Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celeb-spotting-ye-olde-cider-insider">CELEB SPOTTING: Ye Olde Cider insider</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/14/2026/04/Fred-cider-Bar.jpg" alt="Fres Siriex Cider Bar" class="wp-image-85106" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Fred-cider-Bar.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Fred-cider-Bar-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Fred-cider-Bar-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Fred-cider-Bar-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Alice Bardwell</figcaption></figure>



<p>The eagle-eyed among you may have already clocked French TV personality&nbsp;Fred Sirieix&nbsp;in town, filming his latest&nbsp;Channel 4&nbsp;series; and yes, it’s all happening in&nbsp;Newton Abbot. Best known as the ever-charming maître d’ on&nbsp;First Dates, Fred has been spotted at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yeoldeciderbar/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ye Olde Cider Bar</a> , and not just for a casual pint. Word is the much-loved watering hole is in line for a full glow-up, with Fred lending his expertise to owner&nbsp;Julian Marsh&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;Alice Bardwell. Intrigued? So are we. Watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink-big-moves-and-new-grooves">FOOD &amp; DRINK: Big moves and new grooves </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1754" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor.jpg" alt="The Curator" class="wp-image-85124" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor-684x800.jpg 684w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor-855x1000.jpg 855w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor-768x898.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/CuratorDSC_0153_Fotor-1314x1536.jpg 1314w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>First up, Exeter’s got a new must-try. <a href="https://www.brothers-lounge.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brothers</a> flung open its doors on 1 Apr, serving freshly cooked local produce &#8211; with every main including unlimited fries. Yes,&nbsp;unlimited. Books a table immediately. Big news too for <a href="https://thecurator.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOor4jRDK41DsfUxiTH_dxKnS4Oz5V4ipKxpHThklNIYJ1cIbFmD4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Curator</a>, who &#8211; hot on the heels of their April launch at&nbsp;Plymouth Market &#8211; are now taking over the café at&nbsp;Heron Valley Orchards. Expect wood-roasted coffee, fresh cakes, pastries, bread and stacked sandwiches. We’re in.</p>



<p>Also landing in Exeter: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dukesdelidevon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dukes Deli</a>, bringing serious New York energy to the South West. Open since 4 Apr, it’s all about proper&nbsp;Italian-American deli fare &#8211; think generously stuffed, NYC-style sandwiches made with authentic Italian ingredients. No fuss, no shortcuts. We like. Meanwhile, over in&nbsp;Newton Abbot, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578387080602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Italian Store</a> is now open and it’s basically a one-way ticket to Italy. Coffee, fresh pasta, cheeses and cured meats. all imported and dangerously tempting. Mamma Mia indeed. </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/14/2026/04/Walled-Garden-1.jpg" alt="Heron Farm" class="wp-image-85125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Walled-Garden-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Walled-Garden-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Walled-Garden-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Walled-Garden-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At&nbsp;<a href="https://heron-farm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heron Farm</a>, a new chapter is underway with a local family taking the reins. Plans include outdoor dining, creative workshops, wellness spaces and family-friendly activities &#8211; plus a headline event with&nbsp;Mark Hix this July. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.dartington.org/food/white-hart" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a> reopened on 1 Apr under new ownership, with former head chef&nbsp;Dan Foster&nbsp;stepping up. </p>



<p>Elsewhere, whispers suggest Stage has been snapped up by Circa &#8211; though with no official announcement yet, we’ll simply say… watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fashion-comebacks-and-cowboys">FASHION: Comebacks and cowboys</h2>



<p>Crediton’s gone full cowboy, and honestly, we’re here for it. <a href="https://silverbellywestern.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silver Belly Western</a> is the UK’s newest Western store, packed with rodeo-ready essentials. But the real draw? A custom hat bar offering boot branding, plus hat shaping and personalisation. Yee-haw indeed.</p>



