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Is Crave really that independent gem Exeter has been waiting for?
Discover why Crave is Exeter Quay’s most exciting independent eatery. From award-winning local produce to an exciting and innovative menu – read our full review of Sameer Shetty’s standout restaurant. Continue reading Is Crave really that independent gem Exeter has been waiting for?
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Arcadia by Utopian, Northernhay Place in Exeter
(AD) There’s something quite fascinating about naming a place after an ancient, almost mythical paradise, especially when the reality is a former restaurant that sat empty for two years. It’s a bold choice but apt given who owns it. But then, boldness is pretty much a survival trait in the hospitality world, particularly in a city like Exeter where places come and go. What’s heartening … Continue reading Arcadia by Utopian, Northernhay Place in Exeter
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Devon Vineyards & Wineries
We’re delighted to share our Devon Vineyard & Wineries Map and Directory – visit for wine tastings, tours, dining out and even accommodation!
#EnglishWine #DevonWine Continue reading Devon Vineyards & Wineries
Tuckenhay’s Maltsters Arms Secures Double AA Recognition for Food and Accommodation
The Maltsters Arms, the historic riverside inn nestled on the banks of the River Dart, has been propelled back into the national spotlight after securing a prestigious double accolade from the AA Continue reading Tuckenhay’s Maltsters Arms Secures Double AA Recognition for Food and Accommodation
Discover The Rolle Quay Inn: A Historic Barnstaple Pub
The Rolle Quay Inn in Barnstaple blends rich history with modern warmth. Under new management, it offers cozy dining, community events, and delectable comfort food, proving to be a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. Continue reading Discover The Rolle Quay Inn: A Historic Barnstaple Pub
Olive, Brixham – a Mediterranean kitchen and wine bar
Sea-ing where your food comes from… During September, I had an incredible dinner at Olive Brixham – a Mediterranean kitchen and wine bar, nestled right on the water’s edge in the beautiful harbour town of Brixham, South Devon. It was an invite, ahead of the England’s Seafood Feast, a two week celebration of seafood along the English Riviera that happens annually in late September to … Continue reading Olive, Brixham – a Mediterranean kitchen and wine bar
Dog-Friendly Hotel Indigo in Exeter: A Perfect Getaway
Britain’s finally embracing staycations, and Exeter’s a hidden gem. Hotel Indigo stands out with its stylish vibe and dog-friendly policy, making your pup feel like a VIP. The food’s delicious, the staff’s friendly, and the views are stunning. It’s a chill spot for a city break with your furry friend! Continue reading Dog-Friendly Hotel Indigo in Exeter: A Perfect Getaway
My Sparkling Red Wine Journey with Torview Wines
Introduction to Torview Wines I had the absolute joy of joining Torview Wines for their Sparkling Wine Making Day, and although this process started in October 2023, it was a year-long experience, with the collection of my wine in October 2024, ready to drink for Christmas. Now having drunk most of my wines, and with English Wine Week 2025 here – it’s time to share … Continue reading My Sparkling Red Wine Journey with Torview Wines
New Opening: Farm-to-fork restaurant ROAM set to launch at Sandridge Barton this July
On July 9th, Sandridge Barton, the award-winning winery located in the heart of the Dart Valley, willopen the doors to its new restaurant, ROAM. Situated in the former Circa site, ROAM is the latestventure by local hospitality expert Ian Alexander. The restaurant will embrace a farm-to-fork ethos,utilising hyper-seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients. Guests can look forward to enjoying meat sourced from the estate, vegetables from … Continue reading New Opening: Farm-to-fork restaurant ROAM set to launch at Sandridge Barton this July
Myca’s Seafood and Grill, Sidmouth
A recent celebration dinner had to be at family-owned Myca’s Seafood and Grill, for their sensational seafood and shellfish. We’ve not heard or read a bad word about this place, a reputation well earned, I’d say in just 2 years of being open.
So, should you spend your hard-earned dough at Myca’s?
