News and views August 2018

Keeping you in the loop.

Win a holiday to the Camel Estuary!

North Cornwall is the perfect place to make lasting holiday memories, whether it’s having a go at surfing, stand up paddle boarding, wakeboarding, or kicking back to relax over a sumptuous dinner made from fine local fare in one of the area’s incredible eateries.

The team at John Bray Cornish Holidays specialise in luxurious north Cornwall breaks, with an impressive portfolio of self-catering properties to choose from, and this year, they’re offering you the chance to win a fantastic foodie and watersports holiday experience staying beside the Camel Estuary!

All you need to do is share your photo memories of north Cornwall with the team and you could be toasting a flute of something cold as the sun sets over the rugged north Cornish coast, in your very own John Bray Cornish Holiday cottage!

To enter visit www.johnbraycornishholidays.co.uk/competition/photo

Trying to find the perfect balance when drinking on holiday

It’s easy to start drinking a lot more when we’re on holiday, we’re relaxed, unwinding and we don’t have to go to work in the morning! So, instead of holding back from that extra gin and tonic we’ll happily indulge. Although there’s no real problem at this point, drinking more can start to snowball. Regain Recovery founder Gerri Creedon tells us: “If you’re on holiday with family members and notice that they’re drinking more than is healthy, don’t be afraid to ask for help.” Although difficult to admit, if you do notice that you (or a loved one) are drinking in an unhealthy way, the team at Regain Recovery are there to offer support for you and your family and start the process of regaining a balanced life.

For more information call 01237 405200 or visit www.regainrecovery.com

Discover Beefayre’s range at The Cotton Tree Boutique

The Cotton Tree is proud to be a stockist of Beefayre’s products. Handmade in the UK, Beefayre use only the highest quality natural ingredients in the wellbeing range, free of any petroleum by-products. Beefayre also donates 3% of its profits to bee conservation and research. The Beefayre team tell us: “We rely on bees to pollinate most of our crops and with their habitat and health under threat they need our protection.” With bee welfare at its heart and beautiful products to boot, we absolutely love this range. Our in house favourites are the deeply nourishing hand creams, made with cocoa and shea butter and fragranced with vitamin E and essential oils, and the soothing lip balms made using beeswax and Melissa oils.

For more information call 01822 735222 or visit www.thecottontreeboutique.co.uk

Wedding catering with a difference from Meat59

Meat59 already have a well-rooted and respected place in the Devon street food scene, as a result two successful burger restaurants in Torquay and Exeter, and the team are excited to announce that they now offer bespoke wedding catering!

You’ll be sure to satisfy your wedding party in one fell swoop with the most memorable burger they’ll ever eat. Take the Truffle Shuffle for example – a 6oz patty, wild mushrooms, spinach, caramelised red onions and truffle mayonnaise, all combining to form a burger that pulls regulars back time and time again.

One happy couple who made the most of Meat59’s new wedding service tells us: “Everything was incredible! All the guests were raving about the food. The team exceeded all our expectations and we can’t wait to pop in next time we’re in Torquay!”

For more information call 01392 672043 or visit www.meat59.com

The Fresh Coffee Company heads to Italy!

This month, the Fresh Coffee Company found that work can be disguised as play, taking its customers to Italy for a tour of the roastery and surrounding area. Based in Belluno in the foothills of the Dolomites, Procaffe operates a tightly controlled and well-oiled machine, where quality control is rigorous and attention to detail is key. Owner Murray James tells us: “Think Pavarotti, Versace and Da Vinci; then apply their artistry to the world of coffee and you’ll begin to get the right idea. Alberto, the Head Roaster, is nothing short of an artist and his sensitive palette ensures the quality of his work. It’s about quality, not quantity, and this resonates in everything we do.” If you want to find out more about the range of coffees on offer, get in touch.

