Exeter Living - Issue 309-310

When it comes to self-care in the new year, I tend to approach it in a staggered fashion. I’ve been doing (and actually enjoying) dry January, and trying to make veg the main star of most of my meals. I don’t, however, quite have the get-up-and-go for much exercise right now. As I clasp my mug of tea and look out of the window, Exeter’s rainy skies confirm to me that this is exactly as it should be. Leaning into a bit of hygge is as natural as can be.

Whether you’re in lycra or a onesie at this moment, we hope to bring you, as ever, plenty of varied inspiration on how to spend your time locally, whatever the tempo and tune of your current headspace.

We’ve got a huge and vibrant food section starting on page 33, featuring a guide on where to find the best vegan dishes in Exeter; a review of the city’s newest hot spot, the brand-new Colson’s restaurant (and a gallery of pictures featuring the amazing décor at Hotel Indigo); we visit a cool Ashburton café, plus we bring you some oh-so comforting soup recipes from The Jack in the Green.

For more of the soothing stuff, head to our literature section, on page 19, where four voracious readers reveal their top book recommendations from the last year, and columnist Charlie Richards has news and views on all the exciting book releases of 2023.

For those who are out and exercising – or maybe just gently gearing up to it – head to page 53 for info on classes, clubs and runs in the city that you can do. They’re all free, unintimidating, and a great way to meet nice, friendly bods in the area.

And for any parents who feel they exhausted their list of family outing destinations over Christmas, head to page 23 for a full run down on where you and your little ones can eat, play and have adventures this February half term and beyond.

Enjoy!

ABOVE: Colson’s restaurant, turn to page 34; BELOW: Cove Passion Liqueur, turn to page 30 for more Valentine’s-themed gifts

© VEERLE EVANS

FAMILY DAYS OUT

ROB BAXTER EXETER CHIEFS

some tough lessons along the way, but I firmly believe that the long-term benefits of that learning will continue to bear fruit, particularly amongst the younger members of our squad.

2023 starts with four out of five Gallagher Premiership matches taking place at Sandy Park, and that is a huge boost for us. We love playing in front of the Chiefs fans, and it is safe to say that the energy that that will give us as a squad is tangible. If we can take some important points away from those games, it should see us in a strong position heading into the business end of the season.

I’d like to give a nod to the Exeter Chiefs Women, whose recent performances have been nothing short of a marvel. Five big wins on the bounce have taken them to the near summit of the table, and I have no doubt they will carry this form into a tough block of games to start the new year. Their matches are hugely entertaining, and the squad Susie Appleby has built are playing a fast-paced brand of rugby which is proving highly effective.

I’d encourage all fans to spread the word about Chiefs to their family and friends. The club has made this easier through the introduction of Mates’ Rates tickets, giving season ticket holders a discount for up to four friends. Likewise, for the more hardened fans among you, our new flexi ticket packages will help those who have been feeling the financial pinch this season, get to more games.

It has been a positive winter so far for the Chiefs as we look to continue to make strides moving into this crucial period of the season.

As mentioned in my previous column, this was always going to be a period of transition for our team. Our form in the Gallagher Premiership has been steady in the face of tough opposition, with recent victories over Bath and Northampton Saints ensuring we remain firmly in the hunt for play-off places, whilst some impressive performances over Castres and the Vodacom Bulls in the Heineken Champions Cup have permeated confidence throughout the squad heading into the New Year.

We have focused on learning each week, developing our game, and evolving our style to reflect the constantly changing nature of the sport. It’s safe to say there have been

In this period of great change, one thing has remained constant and that is our commitment to the success of Exeter Chiefs, the fans and the community. On that note, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone associated with the club who have once again gone above and beyond to help others less fortunate during what has been a difficult year for everyone.

I’d also like to specifically mention the fantastic efforts of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, who, along with their charity partners raised an incredible £5,000 for three Motor Neurone Disease charities and have done great work with Exeter Food Action to ensure that thousands of homeless people in Exeter will receive a heart Christmas Lunch this winter.

We look forward with great anticipation and optimism that 2023 will be another great year for Exeter Chiefs, I’d like to thank you for your excellent support as ever and wish all of you the best in the forthcoming year!

For more: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

The director of rugby at Exeter Chiefs has all the latest news from the club

“Our new flexi ticket packages will help those feeling the pinch”

Sport ON THE BALL

A team of Deaf footballers has gone from strength to strength since becoming part of Exeter City Community Trust, the partner charity of Exeter City Football Club.

Exeter City Deaf FC came under the charity’s remit around 18 months ago and now as many as 30 deaf men train weekly at Exwick Sports Hub. The group plays games in the English Deaf Development league, taking on sides such as Birmingham City and MK Dons deaf teams.

And the team has great vision for the future, with plans to develop both a dedicated deaf youth team and a female deaf team.

Dan Hewitt, para sport lead at Exeter City Community Trust, said the team had developed since becoming involved with the charity.

“The group is incredibly proud to represent Exeter City and we’re equally proud of them and the work they put in to grow and develop. But

it’s not just about physical activity, you can also see the huge benefits to their mental health.”

The team, who are aged 17 and over, has a number of students from the Exmouth-based Deaf Academy, including 17-year-old twins, Jay and Milan Caulfield. They recently won their first game against Welling United.

“It has been fantastic playing for the team, we get the chance to come and train together, and the team is doing really well,” says Jay.

Jay and Milan’s mother Jacqui, who is also the group’s treasurer, said playing football was really important to her sons. She said, “We moved from Hampshire to Exeter to give the boys the opportunity to play football whilst they are at the Deaf Academy. The team has been wonderful for them, it’s just amazing to see them getting this opportunity to do what they love.”

For more: www.exetercct.org

Charity TOGETHER WE WALK

Local charity Hospicare will be running their annual fundraising Men’s Walk on 18 March and encouraging people to join in in any way they can.

Everyone is welcome, and walkers can either choose a route of their own choice

in their locality or join the Hospiscare team at Double Locks (where it starts and finishes) for the seven-mile walk.

Walkers will get their own t-shirt, a drink, courtesy of Exeter Brewery, and a pasty supplied by Chunk of Devon.

The walk is a vital form of income for the hospice, who provide specialist care to patients and their families living with life-limiting illnesses across Exeter, Mid and East Devon.

For more: www.hospiscare.co.uk

The gang of walkers, and a camera-ready pooch

Go team!

OPINION JP HEDGE

Adding not subtracting

Forget the resolutions, JP is heading into the new year with self-compassion and a thirst for connection

I’m not sure you can still say ‘Happy New Year’ in the middle of January, but I very much hope you are having a relatively good one so far. You deserve it.

January is perhaps known for blue Monday rather than its sunny disposition.

It’s the day New Year resolutions around healthy eating and exercise; health and wellbeing are traditionally replaced by Twixes, et ix and duvets.

If your initial celebration behind a fresh start has fallen by the wayside, then give yourself a break. And give me the other Twix.

In fact, if you can deliberately go out of your way to be kind to yourself, you’re already winning in 2023.

This year I decided not to make any new resolutions around cutting things out of my life.

January can be a pretty bleak month in comparison to the joy of the run up to Christmas. The thought of then depriving yourself is why most people give up in a couple of weeks and head for familiar ground and old habits. So for some time now I’ve been adding things in instead.

I’m no Mr Motivator (he’s still going) but here’s what really small bolt-ons to my life have packed a surprisingly large punch. Mindfulness hasn’t really appealed before. I can see the value and understand the theory, like I understand some people like wearing Crocs, it’s just that it hasn’t ever appealed to me.

However, the combo of adding in some ring-fenced time plus learning some new techniques has had more positive impact than would have ever dreamed of. m definitely better equipped. If you’re a tech fan there are a lot of free or low-cost options in the palm of your hand. Headspace is an awesome one.

Then there is self-compassion. It sounds like a wet weekend. Especially for those whose superpower is cynicism. But not being Judge Rinder 24/7 really does improve life more than the concept perhaps sounds.

m the first to udge my standard to a higher state than I do for others. It’s a habit. Adopting care like my best friend would is a game changer.

And then there is introducing more water.

It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s so important for bodies and brains.

More than you would perhaps initially dismiss. hen we re dehydrated, it can affect mood, energy levels, and even the ability to concentrate. n early big glass first thing on waking has been giving me an instant win.

I’ve also tried to get better at getting my head out of my phone and reconnecting with people who I haven’t seen for ages. I’ve been reaching out once a week, and I’m so pleased I have. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little bubbles and forget to reach out to friends and loved ones that have ended up on the periphery.

Taking a little time to reconnect with people you haven’t talked to in a while or making an effort to have regular catch u s with those closest to you brings real joy. I’ve also been going out of my way to make new connections.

And last but not least, introducing a smattering of positive news is brilliant.

Let’s face it, the market is cornered for doom. ood stuff is getting crowded out.

Once a day I’m seeking out that ‘and finally moment that leaves you warm and fuzzy. Humans are awesome. Positive. news online has you covered.

I hope some small changes can make a big difference and a little sunshine to your January. n

Jon-Paul Hedge is a director at Exeter City Council where he currently looks after leisure. He is a former newspaper editor and lives in the city with his wife and two young children; www.exeter.gov.uk

“If your initial celebration behind a fresh start has fallen by the wayside then give yourself a break. And give me the other Twix”

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF EXETER’S CULTURAL LIFE

OCCASION

The legendary Prue Leith is to embark on her first ever live tour ‘Nothing in Moderation’, which will see her talk at Exeter’s Corn Prue will take audiences through the

Exchange on 5 March.

ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge; feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients – all told for the very first time. Nothing is off the menu in this frank, revealing and very funny all-new show.

“I’ve never done a stage show before and at 82 I’m probably nuts to try it, but it’s huge fun, makes the audience laugh and lets me rant away about the restaurant and sing the praises of food, love and life,” says Prue.

Market Street, Exeter;

www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

ON

20 January onwards

THEATRE/ DANCE/ PERFORMANCE

23 – 24 January, 2 February

AIRSWIMMING

his life a rming, musical tragical comical delight tells the story of erse hone and ora who meet in t ym hna s os ital for the riminally nsane in . either of them uite know why they are there but as they search for some meaning to their lives, oris ay, the atron saint of all that is wholesome, erfect, and feminine, becomes their guide and saviour.

