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Sunday lunch

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

30th October 202230th October 2022 - tara Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but at this time of year I hanker for a cosy pub lunch situation with friends. The season is changing from summer to autumn and I want little pub nooks, log fires and hearty food. My mission to find the perfect moor side pub lead me to The Dartmoor InnRead more

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Tara Smith | Foodie & Content Creator

tarasbusykitchen

UK foodie exploring the best restaurants, cafés and bars | English wine enthusiast | Seasonal recipes and stories 🥬⬇️

C O S Y C R I M E P I L G R I M A G E @budlitf C O S Y  C R I M E  P I L G R I M A G E 

@budlitfest has become my September ritual. I am on year three now, and it never fails to charm. This year I caught Orlando Murrin & Janice Hallett in conversation about their brilliant new books - such a funny, engaging hour that hinted at character twists without spoiling a thing. I am VERY excited to get reading. 

The festival itself winds through Budleigh, from churches to the town hall, with a buzzing hub at the Public Hall: shelves stacked by Waterstones, a Pickle Shack pop-up, and the all-important bar with three types of fizz on offer! Budleigh you spoil me! 🥂

And in true British fashion, one minute the sun was blazing and the next we were ducking a heavy downpour - rescued only by Cremant, festival chips, and a gelato detour to Marco’s (pistachio + tiramisu, obviously 🍨).

Books, food, fizz, and a little seaside rain: the cosiest kind of September day for a cosy crime lover.

AD / PR INVITE
W R A X A L L V I N E Y A R D A perfect day at W R A X A L L  V I N E Y A R D 

A perfect day at @wraxallvineyard

ad Somerset’s oldest vineyard (celebrating 50 years) welcomed me for the launch of their brand-new Classic Cuvée, a tour through their vines, a little history lesson, and a sneak peek at their dreamy new shepherds huts with panoramic countryside views. Already planning my return stay. Who’s in? 

Highlights included tasting four incredible wines with Lexa, the owner - the sparkling rosé stole my heart, pure celebration in a glass. Lunch at The View, their copper-clad restaurant aptly named for its outlook, was a feast: pillowy focaccia, anchovies, heritage tomato salad sweeter than summer, and beetroot with blackberry that felt like autumn on a plate.

From start to finish, it was perfection. Whether you’re after a night in the huts, a relaxed lunch with friends, or just a casual tasting, Wraxall will look after you beautifully. Add this vineyard to your must-visit list.

Wraxall is less than 20 minutes by taxi from Castle Cary station - so yes, more than one glass is absolutely encouraged.

18+ | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Thank you for hosting me @wraxallvineyard / @yarrowcomms ♥️
N O S T R A W B E R R I E S H E R E Berry bake N O  S T R A W B E R R I E S  H E R E 

Berry bakes are on pause, because autumn is here and with it comes the cosy flavours I wait for all year: ginger, cinnamon and clove. 🧡 

These warming spices turn simple bakes into pure comfort. 

Lately, I’ve been baking spiced muffins with lemon drizzle glaze. They’re soft, perfectly spiced, and that zesty lemon glaze is the bright pop that keeps you coming back for another bite. (and probably another if you are anything like me!) 

It’s the ultimate autumn baking recipe. It’s seasonal, cosy and made for slow weekends. 

Save this one for when you want your kitchen to smell like heaven. 🍁

Ingredients (makes 12 muffins):
½ cup unsalted butter 
¾ cup dark treacle 
2⅔ cups all-purpose flour (use @cotswoldflour - it’s readily available in the uk)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon 
1¼ tsp ground ginger 
½ tsp ground cloves 
½ cup brown sugar 
1 large egg, room temp 
½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream) + ½ cup milk at room temp

Lemon Glaze:
1 cup icing sugar 
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice + 1 Tbsp milk 

Method 
Preheat over to 220C. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with muffin cups or grease really well. 

Melt butter & treacle in a pan over low heat. Leave to cool slightly when melted. 

Meanwhile whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. 

Stir sugar, yoghurt and egg into cooled wet mix.

Combine wet & dry. Using a 1/3 cup measure scoop out 12 muffins. 

Bake at 220C for 5 minutes before turning down to 180C for 15 minutes. 

