Food Lifestyle Magazine Spring 2025

Spring

This season's best places to eat, stay, shop and visit in the South West

Escape to The Collective at Woolsery for a gourmet weekender.

Our dinner, bed and breakfast package, with its five-course supper and gourmet breakfast delivery is the perfect starting point for springtime adventures in the wilds of north Devon.

Discover the whole package at woolsery.com

© Matt Austin, Lou Robertson, Kate Whitaker

‘Let's support what's handcrafted and independent’

Sustainably sourced, natural and ethical bath salts from Cornwall's Land & Water. Read Selena's feature on clean South West beauty brands on page 24

As AI creeps into all aspects of life, we've been thinking a lot about the human craft of ‘making’.

There's no denying AI is an extremely useful tool, but we also need to be mindful of the need to protect and celebrate the beauty of human creativity – and its often elegantly flawed and serendipitous outcomes. I was at a Kishi Bashi gig at Thekla in Bristol recently and was heartened to hear the audience roar its support when the artist talked about the threat of AI to creative music-making and thanked the crowd for coming to see a less-than-perfect version of a handcrafted piece of work.

To create this magazine, our team of South West writers, designers and photographers live the Food Lifestyle experience to uncover the most exceptional adventures to be found in the South West, and share them with you.

Our support for authenticity and independent businesses influences our choice of subjects to write about: chefs crafting dishes from locally grown ingredients, independent stores selling handmade goods; small boutique hotels, owner - operated restaurants; and South West creatives.

If you also believe in protecting human-led creativity, craft and independence, I urge you to track down the businesses you discover in the following pages. Things are changing quickly; let's protect and support what's handcrafted and independent while we can.

Jo Rees Editorial director and founder, Salt Media

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Happy birthday to Vanessa, Dave, Greg and the team at Marshford Organic Foods in Northam, north Devon. The family-run organic farm and store is 40 years old this spring and has supported every issue of the magazine over the past 20 years. Find them in the directory on page 96.

This

issue

FEATURES REGULARS

18. Tastemakers: The Temperleys

Somerset's most glamorous siblings tell us about life in the county – and beyond.

24. The curation: new‑wave wellness

Revive your routine with products from the South West's cleanest beauty brands.

30. Bite size: Jack Clayton

We dig beneath the surface of the Scarlet Hotel's forager head chef.

34. Something new ...

Seven hot trends rocking the weddingsphere.

40. What the wedding planner wishes you knew

We get the inside info from Clare Buckler of The Alverton.

54. Fangirl's guide to Frome

Must‑visit finds in Somerset's oasis of creative independence.

66. Weekender: Falmouth

How to do a weekend in Cornwall's coolest town.

72. Rock the Oyster

Join us at the vibey festival where tunes and incredible eats collide.

80. Going the whole hogget

Jack Bristow of Nancarrow Farm ditches spring lamb for hogget cooked over flame.

10. Ten things to do this season

A few of our fave finds for spring.

43. Eating out

We visit Lympstone Manor's Pool House Restaurant, St Tudy Inn and Bishopstrow.

60. Cool places to stay

Luxury cabins and huts promising rejuvenation in the wild.

64. The spa inspector: Darts Farm

Cossetting and convenience converge at Topsham's foodie emporium.

75. Weekend cooking

Make rhubarb and custard croissant pudding and a Michelin-starred chef's lemon-sole dish.

85. Drinks

We roadtest a groundbreaking new gin crafted using the golden ratio and explore fruity flower‑power drinks.

96. Food Lifestyle directory

98. Stockists

90

Win!

Win a spa break at Fistral Beach Hotel, dinner at The Lost Kitchen, tickets to St Ives Food Festival, a stay at Bearslake Inn and a gourmet escape at Tewkesbury Park.

Feast day and night on the

Cornish cuisine at the Water’s Edge restaurant in Falmouth

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Contributors

Jo Rees visited grand country house Bishopstrow in Wiltshire, met chefs Jack Clayton and Jack Bristow, and went on a weekender in Falmouth.

Drinks expert Jane Rakison investigated a game-changing new gin, discovered fruity and floral sips, ate at Lympstone Manor's Pool House and lifted the lid on Frome.

Abi Manning met the new generation of chefs at St Tudy Inn, and found some incredible cabins and huts for a rural escape from real life.

Rosanna Rothery met the Temperley siblings, sank into the spa at Darts Farm and discovered what the wedding planner wishes we knew.

With her own nuptials on the horizon, Selena Young revealed the latest wedding trends and hunted out clean South West beauty brands.

Editorial Abi Manning, Melissa Morris, Jane Rakison, Jo Rees, Rosanna Rothery, Selena Young

Design Christopher Mulholland Publishing Charlotte Cummins, Tamsin Powell Accounts Richard Bailey

Commercial/advertising Nick Cooper, Claire Fegan, Jeni Smith – 01271 859182

Publisher Salt Media – ideas@saltmedia.co.uk, 01271 859299, saltmedia.co.uk browser food-mag.co.uk  foodlifestylesw Facebook‑F foodlifestylesw

Thanks to our clients for supporting the magazine that supports South West independent businesses. Copyright The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure that adverts, details and articles appear correctly, Food Lifestyle cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Print We're serious about protecting the planet, which is why we print using solvent‑free inks on FSC®‑certified paper, working with a printer that holds

Things 10 to do this season

1. Visit an awe‑inspiring garden In Somerset, The Newt (thenewtinsomerset.com) treads a beautiful line between ornamental and productive. The centrepiece is its walled garden which conceals an apple-tree maze. Book a table at vegetable-led restaurant The Garden Cafe for good food and sensational views across the estate.

In Dorset, Sculpture by the Lakes (sculpturebythelakes. co.uk) is an awesome curated oasis in one of the UK's nine BGCI-accredited Botanic Gardens. Visit to experience the symmetry of art and nature.

In Cornwall, Trebah Garden (trebahgarden.co.uk) features incredible tropical plants like gigantic gunneras and tree ferns, and has its own secluded beach on the Helford River. Swim in crystal clear waters before warming up with a coffee at the waterside hut.

The Newt in Somerset

2. Do the can‑can Sea Sisters' (seasisters.co.uk) upmarket canned seafood, featuring British seafood with clear provenance, will take your aperitivo hour next level. The range includes Cornish hake, rainbow trout and whelks with flavourings such as kimchi sauce, seaweed butter and rosemary and capers. They're packaged in colourful, retro-inspired tins for extra cred.

3. Escape on a Bramley Spa Break

Sink into spring with a luxury spa break at Homewood (homewoodbath.co.uk) near Bath. The package includes a Bramley treatment, extra Bramley goodies and use of the spa, including a rejuvenating outdoor thermal experience.

4. Fill your home with seasonal flowers

Check out Re-Rooting (re-rooting.co.uk), an online florist and herb store selling seasonal blooms (like these poppies) cut from their small plot in Somerset. Osip and Landrace Bakery are customers, but they also sell direct to the public.

5. Raise your tea game Devon-based potter Sabine Schmidt (sabineschmidt-pottery.com) has three signature pottery lines that'll do the job. We love Grey Coincidence (pictured), her Japanese-inspired collection that celebrates the beauty of individualism and imperfection. Colours are achieved using natural clays that enhance the rusticity of this unique and tactile teaware.

6. Feast at a foodie festival

Food and drink headliners will descend on the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Porthleven on May 2-4.

The annual Porthleven Food Festival (porthlevenfoodfestival.com) is a mash-up of chef demos, live music, supper clubs and family‑friendly activities that fill the harbourside town throughout the weekend. Jude Kereama, Antony Worrall Thompson, and Andy Tuck from The Tartan Fox are just three of the chefs showcasing Cornish food and drink and raising awareness of hot topics like food culture and sustainable food production.

Alongside a buzzing chefs' theatre presented in collaboration with the festival's chefpatron Jude, the weekend features the Fisherman's Mission fish BBQ, a pasty workshop from local legend Ann's Pasties and free music performances at the Shipyard Diner's Club and Folk & Shanty Stage. A weekend of good times and foodie thrills is guaranteed.

7. Do a Sunday sesh at The Old Pharmacy

For a chilled second bite of the weekend, swing by this Bruton spot (oldpharmacybruton.com). It not only features a smart list of organic and low-intervention wines but its mostly Italian-inspired Sunday menu also uses ingredients from the nearby farm of sister restaurant Osip (osiprestaurant.com).

8. Visit Guy Ritchie's gaff

The director's annual weekend escape series starts on May 3 and runs for 22 weeks at his Dorset estate. WildKitchen x Carousel (carousel-london.com/ whatson) is his collab with rotating-chef restaurant Carousel and this year's roster of chefs includes Alex Nietosvuori of Hjem, Andy Beynon of Behind, and Debora Fadul of Diacá in Guatemala City. Fine dining isn't the only draw: luxury accommodation, bespoke Iglucraft saunas, cooking masterclasses, treatment rooms and wild swimming also feature.

9. Be a good egg

Discerning chocoholics will love this giant Chococo (chococo.co.uk) Milk Chocolate Honeycomb Egg. It's produced in Dorset from honeycomb made with local honey and natural-ingredient-only chocolate.

Image: Harriet Bailey

10. Learn something new

Reserve your spot on the high - demand Hix & Wild (markhix.co.uk) foraging experience run by Mark Hix and his forager chum Nick Cadwell. It begins with a morning coffee at Mark's house (pictured) before heading into the Dorset woods or along the coastline. Mark prepares a picnic lunch for the excursion and, after a hard day's

foraging, it's back to his house for a six-course meal made with ingredients gathered that day.

In Somerset, fermenting expert and founder of Get Pickled (getpickledsomerset.com) Paula Neubauer hosts fermentation workshops that range from learning how to craft kimchi to modern miso making.

Image: Matt Austin

Temperleys TASTEMAKERS

Somerset's most glamorous siblings tell Rosanna Rothery about their refreshingly low-key life on the farm

From left: Mary Temperley picking lavender for her skincare range; a family picnic; Henry Temperley

The name ‘Temperley’ may be polished by the lustre of catwalk glamour, thanks to eldest sibling Alice's place in the industry's glitterati, yet the quartet of Temperley siblings turns out to be the epitome of earthy Somerset living. Traditional cider-making, artisan farming and huge family gatherings are as woven through the brand name as haute couture.

Alice Temperley MBE stepped into fashion's limelight in the early 2000s as a result of her standout collection of intricately embroidered and hand-printed garments. Since then, her romantic floor‑sweeping gowns have provided glamorous runway and red-carpet moments for the likes of Madonna, Beyoncé, the Princess of Wales, Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie.

Second eldest, Mary, worked alongside Alice as Temperley London's commercial director before returning to Somerset to create her own line of natural skincare, Make.

Third-born Matilda's photographic talents have garnered a slew of high - profile commissions, although these days she channels her creative energy into running the family cider farm at Burrow Hill in Somerset.

Youngest Henry, meanwhile, has his digits in all manner of creative pies. As well as being a filmmaker for his company Sibling and Rival, and owning a gym and a bar in East London, he runs The Good Apple with Matilda: an initiative that makes innovative products from cider-apple waste.

A bohemian childhood

The collective of creative kin credit their entrepreneurial spirit to an unconventional upbringing on the family cider farm.

Matilda recalls being given a lot of freedom as a child. ‘The message was “Get out of the house and find something fun to do”,’ she says.

Mary recalls a bohemian childhood: ‘We ran pretty wild. Our mother (who was always doing creative things) and our father (who was busy building the cider business) maintained a can‑do attitude, and I think it gave us a sense of freedom to just go for things.’