Cygnet Theatre, Exeter; www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

25 – 28 January

BANDSTAND

xeter niversity Footlights resents a story about a grou of veterans returning home to the nited tates after orld ar we see them struggle to fit into their old lives while dealing with the lingering effects of the war.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

25 – 28 January

THE EXE ENSEMBLE: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

arold inter s classic lay is invigorated to awaken modern relevance through the mental health lens. he ensemble examines societal norms, the com lexity of relationshi s and how cultural constructs sha e the way we think and act.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

30 January – 1 February

MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE

From the original cast of the multi award winning sold out smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong and the series The Goes Wrong Show, enry ewis and onathan ayer star in this hilarious new comedy that en oyed a sold out run at the dinburgh Festival, and was called laugh filled, mind bending silliness .

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

7 February WILD ONION

te into the circle and eel back the layers of this riotous, narrative cabaret. lending theatre, dance, circus, and over delightfully destroyed onions, this roduction brings three ueer best friends together to ex lore and grow

their chosen family.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

8 February

JAMES WILTON DANCE:

to battle a new enemy on behalf of all eo le everywhere.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

14 February

THE FOUR

SEASONS ames ilton ance, one of uro e s most in demand dance com anies, resents The Four Seasons. sing ax ichter s recom osed version of ivaldi s seminal work, The Four Seasons, ames ilton ance has created a work of immense hysicality, driving energy and swee ing beauty. he work features the com any s signature blend of ca oeira, acrobatics, martial arts and classical dance, alongside stunning stage and costume designs.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

9 February

TROY HAWKE: SIGMUND TROY’D aving sold every ticket available at the dinburgh Fringe and being listed as one of the to best reviewed comedy shows, star of the viral Greeters Guild online series over a million followers across all latforms, check it out on ou ube roy awke, 3 s throwback home schooled investigator, returns

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED

oyful, kaleidosco ic new family show about change, why change ha ens and how to deal with it. his fast moving and hysical adventure ideal for year olds allows young eo le to take stock and share their ho es for the future. reated by award winning theatre com any hum lay, made in consultation with a child sychologist and children across ondon.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

14 – 19 February

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN

his heart warming tale about friendshi and hel ing those in need is brought to life in a musical, u et filled adventure, following on from ittle ngel heatre s bestselling ada tations of ulia onaldson s icture books including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

Gaia, the ‘Earth’ artwork comes to Exeter Cathedral

16 Feb – 18 Feb

LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL Shotgun Theatre’s vision for this production of Little Women is to bring Louisa May Alcott’s classic story forward in time, setting it between 1917 (the year that the US joined WW1), and 1920 (when US women gained the right to vote). By maintaining a similar aesthetic to Greta Gerwig’s 2019 movie, they want to create a wholesome, comforting, yet thought-provoking rendition of a classic.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

MUSIC

27 January

MARTIN

KEMP

Martin Kemp’s ‘Back to the 80s’ DJ set is the hottest and most in demand 80s night in the UK, currently selling out every venue the event goes to in record time. The 80s icon and UK national treasure will be taking to the decks in Exeter and spinning all the best hits from the 80s.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

30 January KULA SHAKER

Join Kula Shaker as they belt out their catchy psychedelic tunes including the memorable Hush, Govinda, Start all Over and Tattva, along with their recent album 1st Congregation Church of Eternal Love & Free Hugs.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

2 February

LEWIS CAPALDI

The Scottish singer, who is best known for hits Bruises, Someone You Loved, Hold Me While You Wait, and Before You Go, will be performing a mixture of his popular hits, plus new material.

Exeter Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, near Exeter; www.westpointexeter.co.uk

2 February

FAIRPORT CONVENTION

Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers since 1967 with their British folk-rock sounds. Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

3 February

CUT CAPERS + DROP IN THE OCEAN

Famed for their electric festival appearances, both in the UK and across Europe, Cut Capers are turning their attention to venue crowds in need of an injection of Glastonbury festival-style energy and atmosphere.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

18 March

EXETER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR: MONTEVERDI VESPERS

The musical magic of Venice of 1610 will be recreated in Exeter Cathedral with a large-scale performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers. This fascinating journey will be conjured up by the combined forces of Exeter Philharmonic Choir, Devon County Junior Choir, top professional singers and the virtuoso wind orchestra of His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts.

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

COMEDY

22 January

JEN BRISTER

Described as ‘furiously funny’, if Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no

ABOVE: The Four Seasons, by James Wilton Dance; BELOW: Cut Capers will be rocking out at Exeter Phoenix

good in a crisis. (Unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds.)

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

27 January

EXETER COMEDY CLUB

Every show features four top performers, everyone gets a seat at a table and the bar serves extra cheesy pizzas which are available during the intervals.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

3 February

COMEDY IN THE PARK

Head to Sandy Park for a night of stellar laughter from five to comedians, tickets include cheese burger and chips.

Sandy Park, near Exeter; www.sandypark.co.uk

5 February

GLENN MOORE

As seen on Mock The Week, expect a comedy masterclass and a highenergy barrage of the most jokes you ve ever heard humanely fit into one stand-up show.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

17 February

LLOYD GRIFFITH

The comic is back with a brandnew show, showcasing a unique bag of stand up, dubious impressions, and obviously a sprinkling of his (incredible) singing.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

25 February

DAVID O’DOHERTY: WHOA IS ME

Here he comes again, trotting on to the stage with all of the misplaced confidence of a waiter with no ad. There’ll be lots of talking, some apologising and some songs on a glued together plastic keyboard from 1986.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

26 February

JON RICHARDSON: THE KNITWIT

Will the recycling be put out on the right day? Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs?

Watch Jon pretend that these aren’t his foremost concerns as he leaves home on his first tour since the last one.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

FILM

26 January

NT: THE CRUCIBLE

A witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma). Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from trial.

Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter; www.picturehouses.com

27 February ALCARRÀS

Winner of the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale Festival, Carla im n s film is a ruminative, lived in portrait of a rural family in presentday Catalonia whose way of life is rapidly changing.

he film features rich performances from the cast of non-professional actors which is fundamental in achieving a truthful portrayal, and the warm photography captures the beauty of the farmland.

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

27 January – 3 February

THE FABELMANS

A semi-autobiographical tale based on Steven Spielberg’s own childhood, The Fabelmans follows young Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), growing up in post-World War II era Arizona.

After his mother (Michelle Williams) and father (Paul Dano) take him to see The Greatest Show On

TOP: Exeter Phoenix will be screening Alcarràs; MIDDLE: Comic Jon Richardson; BOTTOM: Exeter Seed Swap

SPORT

Every Saturday

EXETER RIVERSIDE PARKRUN

This free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community running event happens every Saturday. The run starts at 9am on Exeter Quay & River Valley Park, and travels along the river. Participants can walk, jog or run it; everyone is welcome for a post parkrun coffee in The Quay Climbing Centre Café afterwards. Other similar parkruns take place at Haldon Forest, Cranbrook Country Park, Killerton, Exmouth, Parke, Teignmouth Promenade and Seaton.

Exeter Riverside Parkrun; www.parkrun.org.uk

4, 14, and 25 February

EXETER FC HOME GAMES

Head to St James Park and catch one of the home games this month. Opponents in February are Charlton Athletic (4 Feb), Shrewsbury Town (14 Feb), Cambridge United (25 February).

Exeter City FC, St James Park; www.exetercityfc.co.uk

Earth, he falls in love with the movies and as ires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence. But when Sammy discovers a shattering family secret, he begins to explore how the ower of films can hel him see the truth.

Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter; www.picturehouses.com

ART

Until 8 October

4, 25, 26 February

EXETER CHIEFS

HOME MATCH

Catch a match against DMP Durham Sharks (4 Feb), Loughborough Lightning (25 Feb), or Sale Sharks (26 Feb); drop on the Courtyard restaurant and bar to make a day of it.

Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park; www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

11– 12 February

HALF MARATHON

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter will be joined by Defence Coach Omar Mouneimne and Head of Strength and Conditioning Mark Twiggs to discuss all things rugby. Offering coaching insights into new laws, defensive structures and detailed match-day preparations, take a behind the scenes look at the day-today workings at Exeter Rugby. Sandy Park, near Exeter; www.sandypark.co.uk

With up to 400 stands from all over the , this home show offers an extensive range of antiques, collectables and vintage items including furniture, porcelain, silver, gold, jewellery, glass, textiles, vintage clothing, paintings, and lighting.

Exeter Westpoint, near Exeter; www.westpointexeter.co.uk

2023

The two lap 13.1 mile course will commence from the Piazza Terracina on Haven Road and take a scenic route along Exeter’s historic Quayside and around the Riverside Valley Park. The Saturday event usually attracts club runners or those who have an estimated completion time of two hours or less. With Sunday’s event is open to all, with an extended maximum completion time of three hours. Come along and support the runners! Exeter Community Trust; www.exetercct.org

24 February

ROB’S RUGBY MASTERCLASS

the story of Ada Blackjack, an Iñupiat woman from Nome, Alaska, who became the sole survivor of a doomed expedition to Russia’s Wrangel Island, in the Arctic Ocean, between the Chukchi Sea and East Siberian Sea.

RAMM, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

21 January

MAKING IT

12 March

GRANITE WAY RUN 2023

The Granite Way Run takes you along the Granite Way footpath and cycleway through Devon with fantastic views of Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. This event is ideal for runners training for a spring Marathon or Half Marathon, offering either a 10-mile (one lap) or 20-mile (two lap) race option to test your training progress and the chance to run through a unique landscape in a beautiful part of Devon’s countryside. The race headquarters will be at Okehampton Youth Hostel. Exeter Community Trust; www.exetercct.org

26 February

EXETER SEED SWAP

Have you got seeds to spare that are not past their sell-by date that you can give away or swap for something else?

Organised by Exeter Seed Bank, the event will include plenty of seed swapping, displays, stalls, and hands on activities. Children welcome.