Whilst muffins are baking make the glaze by mixing icing sugar, lemon juice & milk together. Add more icing sugar for a thicker glaze. 

Once cooled a little, drizzled with lemon glaze.

AD | GIFT @saltwatersandals_uk fisherman sandals in red #swsambassadoruk #thefullstoptoeveryoutfit | @hotpotteryuk lilac cake stand | @turtledovelondon animal print Kate trousers (use code TARASBUSYKITCHEN20 for discount) 

#AutumnBaking #SeasonalEating #SpicedMuffins #GingerbreadMuffins #CozyRecipes #FallBaking #CinnamonAndSpice #HomeBakingLove #AutumnRecipes #SpicedEverything
F I N A L L Y . . A trend that I actually like. F I N A L L Y . . 
A trend that I actually like. 

My personality is basically: seasonal food, thrifted clothes, teaching ballet without a pink tutu in sight, and friends who don’t bring drama. Add my cats, a picnic basket, and golden hour rosé and you’ve cracked the code. The only thing missing? The 1.9M Instagram followers I don’t have. 💁🏻‍♀️
H E Y D A Y S - E X M O U T H Friday night well H E Y D A Y S - E X M O U T H 

Friday night well spent at @heydaysdevon in Exmouth with my girl Alex. Our long overdue girls’ date night could not have been more perfect - delicious food, cocktails, wine and the best company.

The atmosphere was buzzing: families, friends, couples of all ages enjoying the warm, cosy lighting as summer turns gently into autumn. We sat in the glass room, surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean - absolutely stunning.

We dined from their @tasteeastdevon menu (a brilliant celebration of local food and drink producers across East Devon, running each September). The stand-out for me was the River Exe mussels escabeche (a light Spanish-inspired dish of marinated mussels in a tangy, aromatic dressing) - it instantly transported me to holidays abroad. Alex tucked into crisp courgette fritters, before we both enjoyed the most delicious cod served with garlic emulsion and cavolo nero tapenade. And of course, I couldn’t resist a bowl of truffle Parmesan fries… if they’re on the menu, it’s non-negotiable. Anyone else? 😬

The service was spot on too: friendly, informative, and never rushed. Honestly, Heydays was never really on my radar before, but I’m so glad we went. I’ll definitely be back. Their sister restaurant @swimlyme in Lyme Regis is already calling my name, and I’m tempted to book it for Steve’s birthday celebrations next month.

Safe to say, Heydays gets a big yes from us.

ad - pr invite 

#HeydaysExmouth #ExmouthRestaurants #TasteEastDevon #EastDevonFood #RiverExeMussels #SeafoodLovers #EastDevonEats #DevonFoodies #GirlsNightOut #SeaViewDining #DevonLife
P I C K L E T A R A M A S A L A T A D I P 🥒 P I C K L E  T A R A M A S A L A T A  D I P 🥒

When friends drop by last-minute, this 2-minute pickle taramasalata dip is a total lifesaver. Just grab a tub of taramasalata, stir through chopped pickles and fresh dill, and you’ve got the ultimate salty, creamy snack to go with drinks. Honestly… it’s addictive

#EasyEntertaining #DipRecipe #Taramasalata #FoodHack #SnackIdeas #EntertainingMadeEasy #QuickRecipes #FoodReel #DipDipDip #PickleLovers
G I R L D I N N E R The private life of a “fo G I R L  D I N N E R 

The private life of a “foodie” 🍷🫒🧀

Yes, I adore cooking… but catch me home alone and it’s me, a jar of olives, cheese, pickles, crackers, chutney, and a glass of wine perched on the counter, music on.

Because sometimes this is the real five-star dining experience. Who’s with me? ✨

#SoloSupper #FoodieConfessions #SnackSupper #WineAndOlives #ExeterFoodies
Maturing is realising weekends are for girls’ lu Maturing is realising weekends are for girls’ lunches, wine dates, laughter with friends, and early bedtimes. 

Goodbye clubbing, hello cosy catch-ups ✨. 

#GirlsLunch #WineLovers #WeekendVibes #AdultingGoals #CozyNightIn #WeekendMood #SelfCareSaturday
A U T U M N 🍁🍂 Blackberry stained fingers, A U T U M N 🍁🍂

Blackberry stained fingers, apples from our own trees, and the smell of crumble baking in the oven - it doesn’t get more autumn than this. 