Henry reminisces about sitting in their little farmhouse kitchen, five miles away from the nearest shop, and the daily menagerie of ‘weird and wonderful’ people who dropped by.

‘We got used to so many different types of people, the way they talked and the different things they cared about,’ he says. ‘They were often quite eccentric, too, from proper anarchists to money‑loving capitalists. The joy of being able to interact with all those different types of people was really special.’

Alice recalls how the homespun nature of her childhood (roaming around in dungarees with hay in her hair) kindled a desire in her for dressing up.

‘I used to sneak off to jumble sales to buy high heels, which my mum would hide from me,’ she laughs. ››

‘I didn't want my son to be a city boy. I wanted him to be close to his cousins and the cider farm, which is the homing beacon for us all’

Clockwise from left: Burrow Hill; Somerset Love Potion; Alice Temperley

She remembers the fancy dress parties held on the farm, seeing her glamorous mother Diana dressed up for a night out and, aged 11, discovering film noir – all of which inspired her to study textiles and print at the Royal College of Art.

‘I was absolutely obsessed with bias‑cut dresses, feathers, print, embroidery and the glamour of escaping from being covered in mud and running around in hand‑me‑downs,’ she says.

Special Somerset

Due to the number of smallholders who farm the Somerset Levels, the siblings describe it as a unique place to live and work.

‘The lifestyle is not the same as north Somerset or Exmoor,’ says Matilda. ‘ It's all about hibernation in winter while, in the summer, it's about outdoor activities. Many little cider farms open on weekends and the food scene is based around summer pop ups.’

For Henry, the needs-must ethos of living off the land fosters small‑scale enterprise.

‘Our part of Somerset is quite unique for having lots of people doing creative eccentric things in their own little bubble,’ he says.

During the pandemic, Alice took the life-changing decision to return to Somerset and move the Temperley London HQ to Ilminster.

‘I didn't want my son to be a city boy,’ she says. ‘I wanted him to experience the seasons and space and to be close to his cousins and the cider farm, which is the homing beacon for us all.’

She now splits her time between London and Somerset and admits to feeling a sense of relief when she hits her home county.

‘In the city I can run around at a hundred miles an hour but I need to come back to my animals, my family and my own space,’ she says.

Alice is careful to ensure her label maintains its global presence by having outlets in the capital and the Middle East, but she also enjoys forging connections locally. For instance, a new Temperley tweed is being created in collaboration with traditional clothmakers Fox Brothers in nearby Wellington.

‘It's such a joy to be able to do business just up the road here in Somerset,’ she says.

Family gatherings

They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and the Temperley sisters have gravitated back into the orbit of the orchards where they roamed as children. Each has a home not far from Burrow Hill while Henry loves to bring his London chums and all their kids down for camping holidays.

‘The farm feels like its own little island, especially in the summer,’ he says. ‘It's amazing to take time to get into all the things the farm produces. You don't really need to go out too much to find entertainment.’

Matilda loves springtime on the farm when they host events like circuses, foodie pop-ups and live music. Mary and Alice look forward to the legendary Temperley parties and picnics which often feature fancy dress.

‘There's a sense of complete liberation, freedom and fun shared by multiple generations,’ says Alice. ‘It's the grandfather dancing with the kid who can only just walk.’

Heritage and sustainability

As managing director of the 250 - acre farm, Matilda is custodian of the family's heritage of cider making, a rural craft with sustainability at its core.

The Temperleys moved to Burrow Hill in the 1960s but cider has been made at the farm for over 300 years – the now-famous Somerset Cider Brandy added to the repertoire in the 1980s. ››

Matilda Temperley and still

Image: Dave Watts

Dad Julian was the originator of the current range of artisan drinks – most famously sold from The Cider Bus at Glastonbury Festival –but now his offspring are searching for new ways to make the business sustainable for future generations.

One of these is Matilda and Henry's joint venture, The Good Apple, which turns pomace from the apple-pressing process into a nutritious substrate that's perfect for cultivating blue oyster and lion's mane mushrooms. They've also got an apple pomace granola and a line of cider vinegar/ CBD drinks in the pipeline.

Mary, too, has an eye for repurposing.

‘I'm growing and distilling lavender at the farm for my skincare range. Three years ago I managed to get an old copper still, that had been sitting around in the yard for 40 years, working again,’ she says.

Down‑to‑earth glamour

Despite striking looks and a glittering output in film, photography, skincare and fashion, the siblings insist they are all essentially craftspeople at heart.

‘Day to day, it's about getting up and making something that didn't exist the day before, and that's quite grounding,’ says Henry.

Matilda agrees: ‘You wouldn't find us glamorous if you saw us on the farm on a day‑to‑day basis.’

Even Alice, whose modern-bohemian designs are worn by some of the planet's most stylish celebs, reminds us that her muse wouldn't be someone sporting full evening dress with matching heels and handbag.

‘My muse could have grown up on a cider farm, running barefoot through the fields with her hair down,’ she says. •

THE TEMPERLEY'S SOMERSET

Where do you like to food shop?

‘Pitney Farm Shop,’ says Matilda. ‘It's a fantastic little organic farm that sells its own produce. The high standards really show in the food.’

Where do you take friends when they visit?

‘My last really good experience was taking friends to the top of Glastonbury Tor on the winter solstice,’ says Henry. ‘The crowd was made up of an interesting mix of druids bringing in the dawn and curious 9‑to‑5 professionals.’

Best tips for shopping?

‘Shepton Mallet flea market in Somerset and Bridport Market in Dorset,’ says Mary. ‘If you go there looking for something you generally never find it, but then you'll come across something else quite amazing.’

Favourite pub?

‘We love the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton Saint George,’ says Matilda. ‘It's a cosy pub with great food.’

Where do you go for a day out?

‘Dennis Chinaworks in Shepton Beachamp,’ says Alice. ‘They have a fantastic cafe and the best secret vintage glass shop. You can buy boxes of stuff for not very much.’

Best street food in the South West?

‘Basement Tacos is a lovely family‑run pop‑up specialising in fantastic Mexican food,’ says Henry. ‘They always create a great atmosphere.’

New-wave wellness

Conscious of what you put on your skin? Selena Young helps refine your routine with this curation of natural products from clean South West beauty brands

Land & Water

The enviro-led products from Cornwall's Land & Water (land-and-water.co.uk) might be as close as you can get to bottling the sensory glow derived from the tingle of chilly waves on the skin or sight of sun dappling the ocean's surface.

Founder Pix Ashworth was inspired to make these moments tangible after witnessing their effect on guests at Watergate Bay –her family's hotel on the north Cornwall coast. Her bath, body and home products are made using sustainably sourced and pure essential oils and actives. THE CURATION

Cast a skin-glowing spell on your beauty ritual with Moa's (moa.co.uk) organic Somerset potions.

The products are inspired by herbal folklore and made in harmony with mother nature. The hero in the range, Magic Balm, is a multi-purpose product invented to soothe, nourish and restore. It's gorgeously kind to skin thanks to its ingredients of yarrow (used since ancient times as a healing herb), tea-tree oil and other herbal extracts. Apply it as a calming facial cleanser with Moa's bamboo face cloths.

Yellow Gorse

Every organic product in the Yellow Gorse (yellowgorse.co.uk) range is handmade in small batches on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Treat yourself to skin-tailored facial elixirs and rejuvenating skin polishes and soaks that tick all the boxes: synthetic-free, plant based, not tested on animals and in recyclable packaging. ››

Moa

Ffern fragrances

Ffern's (ffern.co) seasonal small‑batch perfumes are notoriously tricky to get hold of. The Somerset scents tend to sell out before they've even been released, leading to a FOMO-inducing waitlist. Each spritz of organic eau de parfum evokes the scent of the season and is crafted using plants from the Somerset landscape.

Sweet Bee Organics

‘A modern day apothecary’ is how Sweet Bee Organics (sweetbeeorganics.co.uk) describes its flourishing Somerset brand. The team are influenced by nature and ancient practices, yet the contemporary packaging and targeted formulas of the products tap into major modern wellness trends.

Be lulled into deep slumber with the Sweet Sleep Magnesium Butter, glide the mushroom-rich Sacred Skin Glow cream over your limbs, and ditch the Dove in favour of its Pure Pits Organic Deodorant.

Wild Rising Skincare

Frustrated by the mass - produced skincare dominating the market, in 2020 Danielle Cooke took matters into her own hands by creating her own plant-derived skincare products at her home in Torquay. Her company Wild Rising (wildrisingskincare.com) is now recognised by those seeking non-toxic alternatives to daily-use products such as moisturisers, masks and oils.

Make

Handblended in Somerset using exotic oils, vitamins and plant extracts, Mary Temperley's skincare range (makeskincare.co.uk) is deliciously scented without using artificial perfumes. Her philosophy is that skincare should be so natural it's safe enough to eat. While we won't test the logic, we'll happily lather ourselves in the rose, argan oil, cocoa and shea butter Body Rejuvenate. Read more about Mary on page 18.

Holistic hotel brands

Discover more beauty and wellness brands at leading South West hotels with luxurious house-made products. Check out GAIA Skincare at Boringdon Hall Hotel in Plymouth, Bramley at The Beckford Arms in Wiltshire, Create Cornwall at Bedruthan Hotel in Mawgan Porth and Source Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel in north Devon. ››

Image: Hermione Harbutt

Sae Seaweed

This new spin‑off from Dorset's Fore Adventures comprises a seaweed spa with beach-hut baths in Studland Bay, and a seaweed-rich product line that launches this season.

Loaded with beneficial minerals and vitamins, seaweed is believed to be a miracle balm for skin thanks to its rejuvenating properties. To create their all-natural line, Sae Seaweed (saeseaweed.co.uk) only use wild plants which have been hand-harvested on the Dorset coast. Try the range at the new spa where you can slather on a seaweed face mask and foot scrub, and bathe in warm seaweed water in an ocean-view tub. •

Jack

Clayton

Scarlet Hotel's head chef is just as happy scrambling over rocks when foraging as he is crafting modern British dishes in the kitchen of the Cornish eco hotel. Jo Rees went digging beneath the surface

Do you have a secret foraging spot you'll never reveal?

Definitely – I've got a few. If you discover a good spot for an ingredient that's hard to find and then you tell people, the ingredients are soon gone. I keep those spots to myself now!

What foraged ingredients have you been especially delighted to discover?

It's great when you come across something like a crop of cep mushrooms – which are so expensive to buy – on the coast. At the end of last summer I went hunting for sea vegetables and found a load of sea carrots and fennel growing in the sand. I'd never found them before so that was quite special. Sea carrots are only the size of a finger and very thin, but their depth of flavour is immense. I'm always careful not to take too much of anything so we don't clear areas; I just take what we can use that day.

What did you do with the sea carrots?

We made them into a puree for a monkfish dish – it provided an intense carrot flavour.

What do you forage for in the spring?

Spring is the best time for foraging as everything comes to life. I'll be out picking greens like wild garlic, watercress and alexanders.

I live 30 miles from the hotel and drive past woods near Bodmin every day to get to work. That's the best place for woodland foraging around here; there are lots of secret spots.

Is there anything you've always wanted to find but haven't yet?

I've never found a truffle and I've always wanted to. They are around though; I need to train my dog to sniff them out.

The hotel is known for its environmental practices and focus on sustainability. How does that work in the kitchen?