There will also be a programme of short talks during the day covering topics such as community composting, bokashi fermentation for soil health, and reducing kitchen waste. www.exeterseedbank.co.uk

4 March

MOULIN ROUGE PARTY

Party the night away at Powderham Castle’s annual party. Expect a live band and DJ, casino, tarot reader, live entertainment, plenty of food and drinks. Dress code: Moulin Rouge, of course!

Powderham Castle, near Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

17 March

BIG EXETER SLEEP-OUT

A

PICTURE OF HEALTH: EXETER’S MEDICAL HISTORY

From body snatching surgeons, to pioneering use of inoculation and medical statistics, and a revolutionary hip replacement, this exhibition engages audiences of all ages with a lesser known aspect of Exeter’s rich history, and highlights parallels which have particular contemporary relevance in light of the pandemic.

RAMM, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

Until 8 October

THE

SILVER WAVE

Inspired by objects from the Arctic region in RAMM’s collection, Michelle Williams Gamaker tells

This exhibitons showcases 16 early career makers who are breathing new life into craft and making, combining traditional craft practices with modern innovation, and championing sustainability.

x ect everything from at ack rubber jewellery and outdoor installations made from salvaged geotextiles, to foam glass tactile art objects.

MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey; www.crafts.org.uk

1 – 27 February

GAIA

Following artist Luke Jerram’s hugely successful Museum of the Moon installation at Exeter Cathedral last year, the artist’s next installation, Gaia comes to Exeter. Measuring

seven metres in diameter, the piece features NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface.The artwork provides the opportunity to see our lanet on this scale, oating in three-dimensions; and a surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture. On 24 February, there’ll be a special silent disco event underneath this artwork. Grab those headsets, ick that switch, and be prepared to cut some shapes under the Earth.

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

OTHER 4 February

ECO-POETRY WORKSHOP

Join acclaimed poet Elizabeth-Jane Burnett for a nourishing take on writing in the rhythms of nature ahead of the Sunday full moon. Exeter Custom House, Exeter; www.quaywords.org.uk

11 – 12 February

ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE HOME SHOW

South West charity Julian House is once again hosting their annual Exeter Sleep out to raise important funds for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Head to their website to register yourself to spend a night at St James’ Park or simply donate funds.

Julian House, Exeter; www.julianhouse.org.uk

COMING VERY SOON!

30 March 2023

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

The biggest business event of the city returns this spring when we’ll be celebrating the brilliant organisations of Exeter once more. Nominations are now open. For all the information head to page 61. www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk

BOOKS CHARLIE RICHARDS

Hi and welcome to books in 2023. efore we move forward, a final look back and a thank you to everyone who made it down the hill to Fore Street or hopped on to our website to book-shop way back in the distant days of 2022. Bestselling books of the year were pretty special too. Biggest by a stretch was Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson, followed by All About Love by bell hooks. Number three and four were by local authors, Forget Me Not by Sophie Pavelle, and picture book Mary The Pigeon Who Never Gave Up by Quirk Theatre, a true community collaboration. Other notable books were Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguru, The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, England on Fire by Stephen Ellcock and Mat Osman, The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye and Essays On The Future Of Wales edited by Darren Chetty.

New year, new books!

Back to now. There are so many great books coming out this month / year we’re excited about, both fresh hardbacks and new-in-paperbacks, so let’s dive deep into a couple.

Over the holidays I read a proof of the The Things That We Lost by Jyoti Patel, winner of the Merky Books New Writer’s prize. The story begins as mother and son, Avani and Nikhil, lose their father and grandfather. His death causes family secrets which have long been buried to bubble up to the surface, including the mystery of Nikhil’s late father, what happened to him, and why his mother refuses to talk about it. This mystery grows with the discovery of a key, left to Nikhil.

Patel creates a vivid Indian-British family; love, companionship and family customs, weaving between English and Gujarati and the scent of ever brewing chai. An earlier timeline follows Avani’s childhood, and escape from it, to university with Nikhil’s father in the 1990s. Jyoti Patel writes about this era, the joy of youth, parties and the feeling of pleasure of life stretching out ahead, with evocative musical

references – Soul II Soul plays in the car as they drive to the beach one day – while also highlighting the reality of being Indian in the UK in the 1990s with its persistent backdrop of racism. At one point Avani’s brother warns her against taking refuge in laces ying the t eorge ag, and what this signals.

In the present, and in the fresh, raw aftermath of his grandfather’s passing, Nikhil leaves the sprawl and safety net of metropolitan London to head to university some distance away. Discarding warnings from his friends about being a person of colour so far from home in Harrow, and carrying the weight of his mother’s secrets, he quickly spirals downwards as the pressure of grief, loss and racial tension takes its toll. I loved Patel’s empathetic writing and spending time with these characters.

Another book I read was Love, Leda, by poet Mark Hyatt, a forgotten writer and ‘literary parent to anyone writing queer’ who died (too young) before seeing his writing published. Leda is young, queer and living in swinging sixties London. He moves through life chaotically, drinking in oho coffee bars, looking for parties and partners, crashing on couches, borrowing money from friends and taking jobs where he can. Leda is unapologetically gay, and his refusal to feel bad about who he is despite the era he lives in is joyful, while the toll of hiding who he is, being estranged from his family and his harmful behaviour towards himself takes its toll – a darker, more sobering side. Leda’s inner monologue – he is both funny, arrogant, kind and selfish, his descri tions, language and the interactions he has make this book the very best kind of literature that completely transports to a place and time.

Charlie Richards is the co-owner of Bookbag, 7-10, McCoy’s Arcade, Exeter; uk.bookshop.org/shop/bookbag

Charlie dives deep into the exciting new releases of 2023

“Jyoti Patel writes about this era, the joy of youth, parties and the feeling of pleasure of life stretching out ahead”

WORD ON THE STREET

Now’s the perfect time to jump into an absorbing book. Here, four local bookworms give us their top recommendations

The Lost Rainforests of Britain by Guy Shrubsole

Recommended by Andrew Davey, bookseller at The Bookery, 21 High Street, Crediton; www.thebookery.org.uk

“After moving to Devon, Guy Shrubsole was astounded to discover temperate rainforests on his doorstep. Entranced by their beauty and abundance he set out to discover all he could about this rare and precious habitat. Beginning in Wistman’s Wood and other Dartmoor fragments he travels up the western seaboard of Britain including Wales, the Lakes and Scotland exploring these magical woodlands, their biodiversity, their people, their history and deep connections to our culture.

What he discovered was a landscape massively depleted over time and at serious risk due to lack of knowledge, archaic landownership laws, and poor management. He was determined to do what he could to save our rainforests. Inspired by success stories like Lustleigh Cleeve he began a campaign to raise awareness, map the forests and in uence landowners and olicy makers. Shrubsole’s enthusiasm and vivid descriptive writing are infectious; you will be inspired to go out and explore some of the precious remnants here in Devon. The Lost Rainforests of Britain is one of the most important natural history books to be published last year and will deepen your appreciation of our natural world.”

Poor by Caleb Femi

Recommended by Ocean Tawiah, bookseller at Bookbag, 7-10 McCoys Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter; www.bookbag.shop

“When I read Poor by Caleb Femi, I felt myself time travel back to my dad’s childhood and see the stories that I’ve been told come to life. Like Femi, my dad grew up in an estate in Peckham, just three minutes away from the estate that the poet grew up in, and reading his work gave me insight into the community there and the trauma he must still be recovering from. His work is very centred around the present and is without the romanticism that we often see when we talk about poverty in literature. Being Black in Britain, living in a ‘small acre of hell,’ (Hallelujah Money) is living in the corners that society has decided to forget. It’s being made to feel as though ‘you’re dead and alive at the same time’ (Schrodinger’s Black) as your friends leave you with survivor’s guilt. His language is simple and full of pain, but there is also a lot of joy in the anthology, especially in the photos that Femi has taken himself. Together, he has created a piece that felt so real that I half-expected to see my father’s face smiling at me through the pages.”

“A thought-provoking book that I have read has got to be The Glass Room by nn leeves, the fifth book in the era tanho e series. read it months ago and still now the book stays with me. As with much of Ann Cleeves’ writing I found The Glass Room to be a smart and rational mystery. he characterisation of era really comes alive in this book, and we see another glimpse into her softer, more sentimental side with the case stemming from one of her neighbours going missing. The set-up of the writer’s house could be considered to be very traditional Agatha Christie territory but the use of a love interest in one of the suspects for married Sergeant Joe Ashworth really drew me in as it was the con ict of loyalty and lust that stood out the book was as much about how the characters dealt with the situations as the situations themselves. It’s no surprise to me that the book won the highest accolade in crime writing, the 2017 Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger.”

If The River Lets Me: A Yukon River Adventure by Richard Kenworthy

Recommended by Lily Neal, owner at The Topsham Bookshop, 27 Fore Street, Topsham; www.topshambookshop.co.uk

“I would hugely recommend a book recently published by the writer Richard Kenworthy, who lives here in Topsham. It’s called If The River Lets Me: A Yukon River Adventure and it’s about Richard’s solo canoe journey down the Yukon River in 2019. He paddled all the way from Dawson City in Canada to the mouth of the Yukon at Emmonak in Alaska, and out into the Bering Sea. The 1340 miles took him six weeks and his riveting account of the journey is punctuated at each chapter-heading in the book by large colour photographs, taken by Richard himself, which really draw the reader into the experience. Wildlife of the area features in his account, from tiny rodents to huge moose and bears.

I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down: it’s an exciting tale and is s rinkled with hiloso hical musings which fit in very well, plus a whole chapter about Richard’s experience working with the o sham salmon fishermen on the iver xe, which he contrasts with salmon fishing ractices he observed on the ukon. is authorial voice is consistent throughout the narrative and he comes across as a very genial, intelligent and interesting companion as the reader travels along the Yukon with him.

