2021 bucket list

We’re keeping everything crossed our fave indie restaurants, pubs, stores, hotels, coffee shops and bakeries will thrive again, post pandemic. So Abi Manning asked a few foodie names who they’re looking forward to supporting this year

Elly Curshen (AKA Elly Pear), author and columnist

‘I’m so looking forward to visiting Roth Bar & Grill at Bruton in Somerset again.

‘Jules and Steve Horrell have created such a wonderful and delicious offering, and I dream about the food cooked over fire I enjoyed there last year. We were due to cook together at an event that sadly got postponed due to the pandemic. Just to be looked after by hospitality experts like them is something to look forward to.’

Ian Webber, exec chef at The Farmers Arms in north Devon

‘I can’t wait to revisit The Almond Thief in Dartington: the best bakery I have been to in the South West, hands down.

‘I’m also looking forward to tasting Scott Paton’s food at Àclèaf as he takes it to a new level in an amazing location.

‘Heron Farm near Honiton is a former entry on Grand Designs and has its own vineyard and cafe. It’s the perfect Sunday morning breakfast spot with the family.

‘Lastly, it would be great to pop down to sunny Port Isaac and see how the British seafood master does it at Outlaw’s New Road. It’ll be interesting to see Nathan breaking away from the shackles of his two-Michelin-star tasting menu.’

Mark Hix, chef and restaurateur

‘I missed the opening of Robin Wylde in Lyme Regis. Then, due to the second lockdown, it closed almost as soon as it had opened.

‘Owner and chef Harriet Mansell is a great cook who works with local producers. Robin Wylde started off as a pop-up in 2019 and then Harriet, who appeared on MasterChef, secured the permanent site in Silver Street. It’s a welcome addition to Lyme Regis and something a bit different, offering tasting menus with wine pairings.’

Elly Wentworth, head chef at The Angel in Dartmouth

‘I’m looking forward to visiting New Yard Restaurant on the Trelowarren Estate in Cornwall. I think chef Jeffrey Robinson’s whole concept is brilliant and really tells a story – from garden to plate. The Estate looks stunning; he and his wife Caroline are doing a grand job.

‘Product-wise, I love the sparkling rosé from Sharpham which is just up the road in Totnes. It’s a great place to have a nose around the vineyard on a day off.’

Michael Caines, chef and restaurateur

‘I’m really looking forward to getting back to dining in the wonderful restaurants we are so lucky to have here in Devon and Cornwall. There are so many independent businesses showcasing wonderful produce that we’re often spoilt for choice.

‘Personally, I’m looking forward to heading back to the River Exe Cafe: I love the seafood sharing platters and the tranquility of dining on the water.’

Nathan Outlaw, chef and restaurateur

‘I can’t wait to go back to Coombeshead Farm in Cornwall. What Tom Adams is doing there is very exciting, both what he’s cooking and the evolution of the farm as a whole. His vision includes producing most of what he serves in the restaurant and it’s interesting to see how it’s developing as time goes on.

‘I’m also intrigued to visit Emily Scott’s new venue at Watergate Bay which is sure to be a great addition to Cornwall’s dining out experiences, and Carbis Bay Hotel which looks stunning.’

Andrew Cooper, co-founder of Wild Beer Co in Somerset

‘I haven’t managed to visit Osip in Bruton yet – I’ve heard nothing but great things and can’t wait to try it out.

‘For home cooking, I’m looking forward to a return visit to Thoroughly Wild Meat in Castle Cary. We had an aged rib of Dexter beef from Andrew [Moore] recently that I cooked on my Kamado Joe barbecue – it was the best beef I’ve ever eaten.

‘We love a trip to the beach and had a getaway booked at Dorset’s The Pig – on the beach during the first lockdown. I can’t wait to actually get there.

‘More than anything else, I’m looking forward to being able to go to our local pub, The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe, for team beers.’

Emily Scott, chef patron at St Tudy Inn

‘For me, returning to a sense of normality means coffee with my best friend at Temple in Bude, popping to Coombeshead Farm for provisions, lunch at St Tudy Inn (I am biased on that one), Pavilion Bakery in Newquay for croissants, and Watergate Bay for a seaside walk and The Beach Hut’s famous hot chocolate.’

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