I’ll always love the brightness of summer, but as a ballet teacher I’ve lived my life on the academic calendar and autumn feels like the real new year to me. A time to reset, get organised, and wrap it all up in layers of cosiness.

Steve and I definitely picked far too many berries (as always! ), so the freezer is stocked. A little promise of autumn to come later in the year. For now, I’m savouring these golden days: the sun still shining, but with that unmistakable shift in the light that whispers… autumn is here.

🍁 Do you feel the same – is autumn your “new year” too?
A U T U M N 🍁🍂 Blackberry stained fingers, A U T U M N 🍁🍂

Blackberry stained fingers, apples from our own trees, and the smell of crumble baking in the oven - it doesn’t get more autumn than this. 

I’ll always love the brightness of summer, but as a ballet teacher I’ve lived my life on the academic calendar and autumn feels like the real new year to me. A time to reset, get organised, and wrap it all up in layers of cosiness.

Steve and I definitely picked far too many berries (as always! ), so the freezer is stocked. A little promise of autumn to come later in the year. For now, I’m savouring these golden days: the sun still shining, but with that unmistakable shift in the light that whispers… autumn is here.

🍁 Do you feel the same – is autumn your “new year” too?
T H E B I R D H O U S E Coffee with purpose in T H E  B I R D H O U S E 

Coffee with purpose in the heart of Exeter!

@birdhouseexeter in Pinces Gardens isn’t just a café - it’s a social enterprise giving adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn, work and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. The cafe is run by a small team including Kelly and really is the heart of the local community. The cafe project directly supports financial wellbeing by offering real wages, improving job prospects and creating an inclusive work environment where people with disabilities can grow.

I visited yesterday and tucked into a cereal milk donut from @sloebakery (first Sunday of the month is donut Sunday 🙌) with a perfect @crankhouseroast macchiato…absolute heaven. Honestly, the donuts from Sloe are sublime and definitely worth the 50 minute walk from home and Kelly makes a mean coffee. ✨

They’re crowdfunding right now to create more space → more seats, more coffee, more jobs, more opportunities. I’ve donated and can’t wait to see this little gem grow. 🌟 

If you fancy being part of their crowdfunding project then head to www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search More seats - More Jobs

#ExeterCafe #ExeterEats #ExeterCoffee #PincesGardens #CommunityCafe #CoffeeWithPurpose #SocialEnterprise #SupportLocal #SloeBakery #CrankhouseCoffee #DonutLovers
H O L D I N G O N T O S U M M E R Traditional H O L D I N G  O N  T O  S U M M E R 

Traditional method sparkling + fried food = the pairing you didn’t know you needed.

Holding onto those last golden evenings of summer with my girls (and the dogs, of course).

By the water with fish and chips, plenty of laughter, and a bottle of @lymebaywine Sparkling Rosé (gifted). Made in the traditional method, its fine bubbles and fresh acidity cut beautifully through the richness of fried fish, while the strawberry nose and fruit-driven palate made every bite even better. If you need pairing inspiration, this is it. 

If that was the last of the fine evenings, I’m glad we spent it this way: friends, dogs, good food, and fabulous wine.

18+ | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

#EndOfSummerEvenings #TraditionalMethod #EnglishSparkling #LymeBayWine #GirlsAndDogs #FoodAndWinePairing #FishAndChips #WineAndFriends
B L A C K B E R R Y N E G R O N I With friends B L A C K B E R R Y  N E G R O N I 

With friends coming over for dinner, I had to make sure my latest cocktail experiment was actually drinkable before serving it… 🍸 

Spoiler: it’s more than drinkable - it’s divine!
I swapped vermouth for Lyme Bay blackberry wine in a Negroni Sbagliato, and the result? A rich, ruby red autumn cocktail that’s bittersweet, seasonal, and absolutely addictive. 🍂🍷

Might just be my new go-to dinner party cocktail this autumn. 

You will need -

Lots of ice
25 ml blackberry wine
25 ml Campari 
Sparkling wine to top up
Blackberries to garnish

Method 
Add ice to a glass and pour in your wine & Campari measures. Top up with sparkling wine and garnish with a blackberry 

Do you have a favourite autumnal cocktail? 