Some readers may be curious, like me, to read Richard’s descriptions of what it was like to be alone for so long in such a vast wilderness as Alaska, where he camped in the wild on the riverbank every night, often far from roads or habitation. He reveals that the solitude he experienced led to some very interesting mindsets at times, and an understandable reluctance to revert to normal ‘civilised’ life at the end of the trip.” n

The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves

Recommended by James Cotter, programme leader / tutor in UAL Diploma Creative Media (Journalism) and associate lecturer at Exeter College; www.exe-coll.ac.uk

“Shrubsole’s enthusiasm and vivid descriptive writing are infectious”

BY ALAN LEE

© ARTWORK

February half term is always a tricky one in our household. We have barely had enough time to recover from Christmas and suddenly we have another week to find interesting things to do as a family. So, I’ve gone for a deep dive into my bag of tricks to hopefully help you be as prepared as possible for February and perhaps unearth some gems that will stand the test of time and help you make memories as a family.

Haldon Forest Park, Kennford (approx. 45 minutes from Exeter)

Lace up those hiking boots and pack your picnic for an adventure at Haldon Forest Park. A short drive from Exeter and with a lovely little café as well as cycling skills areas, this location is truly testament to why we say Devon is heaven. With a wide array of walks for all fitnesses and ages, everyone can enjoy it together. Kids will love to spot the forest creature hiding spaces and you can finish it all off with a warm beverage and a slice of cake in the café. Dog-friendly, bike-friendly and outdoor-orientated.

They’re currently running a Superworm Lasso and trail activity with a nifty little pack – it is full of fun items as well as a trail that will take approximately one hour for kids to complete, and at 1.5miles it is perfect for tiring out little legs! www.forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park

Bear Town, Cullompton (approx. 25 minutes from Exeter)

A keen favourite amongst parents with little ones (one- to seven-yearolds) think small world play with lots of role playing and space to

explore. It has a great café with a wide variety of delicious familyfriendly dishes on the menu. It’s also a great place for little ones to make new friends as they weave through themed rooms like the ost o ce, theatre, hairdressers, and café.

Celebrate Bear Town’s own Valentine’s Day with the Love Heart Hunt from the 10 –18 February which includes a two-hour play session and a sweet treat as part of the ticket price. www.beartown.co.uk

The Jolly Roger, Bovey Tracey (approx. 30 minutes from Exeter) hen we need a coffee and are feeling a little energy burn out, this is where we rush to because it’s great fun for us and our little one. The Jolly Roger is a thriving family business specialising in the import and sale of life size 3D models, think 10-foot sharks and huge dinosaurs. A little-known fact is that they have an incredible showroom which is open to the public to enjoy and an excellent ice cream parlour on site. We easily lose three hours to this weird and wonderful warehouse filled with model animals, celebrities and extinct or mystical creatures. The owner, Chris, also has a passion for motorbikes so it’s excellent for those who are bike enthusiasts. Once you have been their once, it’ll be on your list for life. www.lifesize-models.co.uk

Dingles Fairground Museum, Milford (approx. 45 minutes) I’m always amazed by how few people know about this museum, but whenever I have people visiting us with kids, this is top of my tourist attraction list. Imagine a huge warehouse packed to the gills with perfectly restored and cared for vintage fairground rides that you can actually enjoy. Expect no dusty glass cases with memorabilia in – most

“We easily lose three hours to this weird andwarehouse”wonderful

LEFTANDABOVE: Family days out at Haldon Forest Park

The Festival of Planets is returning to Guildhall Shopping Centre

of these items are working, or at the very least, touchable and with full back histories and traceable heritage; it’s a really special place for exploring a huge part of this country’s history in the form of its travelling and fairground communities. They have two sessions: 10-1pm and 2-5pm. Booking is recommended. www.dinglesfhc.co.uk

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton (approx. 55 minutes from Exeter)

Check out their guided tours, go for a slow wonder around the nectar gardens, try your hand at some beeswax candle rolling, and let the kids run free in the indoor and outdoor play areas. I love that the indoor play also has a space for under twos, so often this age group is forgotten or missed off leaving arents scrabbling to kee the toddlers busy.

The best part about this place is learning about bees and nature – it’s at the heart of all they do – so it’s an educational day out in addition to fun for all ages (and dogs welcome!). www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk

FEEDING THE BROOD

I am a huge fun of long lazy meals at some of the excellent locations we have around Devon, from pizza places with panoramic views to family-friendly locations – perfect for meeting up with other families and friends.

Otter Valley Field Kitchen, near Honiton (approx. 30 minutes from Exeter)

I love this little-known pizza mecca at the foot of Blackdown Hills, primarily because it doesn’t matter how loud your children are, it all seems to get sucked into the atmosphere and acoustics of this huge barn style building. Even at its busiest times, there is a short wait for a table and the food comes ying out. t s a great lace for big friend

meet-ups, with lots of kids and chaos. The views are stunning, and the food is excellent (catering for picky eaters too!). There is ample parking, lots of outdoor eating space for those with their pups in tow, and you can finish your meal with homemade ice cream to either eat in or take away in handy tubs. It really is my go-to for spontaneous meals with my family.

www.ottervalleydairy.co.uk

Darts Farm, Topsham (approx. 20 minutes from Exeter)

This well-known family favourite really comes into its own over half term and school holidays. I recommend working up an appetite and then stomping the farm walk and nature trail or letting the kids explore the outdoor play area while sipping a hot beverage on the picnic benches and then hitting their café, Cow & Cacao, a haven for chocolate lovers with some really ama ing wa es and hot chocolates. A super treat! Darts Farm also have an excellent shop so we tend to finish off a day out with a large omahawk steak from the butcher, cooked low and slow for about three hours and ready in time for dinner. www.dartsfarm.co.uk

The Lost Kitchen, near Tiverton (approx. 30 minutes from Exeter)

Hidden away in the hills and tucked up in a barn sits the incredible Lost Kitchen. It’s warm and smells like wood smoke and although you would think this space is adult focused, it makes for a lovely brunch and lunch venue for families. Reminiscent of a big farm kitchen with tiled oors and stone walls, the long wooden tables are great for sitting the kids up to craft or colour while you enjoy a few hours grazing and refuelling. For added entertainment, don’t forget to look out the windows for anoramic views, and watch the white doves y out of the barn next door, do a lap and then return over and over again. It’s a beautiful oasis. www.lostkitchen.co.uk

ABOVEANDINSET:

Quince Honey Farm

© JAMES EDWARDS,

“The best part about this place is learning about bees and nature”

“ ra so e sel es with the astronauts”

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS IN THE CITY

Guildhall Shopping Centre

The Festival of Planets returns to the shopping centre and is on now until 18 February. Brings kids to see plants, stars and moons up close and ersonal as well as learn all about s ace and grab some great selfies with their astronauts! It’s a great little trail that takes about 30 minutes to do and is a great one for those space enthusiasts.

www.guildhallshoppingexeter.co.uk

Exeter Phoenix

Exeter Phoenix is absolutely brimming with a packed schedule for half term for those who would like to watch some theatre or take in a little art and self discovery. y to ics of their brilliant line u is rickfilm Lego animation – a two-day workshop for eight-13-year-olds aimed at giving them the skills they need to design, plan and shoot a stop animation short film. r how about a scul ting class where family or friends get to pair up to sculpt portraits of one another. For a family theatre experience, Mama G’s Story Time Roadshow is a must with a strong message of embracing your true self. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Royal Albert Memorial Museum Art & Gallery

This is a space in the city centre that not only draws crowds with its amazing collection, but has a huge list of great activities on for half term. From magical miniature dens, a workshop for children to create their own nature-inspired dens and an exhibition-inspired ‘make a tree of life wall pendant’ workshop. If your kids are more into immersive experiences, the Explorer Dome is also back after its last sell out performances. The Explorer Dome will be playing host to the Earth and Environment show which lasts about an hour and allows little imaginations to run wild in nature and actually experience some of the settings through their senses. An absolute must! www.rammuseum.org.uk

Meraki Art School

Chloe Farrant, creative mind behind Meraki, is rapidly gathering a vast fan club of children and arents alike. he creative art worksho s, based on the first oor of The Guildhall Shopping Centre, cater for children from four to 16. orksho s over half term include create a 3 collaged ower home to a alentine s love bug , relaxing fish canvas ainting both on February; and create a bright hummingbird canvas painting, on 15 February.

www.merakiartschool.co.uk

Exeter Historic Guildhall hose with children interested in the military will love this. n February, the HMS Defender Freedom will be holding their freedom arade which starts off at xeter Football lub at m and will see 180 men and woman from the Ships Company, supported by cadets and veterans, march to the city centre finishing at the xeter Cathedral where there will be a military village, with veterans and cadettes on stalls there to chat and answer any questions. I highly recommend teaming this with a visit to the Historic Guildhall to learn a bit about this fabulous building and how it fits into the history of Exeter – gory details and all! n Exeter Historic Guildhall, Exeter; www.exeter.gov.uk

Nikki Fairclough works in marketing for the Guildhall Shopping Centre and as an InExeter Board member. She is an advocate for art and placemaking in Exeter and has ambitious plans to create spaces that families and communities can engage in. Insta: NikkiExeter

© TEMPO PHOTOGRAPHY

LEFT: The Festival of Planets is on until 18 February; INSET: Meraki Art School workshops

© CHLOE FARRANT

MICHAEL SPIERS

18CT BRACELET, £97,500

This bracelet features emerald-cut rubiesand baguettecut diamonds. Classically stylish, this piece is a real showstopper.

www.michaelspiers.co.uk

RUBY

CHOCOLATE HEART BOXES FILLED WITH HEARTS AND GEMS,

£17.50

This heart-shaped box is made from 47 per cent Colombian origin milk chocolate and has five ha elnut raline hearts inside waiting to be devoured. Each heart is nestled in tissue inside a kraft box with a special Valentine’s wrap.

From Chococo, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.chococo.co.uk

AURA RING, £1,325

A luxurious shade of natural ruby set in 18ct yellow and white Fairtrade gold. This beautiful hue is enhanced by a collet of white gold, which is then set onto a yellow gold molten aura.

From Erin Cox, 56 Fore Street, Topsham; www.erincox.co.uk

YOUNG HEARTS

MOJAVE GLAZE

PLANTER POT, £9

Perfect planters for a loved one’s indoor collection, this glaze is designed with a matte finish in a dreamy shade of pink.