For more information call 07776 184141 or visit www.thefreshcoffeecompany.com

Furnish your home with Realwood

Head to Realwood Furniture’s showroom and discover their stunning selection of home furnishings. Boasting the finest oak, pine and painted designs, the showroom is open seven days a week and displays numerous styles. Having been an established manufacturer and retailer for over 30 years, the Realwood team are experts in their field. The carefully selected timber is gathered from sustainable sources, minimising their carbon footprint but maintaining quality. The pedigree of design and finish produces furniture of unrivalled style, functionality and durability. Clive Stanbury tells us: “Our independent and personal delivery service completes the passion for customer satisfaction. With thousands of satisfied customers under our belt we know what you expect, and we’re proud to give it.”

For more information call 01404 548384 or visit www.realwood-furniture.co.uk

Warm welcomes and fine dining at the Riverbank Bistro

Ever since starting his career in the catering industry at the age of 14, James Priestly, owner of The Riverbank Bistro in Bideford, dreamt of running his own restaurant. This dream finally came true and with the support of his family, he tells us: “I was able to open The Riverbank Bar & Bistro in May 2016.”

James has a keen passion for service and food, which is evident by looking at the Riverbank menu. Whether you’re looking for a light but delicious lunch, or a delicious three-course meal, the provenance of James and the teams’ menu is second to none.

If you’re out and about on Sunday and are hankering for a Sunday roast, Riverbank’s carvery – with a choice of three local meats, plus local, seasonal veg – comes highly recommended!

For more information call 01237 473399 or visit www.the-riverbank-bistro.co.uk

Superb seaside breaks at Devoncourt Resort, Exmouth

Located in one of Devon’s finest locations, the Devoncourt Resort comprises of well-appointed bedrooms, as well as suites with one and two bedrooms for four and six people, many offering exceptional sea views and balconies. What’s more, it’s just a five-minute walk to the sea front, and Exmouth town centre is just a 15-minute stroll away.

The wonderful leisure facilities consist of an indoor and outdoor heated seasonal pool, gymnasium, FAR infrared sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, all of which are open daily from 6am until 9pm and are available for all guests to use.

You’ll also find a wonderful, family-run restaurant on site – Brasserie 16. Renowned for its superb carvery on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, the Brasserie also offers daily specials that utilise the finest local produce, offering you a true flavour of Devon!

For more information call 01395 272277 or visit www.devoncourt.com

Three prestigious awards for Cornwall’s first all-suite hotel!

Only a handful of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are given out each year, going to hotels that go the extra mile to provide their guests with the best, in terms of both service and accommodation.

Falmouth’s Oceanic Suite Hotel – a luxurious getaway exclusively for adults – has received not one, but three of these prestigious awards for 2018, ranking in the ‘Top 25 Best Small Hotels in the UK’ (the Oceanic is third!), ‘Top 25 Best Romantic Hotels in the UK’ and ‘Top 25 Best Small Hotels in Europe’.

Unsurprisingly, owners Tim and Heather are delighted. “We have only been open for four years and are stunned to have won these awards, especially in multiple categories. We cannot thank the TripAdvisor community enough for all their kind feedback and recommendations.”

The Oceanic Suite Hotel blends five-star facilities with stylish apartment living, offering five exclusive, designer suites. Indeed, Tim, Heather and the team have set a new standard in the Cornish accommodation industry, providing a personalised service so that each of their guests gets the most out of their stay.

Set in the heart of Falmouth, only a few minutes’ walk from the beach or the harbour with its vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and live music, this fabulous hotel enjoys spectacular views, which guests can enjoy whilst sunbathing on a giant grass bed, or relaxing in the giant wooden hot tub.

For more information call 01326 389330 or visit www.oceanichotelfalmouth.co.uk

Fill those empty booking weeks with My Favourite Cottages

According to the team at My Favourite Cottages, to fill those remaining weeks, the easiest thing to do is reduce the price as this will tempt a few last minute bookings. Many online directory sites will have a late availability section, so make sure your property is on those pages with a tempting offer. Another effective way to reach people quickly is through social media, so make sure to advertise availability on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Also, consider sending out an email-offer, particularly to any previous guests, as it should be an easier sell. Finally, think about a reduced occupancy offer. So, instead of the usual 10 or 15 guests, offer your large property to six people for a lower rate or perhaps even consider offering short breaks.

