Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="904" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/sacha-1-1-904x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/sacha-1-1-904x1000.jpg 904w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/sacha-1-1-723x800.jpg 723w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/sacha-1-1-768x850.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/sacha-1-1.jpg 1221w" sizes="(max-width: 904px) 100vw, 904px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Sacha Newall</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sachanewall/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sacha Newall</a> and Muddy go back a long way to when Sacha was launching her fledgling&nbsp;fashion business from her garage in 2014, and Muddy was the first media outlet to cover her unique fashion rental proposition. Fast forward ten years, and <a href="https://www.mywardrobehq.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">My Wardrobe HQ</a> is changing the way that smart women&nbsp;dress. With a concession in Harrods, new outlets popping up all over the UK, MWHQ offers high fashion items that can be rented (we&#8217;re talking Carrie Johnson&#8217;s wedding dress) for a fraction&nbsp;of the price of buying them. </p>



<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/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3408.jpeg" alt="Sacha Newall on a bike with dogs " class="wp-image-65462" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3408.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3408-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3408-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3408-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sacha taking the dogs for a bike-walk</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now, Sacha is addressing her work life balance and coming back to her roots in Devon. She misses the sand between her toes and salt in her hair, and is focussing on finding her forever home along the South Devon coast. </p>



<p>Over to you, Sacha!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dog-friendly-coastal-stay">The dog-friendly coastal stay</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/imperial-2.jpg" alt="Imperial Torquay " class="wp-image-65458" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/imperial-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/imperial-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/imperial-2-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/imperial-2-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Imperial Torquay </figcaption></figure>



<p>We always stay in one of the Garden Suites at the <a href="https://www.theimperialtorquay.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial Torquay</a>, which gives us amazing sea views, a private outside area for the dogs to sun themselves and direct access to the gardens. I love&nbsp;that Devon is so dog-friendly. I have one who is 16 years-old and leaving him is not an option. When we arrive on a Friday, it&#8217;s their home from home. They drag us down the stairs as they know exactly where to go and they have comfortable beds and doggie treats, so it&#8217;s all hugely exciting.&nbsp;</p>



<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/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_1012.jpeg" alt="My Wardrobe HQ's Sacha Newall at Imperial Hotel Torquay " class="wp-image-65454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_1012.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_1012-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_1012-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_1012-768x1024.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Sacha Newall </figcaption></figure>



<p>I grew up in Torquay in the &#8217;80s and remember my parents talking about the Imperial with reverence. Back then, it was like Claridges on sea: the&nbsp;decoration,&nbsp;the flowers,&nbsp;the white glove service, everything was impeccable. To go to The Imperial for one of their gourmet black tie dinners was the ultimate birthday treat. The bones are still there, but it has changed over the years. I see past today&#8217;s reality,&nbsp;to the hey-day of its past, and there is still a little frisson of excitement that I am actually staying at The Imperial.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-scoff-amp-quaff">Where to scoff &amp; quaff</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/rockfish-torquay.jpg" alt="Rockfish Torquay " class="wp-image-65456" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/rockfish-torquay.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/rockfish-torquay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/rockfish-torquay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/rockfish-torquay-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Rockfish </figcaption></figure>



<p>For Friday night dinner, we walk down to the <a href="https://therockfish.co.uk/pages/torquay-seafood-restaurant">Rockfish</a> restaurant which overlooks the marina. Their motto is &#8216;Tomorrow&#8217;s fish are still in the sea&#8217;, and the catch of the day from Brixham, delivered daily, is about as fresh as you can get. The dogs are welcome: they have a paws-on-the-floor policy, which means that the&nbsp;dogs get a trip out after the long drive, and maybe a chip or two as a bonus. My husband has a gluten&nbsp;intolerance and they can serve the whole menu, including the battered fish, gluten-free, so it&#8217;s become a real favourite.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/riverford-foodie-escape.jpg" alt="Riverford Field Kitchen " class="wp-image-55905" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Riverford Field Kitchen </figcaption></figure>



