homebrewing #AppleCider #HomeGrown #AppleHarvest #LockdownLegacy #SmallBatchCider #FarmToGlass #CiderLovers #CiderLife
W E S H O U L D D O T H I S M O R E O F T E N W E S H O U L D D O T H I S M O R E O F T E N ad You know those weekends that just click? Good friends, laughter, and a table that slowly fills with food and wine. Last weekend I put together a simple cheese board with a yummy selection from @cornishcheeseco - their new Dozmary Camembert-style, a bold mature cheddar, and that dreamy Cornish Blue that we all know and love. Then came the figs, grapes, seasonal berries, a handful of nuts, homemade plum chutney (made from our own plums) and a few oatcakes for good measure. You have to have different colours and textures in a cheeseboard don’t you? Each bite is different that way. And to serve alongside, a chilled bottle of @lymebaywine Shoreline. Crisp, citrusy, and perfectly balanced - it cuts through the creamy cheeses and makes every bite better than the last. Simple, local, and totally delicious - the kind of evening that makes you say, “we need to do this more often!”.. It’s definitely time to get the next date night in the diary.
A U T U M N S L O E S U P P E R 🍁 Last weeke A U T U M N S L O E S U P P E R 🍁 Last weekend I went to the autumn Sloe Supper at Park Cafe in Heavitree hosted by the lovely folks from Sloe Bakery Exeter. It was their second supper club, and you could feel how much love went into it. The menu was full of cosy, seasonal things: jammy figs and blue cheese, pumpkin and yogurt, corn tortellini in brown butter, then beef shin or lentil and mushroom ragu, and the dreamiest apple galette with malt ice cream. Everything was locally sourced, with a little menu card sharing where each ingredient came from - such a nice touch. You know I am all about food provenance. The room was packed and full of familiar faces, (hey Jo, hey Polly👋🏻) which gave it that proper Exeter food community energy. Definitely one of those evenings that makes you glad you said yes to going out on a blustery autumn night. 🍂 ad/gifted experience #AutumnSupperClub #SeasonalMenu #LocalFoodDevon #ExeterDining #FoodCommunity #HeavitreeEvents #SupperClubExperience #AutumnInExeter
C O S Y S E A S O N ✨🍁 ad There’s somethi C O S Y S E A S O N ✨🍁 ad There’s something about an autumnal Sunday that just calls for a little comfort. A mug of indulgent hot chocolate made with Trewithen Dairy creamy gold milk and The Pudding Collection chocolate flakes is my go-to cosy afternoon treat. Simply heat, stir, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and you’ve got pure chocolatey bliss. Definitely the kind that makes you want to curl up on the sofa and stay there. Gifted @the_pudding_collection dark chocolate flakes / @trewithen_dairy Gold 5% milk (now available at Sainsbury’s) #wintercomfort #cosyafternoon #weekendtreat
B A R E L B O R N - B A R C E L O N A Hidden G B A R E L B O R N - B A R C E L O N A Hidden Gem in Barcelona ✨ While exploring the El Born district, Steve and I discovered what might be the best bar in Barcelona and trust me, it feels like a true local secret. Think cozy vibes, amazing wine and craft beer, laid-back music you can actually chat over, and the kind of warm, welcoming staff that make you feel at home instantly. If you’re looking for an authentic Barcelona bar experience away from the tourist crowds, this is the spot you’ll still be dreaming about after your trip. (But let’s keep it between us! I still need a seat at the bar when I return 😉).
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