I'm always tracking food waste and looking at how we can continue to cut it. I've never worked in a kitchen that's as sustainable as we are here; we reuse nearly everything and very little is thrown away. I think people are appreciative of the way we focus on sustainability.

I've also noticed a lot more non-vegan people eating from the plant-based menu. ››

What's the weirdest thing you've eaten for research or curiosity?

Insects seem to be the next big thing and so we've been trying different types of ants with different levels of acidity. Of course, at first you think, No! and then you try them and discover they have a citrus flavour.

How would you envisage using ants in your cooking?

Dried into powder form so it makes a natural citrussy seasoning. I don't know lots about it yet but I'm going to explore.

What else are you inspired by this season?

I'm introducing a range of mushroom tinctures onto our bar menu. Our local mushroom grower Atlantic Fungi Co-Op has six different mushroom types, such as lion's mane and cordyceps, which enhances the senses and provide different benefits. People can add a tiny pipette of tincture to their coffee: lion's mane in the morning to wake them up and reishi mushrooms to help them sleep. I've started using cordyceps myself in the morning and I've noticed it makes my brain work better.

If you could have dinner anywhere in the world tonight, where would it be?

Restaurant Kontrast in Oslo. I really like what the Scandinavians are doing with food right now.

Where do you go out to eat or drink in the South West?

I went to The Cornish Arms – chef John Hooker's place in Tavistock – on the weekend and you always get a good meal there. I also like Pintxo in Fowey, which is a tiny little tapas and sherry bar. I also often go to St Kew Farmshop – I've got kids aged two and five and it's a good place to take them.

We also visit the Bedruthan Hotel as they have soft play and a pool, and good food for kids as well as adults.

Which dish on the menu are you most pleased to have created?

My specialism is fish and one of my favourites was a dish of stuffed brill with nasturtium mousse, kombu pearl, Champagne butter sauce, a crispy oyster and potato and truffle terrine. It was pretty amazing.

The food level we're achieving here is, I think, higher than our accreditation. Lots of people have told me the food is better than they've had at Michelin-starred restaurants, so I think it would be interesting to see if we could achieve a Green Star.

What don't people know about you?

That when I left school I was in the Marines. It was all I wanted to do when I was a child but I unfortunately got injured while training and had to be medically discharged. The training massively helped my organisational skills though and that comes through in the kitchen – my paperwork is very regimented! •

scarlethotel.co.uk

‘Spring is the best time for foraging – I'll be out picking greens like wild garlic, watercress and alexanders’

Clockwise from above: Jack with foraged greens; dry-aged beef tartar with alexander, confit egg yolk, crispy potato and green garlic; stuffed brill with nasturtium mousse

Images: Edward Jose

Something new ...

Selena Young lifts the veil on seven hot trends rocking the weddingsphere

Fleur Provocateur tablescaping

Image: Richard Skins

1. Wild blooms

Wild, locally grown and seasonal are this year's floral watchwords. The team at Fleur Provocateur (fleurprovocateur. co.uk) in Bruton, Somerset, provide natural works of art (pictured) for couples who want to dress their wedding with luscious displays of free-form seasonal blooms.

Fleur Provocateur's striking bouquets, epic installations and tablescape designs are bespoke and range from colour-popping vibrancy to pared-back pastels. By playing with tones, texture and fragrance, the team craft creations that guarantee stunning images of the big day.

3. Bespoke and scripted veils

One of the oldest bridal accessories, veils are having a fresh moment. The trend is for bespoke veils made by artists such as Rebecca Anne Designs (rebeccaannedesigns.co.uk), who handcrafts one-of-a-kind creations from soft tulle (pictured). Delicate veils from the Taunton embroiderer feature 3D‑effect flowers, pearl embellishments and floral and lyrical embroidery – with black the new white in this script style.

2. Ocean diamonds

Brides no longer have to choose lab-grown or pre-loved diamonds when searching for a sustainable stone, as marine diamonds are making waves as a stunning alternative.

At Elle Cathcart's Mor Studio (morstudio. co.uk) in Wadebridge, Cornwall, the jeweller uses marine diamonds, recycled gold and ethical gemstones to create timeless pieces. Elle sources her stones from Ocean Diamonds, a Falmouth company that sends diamond divers to the waters off the west coast of South Africa to unearth high-quality gems hidden in the seabed.

Image: iris and me

4. Reinvented layer cakes

Wedding cakes fell out of favour for a while, switched out for low-key cheeseboard cakes and treat tables, but tiered confections are back! Bakers are creating towering eye-catching bakes that play on the traditional wedding-cake style. And while flowers and lace are popular adornments, white cakes with retro draped-curtain piping are leading edge. Check out the artistry of Holly Miller (cakedesignsbyhollymiller.com) who makes award-winning cakes (pictured) in her Somerset studio.

5. Creative catering

The days when wedding breakfasts uniformly comprised of poached salmon with new potatoes has, happily, passed. Contemporary couples have expectations of high-quality cooking influenced by seasonality and local produce.

Pickle Shack (pickleshack.co.uk) in Exeter provides just such edible thrills. It's led by director Josh McDonald, who has sharpened knives alongside chefs including Michael Caines, Daniel Clifford and John Campbell.

From traditional three-course wedding breakfasts to family-style sharing feasts, and street-food favourites to roast suppers, its menus are bespoke and seasonal. Dine on the likes of curried monkfish with toasted almonds, lentil dal, and tomato and garlic dressing, followed by yogurt terrine, honey macerated strawberries and almond shortbread.

6. Micro weddings

This is the opportunity to bring together a few of your favourite people for a romantic day in a beautiful location – without the stress or hefty price tag of a big do. Discerning venues are offering tailored packages for small celebrations with all the perks of an extravagant wedding (a Champagne tower for 20 is perfectly acceptable).

One such venue is Pauntley Court (pauntleycourt.com) in the Gloucestershire countyside. Set in manicured gardens, the country house hotel has endless dreamy backdrops and ten unique bedrooms. Its eight licensed ceremony spaces are spread across the terracotta-hued house and gardens (pictured) for a Tuscan-style wedding breakfast or candlelit banquet in the walled garden.

Image: Matt Austin

Image: Siobhan Beales

7. Crowns and halos

Intricate headpieces like the tiaras and halos handmade by Hermione Harbutt (hermioneharbutt.com) in Bristol are both a bride's crowning glory and very ‘now’. We love the Artemis Halo (pictured) with its golden starbursts, set with Swarovski crystals, which are mounted on a gold band bound in silk ribbon. Guaranteed to bring contemporary romance to a classic Greek-goddess look.

Image: Hermione Harbutt

What the

wedding planner wishes you knew

Unflappable and a whizz at troubleshooting, Clare Buckler of The Alverton knows how to run a wedding seamlessly. The wedding manager at the Truro hotel reveals what she wishes every couple knew about getting hitched

Left to right: Tom and Chloe celebrating on The Alverton's terrace; The Great Hall

Image: Olivia Rossi. Image of Clare: U Got The Love

What do brides need to know?

To take some moments out with their partner on the wedding day. It goes so quickly, and the bride and groom can be so busy chatting to guests they hardly see each other. It's important to sneak off for a precious moment together.

What do you wish grooms knew?

Not to hold back the tears when they see their partner coming down the aisle. It's completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed when you see the love of your life walking towards you on your wedding day. Make sure you tell them how wonderful they look!

What do you need to be a good wedding planner?

To be calm and kind, and to keep a level head while being able to have a laugh with guests to ease pre-ceremony nerves.

We recently had a bride who didn't have any wedding day flowers as the florist had booked her for 2025 instead of 2024. I popped to Waitrose to pick up some flowers and we made the bride and bridesmaids' bouquets and the groom and groomsmen's buttonholes.

What do you wish couples knew about choosing their menu?

It's their special day, so to choose their favourite foods. If guests aren't that keen, well, it's just one meal for them – but for the couple it's their wedding meal.

Can you share a memorable moment?

One couple's dog, dressed in an adorable little bow tie, was the designated ring bearer. The excitable pup was supposed to trot gracefully down the aisle, carrying the rings in a tiny pouch. Instead, he decided it was the perfect time to show off his personality and say hello to all the guests. Once done, he grabbed the pouch and ran straight to the bride.

The dog was the star of the day, stealing hearts and the spotlight in equal measure. It was such a lighthearted, joyful moment that perfectly matched the couple's fun-loving spirit

Tips for camera‑shy couples?

Always book a good photographer; it's one thing I wouldn't scrimp on. These are moments that will be looked back on for the rest of your lives. Also, trust the photographer – they know how to get the best shots.

What are the advantages of a hotel wedding?

Having everything in one place eliminates the stress of organising transport. And staying over the night before means avoiding worries about braving the wind or rain.

At The Alverton, we deliver a delicious room-service breakfast so the couple can enjoy a relaxing morning while being pampered and getting ready. And our Great Hall is such a unique venue; it's the closest you'll get to a church without being in a church.

The best part, though, is that the couple can revisit their wedding venue whenever they like –whether it's for a drink on a sunny afternoon or an overnight stay to celebrate their anniversary. We love welcoming our couples back and being part of their cherished memories.

The most rewarding part of your job?

There are so many! Weddings are one of the most significant events in people's lives and it's a unique privilege to turn a couple's dream into reality. Seeing their joy on the day is very gratifying. •

thealverton.co.uk

N o O

P R T Z I N T O S P R I G o u r t i m e t o b l o m

Eating out

The Food Lifestyle team dine at the South West's most interesting restaurants to reveal where's worth visiting

Chefs George and Becks at St Tudy Inn, page 46

Image: Elliot White

Pool House Restaurant

Jane Rakison dives into a casual dinner at Lympstone Manor's chic poolside hangout

What's the draw? Like a Bond villain's lair, the Pool House rises out of the dip in the perfectly manicured grounds of Lympstone Manor. The ultra-sleek glass and timber construction is quite a departure from the formality of its Michelin-starred sister restaurant and hotel, which peers down the hill at its sibling as though keeping a watchful eye that it isn't having too much fun.

Bad news for the manor, however, as the Pool House is all about good times – without skimping on any of Lympstone's famous attention to detail. Before entering the restaurant you walk past a large outdoor pool bordered with slick sun loungers, a marble-topped bar on a festoon-lit terrace, and the de rigeur piece of kit for any alfresco dining space: a bespoke barbecue.

The Pool House has been crafted with floor‑to‑ceiling retractable glass doors, its airiness heightened further by a lofty ceiling. In the centre of all this informal sophistication is a smart firepit and custom‑made furniture from which visitors can gaze over the views of the manor's vineyard and the River Exe beyond.

Although the heated outdoor pool and facilities such as the tennis courts are for hotel guests and club members only, the restaurant is open to everyone.

Who's cooking? Michael Caines MBE designs the menus, while his team of chefs run the kitchen at the Pool House. As well as regular lunches and suppers, the Pool House features a programme of supper clubs and wine dinners – many attended by the chef patron.

What to order? All of the Pool House menus – light bites, set menu, à la carte – draw on ingredients from the lavish South West larder. Steaks with sauces, market fish of the day, warm paninis, luxe burgers and posh pasta are all well-executed crowd pleasers.

On our visit, the starters of salt and pepper squid and grilled sea bream were packed with flavour and seasoned to perfection, while mains of tikka chicken breast with Asian slaw displayed on-point levels of spice. We also ordered the piscatorial special of hake served with the smoothest of herby butter sauces. It was so good we wondered if it might have accidentally found its way onto the wrong menu and should be featuring across the lawn in the starry surroundings of Michael's accoladed restaurant.