Gift Lyme Bay blackberry wine 

18+ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 
#AutumnCocktail #NegroniSbagliato #LymeBayWinery #BlackberryWine #DinnerPartyDrinks #FallCocktailRecipe #SeasonalSips #NegroniTwist
M Y F A V O U R I T E D R I N K S Life’s too M Y  F A V O U R I T E  D R I N K S 

Life’s too short for boring drinks! From sipping champagne in an airport lounge to vineyard wine tastings and cosy wine bar adventures - I’m here for all the bubbly, the fizz, and the perfect glass of wine with friends. 

What’s YOUR favourite drink moment? ⤵️

#WineLover #ChampagneLife #VineyardVibes #WineBar #TravelAndWine #SipSipHooray #WineWithFriends #WineTastingJourney #BubblyMoments #CheersToThat
B L A C K B E R R Y N E G R O N I ad With frien B L A C K B E R R Y  N E G R O N I 

ad With friends coming over for dinner, I had to make sure my latest cocktail experiment was actually drinkable before serving it… 🍸 

Spoiler: it’s more than drinkable - it’s divine!
I swapped vermouth for @lymebaywine blackberry wine in a Negroni Sbagliato, and the result? A rich, ruby red autumn cocktail that’s bittersweet, seasonal, and absolutely addictive. 🍂🍷

Might just be my new go-to dinner party cocktail this autumn. 

You will need -

Lots of ice
25 ml @lymebaywine blackberry wine
25 ml Campari 
Sparkling wine to top up
Blackberries to garnish

Method 
Add ice to a glass and pour in your wine & Campari measures. Top up with sparkling wine and garnish with a blackberry 

Do you have a favourite autumnal cocktail? 

18+ PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 
#AutumnCocktail #NegroniSbagliato #LymeBayWinery #BlackberryWine #DinnerPartyDrinks #FallCocktailRecipe #SeasonalSips #NegroniTwist
F O R G E T A V O T O A S T . . New recipe inc F O R G E T  A V O  T O A S T . . 

New recipe incoming 🫛

Fresh, zesty and a little fiery these pea and herb pancakes with lemon Greek yogurt and sriracha are the ultimate quick bite. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients
120g cottage cheese
1 medium egg
200g frozen peas, defrosted
50g plain flour
60g fresh herbs (mix mint, basil & parsley work well) + extra for decoration 
2 finely sliced spring onions
2tbsp Greek yog
Zest lemon
Salt & pepper
Olive oil for frying 
Sriracha or other hot sauce 

Here’s how to make them (serves 2) 

Blitz the cottage cheese with an egg until smooth.

Add half of your defrosted peas, flour, a handful of fresh herbs (parsley, basil, mint work well), and the chopped spring onions. Season and blitz again.

Stir in the rest of the peas for extra texture.

Heat a little oil in a pan and cook 6 small pancakes, 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Meanwhile, mix Greek yogurt with lemon zest, salt and pepper in a small bowl 

Serve 3 pancakes per person with a spoonful of the yogurt, scatter with more herbs, and finish with a drizzle of sriracha.

They’re fresh, protein-packed, and ready in minutes. A great option if you’re looking for healthy brunch ideas, easy vegetarian recipes, or high-protein snacks.

Would you try these little green pancakes? You should.. just sayin’! ☺️

Enjoy! Love Tara x
F O R G E T A V O T O A S T . . New recipe inc F O R G E T  A V O  T O A S T . . 

New recipe incoming 🫛

Fresh, zesty and a little fiery these pea and herb pancakes with lemon Greek yogurt and sriracha are the ultimate quick bite. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients
120g cottage cheese
1 medium egg
200g frozen peas, defrosted
50g plain flour
60g fresh herbs (mix mint, basil & parsley work well) + extra for decoration 
2 finely sliced spring onions
2tbsp Greek yog
Zest lemon
Salt & pepper
Olive oil for frying 
Sriracha or other hot sauce 

Here’s how to make them (serves 2) 

Blitz the cottage cheese with an egg until smooth.

Add half of your defrosted peas, flour, a handful of fresh herbs (parsley, basil, mint work well), and the chopped spring onions. Season and blitz again.

