Little black book
Though he has half his life rooted in Mexico, surfer Noel Corston also runs a fine dining restaurant in Woolacombe. On days off, here’s where you’ll find him BREAKFAST? My favourite spot in the
world is El Cafecito, at our Oaxacan home on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Unbelievable quality and value, with classic Oaxacan breakfasts, coffee (ask for Café de olla, not filter!) and pastries. For a special occasion here, though, my wife Nora will usually cook something Mexi at home!
Noel Corston is one of Devon’s best chefs, and owner of a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant in Woolacombe: NC@EX34. A couple of years ago he ditched the bistro menu, and now only offers a fixed Chef’s Taster menu, so you have to book…
Ilfracombe, North Devon. Paul there runs a great little restaurant, cooking straightforward, homely, honest food with no frills.
ONE TO WATCH? My old surfing mate,
BEST BREW? Exmoor Gold, of course.
Tom Carr, is also in Ilfracombe. He trained with Nathan Outlaw, and now has his own little place. We find we often share customers.
FAVOURITE GROCERY SHOP?
EATING WITH FRIENDS? The Kings
Cawthorn Foodmarket in Braunton has always been great for general stuff, and more recently there's also Johns of Instow, either in Instow or Appledore. BEST WINE MERCHANT? I have an
extensive list for the restaurant, but, for personal use, I tend to use Majestic in Barnstaple, as I like to browse in store. SUNDAY LUNCH? The Rock Inn in
Quick!
HIDDEN GEM? La Gendarmerie in
Georgeham always hits the mark, but once again, we usually stay at home, as we have a large, four-generation family.
Now add some of Noel’s faves to your own foodie contacts book
QUICK PINT? Has to be The Rock Inn again! Their Abbot Ale is always in great nick.
Exmoor Gold, Exmoor, TA4 2NT; exmoorales.co.uk Cawthorn Foodmarket, Braunton, EX33 1AA; 01271 812053 Majestic Wines, Barnstaple EX32 8PB; majestic.co.uk The Rock Inn, Georgeham, EX33 1JW; therockinn.biz John May Family Butcher, South Molton, EX36 3BU; johnmayfamilybutcher.co.uk La Gendarmerie, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED; lagendarmerie.co.uk Thomas Carr at The Oliver Room, Ilfracombe, EX34 9DJ; thomascarrchef.co.uk Squires, Braunton, EX33 2JL; squiresfishrestaurant.co.uk The Thatch, Croyde, EX33 1LZ; thethatchcroyde.com Seadog Foods, Ilfracombe; seadogfoods.co.uk
POSH NOSH? Best meal in the South
West was at Paul Ainsworth’s in Padstow, but the ‘meal of my life’ was at Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cartmel. Not Devon, I know, but flawless nonetheless. I’m looking forward to seeing (and eating at) Michael Caine’s new gaff in Lympstone next year, too.
FOOD ON THE GO? The venison pie from John May Family Butcher in South Street, South Molton, which specialises in Exmoor meats and produce and sells a rather fantastic game range. ALFRESCO FEASTING? My garden
on Sunday, at around 3pm in summer!
66
Arms in Georgeham; another old mate of mine, Steve Cave, runs this great little boozer, with loads of amazing bands playing.
WITH THE FAMILY? Squires Fish & Chips in Braunton; they just keep doing what they do! And it's always brilliant. CHILD FRIENDLY? Squires again; it’s a firm family favourite with my lot. BEST CURRY? Barricane Beach Cafe near Woolacombe, for the sunset as much as anything else. BEST ATMOSPHERE? The Thatch at Croyde, with the Universe Inspectors in the house! SOMETHING SWEET? Hockings
ice cream, enjoyed preferably in Appledore by the Quay.
TOP STREET FOOD? Jim and Beth at Seadog Foods are smashing it – they won both ‘Best of the Best’ and ‘ Best Snack’ in the British Street Food Awards last year − and I also like Stoned, who do pizzas in Braunton. But, for me, the best street food in the world is the tacos you get in Mexico City (obviously). ✱ NC@EX34, South Street, Woolacombe, EX34 7BB; 01271 871187; noelcorston.com; @NoelCorston
crumbsmag.com