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
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(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
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
(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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
As we know, 2020 has certainly been a year of strain and challenges in the hospitality industry but in turn many venues have shown great resilience and innovation; one such venue has been Rockbeare Manor – so don’t miss their limited time ‘Dine, Stay and Unwind’ Continue reading Dinner Review: Rockbeare Manor – Limited Time ‘Dine, Stay and Unwind’
The Lord Nelson is one of the many pubs that I remember from my childhood growing up near Topsham in the eighties and nineties. There used to be, at one point in history, forty two separate pubs in Topsham. Over the years this number has declined to a handful; the legendary ‘Topsham Ten’ is much less than it used to be. One of the remaining … Continue reading REVIEW: The Goose & Gander Kitchen at The Lord Nelson Inn, Topsham.
The pun in the title relies on you knowing that Pho is actually pronounced ‘fuh’, but the English tend to pronounce it like ‘foe’, a fact I didn’t realise until I had actually been to Pho Restaurant in Queen St, Exeter. I’ve been a little quiet on the blog recently due to the busy-ness of life, but I am still orchestrating things in the background … Continue reading Casual Dining in Exeter: Perfect ‘Pho’ the cold weather!