<p>Down on the coast, <a href="https://sunsuplifestyle.com/pages/the-salcombe-shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunsup Lifestyle</a> has opened its first flagship store following a sell-out Christmas pop-up, bringing effortlessly cool coastal style and eco-friendly outdoor gear to&nbsp;Salcombe. And it’s a welcome return for <a href="https://bridieandbert.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridie &amp; Bert</a>, now back for the season and better than ever; with a curated mix of brands alongside its signature super-soft towelling (plus that&nbsp;very covetable velvet jumpsuit).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals-and-family-nostalgia-hits-hard">FESTIVALS AND FAMILY: Nostalgia hits hard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="989" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Devon-Days-1000x989.jpg" alt="Devon Days" class="wp-image-85169" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Devon-Days-1000x989.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Devon-Days-800x791.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Devon-Days-768x760.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Devon-Days.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Be an early adopter and get on board with <a href="https://holwellfarmhouse.co.uk/devondays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DevonDays</a>, a brand new festival at Holwell Farmhouse (31 Jul &#8211; 2 Aug). Shining a spotlight on producers, farmers, makers and creative voices, it brings together exceptional food and drink, female-led cooking, plus a programme of talks, live music, workshops and demonstrations showing how we can live in closer harmony with the land.  </p>



<p>Meanwhile, it’s a welcome return for to a South Devon favourite. <a href="https://www.trago.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trago Mills</a> Family Fun Park&nbsp;reopened this Easter, bringing back its much-loved rides, including the ever-popular Model Railway. Nostalgia, unlocked. Over in&nbsp;Paignton, big changes are underway at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paigntonzoo.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paignton Zoo</a>, which is in the midst of its biggest transformation in 103 years. Plans include immersive themed zones &#8211;  Grasslands, Wetlands, Rainforests and Islands &#8211; plus a new mixed-species savannah featuring zebras, ostriches, giraffes and white rhinos. Add revamped pathways, refreshed play areas and a shiny new central plaza, and it’s set to be quite the glow-up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellness-elevated-escapes">WELLNESS: Elevated escapes</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge-.jpg" alt="Dartmoor Lodge, Bovey Castle " class="wp-image-85129" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/dartmoor-lodge--1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.boveycastle.com/dartmoor-luxury-lodges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bovey Castle</a> has unveiled two newly renovated lodges, and they’re every bit as dreamy as you’d expect. Think elegant interiors, cosy evenings and sweeping Dartmoor views &#8211; plus your own private telescope for a spot of stargazing. </p>



<p>Prefer your R&amp;R with a side of bubbles? <a href="https://www.manorandashburyresorts.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Manor &amp; Ashbury Resorts</a> have revealed brand-new garden hot tub rooms, offering the first glimpse of a wider, multi-year refurb. Consider this your sign to book that countryside escape.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/MA_March_26_Hot_Tub_Room-3-Credit-for-photography-is-Jo-Hunt-Photography.png" alt="The Manor &amp; Ashbury Resorts" class="wp-image-85131" style="aspect-ratio:1.5;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/MA_March_26_Hot_Tub_Room-3-Credit-for-photography-is-Jo-Hunt-Photography.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/MA_March_26_Hot_Tub_Room-3-Credit-for-photography-is-Jo-Hunt-Photography-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/MA_March_26_Hot_Tub_Room-3-Credit-for-photography-is-Jo-Hunt-Photography-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/MA_March_26_Hot_Tub_Room-3-Credit-for-photography-is-Jo-Hunt-Photography-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Jo Hunt Photography </figcaption></figure>



<p>If escaping to a tidal island doesn’t already scream &#8216;wellness break&#8217;, take it up a notch with the new retreat at <a href="https://www.burghisland.com/wellness-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burgh Island Hotel</a>. Available as a standalone experience or a blissed-out add-on to your stay, expect a carefully curated line-up:  guided yoga, massage, sound baths, meditation, herbal infusions, smoothies and gentle journaling &#8211; all designed to soothe the mind and awaken the senses. Dates run from May &#8211; Sept. </p>



<p>And while you’re soaking up your Devon mini-break, why not pack a local read? <a href="https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/historical/morte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morte</a> by Richard Ashford (out 28 Apr) is set along the wild North Devon coast &#8211; expect shipwrecks, smuggling, romance and a daring escape from&nbsp;Lundy Island. The perfect page-turner to match the view.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discover-more-devon-on-screen">DISCOVER MORE DEVON ON SCREEN</h2>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/where-is-beyond-paradise-filmed-in-devon-and-cornw/">Where is Beyond Paradise filmed in Devon?</a></p>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/most-read-national/julia-bradbury-my-favourite-devon-walks/">Julia Bradbury: My fave Devon walks</a></p>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/hbo-harry-potter-filming-in-devon-new-boutiques-foodie-awards/">Harry Potter filming in Devon</a></p>


Superflashy! First Dates Fred filming in Devon, family fun and foodie goss

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