<p>For Saturday brunch, we head over to <a href="https://fieldkitchen.riverford.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverford Field Kitchen</a> in Buckfastleigh. Ther&#8217;s no choice &#8211; it&#8217;s a fixed four-course vegetarian menu for £23.&nbsp;Dishes include sweet curd roasted blueberries with buckwheat and honey, wild garlic panisse mushrooms with apple brown sauce and asparagus poached egg with dill vinaigrette. It&#8217;s a brunch adventure that&#8217;s dog and child-friendly as both can potter among the prettiest flower and herb gardens by the restaurant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/elephant-2.jpg" alt="The Elephant Torquay " class="wp-image-63518" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/elephant-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/elephant-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/elephant-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/02/elephant-2-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit The Elephant Torquay </figcaption></figure>



<p>By dinner time the dogs are pooped and very happy to be left in the room with the TV (they like snooker, football or <em>Midsummer Murders</em>). For very fine dining, <a href="https://www.elephantrestaurant.co.uk">The Elephant</a> is head and shoulders above anything in the area. The kitchen has a pursuit of perfection&nbsp;that is palpable, nothing but the best will go out for service and that level of intensity is a rare thing and usually found in 2-plus star Michelin restaurants. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/elephant-dish.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/elephant-dish.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/elephant-dish-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/elephant-dish-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/elephant-dish-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit The Elephant Torquay </figcaption></figure>



<p>Whilst the complexity of the flavours and the dishes is up there with any gastronomic experience, the portions are not big and if you are not on the tasting menu, you need the amazing bread and wild garlic butter served alongside&nbsp;the first courses. </p>



<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/14/2024/05/waddling-21.jpg" alt="The Waddling Duck cheese platter " class="wp-image-65461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/waddling-21.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/waddling-21-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/waddling-21-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/waddling-21-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/waddling-21-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit The Waddling Duck, Babbacombe </figcaption></figure>



<p>While The Elephant is a place for foodies, if you&#8217;re with guests whose idea of a fabulous meal is a large steak, it’s not for them. Then we might go to <a href="https://www.thewaddlingduckbistro.co.uk/">The Waddling Duck</a> (newly relocated to Hamiltons in Babbacombe from Wellswood). It&#8217;s very good British cooking, with good-sized portions and great sauces and presentation. While it is not the Michelin dining experience of the Elephant, it represents great value, with lovely staff, the chance to dress up and that extra illusive magic that elevates a restaurant from being somewhere to eat, to a night out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-play">Where to play</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3515.jpeg" alt="Flow Yoga Studio Babbacombe " class="wp-image-65452" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3515.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3515-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3515-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_3515-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Sacha Newall </figcaption></figure>



<p>As you can see, there&#8217;s a <em>lot </em>of eating when we&#8217;re in Devon, so I try to do some movement on Saturday. <a href="https://www.flowphysio.co.uk/">Flow Studio</a> near Babbacombe has a magical studio with a class at 9am, timing perfectly with a coffee run to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kalipsocoffee?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0oQHE_8UBoz6nr0Xfdyjg1rt6L8zr3H08V04op2o50SYdun_-4BWPE8Oo_aem_AcI7tRKORfPSGJ3vaLBFGDkhS_bjyt9ahXkk91E2haag9oEpwDlNuWJX1syYFq7bm2AzotNgIbpT7xHkc0TwZicD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kalipso Coffee</a> en route.&nbsp;Classes are beautifully taught by experienced teachers in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for any level of yoga. There&#8217;s free parking in a car park directly outside and there are various pricing packages starting at £12 for a drop in class to £75 permonth for unlimited membership.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-beach-hangout">The beach hangout</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/meadfoot-beach.jpg" alt="Meadfoot Beach Torquay " class="wp-image-65469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/meadfoot-beach.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/meadfoot-beach-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/meadfoot-beach-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/meadfoot-beach-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Meadfoot Beach Café</figcaption></figure>



<p>On Sunday we head to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meadfootbeachcafe/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meadfoot Beach Café</a> in front of the Osbourne Hotel for the best coffee on the beach and a cooked breakfast with local sausages. The wild swimming ladies are usually there and we love to hear them laughing &#8211; year round they are there and laughing, even when it&#8217;s seriously cold. If wild swimming makes you this happy, it&#8217;s probably something that we all should consider. It&#8217;s a great way to end the weekend. Drinking a perfect flat white and listening to how happy being in Devon makes everyone.</p>



<p><em><strong>Want more on where to scoff, quaff and play around Devon? Check out our local <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/travel/uk/travel-guides-travel/">Travel Guides</a> for all the latest intel.</strong></em></p>


My Wardrobe HQ Sacha Newall’s perfect Devon weekend

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