For more information call 01271 377 432 or visit www.myfavouritecottages.co.uk

Driftwood Gallery announces special August exhibition

Acclaimed artist, Doug Hyde will be visiting Driftwood Gallery in Ilfracombe on 18th August! Doug will be attending a special exhibition of his works, including original pieces, sought after signed limited editions and exquisite sculptures.

Doug was named ‘UK’s Most Popular Living Artist’ by the BBC after winning an award from the Fine Art Trade Guild as the ‘Best Selling Published Artist 2005’. His family are of utmost importance to him and when creating a new piece, he aims to evoke the same emotions and connections that he feels and observes within his own family.

Impressively, Doug’s work with children – ‘Look Good, Feel Better’, ‘Families for Children’ and ‘Children in Need’ – is not only indicative of his love for family, but also testament to his success on British and international platforms. Don’t miss Doug’s appearance on 18th August, from 4pm until 6pm at Driftwood Gallery.

For more information call 01271 862590 or visit www.driftwoodcontemporaryart.co.uk

Take steps to prevent late payment with help from Devon Law

Despite the introduction of The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 – designed to combat late payments – many businesses still experience difficulties with some of their customers and late payment is a major threat to the cash flow and general welfare of a business. However, there are steps that
can be taken to tackle this problem, steps that the team at Devon Law can help with.

Devon Law are experts when it comes to implementing steps that can help tighten up your credit control procedures. With their help, you can ensure that when the time comes to instruct a solicitor or agent to issue proceedings, the likelihood of recovering your debt will be significantly better.

To help protect your business against late payments and to ensure it’s in the best position to issue proceedings should they be required, why not speak to the team at Devon Law and see how they can shore up your defences?

For more information call 01548 831514 or visit www.devonlaw.co.uk

A prestigious shopping experience

Prestige Furniture in Newton Abbot offers you the chance to be inspired by a wide range of furniture that will make your living space come to life. Offering a unique shopping experience, head to the in-store bar and treat yourself to a tipple as you peruse the collections, with every room covered. From sumptuous and beautifully crafted sofas to rustic dining collections, you can easily transform your house into a home. Don’t miss out on Gin Fridays, every week between 3pm and 5.30pm, when you can enjoy a complimentary gin from the new gin bar, while you explore the 55,000 square foot complex. What better way to start the weekend – the perfect tonic for soothing your soul at the end of a long week!

For more information call 01626 830707 or visit www.prestigefurniture.co.uk

An independent approach to education

Trinity School in Teignmouth held its annual Speech Day in July where pupils, parents, governors, staff and other members of the Trinity community got together to celebrate achievements from the 2017/18 school year.

The school prides itself on an individual approach to pupil development, with emphasis on academic success, pastoral care rated as outstanding, and excellent extra-curricular provision. This combination ensures that pupils become well-rounded individuals with many different experiences, which provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life outside of and after school.

Trinity teaches pupils from three years old in its Prep Lodge nursery class, right up to the end of sixth form, where they’re made ready to take their first steps into the professional world.

The school’s next Open Day is on Saturday 6th October from 10am until 12pm, where everyone is invited to come along and find out more.

For more information email enquiries@trinityschool.co.uk or visit www.trinityschool.co.uk

There’s nothing shabby about Chic’it!

Next to the picturesque river Exe in Tiverton, Devon, you’ll find Chic’it. Tina, with a passion for home interiors and upcycling, opened this wonderful, independent store in 2014, running it with the help of Amie.

The shop is full to the brim with fabulous gifts, homewares and hand painted furniture, and commissions are more than welcome, so if you want your furniture professionally revamped, the Chic’it team will happily provide a free consultation to discuss how they can transform your current pieces to suit your requirements.

All commissions are done with Cherry Tree Chalk Paints, a stunning local range that’s available in store. Alternatively, if you’d like to revamp your furniture yourself, why not try your hand at upcycling by popping along to a Chic’it Paint Workshop, where you’ll learn everything you need to give your furniture a complete makeover?

