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Coronation Crown Egg-In-A-Basket

Coronation Crown Egg-In-A-Basket

28th April 20231st May 2023 - tara Leave a comment

I googled what to call eggs in toast and apparently, there are at least 66 names for this simple little breakfast, brunch, and lunch idea according to Wikipedia! Egg-in-a-hole, egg-in-a-basket, toad-in-a-hole (definitely not the toad-in-a-hole I know. Isn’t that sausage in batter?) to name a few. Can you guess any others? Let me know inRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

Devon-based food & travel content creator exploring top UK restaurants, cafes & vineyards. Sharing tips from the South West & beyond

T H E T Y T H E R L E I G H A R M S ad If you T H E  T Y T H E R L E I G H  A R M S 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save this for your next UK staycation.

Pr Invite 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dinner spots:
Circa | The Bull Inn | Tamarind Tree

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honestly - just book the train and go explore.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Tara x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*gift ad @maiaprovence 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#ExeterLife #DevonFoodAndDrink #WineBarUK #IndependentExeter #PizzaAndWine
N I C E T H I N G S T O D O I N E X E T E R N I C E  T H I N G S  T O  D O  I N  E X E T E R 

Planning a little staycation? Let me put Exeter on your radar… ✨

If I had 3 perfect days in my hometown, this is exactly how I’d spend them - eating, drinking, exploring, and soaking up everything that makes Exeter such a hidden gem in Devon.

Start slow with breakfast at Alma, ease into brunch at The Press House, then wander down for classic fish and chips by the river. Spend your afternoons sipping drinks at the Quay, vintage shopping at Aurora The Hoarder, and discovering Exeter’s incredible independent shops.

Hungry again? You’re spoiled for choice - pizza at POP Kitchen, or noodles at Kin Khao. And don’t miss a dreamy afternoon tea at Pink Ginger. Drinks at Pullo and Scapegoat.

Beyond the food, Exeter’s creative scene is something special - from exhibitions and live music at The Cavern to dance and wellness at St Sidwell’s Point, plus culture stops like the museum, library, and Phoenix Arts Centre.

If you fancy heading a little further afield, hop on the train to the coast - Exmouth is just 25 minutes away with a beautiful sandy beach, loads of independent spots, and gems like Dough Works. Or head to Topsham, even closer, for a charming waterside town packed with great eateries, independents, and cosy watering holes.
Exeter is full of character, creativity, and some of the best independent businesses in the South West - and it’s waiting to be explored.

📍 Save this for your next Devon getaway and start planning your Exeter itinerary. 

Enjoy - love Tara x

#Exeter #DevonDaysOut #UKStaycation #VisitExeter #ExploreDevon
N O W A C C E P T I N G I N V I T A T I O N S to N O W  A C C E P T I N G  I N V I T A T I O N S to drink rosé on beaches at sunset. 

Golden skies, salty air, and a chilled bottle of @simpsonswine Railway Hill Rosé in hand, paired perfectly with black truffle crisps and the sound of the sea. Simple pleasures just hit different when the evenings are lighter and spring starts to show off.

Tag someone who you would share your favourite English rosé with this spring .. 

#goldenhourvibes #beachwine #springevenings #roséallday #winegarden 

PR GIFT / AD 

18+ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
P O V : you finally take yourself out for that cof P O V : you finally take yourself out for that coffee… and realise how much you needed it.

A slow moment in one of my favourite Exeter coffee spots - a freshly baked breakfast bun, a good (cosy crime 🫆) book, and a bit of calm before life picks back up.

I’m a big believer that you have to carve out these little pockets of time for yourself. Whether it’s a solo coffee date, a wander round your local indie spots, or just 20 minutes to switch off - it matters.

As someone who’s always exploring the South West food scene - supporting local, seasonal, and independent businesses is a huge part of what I love. So I am very happy to take myself off to one of my local favourites for some me time. 

This is your sign to take yourself out for a coffee and switch off for a bit. We can’t be busy, busy all of the time .. 

Got a favourite indie café I should try next? Drop it below or send me a message - I’m always on the hunt.

#SouthWestFoodie #DevonEats #CornwallFoodScene #DorsetLifeUK #SomersetFoodies
L U C A D U S I - D A R T S F A R M I took my L U C A  D U S I - D A R T S  F A R M 

I took my friend Alex to The Farm Table on Thursday night as I had a feeling it would be right up our street - & it really was one of those memorable evenings.