Well… you know that smell? You know the one…. when you walk into a restaurant, and it smells sooo good and you just know you’re in for a great meal?
Read on to find out more! Continue reading Myca’s Seafood and Grill, Sidmouth
BFK Chipotle Aioli: The Perfect Blend of Smoky and Creamy (product review)
Some condiments shout for attention; BFK Chipotle Aioli doesn’t need to. It knows what it is. It’s smoky, creamy, and just spicy enough. It delivers without fanfare, just quiet delicious confidence. This is one of my absolute favourite condiments, produced by Beer Factory and Kitchen based just outside of Exeter at Half Moon village. As you can see from the photo, I have already used … Continue reading BFK Chipotle Aioli: The Perfect Blend of Smoky and Creamy (product review)
The Boutport Café: A Perfect Spot for Breakfast, Lunch and Dog Lovers
The Boutport Café in Barnstaple blends modern café culture with traditional charm, offering locally sourced food in a cozy setting. Run by award-winning chef Alex, it is highly praised for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. The café is also dog-friendly and specializes in hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and delicious sweets. Continue reading The Boutport Café: A Perfect Spot for Breakfast, Lunch and Dog Lovers
Review: The Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter
The Blue Ball has had a refurb on the menu and interior, and offers a fab setting with a well thought out menu for all. Continue reading Review: The Blue Ball Inn, Sandygate, Exeter
Introducing new restaurant ‘Heydays’ to Exmouth seafront
The team behind Swim (Lyme Regis), Rise Café Bar (West Bay), and Rise Market & Bakery (Bridport) are thrilled to announce the grand opening of their latest venture, Heydays, located at Unit 1 Sideshore, Exmouth, where Mickey’s previously operated. The new restaurant is set to open its doors in early December. Richard Cooper, Nikki Craven, Andy Briggs, and Kyle Clarke are the creative minds behind … Continue reading Introducing new restaurant ‘Heydays’ to Exmouth seafront
Review: The Old Exeter Inn, Ashburton
{AD} The largest town in the Dartmoor National Park is Ashburton, it sits at the southeastern end, not too far away from Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Apart from being the location of the prestigious Ashburton Cookery School and the final residence of renowned poet and novelist Stevie Smith. It is also the home to The Old Exeter Inn. This pub celebrates British cuisine, especially the classic pie. … Continue reading Review: The Old Exeter Inn, Ashburton
Discover The Cake Corner: Exquisite Custom Cakes in Exeter
{gifted} Since the blog started, we’ve never had the opportunity to review and sample a bespoke cake, until now.
I can’t start to tell you how excited I was to drop in and collect the cake, I also got to meet the owner and cake queen Kris for a quick chat, hearing about her journey to where she is today as the owner of this fledgling company.
We were approached by Kris, just as I was starting one of those naff diets that involve counting calories and didn’t really involve cake as part of it. But when Kris showed me the incredible autumn themed creation that she had crafted for my review, well I just had a complete memory block as to what a diet was. No idea.
The Cake Corner creates bespoke custom cakes for all sorts of celebrations. Baby showers, weddings, birthdays. Unlike a lot of cake makers, Kris has a price list on her website. This makes budgeting for an event a breeze because the prices are listed.
I had a lot of flexibility and choice with flavours. I opted for a Biscoff Sponge with a salted caramel filling and mocha ganache. The buttercream was Kris’s own vanilla buttercream.
Originally from Ireland she moved around a lot as her husband is ex-services, whom she met whilst he was stationed in Ireland (also side note he has his own food based Instagram account (blake_tastes) Food runs through the family!. They finally settled down in Exeter.
Baking was always an important hobby. Once Kris had her two daughters, she enjoyed making their birthday cakes. Her friends encouraged her to. They recognized her natural talent and passion for baking. That is just what she did by starting The Cake Corner.
