Food Lifestyle online editor Selena Young shares her favourite getaways and joyous moments from the year
2025 is going to be a tough act to follow.
The year’s been filled with many memorable coffee moments thanks to my role as editor of the Indy Coffee Guides. It included a whistle-stop tour across Edinburgh with Abi for the Indy Coffee Guide Scotland No7, where uber funky co-ferment coffees ruled the roost in coffee shops. I also slurped some incredible caffeine in Exeter when sniffing out cafes for the new South No9 guide, while simultaneously searching for the best indie spots to include in a guide to the Devon capital for Food Lifestyle.
On that Exeter trip, I had a knockout feast at Stage. From start to finish, it was keep-you-on-your-toes dining that showcased the chefs’ talents for baking, curing and cooking. The great eating continued at Ogo in Bedruthan (another find for creative cooking), as well as the Lost Kitchen in Chettiscombe and Restaurant Kensington in Lynton.
2025 was also the year I got hitched – prefaced by a fabulous hen do in St Ives. Ardor was the ideal restaurant for celebrating the occasion in style and featured a smorgasbord of Med-inspired small plates, excellent wine and cocktails. Sore heads were suitably soothed by velvety coffees at Yallah Cafe.
With so many fantastic artisan and small independent brands across the South West, I was spoilt for choice when it came to picking wedding suppliers. Whittling them down took a long time so, if it’s helpful, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Elliot Govier, Gabrielle Elizabeth, Howie & The Flowers, Lulu’s Primrose Bakery, and Felonious Funk.
Honeymoon research was also surprisingly time-consuming, so if you’re planning an uber-luxurious escape to St Lucia in the Caribbean, know that sister boutique resorts Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain are pinch-me perfect. For a taste of tropical paradise without the airmiles, a spa lodge at St Michaels Resort in Falmouth is the way to go – check out my Spa Inspector review.
Additional highlights have included much hot and cold therapy at freshly opened Cherry Tree in Croyde and frolicking at Rock Oyster Fest – man, Ministry of Sound Orchestra were good.
