Devon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-drool-for">TO DROOL FOR</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/14/2025/07/mesita-topsham.jpg" alt="Mesita Topsham " class="wp-image-77459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/mesita-topsham.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/mesita-topsham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/mesita-topsham-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/mesita-topsham-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Hola Topsham! No3 Fore Street has itself a cute new tapas joint, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572779423861" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesita</a>, full of Basque region flavours and a Sherry Garden (I knew my garden was missing something). It also has great foodie cred, as Salami Steve (of Good Game and South West Pizza Company, also in Topsum) is the man behind the brand. Muddy review coming soon&#8230;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1620" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel.jpg" alt="The Crafty Mussel " class="wp-image-77461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/crafty-mussel-1024x1536.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Crafty Mussel giving us a sneak peek of their tasting pre-opening this Friday </figcaption></figure>



While we&#8217;re gutted to hear that The Angel fine dining in Dartmouth&#8217;s is no more, the good news is that its former chef, Elly Wentworth, is now heading up Fowlescombe Farm&#8217;s posh pub, The Millbrook Inn at South Pool. And The Angel has been transformed by its owner into a go-to for local shellfish, <a href="https://thecraftymussel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crafty Mussel</a> &#8211; a pop-up mussels and cider bar which opens this Friday 11 July. (Wonder if they will stocking the winner of Sandford Orchard&#8217;s 2025 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards <a href="https://74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.rullorchard.co.uk%2F/2/01020197c654d156-4eeb2af9-9b71-49a8-ad91-dc872db23730-000000/XfiU4JZqMscaKnJzjmVi88MQBEg=432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rull Orchard</a>&nbsp;and their Autumn Unwrapped Perry?)&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1232" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/seahorse-1.jpg" alt="The Seahorse Dartmouth " class="wp-image-68875" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/seahorse-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/seahorse-1-649x800.jpg 649w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/seahorse-1-812x1000.jpg 812w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/seahorse-1-768x946.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



While you&#8217;re in Dartmouth, you might want to double-date it at <a href="https://www.nationalrestaurantawards.co.uk/profile/the-seahorse/">The Seahorse</a> as it&#8217;s just snagged itself a spot (alongside The Ritz, no less) in the National Restaurant Awards.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="926" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/nicola-choc1-1000x926.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/nicola-choc1-1000x926.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/nicola-choc1-800x741.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/nicola-choc1-768x711.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/nicola-choc1.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Also launching this weekend (Sat 12 July) in Exeter, <a href="https://www.nicolaschocolate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicola&#8217;s Chocolate</a> has her grand crowdfunded chocolate factory opening at 14 Blackboy Road where she will be revealing her new chocolate school and store, the new HQ for her hand-crafted bean-to-bar delights.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1334" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/hippo-salad.jpg" alt="garden salad at Hippo Moretonhampstead Devon " class="wp-image-77469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/hippo-salad.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/hippo-salad-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/hippo-salad-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/hippo-salad-768x1025.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We&#8217;re intrigued to hear about <a href="http://in Moretonhampstead," target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hippo Dartmoor</a>, a new naturopathic bistro in Moretonhampstead. Lest you should be in any doubt, Hippo is not named for the semi-aquatic sub-Saharan mammal, it&#8217;s actually short for Hippocrates from whom we get the phrase, &#8220;Let food be your medicine&#8221;. Although healthy food might not be everyone&#8217;s bag, I have to say the al fresco options and super-seasonal menu (iced gazpacho, elderflower fritters, coconut berry rhubarb pudding) look right up Muddy&#8217;s street. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/TeddybearATteaser_BOR_April2025-2-Medium.jpg" alt="Boringdon Hall Plymouth Teddy Bear Picnic Afternoon Tea " class="wp-image-77487" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/TeddybearATteaser_BOR_April2025-2-Medium.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/TeddybearATteaser_BOR_April2025-2-Medium-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/TeddybearATteaser_BOR_April2025-2-Medium-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Other newbies on Muddy&#8217;s radar: Teignmouth&#8217;s The Owl &amp; Pussycat is now a cocktail and wine bar named imaginatively, <a href="https://thebargroup.co.uk">The Bar</a>. We hear it&#8217;s quite dimpsy inside, but there&#8217;s a nice garden and a Tutti Frutti goes down nicely in sun or shade. Sport fans note: <a href="https://ludobars.com/venues/ludo-exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludo Exeter </a>have launched an 11am-5pm Bottomless Saturday &#8211; order any main menu and unlock bottomless drinks for £19.50, while Plymouth&#8217;s Boringdon Hall Hotel have launched their classic <a href="https://boringdonhall.co.uk/the-hotel/the-journal/event/teddy-bears-picnic-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teddy Bear&#8217;s Picnic Afternoon Tea</a> in time for summer which is just too cute for words. From £35pp, until 31 August.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-goss">CULTURE GOSS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1503" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/alan-davies.jpg" alt="Alan Davies " class="wp-image-77474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/alan-davies.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/alan-davies-532x800.jpg 532w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/alan-davies-665x1000.jpg 665w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/alan-davies-768x1154.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Alan Davies</figcaption></figure>



Woman cannot live on bear-shaped dainties and cocktails (though we try), and that&#8217;s why we&#8217;re all over the news fresh in from <a href="https://budlitfest.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival </a>(17-21 Sept) who have just released this year&#8217;s line-up. Comedians and performers&nbsp;Alan Davies, Helen Lederer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Al Murray; historian and bestselling author&nbsp;Tracy Borman, broadcaster and film critic&nbsp;Mark Kermode; actor and writer&nbsp;Larry Lamb; political commentator&nbsp;Gabriel Gatehouse; journalist and writer&nbsp;Arifa Akbar; author&nbsp;Rachel Joyce&nbsp;(The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) and comedian and science writer&nbsp;Robin Ince are among the authors. Tickets on sale to festival friends 14 July, and general release 21 July.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1084" height="1374" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/beryl-cook1.jpg" alt="Beryl Cook exhibition at The Box Plymouth " class="wp-image-77478" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/beryl-cook1.jpg 1084w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/beryl-cook1-631x800.jpg 631w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/beryl-cook1-789x1000.jpg 789w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/beryl-cook1-768x973.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1084px) 100vw, 1084px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourberylcook.com/">www.ourberylcook.com</a>&nbsp;© John Cook 2025</figcaption></figure>



I&#8217;m also très excited to hear about The Box Museum&#8217;s landmark <a href="https://www.theboxplymouth.com/blog/press-release/the-box-announces-landmark-beryl-cook-exhibition-for-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beryl Cook exhibition</a>, landing in Jan 2026, a curation of 80+ paintings, photos and artwork to celebrate 100 years since the Plymouth artist&#8217;s birth. Look out for my sneak peek interview &#8211; on Muddy next week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="825" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/Le_Vignoble_Cassoulet.jpg" alt="Le Vignoble Plymouth " class="wp-image-77484" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/Le_Vignoble_Cassoulet.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/Le_Vignoble_Cassoulet-800x550.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/Le_Vignoble_Cassoulet-1000x688.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/Le_Vignoble_Cassoulet-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taste wines from regions where great whites are found with Shark Month </figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://royalwilliamyard.com/shark-month" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shark Month</a>&nbsp;is making a splash at Royal William Yard this July with International conservation charity, The Shark Trust rolling out everything from a 360° VR shark experience to rock-pooling adventures and film screenings. Look out for the 20ft wicker shark just landed at the Yard, and &#8211; a genius excuse for a wine tasting &#8211; the Great Whites&#8217; Wine Tasting at Le Vignoble (Thurs 24th Jul). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/06/the-whale-1000x563.jpg" alt="the whale at Exmouth festival " class="wp-image-76629" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/06/the-whale-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/06/the-whale-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/06/the-whale-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/06/the-whale.jpg 1232w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Can&#8217;t make it see the shark? How about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExmouthFestival/photos/lets-talk-about-the-whalea-huge-whale-is-landing-at-sideshore-next-weekendcan-yo/1241800721290308/?_rdr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Whale at Exmouth Festival</a> this weekend (Thurs 11 &#8211; Sun 13 Jul)? Among the free live music, craft workshops and makers&#8217; market, you&#8217;ll find a giant inflatable whale installation with, alas not wine, but, amazingly, a tiny theatre inside. A must-see!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calling-all-co-workers">CALLING ALL CO-WORKERS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9.jpg" alt="The Good Space Dawlish " class="wp-image-77450" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></figure>



A super-cool co-working and event space has opened in Dawlish, offering hot desks for £15 a day in a stylish design-led setting and the chance of a post-work sea swim just two minutes away. <a href="https://www.thegoodspace.co.uk/coworking-in-dawlish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Good Space</a> is the brainchild of three like-minded friends with young babes in tow, Amy B, Kate and Amy W, all ex-Londoners working as freelance designers in the town. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-70.jpg" alt="The Good Space" class="wp-image-77451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-70.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-70-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-70-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/the-good-space-dawlish-devon-2025-70-768x614.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The talented trio put their clever heads together and decided a happening co-working space is just what the coastal town needs, promising a monthly programme of creative happenings, from a candle-painting workshop (Thurs 24 Jul) to yoga retreats and gong baths. Go girls! We&#8217;re here for ALL of it. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-well-well">WELL, WELL, WELL&#8230;</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/14/2025/07/temple-spa.jpg" alt="Temple Spa treatment " class="wp-image-77456" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/temple-spa.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/temple-spa-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/temple-spa-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/temple-spa-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Can&#8217;t make it to the Med this week? Nope, me neither but I did steal two hours out to swing by Babbacombe&#8217;s Cary Arms &amp; Spa to road-test their new Temple Spa range. Full of Mediterranean botanicals, after their <a href="https://caryarms.co.uk/spa/spa-treatments-in-torquay">VIP 60-minute Gold Truffle Experience</a> I came away smelling of olive trees and distance shores and skin so lacquered it would put a Shimu Shanxi cabinet to shame. My only disappointment was I didn&#8217;t have a do to show it off at &#8211; get booking, ladies. 



The formerly Dartington-based South West Saunas have a new name, You Can Sauna, and new location at <a href="https://youcansauna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haldon Forest</a> opening Sun 20 Jul. Early birds can nab a £5 session and a pick of a free salt scrub or kombucha. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLhCLwttmPe/">Great deal</a>, and an ideal perk after sweating it out on a park run.

New tapas bar, chocolate factory & sharks! Superflashy summer newsflash

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