The regional brands and restaurants Trencherman’s Guide editor and Food Lifestyle features writer Abi Manning has fallen for in 2025
It’s been a glorious 2025.
I’ve dined and stayed at some gorgeous spots.
Memorable highlights were being coddled in old-school hospitality at The Nare, experiencing the energy of a bright young team of chefs stirring things up at St Tudy Inn, and scoffing crab while perched atop granite rocks at the refurbished Pedn Olva. My plans for 2026 involve leaning into my wild era with a cabin getaway.
One top weekend was Selena‘s hen do in St Ives: gorgeous tapas at Ardor, hot/cold therapy with Escape to the Sauna, and plenty of hen fuel courtesy of Pebblebed.
Cafe-wise, I’ve become emotionally dependent on the ‘heartwarming salad’ at The Plant Bar (just minutes from our office) and discovered The Press House at the bottom of Fore Street in Exeter, which I’ve marked for a return visit.
A personal work highlight was launching the 33rd edition of the Trencherman’s Guide, of which I am editor, at chef Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly 2.0 at its new home of The Headland Hotel, Newquay. The multi-course lunch and the company were both divine and I can’t wait for the Trencherman’s Awards in April 2026.
My Giftster list is now bursting with South West goodies after I put together the most gorgeous artisan gift guide for Food Lifestyle. Highlights include Zealander, my new beer obsession by Bath’s Electric Bear, and Scilly skincare from Phoenix & Providence, which uses foraged seaweed from the shores of St Martin’s in its all-natural products.
In other news, I’m building up quite the colourful eyewear collection thanks to this indie glasses shop, which is dangerously close enough to visit during my lunch break. I’ve had my nose stuck in one book or another all year but the most memorable is without a doubt the somewhat divisive Piranesi – I loved it.