Puds were pitched nicely – decadent without being heavy. We plumped for the paris brest with tonka-bean ice cream, and dessert of the day: a spiced pear mousse with a pear compot-like surprise centre, accompanied by a scoop of gingerbread ice cream that hugged it on the plate. Delicious.

Need to know The sophistication of the space and the posh Club Tropicana vibes it exudes might suggest this is a grown-ups-only restaurant, but it's actually very family friendly and even has a kids' menu. Pooches are also welcome.

While the restaurant has been open to the public since 2023, during the summer months priority is understandably given to residents and members, although it's usually possible to bag a table. Or visit the Lympstone website for details on how to become a member and dive into the full Pool House experience with all the additional perks.

Pool House Restaurant and Bar Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ lympstonemanor.co.uk

St Tudy Inn

Abi Manning scouts out St Tudy Inn under its new ownership, and discovers a vibrant kitchen team putting the foodie pub back on the map

Image: Matt Austin

What's the draw? You might have heard of the St Tudy Inn. Food lovers flocked to the Cornish village during the 2010s when former Great British Menu contestant and Food Reader Awards Best Chef Emily Scott made her name at the pub. Ten years on from its original heyday, it's the home of the next generation of bright young Cornish chefs and they're writing a new chapter in the story of the much-loved inn.

Who's cooking? Head chef George Buckley has hospitality running through his veins. Kitchens have been his sanctuary from the age of seven and he grew up helping his dad at the family restaurant. As a teenager, he worked at The Mill House before claiming his first head chef position at a local golf club.

George's big break came when friend Simon Hobbs asked him to head up the kitchen at Tintagel Brewery Bar & Bistro, a venture that saw the pair gain higher membership into the Trencherman's Guide and a coveted finalist spot for Best Newcomer at the Trencherman's Awards 2023.

At St Tudy, George leads a dynamic kitchen crew comprised of fellow chefs Becks Taylor and Sam Bartley, plus an apprentice. The team are clearly having a lot of fun with this new venture, but their output is deadly serious. The dishes that flow from the pass exude a confidence that belies George's informal training.

What to order? Provenance and seasonality are the order of the day. Whatever time of year you visit, your plate will bear the jewels of north Cornwall's shores and fields: Bodmin Moor wild venison, Cornish monkfish and Boscastle trout all feature.

We sampled the latter in a blood-orange trout starter (pictured), a pick'n'mix delight of cucumber, hazelnut and pickled radish dotting the exceptional fish.

For mains, slices of Bodmin Moor venison shared plate space with a crunchy croquette encasing meltingly soft meat. Beetroot fondant and celeriac puree planted the dish even more solidly in the landscape and the season.

To finish we chose the richly dark choc crémeux, offset by the tang of blackberries and the umami note of stout ice cream.

Need to know Avoid the dark moorland drive home by booking one of four well-appointed rooms (one dog-friendly) in a converted barn a few steps from the pub.

Upgrading to a gourmet getaway opens up the opportunities of sinking a nightcap in the bar (and having a bop if you're fortunate enough to visit on one of the live-music nights) and enjoying a hearty Cornish breakfast before exploring the local footpaths and coast.

St Tudy Inn

St Tudy, Bodmin, PL30 3NN sttudyinn.com

Bishopstrow

Jo Rees stepped through the grand entrance of this Wiltshire pile and discovered a playfully reinvented country house hotel experience

What's the draw? A fun, country house hotel that's anything but the hushed, haughty experience you might expect on sweeping up the drive to this honey-coloured country pile.

Open the towering front door, bookended on either side by glowing carriage lamps, and step into a lively and unpretentious playground.

The first areas you encounter at Bishopstrow are the quirkily elegant sitting rooms with their roaring fires, marbled‑paper lampshades, chinoiserie tables and colourful glass objets d'art. If you visit for dinner it's a non-negotiable to start your evening here with a drink from the small but well-curated cocktail list. We loved the Spiced Daisy with its biting tequila and honey blended with tart lime, served in a chilli-salt-rimmed glass.

Who's cooking? The kitchen is under the care of executive head chef Philip Lewis who has worked at several five‑star hotels, including The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Browns Hotel in Mayfair. Before joining Bishopstrow he was executive head chef at prominent aviation caterer, On-Air dining, in London.

What to order? Complementing the vibe of the wider experience, the menu at the hotel's Garden Grill is easygoing (lots of dishes can be ordered as either starters or mains) and built around crowd pleasers. Sure, there are places where you can worship at the altar of pretentious gastronomy, but this is a spot for tucking into a nicely cooked piece of fish with recognisable accompaniments, or scoffing an indulgent treat like a cheese soufflé.

We took the team's recommendation on the twice‑baked Godminster soufflé to start and it was sumptuous. Another starter of generously

sliced pastrami-cured Scottish salmon with fennel kimchi, pickled cucumber, and a buttermilk and dill dressing delivered meaty bites of salmon cut by its clean platefellows.

The regulars' fave is the slow-cooked shoulder of Wiltshire lamb, so we did the honours. Unctuously soft and bearing rich lamb flavours it was supported by a cast that included buttery pomme puree, cabbage from the garden, carrots, and baby onion jus spooned from a tiny copper saucepan.

One of the highlights of the Garden Grill is produce from its no-dig kitchen garden, and our cabbage and chard were both plucked that day. Diners can get closer to the natural surroundings in which the veggies are grown by dining in one of the glass domes in the grounds.

For pudding, we couldn't resist the lure of vintage classics like jam roly poly with pink custard, and baked apple with rum-soaked raisins, candied oats and crème fraîche.

Need to know There is tonnes to do at Bishopstrow, so dinner is just the jumping off point. Stay the night in a room with a private outdoor jacuzzi, explore the 18th-century temple and walled garden, and take a riverside stroll in a pair of Le Chameau boots from the welly wall. There's also a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, and afternoon teas to be devoured.

Bishopstrow

Boreham Road, Warminster, BA12 9HH bishopstrowhotel.com

Insider's

Our award-winning books reveal exceptional restaurants, foodie hotels and the coolest speciality coffee spots to take your spring and summer road trips next level ...

The Trencherman's Guide is the South West's answer to the Michelin Guide. This 32nd edition reveals 111 exceptional restaurants from Cornwall to the Cotswolds – all hand picked to guarantee a top-notch dining experience.

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'Showcases exquisite and authentic South West dining experiences'

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Trencherman's Guide member, Circa, Devon

With the Indy Coffee Guides you can free yourself from having to take pot luck when choosing a coffee shop. The handy books reveal the very best speciality coffee shops in different areas of the UK: the South; London; the North, Midlands and East; Scotland; and Wales. Each of the cafes included has been chosen by industry experts, is independently owned and serves speciality-grade brews. Discover where to find the most swoonworthy flat whites and cinnamon buns when you get your guides at: indycoffee.guide

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page 66

Travel

The coolest, quirkiest and most fabulous places to visit in the South West

Lunch at Sabzi, Falmouth Weekender,

Image: James Ram

Frome

Jane Rakison shares her must-visits in Somerset's oasis of creative indies

Nobody can say they've truly ‘done’ Somerset – or even the South West for that matter – if they haven't been to Frome. A labyrinth of cobbled car-free lanes takes you uphill, downhill, left into a nook and right into a courtyard, with every inch populated by creatives who –collectively – have kept the big chains at bay.

As one of England's oldest towns (and one frequently voted the best place to live in the UK) Frome is imbued with a history that's immortalised in honey-hued forest marble buildings. Hopelessly romantic to look at, it's no wonder it's drawn entrepreneurial visionaries from near and far. Each one's arrival has been a magnet for the next, to the point at which Frome is now a ferociously independent hub of creativity.

The sheer variety of independent businesses in the town makes it hard to define, yet everything shares a modern-meets-tradition vibe where craft, sustainability and artistry collide. Safe to say, it's worth a visit.

Where to eat

However long you stay, it's best to arrive early and hungry. Tucked away in a need-to-know-about corner is Rye Bakery where the breakfast/brunch/lunch experience is always a buzzy affair. The renovated 19th-century church has high ceilings, an organ still in situ and authentic pews. Hot drinks, warm food and posh pastries fly off the counter and include homemade sausage – or veggie – rolls alongside salads, stews

Left to right: Kobi & Teal; Lula from Pilea

and grilled cheese on sourdough. The recipe for its legendary berry‑filled financiers is asked for constantly (and with good reason), but the only secret the team will reveal is that the almonds are roasted.

Projects on the bridge is another breakfast-to-lunch favourite. The cosy space is a spot to refuel with speciality coffee and a sticky bun of integrity.

For more substantial eats, check out The High Pavement. As its name suggests, the restaurant is set high above St. Catherine's (Frome's main cobbled quarter). It emits all the bustling sounds you'd hope for from a good tapas bar, although the cooking influences extend well beyond Spain into North Africa and the Middle East. Expect dishes jazzed up with preserved lemons, date syrup and dukkah; dip into a little of everything while peering down on the hubbub below. ››

Frome counts a Japanese izakaya and Mexican taqueria among its foodie destinations. Inoshishi Izakaya is a casual Japanese restaurant for light meals, such as miso soup, wagyu-steak rice bowls and bento boxes, as well as a range of sake. Meanwhile, A Huevo (translation: hell, yeah!) is a taqueria that became so popular during its stint in the monthly The Frome Independent market that it's now a permanent feature, serving taco fillings such as chicken tinga, three-bean chilli, and pork pibil. With just a handful of seats it's worth ordering to-go.

Outside the centre and towards the railway line, The Station has become a local institution. Here, a group of chefs, sommeliers and entrepreneurs have joined forces at an old train station warehouse to create a community -focused venue that celebrates independent businesses. Rye Pizzeria is at the heart of it, crafting wood‑fired pizzas adorned with locally sourced toppings, including produce from neighbouring Owen's Sausages and Hams, which also produces a takeaway classic of its own: pimped hot dogs. Sausages are made and smoked in-house and feature a rotating bill of toppings, from cucumber, sour cream and dill to aioli with coriander. Umami joy is guaranteed. Cheesemonger The Cheese Lord is also in residence at The Station and often holds special events, while Sweet & Wild creates green and grainy traybakes, from seeded breakfast bars to black-forest brownies. For flavour‑jammed south Indian street food, visit Lungi Babas. Good times are guaranteed at this creative collab of indies, especially at the end-of-the-week get-togethers when local DJs and musicians pep up the proceedings.

Where to drink

Beyond Rye's Wine Bar at The Station (which serves a range of natural wines, craft beers and fine ciders), in the centre of town Frome boasts a sassy-yet-savvy wine and cheese shop–cum–bar in The Stores. The cheese selection is sourced from as nearby as possible to keep the footprint down. Wine may be less easy to source super locally, but the carefully curated list focuses on regenerative practitioners and classic styles, which are not always the best known but uber delicious regardless, whether New Zealand Pinot Noir or Sicilian Nerello Mascalese.

Up the hill and round the cobbled corner is Palmer Street Bottle, a relaxed bar focused mostly on craft beer and cheese. All the beer on tap is chalked up on one blackboard while another reveals the day's menu, most of which revolves around the high-grade dairy products. With a heavy events schedule, it's the perfect place to pop in for an evening of live music or comedy. If beer isn't your thing, rest assured the cider, wine and extensive range of NoLos have you covered.