From Ginger Zebra; www.gingerzebra.shop

LOLITA SUNGLASSES, £180

RUSSELL HOBBS

PINK HEARTS NORFOLK

FOUR SLICE TOASTER, £64 weet, and ractical, ressie for a toast fiend.

From Emma Bridgewater, local stockists include Eclectique, 18-23 Exeter Quay; and Bernaville Nurseries, Three Horse Shoes, Exeter; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

Inspired by the 1962 movie this design is part of the limited edition 'Les Cultissimes' collection –inspired by iconic spectacle wearers across the decades.

,

From Acuits, 193 High Street, Exeter; www.acuitis.uk

DEBS

LEATHER HANDBAG, £129

Crafted from soft durable leather and finished in a divine dee rust red, the Debs bag is just the right si e to fit everything you need whilst you’re on the go. It features not one but two detachable straps giving it the versatility to be worn as a either a handbag or a crossbody purse.

From Busby & Fox, the two nearest stores are in Exeter (21 Cathedral Yard) and in Totnes (31 High Street); www.busbyandfox.com

Valentine’s Day is coming up –a great excuse to buy someone you love (including yourself!) a gorgeous gift from one of the locals

HEART BATH TIME

LOOFAH, £4.95

Nothing says I love you like the gift of a loofah! Handmade from vegan Egyptian cotton for a s ongey and exible feeling, it is natural and plastic-free (no microplastics and toxins). Great for exfoliating and cleaning the skin and body.

From Hyde & Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

SOLAR CHAIN DROP EARRINGS, £520

Jewellery maker Sophie Harley’s bold earrings have kiln fired red enamel hearts made in fully gold-plated silver.

From Polkadot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; www.polkadotgallery.com

FOLKLORE HEART LIGHT ORNAMENT, £33

Adorned with lots of colourful detail, this gorgeous heart-shaped decoration has 108 warm white LEDs. It also comes with a built-in timer which is super convenient if you’re one for forgetting to turn lights off.

From Toot Garouk,19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

LOVE HEART ROO LAVENDER BAG,

£7

These handmade lavender bags are made by local artist Jane Foster, and are perfect for popping in the post to a loved one or slipping under a pillow. From Jane Foster Designs; www.janefoster.co.uk

COVE PASSION LIQUEUR, AVAILABLE IN THREE SIZES, 5CL (£5.95), 20CL (£18) AND 50CL (£33)

Made by combining fresh passion fruits with Cove’s luxuriously smooth Devon potato vodka, enjoy over ice with a twist of grapefruit, with cloudy lemonade for a colourful and exotic cocktail.

From Devon Cove, purchase online or pick up at Darts Farm, Topsham; www.devoncove.co.uk

TOPO DESIGNS MOUNTAIN HEAVYWEIGHT

SHIRT, £145

Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton with a yarn dyed twill weave, this heavyweight Topo Designs shirt is inspired by classic workwear. You can’t go wrong with plaid.

From Always in Colour, Fore Street, Exeter; www.alwaysincolour.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk

A CORNER OF SPAIN IN THE HEART OF PRINCESSHAY

The only Spanish Tapas Restaurant in Exeter with a cocktail bar and views overlooking the Cathedral.

£15 offer: 3 Tapas & a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink. Available Monday – Thursday.

Flamenca, Princesshay, Exeter, EX1 1GJ hola amenca.co.uk 3 www. amenca.co.uk. Follow us amencas anishta as

RAFIKIS

If you are like me you will be constantly on the lookout for amazing and interesting food destinations. In which case let me highlight afikis in shburton to you.

afikis owner usie Moss is very proud of the business she has created since returning from travelling the world with her family in 2018 – a café by day, serving an exciting and eclectic mix of dishes collated on her travels, and an evening menu focusing on delicious small plates to share.

The popularity of afikis has swelled over the years with the business transitioning to accommodate. In lockdown, usie ran a takeaway service with her husband Kian and two children to kee the business a oat. hen they could reopen they moved their tables outside of the neighbouring rts entre to enable them to run and thrive again. I guess this is when my love affair with afikis began although I had visited in its original guise too (when I could get in, it was always busy!). Rain or shine, the courtyard was buzzing with those wanting to sample their amazing hot drink selection, homemade cakes or the brunch and lunch menu.

It soon became clear that they needed bigger premises and they took over 2a awrence ane. usie has worked hard to make the new afikis a s ace for all. here

is a kids corner com lete with books and board games for adults too. he has filled the space with plants as well as eclectic bits gathered whilst travelling. he ke t the original signature colour schemes of pink and yellow and had a jaw-droppingly beautiful mural painted by friend and artist ane abrera on one of the walls. The day menu is all vegetarian with plenty of vegan options too.

I ate kimchi pancakes with fried eggs and pickles and my friends opted for garlic mushrooms on toast.

I always opt for a warming turmeric latte when visit but coffees, teas, soft and alcoholic drinks are available too.

Everything on the menu is carefully chosen and adapted with the local small growers and businesses in mind. to by if you are in town. afikis is well worth the visit.

or ore a kis a t awrence ane sh urton www ra kis co uk

OPENING HOURS:

Thursday: 6pm-10pm

Friday: 9am-10pm (main kitchen 10-3, then 6-9)

Saturday: 9am-10pm (main kitchen 103, then 6-9)

Sunday: 10am-3pm (kitchen 10-3)

Monday: 9am-4pm (main kitchen 10-3)

CLOCKWISE: Cool, colourful interiors at Rafikis; kimchi pancakes and mushrooms on toast

“ t soon eca e clear that the nee e igger pre ises”

© TARA SMITH

© RAFIKIS

COLSON’S

By Harriet

It’s been a multi-million-pound restoration project in the city, a conversion of epic proportions which has seen the former House of Fraser de artment store, ust off the igh treet, transform into otel ndigo xeter.

he hotel features olson s eafood ar and Grill (which I visit), a rooftop bar called ecketts with views across xeter athedral not yet o en at the time of writing , he ugout orts bar, and he etreat a with four treatment rooms, two hydrothera y ools, gym, sauna, steam room, nail bar and lounge serving ham agne.

es ite the 3 s modernist style, the history of the building actually dates back to when rs olson, a local milliner who became one of the city’s most loved characters, opened a department store there named olson s . otel ndigo have ke t the name, run with the 3 s style, and wisely sna ed u harlotte incent as head chef. evon foodies will know harlotte as one of the most rominent chefs locally, she s racked u a that includes stints at idleigh ark, he oyal larence otel, and most recently as head chef at he Five ells,

not to mention com eting on the Great British Menu last year. ith such romising foundations, you could say ex ectations are high.

ell, they are met, and more so. he restaurant is a da ling beauty. he neon lights and ste s guide you to the entrance, where, through sliding doors, you ll be met with a beautiful dining area and central bar, with s acious sofa areas.

here are things to catch the eye at every turn, including a ma of the stars on the ceiling, and intriguing artwork diners were leaving their seats to get u close and eer at the aintings that ay homage to the building s heritage. One picture features miniature scissors and fabric, other artwork includes menswear and womenswear aintings de icting different garments. arming shades of rich blue and green, and burnt orange fill the landsca e of the room, while leather sofas, and o ulent dro s of lighting create a relaxed and warming atmos here.

t all makes for a gloriously a y, old school vibe where you feel trans orted back in time to a ew ork seen in movies of yesteryear.

nd so onto the food. he menu is nicely succinct,

he restaurant, art of the newly o ened otel ndigo, has launched in the city. as it been worth the wait h yes

Noble

© VEERLE EVANS

the rarebit as glori e cheese on toast at your peril”

with a healthy selection of fresh fish from evon and ornwall, of course , and loads of meaty and veggie o tions. he dishes are classic, but with added lot twists and turns, and lots of lovely sur rises on every late.

he bread at the table, for exam le, is cob like in structure. e tore off the straight out of the oven segments and layered them u with creamy, sea salty butter. elicious.

For starters, kicked off with the smoked cauli ower velout which came with an onion crumb and ornish cheddar rarebit. elout , deriving from the term velour meaning velvet is ure heaven. elvety yes, definitely, but also foamy, creamy, light and yet so tasty the mouthfuls were so soft, can t tell you.

nd dismiss the rarebit as glorified cheese on toast at your eril, this dish was so richly avoured and decadent. he cheesy bit looked like it had been s uee ed out of a i ing bag, in huge s uiggly dollo s it was fat, inches thick, and scrum tious. Filling, mind.

y friend had the wood fired forage wild mushroom arfait, which came with celeriac, black garlic and buttermilk dashi. he loved the combination of avours, articularly warming to the sweetness of the balsamic which offset the mushrooms, and the general smoothness of the dish.

For mains, had the sam hire roasted hogget, hunters sausage, roasted root vegetables and lamb sauce. his was a ro er winter treat the lamb tender, soft and ink, the vegetables shar and crunchy. y al o ted for the dry aged artmoor rib eye steak which came with wood fired mushrooms, hand cut chi s and a green e ercorn sauce. e only realised later on that the chi s never arrived but no matter, the steak and sauce were much loved and devoured.

uite honestly, could have sto ed after the starter but having s ied rhubarb on the dessert menu, which can never resist, bravely ste ed u to the challenge. m so glad did. he winter rhubarb, custard soft serve and dee fried rhubarb ie that arrived looked like something

out of a isney film such was its colour ha y scarlet hue. he rhubarb tasted so fresh, as if it had been yanked out of nglish soil that morning. he dee fried rhubarb ie, which worried might look and taste like fatty batter, was in fact, like a mini filo arcel warm and soft, giving me another hit of rhubarb.

y friend had the a le crumble, a crumble cheesecake hybrid, that came with evon honey and was e ually delicious.

have no doubt that olson s will be much embraced by xeter. he food is henomenal, the staff lovely, and the ambience and general glit and glam of the lace make it the new hot s ot in the city. hile you wouldn t ex ect a lace like this to be chea , the uality and originality of the food that harlotte and the team here have created, means it s actually good value.

f you ve been hibernating this year so far, it s time to dust off the anuary blues and head into to this cool, vintage ins ired oint like a 3 s femme fatale who means business. n

DINING DETAILS

Colson’s Seafood Bar & Grill, 3 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.colsonsrestaurant.co.uk

Menu Contemporary cuisine, cooked over charcoal and flames, and given lots of twists by head chef

Charlotte Vincent

Prices All snacks £5-8; all starters are £10-£12; main courses are £25-£36 (£36 being the steak); desserts £8-9

Drinks Really extensive wine and cocktail menu. Wine by the glass starts at £5.50, a bottle starts off at £28

Atmosphere Cool, oldschool, and just a bit glam

“Dismiss

ALL FOOD PHOTOS BY HARRIET NOBLE

© VEERLE EVANS

TURN OVER FOR MORE HOTEL INDIGO IMAGES

THE BIG OPENING

“We are thrilled to open Hotel Indigo Exeter – the city’s principal hotel,” says Simon Hall, Castlebridge Hospitality’s managing director.

