Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells.jpg" alt="The Gluten Free Blogger Sarah Howells" class="wp-image-59636" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/sarah-howells-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit Steve Joyce</figcaption></figure>



<p>Devon-based cookbook author and blogger Sarah Howells, aka The Gluten Free Blogger, is on a mission to create the best gluten-free recipes since sliced bread. Sarah, 34, from Barnstaple, was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2002 and started <a href="http://www.theglutenfreeblogger.com">The Gluten Free Blogger</a> in 2010 as a way to connect with other gluten-free people and help them love food again. Since then, the blog has grown &#8211; and she&#8217;s published her first book, <em><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delicious-Gluten-Free-Meals-recipes/dp/1399722468">Delicious Gluten-Free Meals</a></em> (Yellow Kite, £16) &#8211; but Sarah still has her feet firmly planted in North Devon where she grew up. Tell us where to go, Sarah!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charlie-s-barnstaple"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharliesCafeDevon/?locale=en_GB">Charlie&#8217;s</a>, Barnstaple</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe.jpg" alt="gluten free doughnuts from Charlie's, Barnstaple " class="wp-image-59976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/charlies-fave-cafe-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by awesome cafés, but my favourite just has to be Charlie’s in Barnstaple. All of their cakes are completely gluten-free (with plenty of vegan options too) and include all the favourites I missed including apple pies, baked doughnuts, meringue-topped tarts and even cannoli. Plus the Charlie’s Eggs – freshly baked g-f focaccia topped with guacamole, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce – have become my regular treat lunch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Broadsands Beach</h2>



<p>Having grown up in North Devon, I know a few secret spots or two, but I couldn’t possibly give them all away! One place I think I will be forgiven for sharing is Broadsands Beach, near Combe Martin. A once almost-unknown spot, it’s become a bit of a Mecca for paddleboarders and kayakers, but still remains a quieter spot which I think is unrivalled in its beauty. Broadsands is accessed either via the water from Watermouth or Combe Martin, or by a rather large set of steps. Good luck climbing them on the way back if you’re planning to take a lot of supplies with you!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite local eateries </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant.jpg" alt="gluten-free blogger Sarah Howell with pizza" class="wp-image-59978" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/new-amsterdam-fave-restaurant-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For gluten-free pizzas you simply cannot beat <a href="https://www.the-new-amsterdam.com">The New Amsterdam</a> in Barnstaple. Not only are their g-f pizzas the same size as normal ones (a rarity when it comes to gluten-free!), they are also cooked in a separate oven and there are tonnes of g-f sides and pasta dishes too. I also love their sister pub and restaurant, <a href="https://www.ilovebullandbear.com">The Bull and Bear</a>, for the best g-f burgers, mozzarella sticks and fried chicken around. Another favourite is <a href="https://thepier-house.co.uk/restaurant/">The Pier House</a> in Westward Ho! which offers lots of g-f options, a g-f carvery and the most spectacular sea views. Once we even saw dolphins!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best street food</h2>



<p>North Devon has a huge street food scene, especially during the summer months. <a href="https://www.cluckstreetfood.co.uk">Cluck Chicken </a>offers the most incredible g-f fried chicken from their summer spot in Freshwell Campsite, and in the next campsite along (Ocean View) you’ll find <a href="https://www.biffenskitchen.com">Biffen’s Kitchen</a>, who do a banging katsu curry with a completely g-f option. I was very excited to hear they’re pitching up at Lobb Field in Braunton for the winter months this year too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://thefeelgoodlarder.co.uk">The Feel Good Larder</a>, Barnstaple</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2.jpg" alt="coffee from The Good Food Larder Barnstaple " class="wp-image-56429" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/06/flatwhite2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m a bit of a coffee snob and the best coffee I’ve found in North Devon has to be at <a href="https://thefeelgoodlarder.co.uk">The Feel Good Larder</a> in Barnstaple. I really love it when baristas are passionate about their craft and it really shows here. Plus, as an added bonus, they offer a fully gluten-free menu including croissants, which is a huge win for me.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hangman Hill </h2>



<p>I do love a challenging walk and nothing beats a stomp up Hangman Hill in Combe Martin. This became a bit of a regular challenge with my friends post-gym (I know, we are all crazy!) but trust me, the absolutely savage climb is worth the vistas from the top.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunshine &amp; Snow, Bideford</h2>



<p> If there’s one shop I could spend all day in, it’s <a href="https://www.sunshineandsnowshop.com">Sunshine &amp; Snow</a> in Bideford. Not only does it have THE happiest, most colourful exterior ever, it’s filled with all sorts of gorgeous homeware, clothes, jewellery, gifts, stationery and books. Plus, they also have a coffee bar which I love to work from with my laptop. I always pop in there to spend my imaginary Lottery winnings– and pick up some unique food photography props too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite day trip</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1.jpg" alt="Sarah Howells at River Cottage " class="wp-image-59970" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/river-cottage-day-out1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I was lucky enough to spend a day at <a href="https://www.rivercottage.net">River Cottage</a> in Axminster a few years ago for one of Naomi Devlin’s gluten-free baking courses, and it was just the best day. If you love food I cannot recommend one of their courses enough. Not only do you pick up new skills while being fed the most amazing lunch, the farm is simply stunning and worth a look around. It’s so beautiful and quiet there – a proper haven amidst the Devon countryside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite sunset</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset.jpg" alt="Sarah Howells food writer with paddle board on Instow beach" class="wp-image-59975" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/instow-fave-sunset-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nothing beats chasing the sunset and for me, Instow beach is the best place to see it. Preferably while bobbing on the water on my paddleboard! The sun sets in the mouth of the estuary, lighting up the sky with colour, and is truly beautiful. Plus the beachfront bars of <a href="https://www.theboathouseinstow.co.uk">The Boathouse</a> and <a href="http://www.instowarms.com">Instow Arms</a> are the perfect spots to enjoy the view with a nice cold cider!</p>



<p><em><strong>Sarah Howells has just released her first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delicious-Gluten-Free-Meals-everyday/dp/1399722468/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1683562160&amp;sr=1-1">Delicious Gluten Free Meals</a> (Yellow Kite, £16) suggesting 100 easy everyday recipes, including budget-friendly meals for batch cooking, quick and easy meals, fakeaways, classic desserts or slow-cooking wonders.</strong></em></p>


My favourite places: The Gluten Free Blogger, Sarah Howells

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