Halfway up Catherine Hill, Still Life Gin is a tiny distillery where visitors can craft their own gin while, next door, Moo and Two deals in speciality coffee and directly sourced loose-leaf teas. Locals like to start the day with a hot brew and bake while perched on Moo's wooden benches, then end the day at Hydeaway, the town's underground speakeasy that handcrafts creative cocktails. Its mish-mash of vintage furniture and muted lighting creeping through retro silk lampshades make it an atmospheric place to sink into the evening. ››

Clockwise from top left: The High Pavement; Palmer Street Bottle; jewellery at Seed; Bramble & Wild

Clockwise from top left: The Frome Independent; Hung, Drawn, Quoted; The Stores; bedroom at The Talbot Inn

Image: Alice Whitby

Image: Jake Eastham

Where to shop

This small Somerset town is proof there's a different way to shop. Its collection of maverick, artistic and quirky stores provide something of an Aladdin's cave for shoppers and visitors, whether they're looking for vintage clothing, records, swanky pet gear or artisanal ceramics.

At the very top of the hill are two individually minded stores with strong personalities all their own. Hung, Drawn, Quoted on Catherine Street is a refreshing gift store with a tongue-in-cheek poke at the world's current affairs protagonists – think Trump and The Daily Mail - through prints, mugs, tote bags and appliqué. Kobi & Teal is a haven for fans of beautiful design: the shop, gallery and studio are filled with artwork and objects from UK designers and makers.

Further down the hill, Frome Hardware is a utility-homeware-lover's paradise with Openil knives, household brushes for all those tasks you never knew you needed to do, and an in-house laser-cutting workshop.

Seed also has a passion for British makers, billing itself as the home of contemporary craft. Its jewellery shines a light on emerging local designers while its homewares cover everything from smellies to tableware, plus a separate gallery sells limited edition prints and original sculptures.

Next door is one of Frome's three luscious plant shops. Bramble & Wild is a florist and gift store that grows its own flowers throughout the summer months. Nearby Pilea is a verdant jungle with unique houseplants in all sizes, which spill out onto the cobbled street. The newest kid on the block, Moss Archives, can be found on medieval Cheap Street (fun fact: it's the only street in England with a leat running down the middle of it). It identifies more

as a 'nature shop' than a plant store as it also sells a very tactile and colourful range of fossils and crystals. Also on Cheap Street is Neighbour, a swoonworthy lifestyle store filled with carefully curated pieces. There's no prejudice here: whether it's a vintage find or new homeware, if it's gorgeous, it's in.

Another favourite on this street is Winstone's, the town's award-winning independent bookshop, while Sherlock & Pages is a relatively new bookshop on St Catherine's cobbles.

One of the very best times to get under the skin of Frome is on The Frome Independent day, a street market that takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Roads are closed while traders, makers, food producers, musicians and street performers reclaim the streets, and a huge vintage market takes over the weekly market site on Market Yard. Everything from clothes and cutlery to garden furniture can be found alongside farmers' food carts and a DJ blaring out tunes for the children's disco dancefloor.

Where to stay

Feast on a slice of history at The Archangel, a hotel dating back to the Domesday Book, which boasts bedrooms with dark oak floors and bathrooms filled with eco products. Downstairs, the pub serves food from dawn to dusk. There are connecting rooms (useful if travelling with kids) and even pooch-friendly rooms – just book in advance.

Four miles to the west of Frome, in the historic village of Mells, The Talbot Inn offers stylish accommodation in airy rooms decorated in a neutral colour palette and featuring log‑filled fireplaces and rolltop baths. Heaven. •

Rest + Wild

Exmoor, Devon

Lose yourself in one of the country's most untamed landscapes with a stay at Rest + Wild. Its fi ve cabins are spread across four fields for privacy and are each designed for two people (with space for a travel cot). They include a king-size bed with views of the Exmoor landscape, as well as a firepit, outdoor copper bathtub, rainfall shower and complimentary Wildsmith products.

Ease into a stay by lighting the firepit, slipping into the outdoor tub, then cooking up a feast courtesy of the Best of British food hamper add-on. The cabins are designated switch-off zones, so there's no wifi. Dogs are welcome and will adore the walking and river splashing opportunities nearby.

restandwild.co

to stay Cool places

Abi Manning curates a collection of luxury cabins and huts that'll inspire you to escape concrete and commitments for rejuvenation in the wild

Escape Off The Grid

Plush, Dorset

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Escape Off The Grid's Aslan cabin (pictured) is a tiny eco home designed to encourage guests to embrace adventure-and-chill time. This particular piece of Narnia overlooks Dorset countryside and is completely off grid. That doesn't mean it skimps on comfort and style, however, as the timber building is well insulated, contains a wood burner, and has an airy studio-style interior with vista-framing windows.

Aslan may feel a world away from civilisation, but in fact it's only a couple of minutes from a pub, hiking trails and wild swimming spots.

escapeoffthegrid.com

The Hidden House

Near Chard, Somerset

Slow down and reconnect with nature on a cabin break at Hinton Hideaways' luxury properties: The Birdhouse, The Hide, Owl Cabin, The Nest and Hidden House. They're all set in 260 acres of organic farmland.

Any of the cabins is an excellent choice for a wild escape but we love Hidden House (pictured) for its boutique quality and wrapping of local cedar which gives it a tropical vibe. Rooted on timber legs, the cabin greets you at ground level while the living spaces project three metres above the ferns. Attractions include a hammock and copper tub for outdoor bathing, a personal spa with wood-fired hot tub and sauna, and a private garden with fire pit, outdoor kitchen and pizza oven. hintonhideaways.co.uk

Wildcomfort

Start Bay, Devon

Seaside and sustainability enthusiasts will love a stay at Wildcomfort. The Little Owl and Honey Buzzard Birdhouses were built using a combination of precision engineering, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable materials, resulting in comfortable cabins that benefit from contemporary eco tech.

The properties are hidden in a secret-garden woodland overlooking the Start Bay coastline. Each has its own private bathroom and decking with astonishing views. The solar-powered site is off‑grid but, if you find yourself in need of civilisation, a sauna and a cafe at Blue Flag Blackpool Sands beach are just a short stroll away.

wildcomfort.co.uk

Image: Rebecca Douglas

Image: M J Heritage

Beach Retreats

Whitsand Bay, Cornwall

The Cornish coastline beckons with a stay at one of Beach Retreats' Boundless getaways. The pint-size properties are packed with good gear and each just minutes from the beach.

We love the trio that clings to the cliffs at Whitsand Bay. Whirlwind, Alpha and Brackenbank offer peak coastal escapism: no traffic, a backing track of crashing waves, and a 100-metre scramble down a narrow cliff path to three miles of glistening beach.

Any of the chic cabins are a great spot for a romantic break. However, they're equally as fitting for a cosy family getaway (four‑legged friends are welcome too) thanks to light‑filled open-plan living spaces, private gardens and alfresco dining areas. Sea swimming, rockpooling, watersports, the Cliff Top Cafe and easy access to Plymouth and the charming fishing harbours of Looe and Polperro provide plenty of entertainment options. •

beachretreats.co.uk

THE SPA INSPECTOR

Darts Farm

Rosanna Rothery reveals how cossetting and convenience converge at Topsham's foodie emporium

‘Pair your shopping trip with the opportunity to slink off to Darts' Wellness Spa’

Darts Farm at Topsham has long been a one-stop-shop for the good things in life: handcrafted charcuterie, tomahawk steaks, local ciders and wines, handmade chocolate truffles, bathroom tiles and fabulous soft furnishings. Pop in for a litre of milk and you're likely to leave with a tub of handcrafted gelato, a John Sankey armchair and a new pair of walking boots.

However, what's less well known is how you can pair your shopping trip with the opportunity to slink off to Darts' Wellness Spa (at the rear of the building) for an hour or two of steamy bliss, a heavenly massage and infrared rejuvenation.

It's not just convenient; it's a genius example of time management to combine picking up your week's fix of local produce with a cossetting spa experience.

NEED TO KNOW

Spa packages meet a variety of needs and budgets (starting from £75) and range from the exotic Awakening Ritual to the rejuvenating Relax and Renew. There’s also a Polished and Pampered package for those who want a glow up, an Escape Ritual for Two and a Pregnancy Retreat. Robes, slippers and fluffy towels are all provided and packages include use of the Infrared Sauna and Steam Room and the Lavender Relaxation Lounge.

Initial impressions of the spa are of a tranquil boutique space, complete with a Fired Earth palette of warming greens and creams, natural fabrics, elegant lighting and wooden panelling. So far, so hygge.

The next discovery is just how exclusive it is. The infrared sauna and steam room are solely for the use of your party, so spa-phobics can rejoice in not having to make awkward conversation with a bunch of near-naked strangers.

Everything is immensely chilled out. A pink Himalayan salt wall and the warm glow of the infrared light in the sauna seep into your bones and senses, while the essential oils in the steam room coddle you in a warm and fragrant embrace.

Manager Kelly Twiggs and her team of therapists are experts in Elemis treatments, so the facials and massages tailored to each spa package

guarantee stress - busting, muscle - kneading and skin-nourishing benefits. This journalist (adept at tying her tendons in knots by sitting in a C shape) appreciated a personalised routine to relieve the big seize in her neck and shoulders.

Post-massage, we recommend lazing around in the Lavender Relaxation Lounge: a soothing spot in which to be swaddled in a dressing gown, sip a From Trees herbal tea and nibble a Cow and Cacao truffle.

For a little extra, you could add a two-course meal from The Wellness Menu at The Farm Table, which is vibrant with fermented benefits. Springy sourdough with marmite butter, coupled with a draught of kombucha can be followed by the likes of Brixham john dory with Darts cabbage kimchi, tea-stained egg and seaweed. Your microbiome will love you for it.

The spa is also a lovely space for spending time with a group of friends. For a special occasion, we'd suggest forgoing gut health and hearty dishes in favour of the High Tea option in the Yard Restaurant.

It's all the little touches at the Wellness Spa (caring therapists, personal changing closets, handcrafted tiles, a living moss wall and exclusive facilities) that lend it an elevated edge. By the time you find yourself whizzing around the Food Hall, your spirit will be lifted, your mood lighter, your limbs looser and your shopping basket bursting with goodies. •

Wellness Spa at Darts Farm

Topsham, Devon, EX3 0QH dartsfarm.co.uk

WEEKENDER

Falmouth

Cornwall's coolest town is a vibrant spot for a weekend away, thanks to its fusion of creative arts, culinary thrills and coastal location. Jo Rees shares the perfect itinerary for three days' cavorting

Image: Gylly Beach Cafe

Friday

Skip work on the Friday to squeeze every last drop of juice from your weekend in Falmouth. First things first, schedule in a coffee 'n' carb pit stop on your way to the South Cornwall spot. It's easy to justify a detour via Gorse Bakery, hidden in a rural location on the outskirts of Goonhavern. Foundation-roasted speciality‑grade coffee beans and above‑par

pastries deliver a caffeine hit with a side of laminated loveliness. It closes early afternoon, so time your arrival accordingly.

For a place to stay in Falmouth, try St Michaels Resort. Its position overlooking the glassy waters of Gyllyngvase Beach makes a morning beach stroll, swim, yoga session or paddleboarding a cinch.

The hotel's alfresco oasis of echiums, palms and Mediterranean grasses offers plenty of places to chill outdoors, especially if you book a session in the inside-outside spa. An icy plunge pool, steaming jacuzzi, wooden sauna and loungers are hidden among the foliage. Then step through glass doors into the South West's largest hydrotherapy pool, which is bolstered by steam rooms, treatment spaces, a large herbal sauna and heated ceramic beds.