“We love to deliver locally inspired and innovative restaurant and bar concepts and this hotel is a prime example of how Hotel Indigo draws on the local neighbourhood to inspire every aspect of the hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. We look forward to welcoming guests to this stunning hotel.”

Hotel Indigo is part of IHG Hotels and Resorts portfolio with 135 locations open worldwide and a quality global pipeline of 124 hotels. Owned by Hotel Exe Limited, the Hotel Indigo Exeter is managed by Castlebridge Hospitality who already manage three UK Hotel Indigo hotels Hotel Indigo Bath, Hotel Indigo Chester, and Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon.

ALL PHOTOS

© VEERLE EVANS

CLOCKWISE: Hotel Indigo exteriors, the deep blue Dugout Sports Bar, and bathroom

READ THE ROOM

Each room has been designed to uniquely reflect the local culture, character, and history of the surrounding area. Comprising of 104 bedrooms, the rooms are designed around three themes reflecting the vibrance and style of Exeter’s historic neighbourhood – The House That Moved, Colson’s Department Store and Cathedral Heritage. All rooms are equipped with Hypnos beds with Egyptian cotton linen, spa-inspired bathrooms, Nespresso coffee machines, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels on a 43” flat screen TV.

CLOCKWISE: The bedrooms are designed around three Exeter themes

ALL PHOTOS © VEERLE EVANS

Whether you’re a vegan, or you just fancy leaning into some healthy and nourishing veg-centric dishes over the coming months, Exeter has a lot on the menu...

By Harriet Noble

Nikita Leys, head chef at Daily Bowl

The interest and uptake in plant-based food continues to ourish and restaurants are ra idly res onding, creating more and more exciting veggie centric o tions. he extra bonus about vegan laces is that they tend to have retty high ethical standards about food in general, using local roduce and whole foods wherever ossible. ere we look at a range of local eateries where you can indulge in some hearty vegan treats this veganuary and beyond.

DAILY BOWL

For anyone who is bored with icking u a dull, soggy sandwich on their lunchbreak enter aily owl, the latest addition to ueen treet. his sweet, communal table caf serves u colourful bowls of goodness ins ired by international travels while honouring the abundance of grown ingredients.

ur s ice blends are ins ired by the ancient rinci les of yurveda, an ndian holistic health care system, says ikita eys, head chef at aily owl.

“Each spice blend is created to counteract the qualities of the season. For exam le, s ring is ty ically a wet, muddy, cold season that can be balanced by eating warm, dry, light foods with a ungent are to hel cut through the sticky heavy uality of muddy ngland. hink, wild garlic, chilli, and e er e are big believers of whole foods. e don t think rocessed foods serve our guts or the lanet. verything we make is made from scratch

e on t use re ne sugar in an thing we ake”

in house or by a roducer who shares the same assion for kee ing food real. e don t use refined sugar in anything we make, instead we use organic coconut sugar.

What’s on the menu?

he choice of bowls includes dahl, curry, beans and noodles. ight now, they re also launching a new editerranean style bowl consisting of fava bean hummus, s routed mung bean, uinoa tabouli, and a turmeric tahini dressing, all served on a bed of seasonal greens and to ed with roasted veg. heck out their roducts too they have a whole selection of fermented, ickled, and s routed foods that can be added on to of each bowl or urchased via their grab and go section in refillable ars. he fiery kimchi and ickled mushrooms are a bit hit. Most popular vegan dish on your menu?

t s currently tied between our outh ast sian noodle bowl and our ndian curry bowl, says ikita. oth ca ture the s irit of locally sourced seasonal veg while maintaining their international uni ueness. ur sweet treat section is also gaining o ularity with its delectable variety of gut friendly, gluten free delights.

Anything else?

he caf is launching a variety of worksho s, su er clubs, and talks over the next few months educating attendees about whole foods, local roducers, gut health and yurvedic nutrition. oming u are fermentation classes on February and arch. Daily Bowl, 3, The Crescent, Queen Street; www.dailybowl.co.uk

“

ABOVE: The Daily Bowl team; LEFT: Ginger, and other pickled goodies from Daily Bowl

HERBIES

Family-run Herbies is a huge hug of a place – comforting, warm and familiar. It’s been going for a whopping 33 years, and is owned by Tony Mudge and Sue Mudge with their daughter Emily working as restaurant manager; together they serve up vibrant veggie dishes.

Their food is inspired by countries all over the globe, with a great supporting cast of grains, pulses, and tofu alongside the star vegetables.

What’s on the menu?

Right now expect roasted pepper and red lentil lasagne, Kari Sayur – a Malaysian-style curry with butternut squash, red pepper and sugar snaps – and TLT, their classic twist on the BLT with smoked paprika tofu, tomato and homemade vegan mayo in toasted ciabatta bread.

Most popular vegan dish on the menu?

Their buddha bowl, made up of spinach, sun dried tomatoes, couscous, humous, salsa verde, roasted vegetables, piquante peppers, avocado and toasted seeds with pitta.

Anything coming up?

They’ll be hosting a vegan Valentine’s set menu available on 11 and 14 February.

“We also put on a vegan haggis special for Burns Night on 25 January with neeps, tatties and a wee dram!” says Emily. Herbies, 15 North Street, Exeter; www.herbiesrestaurant.co.uk

Vegan Valentine’s desserts at Herbies

VEG BOX

We may still be in the depths of winter but such is the laidback Californian vibe and dusty pink décor of Veg Box, it always feels summery and warm. The menu is 80 per cent vegan with most of the produce being locally sourced and organic.

What’s on the menu?

Swing by in the morning and dig into their brunch wrap consisting of hash browns, homemade smokey beans, avocado, spinach and vegan cheese. The lunch time menu sees a buddha bowl crammed full of roasted sweet potato, kale, tenderstem broccoli and homemade tahini. Other warming winter vegan dishes include jackfruit and ale stew (served with sourdough from The Boatyard Bakery, naturally).

Most popular dish on the menu?

Sweet-toothed ones should check out their much sought-after American-style pancakes.

Anything else?

Come spring, you’ll want to get their early doors as the outdoor seating area is one of the busiest al fresco hotspots on the quay. Oh, and it’s a very dog-friendly spot. The team here love and welcome pooches with open arms; there are always a few strolling around picking up oohs, aahs and a multitude of strokes. Veg Box Unit 7, Piazza Terracina, Haven Banks - The Quay, Exeter; www.vegboxcafe.com

ABOVE: Veg Box on the Quay; RIGHT: Health bowls of yumminess at Veg Box

THE CHEEKY VEGAN

This self-proclaimed fun and friendly ‘junk food bar and coffee sho on athedral close is er cent vegan, serving u naughty but not so naughty treats like burgers, hot dogs, fries, ancake stacks. his is very much a can t believe it s not situation.

What’s on the menu?

heir burger menu includes double cheese and bacon, chick n, and s icy chick n. weet treats include banana and biscoff ancakes, and look out for their o corn chick n.

Anything new?

e ve got some exciting new s ecials which most eo le won t have tried elsewhere, says owner mma ates.

e ve had many re uests to try and veganise the infamous c onalds ig ac , so we did ust that amed he heeky ac, it s available for the month of anuary.

e ve also created a inder ueno milkshake made from vegan ice cream and soya milk which has been a big hit amongst our customers.

1 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.thecheekyveganexeter.com

“We’ve had many requests to try and veganise the infamous McDonalds ‘Big Mac’, so we did just that!”

THE COURTYARD

The Courtyard is a licensed café/restaurant in Sidmouth with a laidback botanical vibe, friendly welcoming staff and a strong vegan and veggie current.

What’s on the menu?

ur menu is s lit into two sections, ora for the vegans and fauna for the non-vegans,” says Gail Smee, owner at The Courtyard. e feel this way, different dietary re uirements can be identified easily and it also allows grou s of eo le with different eating habits to be able to dine together.”

Most popular vegan dishes on the menu? t has to be the fishless and chi s with homemade vegan tartare sauce and mushy peas. Our vegan breakfasts are also extremely popular, with a number of dishes, including a full breakfast, avocado on toast with scrambled tofu.

“On a Sunday we serve a homemade nut roast, which comes with cauli ower cheese, and orkshire udding, stu ng and sausage all vegan); this has become very popular.

“We vary our specials depending on the season, taking inspiration from different sources and ex eriences. his week we have a homemade suet udding, filled with vegan camembert, walnuts, leeks and mushrooms.”

Anything else?

For most of the year they shut at 3.3 m m on undays , but come summer they o en on Friday and aturday evenings, with a different menu, changing weekly, and plenty of vegan options. n The Courtyard, 128 High Street, Sidmouth; www.courtyardsidmouth.co.uk

ABOVEANDBELOW: The Courtyard in Sidmouth

“We have a homemade suet pu ing lle with vegan camembert”

OTHER LOCAL VEGAN-FRIENDLY PLACES TO TRY…

SACRED GROUNDS

Expect inventive dishes in this super-cool, and super-chilled plant-based café. Their savoury waffles are a must.