Feasting on Fish by the Sea with The Seafood Feast
With over 500 miles of coastline in Devon, we’re extremely blessed to have access to incredibly fresh seafood and fish from our bountiful waters. Pair that with passionate, local businesses and you can experience a huge variety of delicious dishes or engaging experiences to immerse yourself in the stories of catch to cooker, fish to fork, seafood to supper. I recently enjoyed a day out … Continue reading Feasting on Fish by the Sea with The Seafood Feast
The Red Lion Hotel, Oakford
{AD/Invite} The village of Oakford lies at the intersection between Exmoor and the hilly valleys of Mid Devon, where the geographical echoes of moorland can be seen in the luscious forests and the steep hills that surround it. This part of Devon is topographically quite exciting. If you’re travelling from Exeter then you’ll pass through Tiverton, heading towards signs for Minehead and then a left, … Continue reading The Red Lion Hotel, Oakford
Savour Epicurean Joy: Discovering Kiko’s Irresistible Basque Cheesecakes in Totnes
A few weeks back I received an Instragram message from an account with videos showing a knife being deftly plunged into almighty cheesecakes and photos of these cloud-like desserts set upon a rustic wooden counter, and greaseproof paper – they lured me in, they caught my attention. This was a ‘Basque Burnt cheesecake’ and the account belonged to @kikodevon, something I’d personally never tried but … Continue reading Savour Epicurean Joy: Discovering Kiko’s Irresistible Basque Cheesecakes in Totnes
REVIEW: La Mar, Exmouth Marina
A couple of weeks ago we dropped into Exmouth’s newest fine dining restaurant. La Mar opened on Christmas Day 2023 after an extensive renovation and face-lift to what had previously been the function room of its sister business, The Beach pub next door. The space has blossomed into a fine dining restaurant with a panoramic scenes inviting natural light through big windows and treating diners … Continue reading REVIEW: La Mar, Exmouth Marina
REVIEW: Hotel Du Vin, Exeter (Bistro Du Vin)
(AD/ PR Visit) Hotel Du Vin own a number of boutique lifestyle hotels across the UK, 29 to be exact. They are towards the upper end of the spectrum when it comes to hotels in expectations, price and what you get and likewise the restaurants are aimed towards that upper price point ‘Serving classical French dishes with a modern British twist’. Its been open a … Continue reading REVIEW: Hotel Du Vin, Exeter (Bistro Du Vin)
REVIEW: The Lord Nelson Pub & Kitchen, Topsham
It is reassuring that there are still outstanding pubs in Exeter and the surrounding areas. Anyone with an interest in the hospitality industry, much like myself, is deeply concerned about the increasing closure of pubs in the UK. This trend can be attributed to the impact of the economy, the cost of living crisis, and shifts in public habits. The statistics surrounding pub closures evoke … Continue reading REVIEW: The Lord Nelson Pub & Kitchen, Topsham
Dinner & Stay at Mercure Hotel, Paignton
I recently enjoyed dinner and an overnight stay at the newly opened Mercure Paignton with my husband and son. This was a #invited experience, thanks to their PR company, following the opening of this £30 million new build. The Hotel The hotel is well placed across the road from Paignton seafront with views of the pier and in walking distance to plenty of seaside fun … Continue reading Dinner & Stay at Mercure Hotel, Paignton
10 Questions with Andy & Chef Al Morgan from The City Gate Hotel, in Exeter
We recently had a cracking meal (read our feature here) at The City Gate, a hotel & gastropub in Exeter which recently introduced a smashing new menu. The City Gate Hotel stands above many other brewery-owned pubs due to its unwavering commitment to utilizing local and British ingredients, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience. Its beer garden is one of the nicest in Exeter … Continue reading 10 Questions with Andy & Chef Al Morgan from The City Gate Hotel, in Exeter
March / April Highlights
The last two months have been a busy time with lots of exciting opportunities to meet, eat and shout about the fabulous food in our area. This Highlight post is a little different as we have a little section at the end ‘In Other News’ which will flesh out with foodie events and goings on around the county along with a round-up of what we’ve … Continue reading March / April Highlights