Those who feel the need to earn their chill-out time will appreciate the Health Club, which has a hardcore gym, classes and swimming pool to meet the requirements of even the most committed workout warrior.

Pick your room from a range that includes the private Spa Garden Lodges, which come with outdoor copper bathtubs, or stay in the main body of the hotel in rooms and suites decked out in contemporary Cornish style. Family rooms are available too, or plump for a self-catering apartment in the hotel's Liner Building.

With a Friday afternoon gym and spa session in the bag you'll be ready for cocktails in the bar, followed by dinner at Brasserie on the Bay. This is St Michaels' main dining spot and it sports a nautical vibe which turns sparkly as the lights are lowered. Visit for a modern Cornish menu of crowd pleasers crafted from local produce. ››

Left to right: Gyllyngvase Beach from the Gylly Beach Cafe; outdoor sauna and plunge pool; Spa Garden Lodge at St Michaels Resort

Clockwise from top left: cocktails at St Michaels Resort; scallops and sauv blanc at Indidog; art at Morgans gallery; Beacon Coffee

Saturday

After breakfast at the hotel, hit the town for a day of exploring. The Falmouth shopping experience is quirky and authentic, its streets crammed with indie stores – there's barely a chain to be found.

Falmouth's School of Art is well respected and, over the decades, has contributed to the town's arty vibe as creatives moved to the area to study and then stayed on. As a result, there are some decent galleries and a vibrant cultural scene.

Two good places to find local art are Sailor's Jail, Falmouth's alternative art gallery that showcases unusual work from students, and Morgans, a multi-storey spot that shows a smart curation of high-end contemporary paintings and ceramics, as well as stocking arts and lifestyle magazines.

For cultural food for the soul, visit The Poly The arts centre comprises exhibition spaces, cafe, cinema and store, and also runs creative workshops.

The most swoonworthy homewares are to be found at Ondine Ash, The Painted Bird and Cream Cornwall, while Mirri Damer stocks unique contemporary jewellery.

During a morning of mooching you'll undoubtedly need a coffee. Happily, the town has more than its fair share of spots serving speciality-grade brews. We rate Beacon Coffee for its ever-changing roster of roasteries and slick serves, as well as Espressini, Good Vibes Cafe, Dark Pony Coffee and Olfactory Coffee Roasters' cafe. For coffee with a twist, swing by the retro-styled Jam, which deals in decent brews and vintage vinyl.

Back on the shopping trail, you'll find more retro finds in Falmouth's miscellany of vintage stores. Winkle out quirky treasures at Camelots, Kitty Gubbins (‘trader of all things vintage, antique, peculiar and bizarre’) and Retro Falmouth

There are loads of options for a late lunch: a carby feast at Stones Bakery, fresh falafel at the Fal Falafel van on The Moor (a BBC Food & Farming Awards winner), or hunt out the Kelp Canteen seafood shack by the harbour. Sabzi is another lovely spot and serves fresh Middle Eastern and Mediterranean salads, hummus and falafel, and has views of the harbour. ››

While lunching, consider your options for dinner – they're numerous. For contemporary cooking, Culture boasts three AA rosettes and a Michelin Green Star, or try Restaurant Mine at the Old Brewery Yard for simple‑yet‑refined modern British cooking that champions the local larder. In good weather, sit outdoors in the buzzy courtyard.

To dine by the water's edge, head to Indidog for its menu of smart casual dishes and cracking cocktails. An outdoor table by the harbour is the insiders' go-to. Another lovely coastal dining spot is Water's Edge restaurant at The Greenbank Hotel, where flavour‑packed creations include locally landed fish given a smart makeover and served with sea views.

Wherever you dine, finish your evening with a nightcap at Beerwolf Books. Part bookshop, part pub, the lively bar is housed in an 18th-century building with a beer garden out front.

Kernow Wine is another special place to raise a glass. The wine shop-cum-bar serves small plates and glasses of vino, has a bottle‑refill service, a wine club and hosts events.

Left to right: dine with harbour views at Water's Edge at The

Sunday

Walk the few steps from the hotel to Gylly Beach to start the day with coffee and breakfast at the Gylly Beach Cafe before taking a stomp along the South West Coast Path. Turn right to walk to Maenporth Beach, passing Beach House Falmouth at Swanpool Beach on your way. Call in on your return journey to feast on Falmouth lobster, local mussels and dayboat fish. Or turn left and head, via the Tudor-built Pendennis Castle, to St Mawes, making the return trip to Falmouth via the little passenger ferry which drops off its day‑tripper cargo in town. •

Greenbank Hotel; dishes at Restaurant Mine

Image: PixelRain Ltd

Image:

Emily Anna

Rockthe Oyster

This summer, join us at Cornwall's vibey festival where fresh tunes and eats collide. Now's the time to plan your glamping getaway

In its lush spot on the banks of the Camel Estuary, Rock Oyster enjoys possibly the most beautiful setting of any of the UK's smorgasbord of music festivals. What's just as special, however, is its foodie focus: the curation of chef demos and pop-up restaurants is as heavyweight as the line-up of musical acts.

As one of the sponsors of the festival, the Food Lifestyle team hit the road each year for four days of feasting and frolics at Rock Oyster. Alongside the core activities of lazing on the grass with a beer as you watch the bands (and jumping up and down with the crowd in the evenings), the weekend's attractions include yoga, speciality coffee, quirky shopping, workshops and demos, family-friendly fun and some seriously good eating.

This year's headliners include Ministry of Sound Classical, Rag'n'Bone Man and UB40, while Kate Nash and Everything Everything will also take the stage. Gok Wan and Craig Charles are bringing the funk and soul vibes, while Oasis tribute act Be Here Now will recreate the Gallagher bros' comeback tour – in Cornwall. See you there! •

Dates July 24-27

Tickets rockoysterfestival.co.uk

Accommodation

Glamping and camping

Day-only tickets also available

Musical line-up Ministry of Sound Classical, Rag'n'Bone Man, UB40, Kate Nash, Everything Everything, Gok Wan, Craig Charles, Be Here Now, Emily Magpie, Malavita, Brass Junkies, Peri Rae, Electric Spank, Shagrat, Go Go Skank

Chef line-up Noor Murad, Richard Bertinet, Mark Hix, Tom Brown, Karan Gokani, Jack Stein, Seema Pankhania, Thuy Diem Pham, Ben Quinn, Andrew Tuck and Rose Cant

More to be announced ...

Weekend cooking

pudding, craft a Michelin-starred chef's lemon-sole recipe and switch up spring lamb for hogget cooked over flame

Image:

Harrop

Chef Jack Bristow of Nancarrow Farm (p80)

Rhubarb and custard croissant pudding

The nostalgic flavours of rhubarb and custard are given a grown-up glow up in this spring recipe from St. Ewe Eggs and Jade Berry of Naughty Nonnas in Cornwall

Serves 6‑8

For the custard

St. Ewe Rich Yolk Eggs 4, yolks

Dark muscovado sugar 50g

Cornflour 2 tsp

Vanilla bean paste or maple syrup 2 tbsp

Whole milk 700ml

Double cream 200ml

Cornish sea salt a pinch

For the pudding

Forced rhubarb 400g

Caster sugar 120g

Oranges 2, zest and juice

Croissants 6–8

Icing sugar 2 tbsp (for dusting)

Butter a knob (for greasing)

Custard (see recipe)

1 For the custard: in a large bowl, slowly whisk the egg yolks and muscovado sugar. Once combined, add the cornflour and vanilla or maple syrup, then mix together.

2 In a small non-stick saucepan, mix the milk and cream and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and very slowly pour into the egg mixture, a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.

3 Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Whisk continuously over a low heat for 6–8 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Do not let it boil, as this will scramble the custard.

4 Stir in the sea salt and remove from the heat.

5 For the pudding: preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan / gas mark 6.

6 Roughly cut the rhubarb into 6cm chunks and place them in a baking tray. Add 50g of caster sugar and half the orange zest, then squeeze over the juice of 1 orange. Toss everything to coat the rhubarb in the sugary orange juice. Arrange in a single layer, cover with foil, and roast for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.

7 Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan / gas mark 4. Grease a baking dish with butter and spread a thin layer of custard on the base.

8 Slice the croissants in half, lengthways, and arrange in the dish, cut side up. Spoon over half the roasted rhubarb, avoiding too much syrup (save the rest for later). Top with the remaining croissants, cut side down.

9 Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, leaving the tops exposed to create a crispy texture alongside the soft custardy layers.

10 Scatter the remaining rhubarb over the top and let the pudding sit for 30 minutes so the croissants can soak up the syrup and custard.

11 Bake for 20 minutes, or until the pudding has a golden colour.

12 Spoon over the remaining rhubarb and syrup. Grate over the zest of the remaining orange and finish with a dusting of icing sugar. steweeggs.com

naughty‑nonnas.com

Lemon sole with velouté and fermented grape

Michelin-starred chef

Scott Paton of Àclèaf at Boringdon Hall Hotel in Devon shares a spring dinner-party dish worth the time and effort

Serves 2

Skinned and fi lleted lemon sole 1kg

For the fermented grape

Verjus 250ml

Pectin NH 30g

Sugar 75g

1 For the fermented grape: bring the verjus to a boil. Mix the pectin with the sugar and dissolve using a hand blender. Add the pectin mixture to the verjus, then return the pan to the heat.

2 Bring to the boil, whisking continuously. Once it begins to thicken, add the Champagne vinegar and allow to cool.

3 For the lemon sole: prepare the lemon sole by cutting it into four natural fi llets, following the lines on either side of the fish. Reserve the smaller fi llets and any trim for the velouté.

Champagne vinegar 1 tbsp

For the sole velouté

Shallots 200g, chopped

Celery 200g, chopped

Garlic 1 clove

Thyme sprigs 2

Butter 200g

Lemon sole trim 100g

White wine 100ml

Fish stock 400ml

Double cream 300ml

Smoked haddock 60g

To finish

White seedless grapes 100g

Royal Oscietra caviar to garnish

Oyster leaf to garnish

4 Carefully butterfly the larger fi llets with a sharp knife. Lay a smaller fi llet inside each butterfl ied fi llet. Fold the butterfl ied fi llet over the smaller fi llet and roll tightly in clingfi lm. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

5 Remove the clingfi lm and cook the fish by placing it –folded side up – under a low grill with a small amount of butter for 3 minutes. Turn the fish and grill for another minute, then allow it to finish cooking in the residual heat.

6 For the sole velouté: sweat the shallots and celery in a heavy-based pan with the garlic, thyme and 50g of butter.

7 Add the sole trim and sweat for a few minutes.

8 Pour in the white wine and reduce by half, then add the fish stock and reduce by half again. Stir in the double cream and reduce the mixture by half once more.

9 Add the smoked haddock and infuse for 10 minutes.

10 Pass the sauce through a fine‑mesh sieve into a clean pan. Add the remaining butter and bring to a boil for a glossy finish.

11 To finish: finely slice the white seedless grapes and coat them in the thickened fermented grape base.

12 Plate the sole in a bowl on top of the fermented grape. Top with 5 slices of white grape, a dollop of caviar and an oyster leaf.

13 Lightly foam the velouté and pour it around the fish. acleaf.co.uk

Serving spring lamb this Easter?

Going the whole hogget

Chef Jack Bristow of Nancarrow Farm in Cornwall recommends ditching the old faithful for the unctuous alternative of hogget cooked over flame, discovers Jo Rees

Spring's brand ambassadors may be those fluffy lambs frolicking in fields and served at Easter Sunday lunch but chef Jack Bristow of Nancarrow Farm in Cornwall is on a mission to switch up the narrative.