McCoy’s Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter; www.sacredgrounds.co

THE FLAT

This Fore Street favourite serves up planetfriendly vegetarian and vegan pizzas. Every single pizza they make can be made vegan or gluten-free so you’ll never be in the situation of having a lack of choices. Vegan desserts currently on the menu include lemon cheesecake, and double chocolate vegan fudge cake and ice cream.

142 Fore Street; www.theflatexeter.co.uk

CAKE OR DEATH

Delicious handmade vegan brownies delivered through your letterbox. The best brownies in Exeter according to many!

68 Bartholomew St W, Exeter; www.cakeordeath.co.uk

SEEDS 2 TOTNES

This cosy vegetarian vegan café boasts a cracking buffet where you can build up a plate of wholesome and delicious hot and cold dishes. It’s a great place to go for brunch too for locally sourced handmade pastries, buns and cakes. It’s always packed for a very good reason!

40 High Street Totnes; www.seeds2totnes.co.uk

ON THE WATERFRONT

The Quayside restaurant is not plant-based but has a really good selection of veganfriendly (and gluten-free) dishes, including many of their tasty pizzas, and sticky toffee pudding.

Southern Warehouse, 4-9, The Quay, Exeter; www.waterfrontexeter.co.uk

Sacred Grounds in McCoys Arcade

© HAYLEY MAKER

soup recipes

CELERIAC AND APPLE SOUP

Serves 4-6

A great marriage of flavours, this is simplicity at its best. I really like the sweetness that the apple brings to this soup but you could also try it with pear instead. We use the most beautiful Russet apples from Whimple which are delivered to us in abundance by the grower himself.

If you have neighbours with apple trees then their windfalls are perfect – there’s a good reason why pigs chomp through them so happily. What the celeriac lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in versatility. As well as in soups, try roasting, mashing and puréeing it.

Ingredients

1 celeriac, peeled and chopped into even sized pieces (approx 700g)

1.2 litres fresh chicken stock

A glug of good olive oil small onion, finely cho ed clove of garlic, finely cho ed ramley or usset a les 125g unsalted butter, diced 200ml double cream

Salt and pepper

½ small bottle of local apple juice (approx 125ml)

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan on a moderate heat. Add the onion, garlic, a pinch of salt and then sweat for 5-10 minutes without colour.

Peel and chop the apples. Add them to the pan with the chopped celeriac and cover with

the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer until the celeriac is cooked (about 10-15 minutes). Add the double cream, diced butter, apple juice and return to the boil.

arefully our the sou into a blender be sure not to overfill and blend until smooth. ass though a fine sieve and reheat as necessary. s is the case with most sou s, find that huge improvements can be made to the end product by ust continually tasting and ad usting as you go.

Some caramelised walnuts would also be a great addition to this soup.

raig ri n ea hef at he ack in the reen ock eare on on oa xeter www ackinthegreen uk co

Four veg-based

from The Jack in the Green to warm you up over the coming months

75g unsalted butter

1 tablespoon curry powder 1 glass of white wine 1 litre of stock 4 large parsnips

1 large cooking apple

300ml pouring cream 50g crème fraîche

Method

hinly slice the onion and garlic and finely chop the ginger.

Sweat the onion, garlic, ginger, thyme and bay leaf in a pan with some butter on a medium heat for 5-10 minutes.

Add the curry powder and wine and then reduce. Next add in the stock and simmer for 5-10 minutes on a low heat.

Peel, core and roughly chop the apple into small pieces. Meanwhile peel the parsnips, taking out any large cores and chop into roughly 1cm chunks.

Add them both to your soup base and continue to simmer until the parsnips are soft, then add the cream and crème fraîche and stir.

Once cooked, blend the ingredients together and ass through a fine sieve. eturn to a clean pan, taste for seasoning. Serve with fresh coriander.

raig ri n ea hef at he ack in the reen ock eare on on oa xeter www ackinthegreen uk co

LIGHTLY CURRIED CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Most soups are very simple, and this is no exception. The flavours here work extremely well together to create a wonderfully smooth and soothing dish perfect for a rainy day. We often serve this as a complimentary appetiser in the restaurant and our guests love it. I am a firm believer that a good cook should have respect for their ingredients, and I can think of no better way to utilise any unused cauliflower than this wonderfully decadent soup. You need not be too rigid with this recipe and let the spice element work for you.

Ingredients

cauli ower broken into even si ed ieces orets a rox. g

tional reserve a few neat slices of cauli ower to saut for garnish litre of fresh chicken or vegetable stock glug of good olive oil small onion, finely cho ed clove of garlic, finely cho ed

g unsalted butter, diced ml double cream alt and e er tbs curry owder mild or hot your reference tbs soured cream

Method

eat the oil and butter in a large an over a moderate heat. dd the onion, garlic, a good inch of salt and sweat for minutes without colour, stir in the curry owder and cook for a further minute.

dd the cauli ower orets to the an with the stock, bring to the boil and simmer until the cauli ower is ust cooked about minutes . dd the double cream, and allow to return to the boil gently, season well.

arefully our the sou into a blender be sure not to overfill and blend until smooth. ass through a fine sieve and reheat as necessary.

t is at this oint that your sou can really be elevated with some sim le tweaks by ad usting the seasoning and the thickness. f the sou is too thick you may need to add more li uid, however if it seems a little thin then add less stock . t really de ends if you re after a thick, warming and more substantial lunchtime treat or as we often use it, as a lighter re dinner a etiser.

. . t is worth reserving a little of the cooking li uid to be able to ad ust the thickness of your sou later de ending on your ersonal taste and re uirements.

erve the sou in bowls and garnish with a dri le of the soured cream and a little olive oil scatter the saut ed slices of cauli ower if using and en oy.

ome finely cho ed icked coriander is a lively addition at this oint too.

raig ri n ea hef at he ack in the reen ock eare on on oa xeter www ackinthegreen uk co

MUSHROOM SOUP

Serves 4-6

I remember mushroom soup fondly from when I was a child. All these years later I still turn to it as a tasty, comforting treat that cooks in just a matter of minutes. In fact, I can’t think of a more soothing or mellow soup. I love the intensely earthy flavours in this recipe – it’s a classic and the truffle oil takes it to a whole new level of luxury. How about serving as an intense pre-dinner appetiser to start a great meal? Decant into espresso cups and top with a soft poached quail egg if you really want to show off.

Ingredients

25g dried ceps (porcini)

50g butter

1 garlic clove, sliced an onion, finely cho ed g mixed mushrooms, sliced button, chestnut, ortobello or even a mix of all three ml chicken stock

200ml double cream hyme s rigs

Salt and pepper ru e oil to serve

Method

ring a kettle to the boil, then our the water over the dried orcini so they are ust covered.

eat the butter in a sauce an then gently fry the onion, garlic and thyme for minutes until softened and starting to colour very slightly. dd the orcini and li uid to the onion with the mixed mushrooms and leave to cook for minutes.

our over the stock and bring to the boil. educe the heat to a simmer and cook for minutes. dd in the double cream and return to the boil. emove from the heat.

arefully our the sou into a blender be sure not to overfill and blend until smooth. hen

ass through a fine sieve and set aside. o serve, heat the sou and if you like froth it u with a hand blender. adle the sou into bowls or cu s and dri le with a little tru e oil.

. . f in season and you are lucky enough to have access to a variety of wild mushrooms, d encourage you to try them. hen we use the wild varities at the ub there is inevitably an element of re aration and trimming involved. e save this trim for ust such a ur ose free ing down until re uired. hate waste and work very hard to ensure that everything is used.

raig ri n ea hef at he ack in the reen ock eare on on oa xeter www ackinthegreen uk co

SEEN!

ACROSS EXETER, ONE SHINDIG AT A TIME

UP THE WALLS

ocal artists and key figures in xmouth recently celebrated the launch of ea og rt s new gallery, ea ca e. isitors en oyed work from over of evon s to artists in the new art s ace that s based in the anor otel, on eacon ill.

istorically xmouth has been a destination for seasca e ainters, so it is wonderful that visitors to the town can now see such a wide variety of aintings, says nna Fit gerald, co owner of art organisation ea og rt.

veryone is welcome to visit the gallery, buy a coffee or a cocktail and immerse themselves in the art which is set over the entire ground oor of the hotel. www.seadogart.com

Photos by Ellie Burgin

LIVE & MOVE

Live and Move is a Sport England-funded programme, the Exeter and Cranbrook ‘Local Delivery Pilot’. The vision is that everyone in Exeter and Cranbrook can lead an active lifestyle, everyday; whatever that means for us individually.

The emphasis here is on the ‘live’ as much as the ‘move’. We need to feel motivated and be supported to move more, and we can only do that if the challenges we face in everyday life are acknowledged and addressed.

Life coach Gayner Andrews has recently run a series of workshops, funded by Live and Move, for people in Cranbrook and the results have been so positive that she’s set to run another series this year. She said: “Mindset is profoundly important for anyone who wants to achieve their goals with the intention of living a more fulfilling and purposeful life. No matter how challenging 2022 may have been, you can decide what your life will be like in 2023.”

Ed Shaw, a Wellbeing Exeter community physical activity organiser based in Exeter can

help with the ‘move’ bit of the Live and Move programme. His role is about encouraging people, many of whom don’t feel physically or mentally able to leave their homes and undertake physical movement, to move more. He does that by organising walks and other enjoyable and sociable activities, or by connecting people with others in their community who are in a similar situation or who have similar interests.

Ed recommends committing to a specific date and time. He said: “Book it in! It doesn't have to be a paid for class or event. It might be as simple as arranging a time to meet up with friends for a walk and a coffee. The important thing is, if it's in the diary it's more likely to happen."

Exeter Leisure has many facilities in and around Exeter. Emma Kessie, duty manager at St Sidwell’s Point, regularly organises group exercise classes. She said: “If you’re new to exercise and are determined to make 2023 the year that you get fitter and move more, you’ll find it much easier with a friend.”

So there you have it. Three top tips from three

local experts, all aimed at helping you to make 2023 the year for you.

Get in touch with us to share your tips and your stories about what it’s like to start being more active, from your unique circumstances. You can also inspire others online by using #ShareYourMoves on social media. What are you waiting for? n

Email: hello@liveandmove.co.uk www.liveandmove.co.uk

January's not all doom and gloom. There is so much we can do to make things a little brighter, and it all starts with small changes.