Luca Dusi was hosting the evening and he’s exactly how people describe him - full of stories, completely engaging & just brilliant at what he does. 

He’s spent decades working with some of the best restaurants in the UK, sourcing wines from small, independent producers across Italy & you can really feel that passion in the way he talks about them.

The focus was Veneto - Luca’s home region. Somewhere I completely fell for when I visited Venice last year, so I was especially excited for this one.

We started with a cloudy Prosecco & worked our way through a white, two reds & a dessert wine. All from small producers, all completely different, and honestly… I loved every single one. That almost never happens at a tasting.

The food was just as thoughtful. We had Venetian-style antipasti to begin - sarde in saor, arancini, fried artichoke & salami - then fresh pasta with a rich wild boar ragù, aged beef (I went for the bream), followed by Gorgonzola with fig & dark chocolate truffles to finish. 

Proper, generous, seasonal cooking that just made sense with the wines. Head chef Tom Chivers and his team doing great things as usual. 

The whole room had such a lovely feel to it - candlelight, that low hum of conversation, everything just ticking along exactly as it should. And the service, as always was spot on without ever feeling overdone.

As someone who cares a lot about seasonal food & supporting smaller producers, these evenings really do hit the mark. Great wine, great food, & people who genuinely care about both.

They run these wine tastings monthly with different themes, and there’s talk of Luca coming back at the end of May - which I really hope happens because I’d book again without hesitation. A birthday treat for me perhaps? 

Save this if you’re looking for a genuinely good food & wine night in Devon, and send it to someone you’d take with you

AD / PR INVITE (so lucky) 

#DevonFoodieLife #TopshamFood #WineTastingDevon #SeasonalEatingUK IndependentProducer
V O L U M E 1: Foodie day trips by train from Exe V O L U M E  1: Foodie day trips by train from Exeter.

Think a 45-min train ride can’t lead to incredible food? Think again.

First stop: Castle Cary - and honestly, you could stay right there. The Creamery at the station is that good. 

Coffee, dreamy breakfasts, seasonal lunches, unreal cakes… plus a wine list that’s fully convinced me to “accidentally” miss a train or two.

There’s also a brilliant farm shop for local treats (and yes, something fun for the journey home - train drinks are elite).

Sunshine? Garden + chilled rosé = perfection. I’ve lingered… a lot.

If you do leave, hop to Bruton -  @briar_restaurant , @oldpharmacybruton , @dacosta.somerset & @atthechapel are all musts. Every meal feels like an occasion.

Make a stop at Da Costa and you’ve got a farm shop next door, @rothbar.somerset for drinks, and @hauserwirth for a wander.

Or taxi to @wraxallvineyard : tastings, vineyard views, and a restaurant made for slowing down. You can even stay over in their shepherd’s huts (very tempting).

Also on my list: The Newt & Osip. 

Want to turn it into a proper escape? Stay at @manorhouseinnditcheat - stylish, relaxed, and dangerously easy to extend “just one more night.”

Because the best exploring = great food, good wine, and no rush home - preferably with friends!

Save for later & tell me where you’re heading first. Or - do you have any recommendations to share in the area? 

#FoodieDayTrip #SomersetFood #TrainTravelUK #ExeterEats #ukgetaway
T H I N G S I F I N D I N C R E D I B L Y C H T H I N G S  I  F I N D  I N C R E D I B L Y  C H I C 

*honesty boxes and romanticising the simple life. 

I don’t know about you, but if I spot a roadside honesty box in Devon, (or anywhere to be honest) I have to stop. 

What starts as a quick look usually ends with me leaving a few pounds lighter, holding a jar of homemade marmalade, some fresh flowers, or a bundle of homegrown veg.

There’s something about them that I love - the care that’s gone into making everything by hand, the pride in local produce, and the quiet trust that you’ll leave your money in the box. It feels simple, considered, and genuinely special. 

This beautifully stocked honesty stall in Mortonhampstead completely won me over. Chutneys, quince paste, baked goods, even small wood crafts - I must have stood there for a good ten minutes deciding what to take home.

I’m not sure if honesty boxes are just an English countryside thing or something you find further afield, but I can never resist stopping, especially when there are jams, cakes, and anything homemade involved.

Do you stop when you see one, or keep driving?

#DevonFoodie #HonestyBox #SimplePleasures #LocalProduce #FarmStandUK
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© Tara Smith 2022