The City Gate Hotel, Iron Bridge, Exeter
Nestled on the historic city wall, The City Gate Hotel sits on the junction of North Street and The Iron Bridge which crosses the valley below it. Owned by Young’s pubs (who also own another Exeter favourite, The Double Locks) their new menu that came out recently is flavoursome and local-centric. If you have never been before, now is a perfect time to try it … Continue reading The City Gate Hotel, Iron Bridge, Exeter
REVIEW: Eversfield Organic at the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale
If you’re heading from Exeter, Dartmoor is deceptively close – as the crow flies it’s five miles to the east border of Dartmoor National Park from Ide. You can head down the M5, along to Bovey Tracey as many do – up across past Haytor along the B3387 and down to Widdicome-on-the-moor, but as most locals know, this can get busy with day trippers and … Continue reading REVIEW: Eversfield Organic at the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale
January & February Highlights – New Thai Opening, Learn to Cook, Meaty Merrivale and more
The first highlight post of the year has arrived. It’s so genuinely exciting to see so many businesses opening their doors during such a difficult economic time. Here in Devon, we are spoilt for choice with some of the best producers, restaurants and pubs you’re likely to find. It’s a bold statement but we believe it’s true! This month is a good reminder of how … Continue reading January & February Highlights – New Thai Opening, Learn to Cook, Meaty Merrivale and more
Lucy Gosling’s ‘fantastic four’ – a guide to eating out in Plymouth
Ed. Before we get too Christmassy I really want to share this article that I’ve had simmering for a little while (sorry Lucy!). A few months ago I met Lucy Gosling (@lucygosling) at an event in Exeter. Based in Plymouth, she knows some fantastic spots for foodies, and I managed to tap into some of her top places to eat by asking her to kindly … Continue reading Lucy Gosling’s ‘fantastic four’ – a guide to eating out in Plymouth
REVIEW: The View, Courtyard Hotel, Sandy Park
If you’ve been travelling past Sandy Park, or the M5 junction 30, you might have noticed a tall modern looking building has sprung up in recent years. This new hotel is The Courtyard and is part of the Merriott family; and right at the top is The View restaurant and bar. Open 6pm – 10pm daily, seven days a week, could this be a new … Continue reading REVIEW: The View, Courtyard Hotel, Sandy Park
REVIEW: Living the high life: the Penthouse Cocktails DIY cocktail box
Penthouse Cocktails have really nailed the experience of creating delicious cocktails at home. The instructions are crystal clear, the YouTube videos are genius and cater for all Continue reading REVIEW: Living the high life: the Penthouse Cocktails DIY cocktail box
August Highlights – new openings, transformations, pop ups and parties
Au revoir August! It’s been a scorching month, not just the weather but across the county we’ve been filling our boots with some blooming lovely lunches and raising a glass or two to some of the fantastic independent producers and restaurants who call our county home. Even though the hot weather is due to ease, the heat hasn’t eased for thousands of small hospitality businesses … Continue reading August Highlights – new openings, transformations, pop ups and parties
June/July Highlights
We like to pack lots of content into our highlights for you to nibble on and as it is, we have quite the feast for you to munch through in this post. Whilst our inconsistent, weird weather seems to vary between baking hot, baking hot & humid or freezing cold, what has been consistent is the high high standards our dining scene in Devon always … Continue reading June/July Highlights
10 Questions with Penthouse Cocktails
Dining Devon loves a good cocktail. Often it’s one of us who are quick to scan their eyes across to the cocktail section of any good drinks menu, so when Penthouse Cocktails approached us to work with them to spread the word, we jumped at the opportunity. Run by husband and wife team, Jonny and Meg, Penthouse Cocktails has just launched their incredible Cocktail Box … Continue reading 10 Questions with Penthouse Cocktails
Darts Farm Launches New Farm Table Restaurant and Terrace Bar