Stir in the rest of the peas for extra texture.

Heat a little oil in a pan and cook 6 small pancakes, 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Meanwhile, mix Greek yogurt with lemon zest, salt and pepper in a small bowl 

Serve 3 pancakes per person with a spoonful of the yogurt, scatter with more herbs, and finish with a drizzle of sriracha.

They’re fresh, protein-packed, and ready in minutes. A great option if you’re looking for healthy brunch ideas, easy vegetarian recipes, or high-protein snacks.

Would you try these little green pancakes? You should.. just sayin’! ☺️

Enjoy! Love Tara x

Ad / Gift - @saltwatersandals_uk black fisherman sandals #swsambassadoruk #thefullstoptoeveryoutfit / @fryth_made chopping board / @hotpotteryuk crockery
A U G U S T ~ H I G H S & L O W S August has be A U G U S T ~ H I G H S &  L O W S 

August has been such a full month and I’ve loved pretty much every second. Local adventures with friends to beautiful places, long lunches with seasonal food and good wine, and plenty of time in the kitchen cooking with nature’s bounty. I LOVE tomato season. 

Steve and I picked apples and pressed them, and I’m so excited to be starting our fourth vintage of homemade cider from our own trees. There have been summer picnics, belly laughs with friends, unconditional love from the cats, and a new content creation role with a brilliant family-run independent in town. That makes two in this field now, and I’d love to take on more creative projects. So if you are reading this and want some help give me a holler. 

I’ve also treated myself - some secondhand treasures on Vinted that I’ve given a new life, and a beautiful piece of original art by @oliviatewstudio - paid for with my cat-sitting savings.

Of course, not everything is rosy. I adore my work as a ballet teacher and fitness instructor, but the arthritis makes it tougher by the day and the pain is a constant reminder of what I might one day have to give up. And though my milestone birthday was back in May, it still jostles me and makes me wonder whether I’ve truly fulfilled my potential. There is time to do this still… 🤞🏻

But all in all, August has been golden. The sunshine, the people, the moments. I really do love the summer but I am excited for autumn. I wonder what September holds? 

One last thing, if you’re reading this and you love honest, foodie, real-life content, you’re in the right place. 

Love Tara x
S I D W E L L S T R E E T B A K E H O U S E Ev S I D W E L L  S T R E E T  B A K E H O U S E 

Every Wednesday or Thursday morning before dance class, I make my favourite little detour to Sidwell Street Bakehouse in Exeter. Their sourdough loaves are second to none - chewy, tangy, and crafted with love.  I often treat myself to one of their bakes for after class too. 

What I love most is not just the incredible quality of their slow fermentation bread and pastries, but their ethos: making artisan bread and treats accessible to everyone. As a community enterprise, they also provide training and work opportunities for individuals and groups, helping people gain new skills and confidence – which makes every loaf feel even more special.

I’ve followed their journey for years… from their early days across the road at the community centre, to buying from their Thursday stall at Exeter Farmers Market during lockdown, to even supporting their crowdfunder that helped them open the bakery where they are today. It’s been so inspiring to watch them grow and recently they’ve truly upped their game, making them one of the leading bakeries in Exeter for sourdough and slow bakes.

If you’re in Exeter and love good bread (or simply want to support a bakery with heart), definitely pop by Sidwell Street Bakehouse – your tastebuds will thank you!

#Exeter #ExeterFoodie #ExeterSourdough #SidwellStreetBakehouse #ExeterBakery #SlowFermentation #ArtisanBakery #CommunityBakery #SupportLocalExeter #ExeterFarmersMarket
S M A L L C R E A T O R L O V E We may not hav S M A L L  C R E A T O R  L O V E 

We may not have hundreds of likes rolling in, but every post is still someone showing up, sharing their passion, and hoping it connects with the right people.

Here you’ll find:

✨Easy, real-life recipes without endless ingredient lists

✨Honest reviews 

✨A genuine love for good wine and buttery pastries

✨Foodie destinations worth exploring

✨Relatable inspiration with a side of “not taking myself too seriously”

If you’ve been looking for food content that feels real, doable and enjoyable - you are in the right place.

#smallcreator #foodielïfe #simplecooking #relateablecontent #foodieadventures
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© Tara Smith 2022