‘Traditionally, spring lamb is associated with Easter,’ he explains, ‘but the reality is that lambs born in the spring aren't ready for the table until late summer. Often, spring lamb is either imported or very young, which doesn't give the meat time to develop its full flavour. That's not the case with hogget.’

At the organic farm, the team have embraced the culinary and welfare benefits of hogget, which is lamb aged between one and two years old. The approach not only respects the natural rhythms of traditional farming, but it's also a more flavourful and sustainable ingredient.

When Jack served hogget cooked over flame at last year's Food Lifestyle Awards supper, we were blown away by its succulence and richness. So we asked him to tell us more about this alternative to lamb, and give our readers the low-down on cooking it at home.

Feasting suppers

The farm near Truro is renowned for its immersive dining experiences. Guests gather for seasonal feasts and Sunday lunches where produce from the farm takes centre stage. Hogget is a favourite both for its flavour and because it's available all year round.

‘We use the whole animal,’ Jack explains. ‘It's about honouring the process. Each part of the hogget is prepared differently to showcase its unique qualities. Legs and loins are cooked for tenderness, while shoulders and shanks are slow‑braised for a rich, unctuous texture. Everything, from stocks to sauces, is made in‑house using the same animal to create a seamless flavour profile.’

Slow‑grown and sustainable

The ethos at the farm is grounded in sustainability. Its flock of 80 sheep, which includes rare breeds like Black Suffolks, Cornish Longwools and Shropshires, is purely grass-fed, the animals grazing on meadows and herbal leys that enhance the flavour of the meat.

‘Grass‑fed animals develop a distinct taste that's clean and fresh,’ says Jack. ‘We avoid soy‑based feeds, which can dilute the flavour and accelerate growth unnaturally. Instead, we let the animals grow at their own pace, topping up free‑range grazing with hay (made from the meadows) during winter.’

The farm's careful attention to detail continues at its on-site butchery where traditional dry-ageing techniques are used to intensify the flavour and tenderness of the meat. ‘It's like reducing a sauce,’ Jack explains. ‘By removing moisture, you're left with a more concentrated and flavourful product.’

Flame game

Unlike young spring lamb, hogget has a deeper, more robust flavour profile that lends itself beautifully to open‑fire cooking. It's an approach that Jack has made the core of his culinary approach. ››

Image: Beer Sargent

‘A rule of thumb is that the meat should be rested for equal, if not double, the cooking time’

Jack's fl ame-cooked hogget and  accompaniments at the Food Lifestyle

Awards

Image: Guy Harrop

‘We cook it over wood, or charcoal we've made from wood on our land. We don't want to overpower it with smokiness; we just like to get a nice char as the natural sugars of the meat start to caramelise.’ Then it's cooked low and slow before the all-important resting phase.

‘The biggest thing for me is the resting. A rule of thumb is that the meat should be rested for equal, if not double, the cooking time. We also cook it a lot less than you'd think. If we want meat that's medium, we cook it so it's just rare and then rest it for an hour. That way it finishes cooking and relaxes, which is how you get the tenderness and flavour – as the meat loosens, it reabsorbs the juices.’

A cut above

Which cuts of hogget does Jack recommend the home cook try?

‘A shoulder or leg of hogget are quite big joints, so you could buy a half joint or a whole joint that's been boned and rolled, so there's no bone in the middle. That's nice eating and easy to carve.

‘The great thing is that the bigger the joint, the more flexibility you have with the cooking time. If you cook it for a few minutes too long or too little, it's still going to be pretty close to how you want it.’

All fired up

Cooking hogget at home over flame might seem daunting, but Jack's advice makes it pretty doable on a home barbecue – as long as it's got a lid.

For a classic roast, he recommends seasoning the joint a few hours prior to cooking to let the salt penetrate the meat, then searing it on a hot barbecue or in a pan until it starts to caramelise.

Once coloured, he advises moving the joint to an area of the barbecue not directly over flame and cooking with the lid on.

‘You want the meat to fall off the bone,’ he says. ‘So low and slow is the way to go.’

Low and slow isn't as time consuming as you might think. Jack says: ‘We would cook a leg of lamb in about an hour: 15 minutes of searing and then, once it's got a nice colour all the way round it, about 45 minutes on a low heat.’

Storming sidekicks

At Nancarrow, Jack pairs hogget with simple, seasonal accompaniments that enhance its natural flavours, such as a kitchen garden dressing made from fresh herbs and apple cider vinegar to cut the richness of the meat.

‘Acidity is vital,’ he explains. ‘It balances the fat and refreshes the palate. Whether it's a garden herb dressing or a salsa verde, the goal is to complement the hogget, not overpower it.’

Side dishes are usually made from produce grown on the farm, and number sidekicks like charred root vegetables, creamy gratins and vibrant salads.

Who's up for joining us in switching up the old fave for a new Easter tradition? •

READER OFFER

Hog in a Day

This spring, the Nancarrow team are launching a series of events called A Day At Nancarrow. Each session sees a small group spending a day learning how food is produced using nature-friendly and regenerative techniques, getting hands-on via workshops then tucking into a hearty lunch. The first, on Thursday April 10, focuses on hogget. Learn basic butchery skills and use produce from the gardens to make stuffing and sausages before sitting down to a lunch of stuffed hogget leg.

Food Lifestyle readers can enjoy ten per cent off the ticket price of Hog in a Day when they book using the code hogget10 at nancarrowfarm.co.uk/a-day-atnancarrow or scan the QR code.

Drinks

We test a groundbreaking new gin crafted using the golden ratio, and reveal fruity flower‑power drinks for spring

John Hall pouring a Martini made with Aureus Vita, page 86

Aureus Vita

TRIED AND TESTED

Jane Rakison finds spirit-ual enlightenment in Trevethan Distillery's game-changing new gin

WHAT?

HOW IT WORKS

A groundbreaking and extremely limited-edition gin that comes in at a hefty £175 a bottle.

Aureus Vita (translation: golden life) is a new innovation from master distiller John Hall of Trevethan Distillery in Cornwall.

WHY?

The golden ratio is key to Aureus Vita. It's a ratio that runs through all areas of life, from philosophy and science to nature and art. Snail shells, hurricanes, the Parthenon and even the Mona Lisa follow the rules of the golden ratio. It works like this: where a line is divided into two parts, and the longer part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of both parts (a) + (b), divided by (a), it should equal approximately 1.618. Got it? No worries if not, just keep picturing Da Vinci's masterpiece.

This isn't a case of making a new gin and slapping a whopping price tag on it; it's the culmination of 12 years' experimentation. John, a former chemist, applied the golden ratio to every stage of the distillation process in his quest to create an entirely different kind of gin. And the result is set to inspire a whole new gin category.

The gin scene is such a rainbow playground of flavours that the world thinks of it as less noble than other spirits, or so John believes. This motivated him to attempt to reinvent the traditional gin-making process.

Aureus Vita's journey began in 2013 when John began resurrecting a Cornish gin recipe from the 1920s to create Trevethan's London Dry. While honing this gin recipe over seven years, he noticed the proportions he'd unknowingly selected all tended towards the golden ratio. This sparked a lightbulb moment and John incorporated the ratio into the creation of a new (patent-pending) type of still which he used to make this new gin, as well as applying it in the proportion of botanicals and dilution ratios.

You might think Aureus Vita's astonishing ABV of 61.8 per cent will make your eyes water, but it's actually the perfect ratio of alcohol to water. The balance of flavours supports the alcohol and marries seamlessly with the concentration of flavour, most of which comes from the two main botanicals of juniper berries and baobab.

In fact, Aureus Vita is only crafted once a year when these botanicals are at their most vibrant so each release carries the hallmarks of a vintage, a bit like wine.

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

Original - and in a very good way. The first striking character is its texture: if ‘smooth as silk’ is a common drinks description, this is positively velvety. There's no afterburn and it doesn't even taste high in alcohol because every element is in balance. The creaminess of the palate seems to love the purity of the juniper which is simultaneously piney and peppery. And the length is impressive: it's very, very long, and the balance improves the longer it sits on the palate. It makes for a perfect Martini.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Yes, and for several reasons. First, to get your hands on something with a very limited run that's super exclusive. Second, to experience the astonishing texture, flavour and harmony of this finely tuned liquid. And third, to experiment: make a classic G&T with a typical ratio of tonic or with a bigger splash to lower the alcohol level. In either case the flavours shine through with ease. Don't have fresh citrus or herbs to garnish? No problem: this carries enough flavour to go solo. If that sounds too good to be true then give it a go; tasting is believing.

aureusvita.co.uk

‘Just keep picturing Da Vinci's masterpiece’

JANE RAKISON'S DRINKS DIARY

Fruity flower

Our resident drinks pro thanks nature for its bevy of blossomy flavours

power

Pomme Blushe (12%)

This apple aperitif burst onto the scene in July last year. It's made from both bittersweet apples and mature apples harvested on a Dorset farm. The deep blush colour and vibrant fruit notes make it equally good neat over ice or as a cocktail with Prosecco and sparkling water.

£18.95/70cl pommeblushe.com

You can't overestimate the power of flowers. The kaleidoscope of colours, swoonworthy scents and tactility of textures is already exciting enough, but the idea they can deliver such flavours in drinks makes me catch my breath every spring.

This season is a promise between us and nature that fruit will follow, along with a bounty of enchanting drinks. At least, that's what I expect – no pressure, nature. Here are a few of my favourite floral and fruity sips for the season.

Tregothnan Lemon Verbena Loose Leaf Tea (0%)

This tea is grown in Cornwall and its lemony flavour is elevated by herbal green notes and a hint of aniseed.

Infuse a teaspoon with off‑boiling water and steep for full‑flavoured results.

£9.95 for 25g tregothnan.co.uk

Cordiality Peach, Pear & Bay (20%)

Subtle pear and juicy peach combine to create a rounded, fruity flavour lifted with a note of fresh bay. Serve with sparkling water for a lower-alc long drink or use as a cocktail ingredient.

£36/70cl yourcordiality.com

Drinks Kitchen Grapefruit Piquante (0%)

Serve this spring pick-me-up infusion with a slosh of tonic; it's super concentrated so a little goes a long way. It's a real zing-fest too, with a twist of rosemary and a flicker of heat thanks to the chilli extract in the recipe.

£27/95cl

drinkskitchen.online

Farm Shop Strawberry & Elderfl ower Cordial (0%)

This crowd pleaser is made from elderflower foraged on Durslade Farm's Somerset estate. The floral thrills are highlighted by the squishy succulence of strawberries and, when mixed with soda and ice, make a satisfying drink for alfresco sipping.

£6.50/28cl farmshop.co.uk

Fistral Beach Hotel Win a spa break at

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa is a grown - ups - only sanctuary that combines stunning scenery with bespoke serenity.

Even those with the busiest of lives find winding down becomes second nature during a visit to the Cornish getaway. Rooms are flooded with calming coastal light and kitted out with comfy furnishings in a calming palette that blends seamlessly with the seascape.

More calm is to be found in the spa where a range of therapeutic treatments use products from renowned skincare specialist GAIA, which are made using natural ingredients. The menu of mindful massages includes a jade facial, a poultice massage and treatment journeys that offer awakening, calming or balancing benefits.