Family-run Darts Farm, based just outside Exeter, is officially launching its brand new restaurant, The Farm Table, and its new Terrace Bar on Friday 15th July 2022, adding yet more reasons to visit this award-winning destination that celebrates local food and drink. Initially, The Farm Table will serve up lunches and dinners from Friday to Sunday, using the best farm produce, cooked over fire and … Continue reading Darts Farm Launches New Farm Table Restaurant and Terrace Bar
Shepherd Shack Catering – deli products with a difference
Guest blogger, Beattie Phillips, tells us about the tasty offerings and deli delights she has enjoyed from Shepherd Shack Catering. As someone who will always choose a starter over a dessert and cheese over chocolate, I am also a lover of a savoury treat from a deli-counter. My eyes will easily pass over the cakes, brownies and flapjacks but not so when it comes to the … Continue reading Shepherd Shack Catering – deli products with a difference
10 Questions with Sea Arch Alcohol Free Spirits
Founders Sarah and Geoff Yates wanted to create an alternative to alcohol without compromising taste or experience and Sea Arch was born. As well as using natural botanicals, Sarah and Geoff are passionate about the environment too and use recycled cardboard for boxes and solvent free paint on the bottles. We wanted to know how Sea Arch came about so Sue asked Sarah some questions … Continue reading 10 Questions with Sea Arch Alcohol Free Spirits
April Highlights – burgers, birthdays, brownies, brunch and more!
All the B’s this month! April was blimmin birthday-burger-brownie-brunch-filled. The sun has been out putting us all in a good mood for food. We’ve had great interactions on our socials when we’ve shared this months outings. Now you know where’ we’ve been… where’s your favourite brunch, lunch, dinner stop? Do tell… Read on for: Knights Farm Shop, Ottery St Mary Love Brownies, Okehampton Meat59, Exeter … Continue reading April Highlights – burgers, birthdays, brownies, brunch and more!
Review – Sea Arch Alcohol Free Drinks and Cocktails
As well as getting out and about visiting foodie places, we’re lucky in that we also get sent local produce to try. Let me introduce you to Sea Arch – an award winning non-alcoholic gin, made locally here in Devon. I was recently #gifted some items to try and wanted to share more about this award winning product and its origins. You may have already … Continue reading Review – Sea Arch Alcohol Free Drinks and Cocktails
February & March Highlights – New Openings, Eating Out & Devon Drinks
Can you believe that this time last year, they were just letting us out to spend time in groups of 6, and hospitality businesses were either closed or offering takeaways only? Alfresco April was incoming and so many businesses were diversifying constantly to keep going. It’s not over yet; rules may have now been fully lifted all round and we’re enjoying the lighter evenings but … Continue reading February & March Highlights – New Openings, Eating Out & Devon Drinks
January highlights – fishtastic feasts, Sunday roast, alcohol free spirit and Vietnamese hugs in a bowl
The looongest month of the year has come to an end; with a rather damp end to 2021, at least the last few weeks have blessed us with dry days and many a sunrise and sunset! With the C word still lurking, businesses are still working hard to make their customers feel comfortable enough to go out, visit them, eat in or takeaway. Don’t forget that many wonderful Devon businesses still deliver too, so you can get your dose of Devon food and drink without leaving the house if you need. Continue reading January highlights – fishtastic feasts, Sunday roast, alcohol free spirit and Vietnamese hugs in a bowl
Review – Seafood at Home delivery by Rockfish
Rockfish’s slogan is Tomorrow’s Fish are Still in the Sea, but what if those fish can be on your dish 24 hours later, from the South West coast to your kitchen – fintastic! Thanks to the team at Rockfish, I was offered a complimentary (#gifted) press preview of their new Seafood at Home delivery which is launching at 6am on Wednesday 5th January 2022. The … Continue reading Review – Seafood at Home delivery by Rockfish
October & November Highlights – New Openings in Exeter, North Devon Adventures & more