For more information call 01884 257030 or visit www.chicit.co.uk

Achieve your dream garden with Garden Quirks

Based in mid Devon, Garden Quirks specialises in designing bespoke steel items for gardens all over the south west. Whether you want something different or haven’t yet decided exactly what you want, the team works alongside architects to help achieve and implement your garden designs with steelwork, whether it’s a balcony, railings, gates, obelisks or part of a building structure.

You’ll also find a range of outdoor chimineas, fire pits and barbeques ranging from different sizes, designs and types of steel, providing welcome warmth on chilly evenings. With barbeques, wine stands and bespoke commissions offering a complete suite of garden luxury, as well as a considered approach to realising your vision, Garden Quirks promises to lovingly create unique pieces that will form the heart of your dream garden.

For more information call 07970 286396 or visit www.gardenquirks.co.uk

How to spend 72 hours in north Devon

Visit North Devon and Exmoor – the creators of the fantastic North Devon Food Trail app, are constantly looking to help people make the most of the stays in north Devon, with one of their most recent blog entries focusing on the perfect three-day family break.

From their favourite places to enjoy a hearty breakfast to exploring Devon’s beautiful beaches; from dinner recommendations that make the most of Devon’s seafood, to exploring the rolling hills of Exmoor, the Visit North Devon and Exmoor team have really outdone themselves with this entry.

So if you’re planning a trip to north Devon and are looking for tips on how to make the most of your stay, be sure to head to the website, where you’ll find everything you need to know, from the best accommodation to the latest ‘what’s on’ guide.

For more information visit www.blog.northdevon.com

Your garden is in good hands with Halcyon Landscapes

The team at Halcyon Landscapes specialises in landscape gardening, garden design and garden maintenance and they ultimately have one aim: to ensure you’re thrilled with the work they do.

It may be that you want to install a simple run of fencing, or you may have ideas for an ambitious garden makeover or a new garden structure; no matter the size of the job, the experts at Halcyon always apply themselves wholeheartedly to achieve the best possible income.

This fantastic company has worked in the east Devon area for a number of years, earning a reputation for thoughtful work and a courteous, professional approach that works closely with every client. If you have a vision for your garden that you’d love to see come to fruition, but need expert help in achieving it, give the Halcyon team a call, who’ll welcome the opportunity to discuss your ideas.

For more information call 01297 625083 or visit www.halcyon-landscapes.co.uk

Make Pecorama top of your to-do list this summer!

Perched high on the hillside above the picturesque village of Beer on Devon and above Dorset’s World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, Pecorama is one of Devon’s leading visitor attractions.

Soak up the spectacular views of Lyme Bay from the landscaped gardens and take a trip on the award-winning Beer Heights Light Railway, whose miniature steam locomotives pull passenger-carrying trains on a mile-long route through the grounds.

At the heart of Pecorama lies the Millennium Celebration Garden. Here, five garden rooms, based on a celestial theme, combine traditional and innovative garden styles with plants from around the world, thanks to its design by Chelsea Flower Show medal winner, Naila Green.

There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, a licensed restaurant, even a crazy golf course and at the peak of summer, a juggler, jester, clown or magician provide daily entertainment in the Peco Marquee!

For more information call 01297 21542 or visit www.pecorama.co.uk

Relax and unwind with Sunrise Cottages

With a portfolio of properties in and around Salcombe, Sunrise Cottages offers you a superb collection of contemporary holiday properties to choose from, with options ranging from a quiet cliff top lodge, with coastal and rolling countryside views, to a six bedroom Victorian house next to Salcombe harbour.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to spend a family holiday, hold a reunion with friends or enjoy a short romantic break, Sunrise Cottages has the property for you. What’s more, the team is always on the lookout for more properties to add to its already-impressive portfolio, so if you have a property that you want expert help in marketing, be sure to give Sunrise Cottages a call!

But don’t just take our word for it – you’ll find a number of great reviews on the Sunrise website!

For more information call 01548 561417 or visit www.sunrisecottages.co.uk