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 and producers who are facing tough times. As ever, where possible, if you can buy local and support our small businesses, they will be pleased to see you.

Visits in August include:

Coldharbour Farm Shop and Field Kitchen
Hub Box
Hidden Oak Cafe
Genesis
Taco Cartel
La Petite Bouchée
Lloyds Lounge
Taste East Devon Festival

Coldharbour Farm Shop and Field Kitchen, Ottery St Mary

Early August, Lauren ventured out to lanes of Ottery St Mary to seek out Coldharbour Farm Shop and Field Kitchen, after being #invited to try their tasty tapas and views to dine for.

They have an existing farm shop selling local produce as well as their own lamb and pork, they have since built this wonderful Field Kitchen with views over the rolling hills of East Devon.

They have a rustic and cosy indoor eatery, created from upcycled wood and corrugated iron from the farm, with homely accents to add a touch of comfort. Outside, the wooden decked terrace makes full use of the countryside views and sunsets.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, they also serve tapas on Friday and Saturday evenings, which is what I made a bee-line for. Along with a fantastic selection of local drinks on offer, there’s a great selection of dishes including some of their own meat.

She and her family enjoyed a variety of tasty tapas between three of them including:

It really is a great destination for just a couple or even a large table of 16, which was there at the same time. A great local business that diversified over lockdown, rustic local charm at its best with great friendly service too!

Hub Box, Exeter

A few weeks ago, Lauren was #invited to swing by Hub Box Exeter; Hub Box have just re-opened in Plymouth, having moved from the city centre to the historical hub that is Royal William Yard. We weren’t headed that way in general, so opted for Exeter instead.

It’s been a little while since visiting the Exeter branch, however she did dine in their St Ives venue last summer whilst on holiday and have fond memories of unctuous burgers and lip smacking loaded fries (with additional gorgeous sea views) so were looking forward to getting flavour punched again.

Exeter’s venue has a cosy downstairs area and bar, then upstairs is a large airy floor, with a few open booths and rear alfresco terrace with partial views over the Ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel.

Catering for meat lovers, vegetarians, vegan and those needing gluten free options (see their website for an easy filterable menu), there really is something for everyones taste and tummy!

She and her son enjoyed a naughty milkshake and a low alcohol cider along with tastebud tingling dishes…

Notorious RIB – Slow-cooked, pulled & pressed pork shoulder, smoked ham hock, smoky BBQ sauce, slaw, pickles, pickled red chilli, spring onions, crispy onions – something a bit different, sort of kofta kebab shaped, the meaty delight was very pleasing! Bacon Double Cheese Burger – Double 4oz patty, double bacon, double burger cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, lettuce – a classic and delicious with every bite.

Halloumi Fries – Buttermilk-fried halloumi, these were in a well seasoned herby coating!
Crack Pie – aptly named, this dessert was very moreish yet indescribable (in a good way!)

Quite frankly it was all really bloody delicious, excellent ingredients, flavours and textures…no matter your dietary preference or need, fill your mouth and tummy with delight at Hub Box.

Hidden Oak, Cafe & Equestrian Shop, Newton Poppleford

A recent new opening, Sue ventured out to find to see what Hidden Oak Equine and Country was all about, following a recent #invite.

Far from hidden, positioned on the hilltop between Greendale and Newton Poppleford, the new custodians of the building have transformed what once was a pub. It’s now a shop, cafe and takeaway all in one – the shop mainly for all your equine needs but you don’t have to be horsey to visit!

Located on the junction from Woodbury Common /Aylesbeare junction on the A3052 with plenty of parking, The Hidden Oak offers a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch menu as well as a large range of refreshments & cakes too.

Sue popped in for a late breakfast and enjoyed a small breakfast which was delicious – by no means small she said! Everything hot, fresh and delicious. The veggie breakfast was just as tasty. Tea and coffee lovely and although she was eyeing up the delicious homemade cakes didn’t have room for a slice

The lunch menu is worth a look as well as the specials. Afternoon Tea is also available and an excuse to stop by & sit in the cafe with views over the fields towards Exeter & Dartmoor.

Plenty of choice for families & children too. Staff friendly & lovely decor with wonderful wooden beams with plenty of seating.

Genesis, Honiton

Despite the August heat, Chris popped through Honiton’s newest grocers. Less a grocer, more a foodie paradise with some of the finest fresh produce you’ll find in the area. It was closely followed by a visit to Otter Valley Dairy for a delicious smooth ice cream with a view.

He couldn’t resist picking up a whole heap of goods including some smoked garlic from The Garlic Farm, some sourdough from East Devon Micro-bakery, Maslin, and some super succulent Somerset strawberries. Have a look at our reel we created on Instagram which showed just a fraction of the freshness.

James Brooks and his team have taken Honiton, and the local Devon foodie scene by storm with their pin-point social media videos, showcasing their daily intake of fresh produce and foodie goods from the local area and across Devon. Give them a follow on Instagram also check out our reel we did about Genesis here on our Dining Devon Instagram.

Taco Cartel, Queen St, Exeter

On Friday 21st August, Chris was #invited to a celebration of all the hard work that the team at Pink Moon have gone to create a new dynamic space, and introducing two new brands into their existing space on Queen St.

Renowned barber and hair god Luka Chitty has arrived with the opening on Salon 4t4 in space previously occupied by Pink Moon, and this comes with the creation of Taco Cartel, a back to basics casual Mexican that serves flavourful margaritas and fresh tacos with exciting flavoured fillings. Pink Moon and their famous Bottomless Brunches are downstairs in their new stylish home.

Pink Moon is still very much active, but sharing the space with these two other exciting new businesses – a little slice of Queen St is now a home to two new independent local businesses, showcasing superb ingredients and a heap of hair talent. Taco Cartel runs happy hour between 12 midday and 7pm with two-for-one on Margaritas and Tacos! Check out our reel we did on our Dining Devon Instagram page.

Taco Cartel – Facebook & Instagram
Pink Moon – Facebook & Instagram
Salon 4t4 – Instagram

La Petite Bouchée, Pop-up at The Daisy Cafe

On Saturday 20th August, Chris and Tori were the guests of Anita from multi-award winning La Petite Bouchée who was holding the first LPB Pop-up at Exeter’s number one rated restaurant (as per Tripadvisor), The Daisy Cafe in Heavitree. This was LPB’s first outing to Exeter, and we were overjoyed to be able to experience the flavourful French feast that awaited diners to the first of, I hope, many outings Anita will be making into new geographic territory. The evening had sold out within four hours of it’s announcement, which is a testament to Anita and LPB’s reputation amongst Devon’s foodies.

La Petite Bouchée started life in London, Sydenham Wells Park to be exact, with Anita cooking out of the back of the beloved Demelza, a Citroen HY camper which now proudly stands outside their bricks & mortar home in Witheridge. Opening their doors in 2017, the restaurant has gathered many awards including Luxe Life Best European Restaurant – Devon, six Taste of the West Gold awards and a whole host of accolades.

The menu included some classic French cuisine including Steak Frites, Côte de Boeuf, Moules Mariniere, Lemon Sole Meunière, Poulet A La Moutarde and many other absolutely corking plates. We were taken particularly by the Steak Frites and the Poulet A La Moutarde – keep an eye out for a longer write up soon! (Chris is still going on about the chicken!)

On the 30th September, La Petite Bouchée is holding their first Supper Club. This is a rare chance to experience the conviviality and dining experience that a supper club can bring, as well as the flavourful food that La Petite Bouchée is renowned for.

Follow La Petite Bouchée on Twitter and Instagram

Lloyds Lounge Summer Party

Chris had the honour of being #invited as a VIP guest to Lloyd’s Lounge Summer Party amidst the hustle and bustle of Princesshay; a street celebration with pizza’s from Lloyd’s Lounge sister business, Sabatini restaurant just across and glorious summer drinks. We sipped on Korev, ate the incredible paella that had been created just for the event (Chris did try and persuade them to put it on their menu), and listened to the cool beats from singer Alex Johnstone who just happens to be the lead singer of Exeter’s very own Pattern Pusher band.

Follow Lloyds Lounge on Facebook and Instagram

Taste East Devon Festival, September 2022

On the last day of August, Lauren and Sue attended the launch of #TasteEastDevon at Darts Farm. They enjoyed local drinks, gorgeous fired food and some guests went head to head in an auction for some fab prizes.

Taste East Devon is a 16 day festival during September, of East Devon venues collaborating and putting on special events to showcase this prosperous producing area of Devon.

Find out more at tasteeastdevon.co.uk and book onto something delicious East Devon!

2022 © Disclosure – all images, unless otherwise stated are copyright of Dining Devon. For some of our visits we are #invited or products are #gifted, and are noted as such. This means we have been given something complimentary in exchange for our views in the hope of us sharing on our socials. This does not affect our opinions which are not seen or pre approved by venues before we publish or share our experiences