At the hotel's Dune Restaurant, the seasonally changing landscape is mirrored in menus laden with local produce. This is conjured

into delicious dishes by the talented chefs at the hotel's two-AA-rosette restaurant where the menu provides the perfect expression of coastal-inspired cooking. Fistral's Storm in a Teacup afternoon tea is also not to be missed and its optional upgrade to a Fistral cocktail is a no-brainer.

PRIZE A one-night stay for two with a three-course evening meal, breakfast, a 60-minute spa treatment, day membership of the spa (including facilities, gym and classes) plus ten per cent off additional spa treatments.

QUESTION What is the name of Fistral's afternoon tea?

fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

To enter, visit food‑mag.co.uk/win

See the website for individual terms and conditions. Closing date for entries is May 30, 2025.

Win dinner at

TheKitchenLost

Wood-fired feasting, cosy candlelit suppers and a contemporary rustic charm await when you drive through winding lanes to The Lost Kitchen. Housed in an old threshing barn in the hamlet of Chettiscombe near Tiverton, this unique restaurant is the epitome of bucolic rural living.

Visit by day and your brunch or lunch will be festooned with big skies and sunlight thanks to floor‑to‑ceiling windows framing the countryside views. In the evening, feasting is cosy and atmospheric due to characterful stone walls, exposed roof trusses and a wood‑fired oven delivering flame‑driven flavours.

Such rural vibes are not merely aesthetic though. A respect for kitchen-garden ingredients, delicious local produce and traditional country skills (flame‑licked cooking, foraging and fermenting to name a few) are showcased in wood-roasted dishes, organic sourdough pizza and house kombucha.

Guests can relax while mixing and matching a medley of sharing plates, small morsels and larger dishes, but there's nothing laid back about the care and hard work going on behind the scenes. An itinerary of marinading, infusing, preserving and brewing (the restaurant makes its own beer and cider) means every mouthful is utterly delicious.

Roast line-caught pollock, for example, is given extra love with the addition of braised leeks, ember-roasted baked potato, a dousing of crème fraîche tartar, and dill and caper dressing. With plenty of meaty, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options on the modern European menu, The Lost Kitchen is the kind of rural-cool location where everyone can find something exceptional to feast on.

PRIZE A three-course meal for four, including a cocktail each and a bottle of wine.

QUESTION In which mid-Devon hamlet will you fi nd The Lost Kitchen?  lostkitchen.co.uk

To enter, visit food‑mag.co.uk/win

See the website for individual terms and conditions. Closing date for entries is May 30, 2025.

SSt Ives Win tickets to Food Festival

t Ives is a magnet that draws people for a cultural scene that oozes from every corner of the arty Cornish town.

St Ives Food Festival – the UK's only food festival on the beach – is the culmination of the best of the area and combines fabulous food, music and arts against a backdrop of the pale sands and cerulean sea of Porthminster Beach.

This year's three-day bash takes place on May 16–18. The first stop for food lovers will be the Chef Fire Pit, where big hitters such as Ben Prior, Jude Kereama and Dorian Janmaat, alongside chef names from further afield like Ashley Palmer‑Watts, Tom Brown and Kathy Slack, will demo their culinary crafts.

New to the festival this year are The Sunset Sessions which will feature live music and DJs. Friday will see the legendary Norman Jay MBE owning the stage, while Saturday's headliner is Ferris & Sylvester. The Scribes bring the festival to an exciting finale on Sunday.

Our lucky winner will be able to take three friends to experience this great festival for themselves. After an evening spent dancing the night away fuelled by drinks from the festival bar, they can revive the next day with a meal and a sizzle in a Mor Holan beach sauna.

PRIZE Four weekend tickets to the Sunset Sessions, four drinks from the festival bar, four meal vouchers, and a private wood‑fired beach sauna session for four.

QUESTION Which musical act will headline the Sunset Sessions on Sunday May 18? stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

To enter, visit food‑mag.co.uk/win

See the website for individual terms and conditions. Closing date for entries is April 30, 2025.

Jack Stein with Mick Smith of Porthminster Beach Cafe

Ancient 13th-century Bearslake Inn, with its thatched roof and granite stone walls, fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of dramatic moorland.

Inside, discover cob walls, low beams and a series of narrow passages that weave visitors through a miscellany of rooms (the pub was once three cottages), which provide numerous cosy nooks in which to dine.

Guests are made to feel fully at home in this characterful setting thanks to impeccable Dartmoor hospitality from owner Lisa Jenkins and team. The other side of the kitchen door, chef Chris Heaver (formerly of The Arundell Arms in Lifton) leads a culinary crew delivering precise yet hearty dishes.

The culinary ethos centres on seasonal ingredients crafted into dining pub classics with a menu that changes weekly to reflect the freshest produce and flavours of the season.

To enter, visit food‑mag.co.uk/win

Win a stay at

Bearslake Inn

When the weather's good, guests pour outdoors for alfresco dining next to a babbling brook that winds through the substantial two-acre garden. It's also a lovely spot for a sundowner or a summer's evening digestif before you roll to your room.

Six ensuite rooms (four are dog-friendly) provide the perfect base for a slice of Dartmoor downtime.

Once you wake, await the knock in the morning signalling the arrival of a luxury Dartmoor breakfast hamper stuffed with warm muffins, local yogurt and homemade muesli.

PRIZE A three-course meal for two, an overnight stay and a breakfast hamper at Bearslake Inn.

QUESTION In which century was Bearslake Inn built?

bearslakeinn.com

See the website for individual terms and conditions. Closing date for entries is May 30, 2025.

Image: Lucy Jones

Photography

FTewkesbury Park Win a gourmet escape at

eed body and soul this spring at Tewkesbury Park, the sought-after hotel and golf resort in Gloucestershire.

The family-owned destination is a favourite with choosy foodies who want to take a breather from the never-ending treadmill of modern life and rejuvenate in peaceful surrounds via top-tier dining, invigorating sports and wellness experiences.

Because of its 360° views of Cotswolds countryside and 18-hole golf course, it's common for guests to feel entirely wrapped up in Tewkesbury Park's own little world during their stay. An onsite gym, along with tennis and squash courts, offer further feelgood activities.

The best way to recharge the batteries after any kind of exertion is three-fold: spa lazing, eating and sleeping. This holy trinity is best started with a flit between the spa's outdoor hot tub, indoor heated pool and Scandi-style sauna, followed by a stimulating meal at Mint Restaurant.

Inspired by his Indian heritage and contemporary British cuisine, executive chef Anuj Thakur fuses Indian culinary styles with locally sourced produce in six-course tasting menus.

After feasting on the likes of tandoori-spiced smoked venison loin and miso-caramel dark-choc crèmeux, satiated diners can hit the hay in one of the historic guestrooms, to awaken fresh and ready for another day of adventures.

PRIZE A one-night stay for two in a Touch of Class room with private terrace, a six-course tasting menu and access to the hotel's wellness facilities.

QUESTION What's the name of Tewkesbury Park's restaurant?

tewkesburypark.co.uk

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Food Lifestyle directory

Penventon Park Hotel

Celebrate the art of flavour in the Dining Galleries Restaurant and Copper Bar of this lovely hotel. Indulgent dinners, traditional afternoon teas and extensive wine and cocktail lists are served in an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual and special occasions. penventon.co.uk

The Cellarhand

Independent wine shop and wholesaler in Bruton, Somerset, stocking a carefully sourced selection of wines from around the world. Let the knowledgeable team guide you to wines that suit your tastes. Mixed-case discounts in-store and free next-day delivery when you spend £125 online.

thecellarhand.co.uk

The Fish Shed St Ives

Fresh, local and sustainable seafood on the beach in St Ives, Cornwall. The Fish Shed St Ives offers contemporary, bold and inventive food flavours with a unique cocktail menu and wine list to match.

thefishshedstives.co.uk

The Chagford Inn

A delightful, family - run, independent pub in the heart of Dartmoor that promises an excellent casual dining experience. The best of Devon's food and drink scene showcased with creativity and authenticity. thechagfordinn.co.uk

Restaurant Kensington

Visit this Exmoor restaurant to feast on exceptional local beef in a high-end steak experience. Smart fish, lamb and chicken dishes, plus a range of delicious sides, also feature on a menu built around local and seasonal produce. A contemporary and memorable dining experience. restaurantkensington.co.uk

The Rising Sun

This vibrant and award-winning gastropub is located just outside the hubbub of the Cornish capital city of Truro. Expect charming rural pub vibes, an impressive drinks selection and an elegant dining experience.

therisingsuntruro.co.uk

The Queen's Arms

At this lovely dining pub on the Dorset/Somerset border, the focus is on exceptional food – from pub classics to elevated dishes – made from locally sourced ingredients. This is bolstered by a wide selection of drinks and ten luxurious guestrooms. Dogs and muddy boots encouraged!

thequeensarms.com

Image: Faydit Photography

Image: Guy Harrop

Stockists

Here are just a few of the exceptional places you can pick up a copy of Food Lifestyle. Find the full list at food-mag.co.uk

Bath

Always Sunday Town + House

Beckford Bottle Shop

Chandos Deli

Colonna & Small's

Cortado Café

No.15 by GuestHouse Hotels

Picnic Coffee

Robun

The Fine Cheese Co.

The Royal Crescent

Cornwall

Beach House Falmouth

Da Bara Bakery, St Mawes

Electric Bakery

Fee's Food

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa

Great Cornish Food Store

Indidog

Jo & Co Home

Kota

Padstow Farm Shop

Porthminster Beach Café

Scarlet Hotel

St Kew Farmshop & Café

St Michaels Resort

St Moritz Hotel

Strong Aldofos

The Alverton Hotel

The Greenbank Hotel

The Grey Lurcher

The Headland

Hotel, Cottages & Spa

The Idle Rocks

The Old Coastguard

The Rising Sun, Truro

The Square at Porthleven

Tinkture

Trevisker's Kitchen

Trudgian Farm Shop

Devon

Ashburton Cookery School

Ashburton Deli

Ben's Farm Shop

Boringdon Hall Hotel

Bovey Castle

Darts Farm

Gidleigh Park

Glebe House

Harbour Beach Club

Johns of Appledore

Lympstone Manor

Marshford Organic Foods

Rangemoors

River Cottage

Riverford Field Kitchen

The Bull Inn

The Horse

Lilac Bakery

The Lost Kitchen

The Salutation Inn

Waitrose Okehampton

West Country Stoves

Dorset

Acorn Inn

Crab House Cafe

Langham Wine Estate

Lilac Restaurant & Wine Bar

Majestic Wine, Dorchester

RISE Market & Bakery

Seaside Boarding House

Soulshine

Summer Lodge Hotel

SWIM

The Club House

The Three Horseshoes

The Queens Arms

Tom's Lyme Regis

Town Mill Bakery

Waitrose Bridport

Gloucestershire

Arc Espresso Bar + Deli

Daylesford Organic Farm

Ritual Coffee Roasters Bar & Kitchen

Scandinavian Coffee Pod

Tewkesbury Park

The Cheeseworks

The Slaughters Country Inn

Vinotopia

Somerset

Brown & Forrest

Chandos Deli

Dunster Living

FARA

Farrington's Farm

Flourish Food Hall

Holm

Homewood

Iford Manor

Little Walcot

Lord Poulett Arms

MAKE

Number One Bruton

Teals

The Barrington Boar

The Bath Priory

The Cellarhand

The Cotley Inn

The Holcombe

The Talbot Inn

The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe

Vintage & Vine

White Row Farm Shop

Wiltshire

Little Rituals

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

Majestic Wine, Devizes

Majestic Wine, Marlborough

The Bath Arms

The Beckford Arms

The Bradley Hare

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury