Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hollywood-filming-on-dartmoor">Hollywood filming on Dartmoor </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="724" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Old-Crockern-C-Gina-Hemery-1196-x-866.png" alt="Gina Hemery" class="wp-image-80205" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Old-Crockern-C-Gina-Hemery-1196-x-866.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Old-Crockern-C-Gina-Hemery-1196-x-866-800x579.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Old-Crockern-C-Gina-Hemery-1196-x-866-768x556.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Dartmoor&#8217;s Daughter / Gina Hemery </figcaption></figure>



<p>Movie gossip, incoming! While road-testing the wonderful riverside <a href="https://www.wildersauna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilder Sauna</a> at Dartmoor&#8217;s Badger&#8217;s Holt last weekend, we heard all the goss about <em>Werwulf</em> filming nearby. Due out Christmas 2026, it stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe, is set in 13th century England, and is directed by Robert Eggers, known for <em>Nosferatu</em> and <em>The Lighthouse</em>. The shooting location, vans and medieval sets at Sharp Tor were so clearly visible from the main road, I nearly swerved into a ditch while craning for a better view. *Not my fault, officer, it was the Hairy Hands!* Anyway, do let us know if you&#8217;ve spotted any Hollywood celebs knocking back a sneaky pint at The Two Bridges or the Ruggle, won&#8217;t you.</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/14/2023/10/holly-keeling.jpg" alt="Holly Keeling Interiors " class="wp-image-60504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/10/holly-keeling-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Torbay has also been in the limelight, as More4 have been busy filming a new six-parter, <em><a href="https://www.channel4.com/press/news/more4-welcomes-viewers-antiques-riviera-charming-corner-uk-where-expert-traders-help" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Antiques Riviera</a></em>, following various members of the antiques trade around Devon. Look out for Totnes&#8217; Holly Keeling Interiors who was first in the spotlight when she opened her new Newton Abbot store last month. Transmission date is early 2026, date TBC.</p>



<p>In other celeb gossip, former tennis ace Tim Henman was spotted tucking into Sunday lunch with friends at Muddy favourite, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRhU8KuDRJY/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Maltster&#8217;s Arms</a> in Tuckenhay. Whether he had a <em>racquet of ribs</em> *sorry* we can&#8217;t say, but Keith Floyd would be proud for sure. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boutique-hotels-to-get-on-your-radar">Boutique hotels to get on your radar</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.top50boutiquehotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 50 Boutique Hotels 2025</a> has landed and, as we&#8217;d expect, Devon has made the cut. The lust list (from the same people who create the <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/top-50-gastropubs-devon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 50 Gastropubs</a> and Top 50 Cocktail Bars) is voted for and chosen by key people in the hospitality industry from all over the UK, so it&#8217;s a big accolade. </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/14/2023/01/glebe-house.jpg" alt="Glebe House Devon" class="wp-image-52193" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/glebe-house.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/glebe-house-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/glebe-house-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/glebe-house-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/01/glebe-house-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Glebe House Devon </figcaption></figure>



<p>While The Newt in Somerset scooped first place, Colyton&#8217;s <a href="https://www.glebehousedevon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glebe House Devon</a>, made 23rd place, a former B&amp;B run by second generation owners Olive and Hugo Guest and known for its stylish decor, home-cooked menu and creative courses. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Fowlescombe-Farm_Devon_Tall-Barn.jpeg" alt="Fowlescombe Farm Devon " class="wp-image-79066" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Fowlescombe-Farm_Devon_Tall-Barn.jpeg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Fowlescombe-Farm_Devon_Tall-Barn-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Fowlescombe-Farm_Devon_Tall-Barn-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/Fowlescombe-Farm_Devon_Tall-Barn-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Fowlescombe Farm </figcaption></figure>



<p>The 460 regeneratively-farmed acres of <a href="https://fowlescombe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fowlescombe Farm</a> at Ivybridge took the 26th spot for its 10 unique suites and soil-to-plate menu headed up by The Angel&#8217;s former head chef, Elly Wentworth. They also own the excellent Millbrook Inn if you fancy dipping your toe. The coastal-based <a href="https://hopecovehouse.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hope Cove House</a> at Inner Hope was awarded 29th place for its understated South Hams luxury, daily-changing menu and and regular retreats, from yoga to art. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/boringdon-800x1000.jpg" alt="Grand Hall at Boringdon Hall Hotel Plymouth " class="wp-image-73556" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/boringdon-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/boringdon-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/boringdon-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/boringdon.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Boringdon Hall Hotel </figcaption></figure>



<p>Snaffling 34th place, the Muddy-approved, 5-star manor house, <a href="https://boringdonhall.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boringdon Hall Hotel</a> won plaudits for chef Scott Paton&#8217;s Michelin star dining, fabulous Gaia Spa wellness offering and exquisite rooms (hello four-poster bed!). &#8220;The perfect place to switch off,&#8221; say the judges. Worth noting that Boringdon Hall has also just scooped Best Spa in 2026 Condé Nast Johannsens Awards for Excellence too. Hats off (cozzies on!)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas-1000x667.jpg" alt="Bovey Castle Christmas tree " class="wp-image-61716" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/12/Bovey-Castle-at-Christmas.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Meanwhile over on Dartmoor, <a href="https://www.boveycastle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bovey Castle</a> has been awarded PoB Hotels Hotel of the Year 2025 &#8220;for delivering exceptional guest experiences with timeless charm and thoughtful evolution.&#8221; Having held our 2025 Muddy Awards here, we heartily second that. Bovey&#8217;s attention to detail and the helpfulness of the staff are second to none. What&#8217;s more, they&#8217;ve just put up their fabulous rafter-reaching Christmas tree &#8211; all the excuse you need for visit and a hot toddy by the fire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exeter-eats">Exeter eats</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/14/2025/11/DM-Dotties-1.jpg" alt="table aid for dinner and drinks at Dottie's Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-82483" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/DM-Dotties-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/DM-Dotties-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/DM-Dotties-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/DM-Dotties-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s been a busy time for Devon&#8217;s capital city with three exciting new options for Exeter&#8217;s foodies. Hotel Indigo have revealed their chic new ground floor eatery. Named for a local character Dorothy “Dottie” Holman, who was known for her contribution to the city’s heritage, <a href="https://exeter.hotelindigo.com/dotties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dottie&#8217;s</a> is open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, offering a chef-led dining experience that celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1381" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/cornish-bakery.jpeg" alt="The Cornish Bakery Exeter Devon " class="wp-image-82495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/cornish-bakery.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/cornish-bakery-579x800.jpeg 579w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/cornish-bakery-724x1000.jpeg 724w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/cornish-bakery-768x1061.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Further down the High Street, <a href="https://thecornishbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cornish Bakery</a> has opened in the former Mountain Warehouse, bringing its popular twice-baked Pistachio Croissants, Shakshuka Croissant, Raspberry Crème Brûlée pastries, and Giles Coren-approved sausage rolls to the city. Not wishing to be traitorous to our delicious Devon bakeries, the decor looks good too, thanks to Tom Raffield lighting and Cornish artwork to admire while you&#8217;re drinking a matcha tea or hand-roasted coffee from their La Marzocco&nbsp;coffee machine.   </p>



<p>Last Friday saw the opening of Exeter&#8217;s new cellar bar <a href="https://orielsexeter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oriel&#8217;s</a> (next to Lakeland) which is aiming at the nightclub-swerving, discerning 30+ crowd, offering signature cocktails, table service, brunches, comedy nights, live music and late nights. Thursdays are for vinyl lovers, Sundays for a laid-back jazzy vibe, and while the wine list doesn&#8217;t look as extensive as that other fab city cellar, Rendezvous, we&#8217;ll definitely be giving it a try.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-barn-at-modbury-s-shilstone-house-gets-a-glow-up">The Barn at Modbury&#8217;s Shilstone House gets a glow-up </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Allister-Bishop-Head-Chef-at-Shilstone-House.jpeg" alt="Alastair Bishop head chef at Shilstone Manor Modbury Devon " class="wp-image-82493" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Allister-Bishop-Head-Chef-at-Shilstone-House.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Allister-Bishop-Head-Chef-at-Shilstone-House-533x800.jpeg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Allister-Bishop-Head-Chef-at-Shilstone-House-667x1000.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Allister-Bishop-Head-Chef-at-Shilstone-House-768x1152.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shilstone House head chef Alastair Bishop in the newly renovated Barn</figcaption></figure>



<p>Modbury&#8217;s 18th century <a href="https://shilstonedevon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shilstone House</a>, owned by the Fenwicks of Bond Street fame and known for its beautiful gardens and fabulous café, have just revealed a rustic-luxe reno for their Barn eatery. Aiming for a stylish home-from-home vibe, and harnessing the skills of their own talented in-house upholsterer and craftspeople, everything has been made by hand to traditional British techniques, from the banquette seating to the understated lime-wash floors and wooden floors. The family have also extended their opening times to Thurs-Sun from 5.30pm. Chef Alastair Bishop&#8217;s Sunday lunch (12-3pm) is a local favourite, using super-local produce, much of it sourced from Shilstone&#8217;s own tenant farmers. Bookings open now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kylie-gives-ashburton-the-thumbs-up">Kylie gives Ashburton the thumbs up</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Ashburton Goes XMAS with Kylie Minogue! | Local Businesses Recreate the Dance" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yLmR5dXmGIU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Ashburton is dancing into the festive season with a new video recreating the famous dance routine from Kylie Minogue’s new Christmas single, XMAS. The owner of Muddy Award-winning lifestyle store, PAD, Glen Middleham persuaded his fellow indie businesses to dust off their dancing shoes and go <em>spinning around</em>, all in the name of festive fun and promoting their much-loved town. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="285" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-11.38.51.png" alt="Kylie Minogue instragm comment on Ashburton's Christmas video " class="wp-image-82505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-11.38.51.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-11.38.51-800x228.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/11/thumbnail_Screenshot-2025-11-27-at-11.38.51-768x219.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What&#8217;s more the pint size popster herself has given it the thumbs up on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRjTdUzDaoD/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PAD&#8217;s Instagram</a>. Ashburton does XMAS for Christmas Number One, we say &#8211; can&#8217;t get you out of my head! Don&#8217;t miss their festive celebrations, including their late-night Christmas shopping evening on Thurs 4 Dec from 4pm, when there will be carol singing, mulled wine and mince pies, festive menus, a makers’ market, author talks and book signings – plus a special visit from you know who. Not Kylie, silly &#8211; Santa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-finally">And finally&#8230;</h2>



<p>Two big family attractions are closing: Sidmouth&#8217;s Pecorama due to the challenging economic conditions, and Torquay&#8217;s Occombe Farm due to their parent charity, Torbay Coast &amp; Countryside Trust, going into liquidation. It&#8217;s also a fond farewell to the very popular Kapes café in Budleigh Salterton, Atlantic Spirit gin is alas no more (RIP Quaint), and Plymouth Sessions won&#8217;t be returning to the Hoe in 2026. Pecorama do say they hope to re-open in a new format in the future, but for now are focussing on core activities of manufacturing and publishing. </p>


Superflash: A new cocktail bar with vinyl nights & why Kylie loves Ashburton

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