October flew by with only a few outings, and whilst we weren’t prepared for it, a busy November swiftly filled our diaries and tummies with delights. So here’s a buffet of two months mouthwatering munching and sipping… North Devon Adventures New Coast Kitchen, Croyde Early October, Lauren ventured to North Devon for a friends birthday dinner and headed to New Coast Kitchen. A group of … Continue reading October & November Highlights – New Openings in Exeter, North Devon Adventures & more
REVIEW: The Seacliff Restaurant, Sandy Cove Hotel, Ilfracombe
A few miles from Coombe Martin with it’s famous rockpools and beaches, sits The Sandy Cove Hotel, majestically perched on a cliff overlooking the Bristol Channel high above the dramatic North Devon coastline – Dining Devon was up in North Devon for a foodie marathon, and our first night’s dining was here at The Sandy Cove Hotel. The Seacliff Restaurant provides a fine dining experience, … Continue reading REVIEW: The Seacliff Restaurant, Sandy Cove Hotel, Ilfracombe
August & September Highlights
What a roundup we have for you this month, August was actually quieter on the eating out front; we all had various commitments with work, summer holidays and also judging for various awards in the South West. The month ran away so we didn’t publish any highlights then, so have included a couple along with this month’s sumptuous September foodie adventures. So from baking on … Continue reading August & September Highlights
July Highlights – brunch at the Manor, fill your cakehole, fire feast days & more!
July has been a busy old month. In between sweltering in heat, and being rained on we’ve been out and about. July 19th saw many restrictions being lifted, including the requirement for face masks and compulsory table service in restaurants/pubs. Slowly, it seems, people are starting to venture out with more confidence. But there is still a long way to go. Many places are still … Continue reading July Highlights – brunch at the Manor, fill your cakehole, fire feast days & more!
June Highlights – English Wine Week, Burgers, Breakfasts, Getting ‘Cosy’ & more!
June has flown by, maybe because we’ve been out and about munching our way through Devon as usual, oh and drinking too! With English Wine Week mid-June we couldn’t help but get involved supping on local Devon wines. We got ‘cosy’ with small plates and cocktails in plymouth and also enjoyed some scrumptious baked delights from a little kitchen with a big heart….. Dining Out … Continue reading June Highlights – English Wine Week, Burgers, Breakfasts, Getting ‘Cosy’ & more!
Devon’s The Exploding Bakery to launch Summer Series of chef takeovers
Exeter’s cult café The Exploding Bakery announce their Summer Series of chef takeovers, with a stellar line up of local and London chefs to host feast of seasonal celebrations this summer. Co-founders Tom Oxford and Oliver Coysh have invited some of their favourite restaurants, cooks and chefs to take to the pass for one night only, beginning with Owen Barratt of Monty’s Deli on 25th … Continue reading Devon’s The Exploding Bakery to launch Summer Series of chef takeovers
Devon Gin Directory
World Gin Day is in June, so what better excuse could there be to put together a simple list (in alphabetical order) of Devon gin distilleries for you to be able to support a local businesses when purchasing your next gin, on World Gin Day, or any other day for that matter. Many of the businesses below are award winning and family owned and can … Continue reading Devon Gin Directory
May highlights: Mickey’s Beach, Boston Tea Party, Ben’s Farm Shop and more!
May has been a bit wet and wild. It is safe to say that it has been the wettest on record, but one thing that has been keeping our spirits high has been some of the events and places we’ve visited this month. May 17th saw many businesses reopening their indoor areas, and others opening for the first time since January. Newly opened Mickey’s Beach … Continue reading May highlights: Mickey’s Beach, Boston Tea Party, Ben’s Farm Shop and more!
Devon pubs, cafés and farm shops with free play facilities to entertain the kids
We’re on the cusp of half term! We’ve done a round up of Devon pubs, cafés and farm shops with complimentary play facilities to entertain the kids. Happy kids, happy parents right? If you have a favourite that’s not on the list, let us know! Continue reading Devon pubs, cafés and farm shops with free play facilities to entertain the kids
