Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-35347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-thatcher-rock-200x200.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sober October (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gosober.org.uk" target="_blank">Sober October</a> just around the corner, Muddy thought it was high time for a snifter (booze-free, of course) with Sarah Yates, co-owner of Torquay-based <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sea Arch Drinks (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seaarchdrinks.com" target="_blank">Sea Arch Drinks</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35500" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sea-Arch-Drinks-Geoff-Sarah-Yates-2-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>She and husband Geoff distil probably the tastiest alcohol-free gin in Christendom, perennially Muddy’s go-to for school nights or just when I don’t want a sore head in the morning.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="566" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-35336" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-300x170.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-720x408.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-768x435.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/sea-arch-900x509.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sarah and Geoff live close to Torquay&#8217;s natural sea arch, London Bridge, and it&#8217;s this which inspired the brand&#8217;s tagline, &#8216;More beautiful without&#8217;, ie the alcohol may be missing but you won’t feel like you’re missing out. It&#8217;s intended to be a grown-up’s aperitif, a sundowner or anytime treat. </p>



<p>The flavour is created from complex botanicals, including native coastal samphire and sea kelp found in Sarah’s local landscape of the south Devon coast where she loves to walk, eat and generally hang out.</p>



<p>And don&#8217;t worry if you haven&#8217;t tried it yet you can <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="WIN a Sea Arch bundle worth £101.30 here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/sea-arch-drinks-competition/" target="_blank">WIN a Sea Arch bundle worth £101.30 here</a>!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1464" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-205x300.jpg 205w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-342x500.jpg 342w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-768x1124.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-359x525.jpg 359w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>So, Sarah, do tell&#8230;. Where should a a woman of taste and means go when she’s in your ‘hood &#8211; and when she&#8217;s trying to be good?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.elephantrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="THE ELEPHANT BY Simon Hulstone (opens in a new tab)">THE ELEPHANT BY Simon Hulstone</a>, 3&amp;4 Beacon Hill</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1063" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay-282x300.jpg 282w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay-470x500.jpg 470w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay-768x816.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/the-elephant-torquay-494x525.jpg 494w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pic credit: The Elephant</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Elephant, Torquay’s Michelin-starred eatery, just off the pretty harbour is amazing. Chef Simon Hulstone’s menus are brilliantly varied but I always go for the seafood. I had the most wonderful rhubarb souffle here once and, of course, they will make you a delicious Sea Arch if you fancy!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="ME &amp; MRS JONES (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.meandmrsjonesdeli.com" target="_blank">ME &amp; MRS JONES</a>, Wellswood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/11/IMG_6124.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/11/IMG_6124.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/11/IMG_6124-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/11/IMG_6124-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/11/IMG_6124-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If we’re going off for a picnic, this family-run deli in Wellswood is where I’ll go for nibbly bits, with its amazing sourdough, lovely salads and quiches and yes, Sea Arch Coastal Juniper! It&#8217;s a real treasure trove &#8211; you always meet someone you know here and it&#8217;s a really buzzing place to meet for morning coffee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/beachhousedevon/" target="_blank">THE BEACH HOUSE, SOUTH MILTON</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35355" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton-400x500.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/beach-house-south-milton-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pic credit: The Beach House</figcaption></figure>



<p>A fab brunch pitstop to drop in from a walk on the South West Coast Path before it gets too busy &#8211; amazing views and another sea arch worth seeing in Thurlestone Rock.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="WESUP (opens in a new tab)" href="https://torquay.wesuphq.com" target="_blank">WESUP</a>, Torquay Marina</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1335" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34938" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2-375x500.jpg 375w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wesup-2-393x525.jpg 393w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m a member of WeSUP&#8217;s paddle-board club &#8211; if a fair-weather one &#8211; and it’s great for socialising with other women or just having some peaceful paddle-boarding time. You might even get to see a seal. One time they saw a basking shark &#8211; right under them! I wasn’t there for that, probably just as well as I’m not sure what I’d have done! It&#8217;s also good for a cocktail or to meet for a coffee, for work or with friends. I like the way it’s got lots of little rooms you can tuck away in and you have these amazing views over Torquay marina. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="THE CARY ARMS (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.caryarms.co.uk" target="_blank">THE CARY ARMS</a>, Babbacombe</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="689" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22347" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa-300x207.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa-720x496.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa-768x529.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/cary-arms-spa-762x525.jpg 762w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Even though this 5-star hotel has won loads of awards, it’s really kept its character and still feels like a traditional Devon pub in some ways. Geoff and I love going here for a drink &#8211; non-alcoholic and otherwise &#8211; on the terrace overlooking Lyme Bay, which is like the Mediterranean on a sunny day. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-35498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/Sarah-Yates-Sea-Arch-Drinks-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can walk down to the beach for a paddle from there or over to Oddicombe Beach. Here&#8217;s one of my favourite places for Brixham-caught seafood, I can recommend the prawns, scallops and the hake. My favourites!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="WINE @ NO 7 (opens in a new tab)" href="http://no7-fish.com/no-7-wine-bar/" target="_blank">WINE @ NO 7</a>, 7 Beacon Terrace</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35345" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/wine-no-7-bar-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pic credit: Wine @ No 7</figcaption></figure>



<p>Geoff and I used to run a successful wine bar in Wellswood and I noticed how when people didn&#8217;t want to drink, there was nothing interesting to offer, so drivers etc always ended up on soft drinks like the kids.&nbsp;So with Geoff being a trained chef we set out to create something sophisticated and delicious, with a good enough flavour to feel as special as having an alcoholic drink. We&#8217;re not saying &#8216;don&#8217;t drink&#8217;, just have something really good when you can&#8217;t! When I do drink, I love a glass of wine from the upstairs bar from No7, Torquay&#8217;s seafood bistro. The wine list is huge, and there&#8217;s loads of choice by the glass. Robin, who runs it, is really friendly and knowledgable (and he mixes a mean Sea Arch cocktail!). The views across the marina from here are beautiful too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="THE SHIP INN, UGBOROUGH (opens in a new tab)" href="http://shipinnugborough.com" target="_blank">THE SHIP INN, UGBOROUGH</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35353" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough-720x477.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/09/ship-inn-ugborough-792x525.jpg 792w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pic credit: The Ship Inn, Ugborough</figcaption></figure>



<p>I get very nostalgic about the village where I grew up &#8211; my late father used to call it Shangrila. I love the walk up to the old tramway track, Puffing Billy, and, when we go back, there are a couple of good pubs we always visit, The Ship Inn and The Anchor. The Ship is our safe Sunday lunch spot, or when we fancy a really good steak or fish and chips.</p>



<p><strong><em>Stocking up for Sober October? Try <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coastal Juniper (70cl) (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seaarchdrinks.com/product/coastal-juniper-70cl/" target="_blank">Coastal Juniper (70cl)</a> or ready-to-quaff <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sea &amp; T  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seaarchdrinks.com/product/sea-t-can/" target="_blank">Sea &amp; T </a>and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Rose Sea &amp; T (opens in a new tab)" href="https://seaarchdrinks.com/product/rose-sea-t-cans/" target="_blank">Rose Sea &amp; T</a>.</em></strong> <strong><em>Or head over to our Reader Treats for your chance to <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/sea-arch-drinks-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="win a Sea Arch bundle worth £101.30 (opens in a new tab)">win a Sea Arch bundle worth £101.30</a>.</em></strong></p>


Doing Sober October? Meet Sarah from Sea Arch

You may also like