MOVING ON UP

By Eleanor Yeo

This time of year is always so full of promise. The new year’s resolutions are still going strong, whether it’s drinking less alcohol, reading more or spending time with loved ones, the chances are that one of your resolutions might also revolve around being more active.

But with the cost of living higher than ever, joining a gym or taking part in expensive classes might seem a world away from what’s achievable for so many of us. Thankfully, there are many things to do in Exeter that don’t cost a penny and that will still help you to reach your activity goals this year.

• Run Talk Run is a weekly group that meets for a 5km run around Exeter every Thursday evening at 6pm. It’s free, it’s non-competitive and the best bit is that the focus is on the ‘talk’ as much as the ‘run’! The perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Instagram: @runtalkrunexeter

• Freemoovement exercise classes take place in outdoor spaces and parks throughout the city, including St Thomas Pleasure Grounds and Cowick Barton Playing Fields. Everybody is welcome here, regardless of ability. Get stuck in! www.freemoovement.wordpress.com

• If your new year’s resolution revolves around running, why not have a go at Exeter Parkrun? This 5km route along the river takes place every Saturday morning at 9am. A great way to start the weekend, especially if you sto for a coffee on the uay before heading home again! www.parkrun.org.uk

nd finally, the reen ircle is xeter s answer to yde ark and offers a vast green space together with plenty of short and long walking and cycling routes around the city. Go Jauntly app: www.walks.gojauntly.com

Find out more about how you can move more, and the support available in Exeter and Cranbrook, by visiting www.liveandmove.co.uk

“Everybody is welcome here, regardless of ability”

Freemoovement classes in Exeter parks

Running buddies, check out Run Talk Run or the Exeter Parkrun

MEET THE FAMILY LAWYER

It takes a special kind of lawyer to handle this sensitive aspect of law: here are six of the best

HEIDI DAVEY

CARTRIDGES LAW 01392 256854; www.cartridgeslaw.co.uk

Why did you choose to be a family lawyer?

I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age and mostly pictured myself in the criminal courts (I think it was the wig and gown and the perceived high end drama!). However, after qualifying, I took a role in a family firm and here I am 11 years later, and I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. There isn’t anything more emotive than securing positive outcomes for children and families.

What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?

You need to have a good rapport with clients. They have to have confidence and trust that you are acting within their best interests. Clients often have diverse backgrounds and you have to be able to communicate effectively with each, and in a way that they understand, as well as meeting any particular needs that they have.

What key bit of advice would you give to someone looking for a family lawyer?

Instructing someone local, who is familiar with local practices would be preferred. You should also look at someone’s experience in the type of matter that you’re seeking advice on. Family law is a very broad subject, with many specialisms within it. For example, I specialise in children’s law, both public and private, but I do not undertake work relating to matrimonial disputes.

SHREYA KALLINGAL

THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY 01392 421777; www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

Why did you choose to be a family lawyer?

My mother is a family lawyer so I grew up with an awareness of her work. I was torn between studying medicine or law but eventually I decided that helping people through times of distress was a more fulfilling choice.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? Definitely working with people, which you don’t get with corporate law. I enjoy children matters; it’s fulfilling to help parents with situations like coparenting and keeping in contact with their children.

What key bit of advice would you give to someone looking for a family lawyer?

Breakdown of marriage brings with it a lot of turbulence and uncertainty, so you’re looking for someone who guides you through the process from the start. You need a lawyer who you’re confident will keep an eye on the bigger picture for you, not get caught up in the small issues and be combative when it’s not necessary.

Tell us about your business...

We have a genuinely strong ethos to look for sustainable solutions. It runs throughout the business from prioritising the wellbeing of staff to the way we work with clients. There’s a real understanding of how mental health impacts clients going through stressful situations.

Heidi Davey

Shreya Kallingal

NICK DUDMAN

RUNDLEWALKER SOLICITORS

01392 209210; www.rundlewalker.com

What key piece of advice would you give to someone looking for a family lawyer?

It is essential that you instruct a lawyer who specialises in family work. Family Law includes work relating to children, whether that be contact/residence disputes, or public law cases where, for example, the Local Authority has instituted Care Proceedings. “Family Law” is also used to describe divorce and divorce financial settlements. If you require the services of a Children Act Lawyer, make sure you choose someone who is on the Law Society’s Children’s Panel.

Tell us about your business...

Based on The Quay, we are a small firm by Exeter standards, but we undertake all types of family work, conveyancing, personal injury and crime. We pride ourselves on the calibre of all our lawyers and staff and the fact that we have the Lexcel kite mark for legal excellence. We very much work as a team and all are encouraged to share our views or ideas as to how we might advance the firm.

How has family law changed recently?

Speaking as a divorce and matrimonial finance specialist, the biggest change was the simplification of the divorce procedure and law in April 2022. You no longer have to prove wrongdoing by your spouse, and that has removed a lot of the tension and unpleasantness that inevitably affected most divorces right from the outset.

WHICKER

STEPHENS SCOWN LLP 01392 210700; www.stephens-scown.co.uk

Why did you choose to become a family lawyer?

I wanted to work in an area of law with a high level of client contact and where I could help others. Regardless of the complexity of the case, the divorce process is incredibly stressful for families in most cases, and being able to help families resolve matters as effectively as possible for the good of the family is particularly rewarding.

How has family law changed recently?

A landmark change in the divorce process occurred last year, when the ‘no fault’ divorce process was introduced. This promotes a more constructive relationship moving forward, which is particularly important when the parties may need to communicate with each other to resolve remaining financial matters or on an ongoing basis concerning the children.

Tell us about your business...

The first large UK law firm to become employeeowned, we have recently also become a Certified B CorpTM, the first law firm in the South West to have made this long-term commitment to balancing people, planet and profit as part of the B CorpTM community. A full-service law firm, our family team is proud to have the highest rankings in independent legal guides, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

CAROLINE RYAN

TOZERS

01392 207 464; www.tozers.co.uk

What are the most common family law issues right now?

Resolving financial issues on a divorce is usually one of the key concerns of clients. Whether assets are limited and parties seek the reassurance of an order protecting future assets, or whether there are significant assets which require expert valuations and advice to separate, it is important that a Financial Order is obtained in divorce proceedings which is binding and enforceable. We have seen the impact of Covid, and now increasing inflation and interest rates along with the cost of living have impacted people’s finances, so it is important to factor in such matters when considering what effect a financial settlement will have.

When should someone use a family law specialist?

Everyone separating, particularly if there are children and assets involved, should seek early legal advice from a specialist family lawyer. Many, including Tozers, offer a free initial appointment. Early specialist advice could reduce unnecessary conflict.

Tell us something about yourself...

Born in Wales, my father coached the men’s senior National rugby team and I have continued my enjoyment of rugby supporting both the Welsh and Exeter Chiefs rugby teams.

KAREN DAVIS-HANNIBAL

AMICUSLAW

01392 964930; www.amicuslaw.co.uk

Why did you choose to be a family lawyer?

After many years specialising in personal injury claims and High Court litigation, I decided to open my own practice. I found myself drawn to family law as I love helping people and assisting them during difficult personal issues in their lives.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a client come through tough personal challenges with a smile on their face and the courage to start a new chapter in their lives.

What key bit of advice would you give to someone looking for a family lawyer? They should look for someone with an honest reputation; someone who has the interests of both the parties and children at heart. The most expensive or aggressive practitioners are not necessarily always better.

When should someone use a family law specialist? You should make sure you use a family law specialist if you are having issues or disputes involving children, separation, divorce, finances, cohabitation, or other similar personal matters.

Nick Dudman

Caroline Ryan

Kai Whicker

KAI

Karen Davis-Hannibal

It’s the city’s business

EXETERWORKS

Large infrastructure investment and a focus on carbon reduction will contribute towards Exeter having the fastest economic growth at the point when the UK emerges from recession, these are the findings from a new study by law firm rwin itchell.

he rwin itchell ity racker has been roduced by the entre for conomics and usiness esearch ebr and examines locations across the UK, forecasting future growth in terms of ross dded alue and em loyment. he re ort, which estimates that the UK entered into a recession in the second half of , ex ects economic growth to resume in the second half of 3.

According to the research, Exeter’s economy is redicted to be .3 er cent larger in 3 com ared to how it was in the final uarter of . t is also ex ected to be in the to five for em loyment with levels rising year on year by . er cent.

he re ort states that xeter is benefitting from large infrastructure investment and points to how the city is prioritising carbon reduction for the future. he et ero xeter 3 lan identifies the ro ects needed to meet the ambition of a carbon neutral city, re uiring m in investment.

xeter is followed in the ity racker s league table by Reading, Birmingham, Brighton, and Edinburgh, all of which are expected to record . er cent year on year growth in in 3.

3 will be a di cult year for consumers and businesses across the UK, with the cost-ofliving crisis expected to lead to falling economic activity,” says Josie Dent, managing economist at ebr.

owever, ebr forecasts that economic growth will resume in the second half of 3, with most cities expected to see an annual ex ansion in by 3. harlotte ees ohn, artner and head of

rwin itchell s consumer sector adds, ast year presented numerous challenges and the downward pressure on spending activity, which continues to be concentrated in the consumer sector, looks set to continue throughout the first half of 3.

“The consumer sector has however been one of the most resilient, agile and innovative sectors in recent times and those businesses that succeed during 3 will be in a very strong osition to take advantage of a more stable economic environment in .

onsidering longer term as irations, such as the transition to carbon net zero, is something all businesses, irrespective of the sector they are in and the ressures that they are facing, need to do. is fast becoming a riority for the ma ority, particularly at a time when there is huge pressure and scrutiny from consumers and investors who are increasingly making their decisions based on ethical as well as financial factors.

For more: www.IrwinMitchell.com

GROWTH SPURT

A local company which supports over 220 multi-academy trusts (MATs) with its budgeting, forecasting and reporting software, has unveiled a new brand identity amid substantial growth.

IMP Software is based in Exeter and Peterborough but operates as a virtual team nationwide, roviding finance solutions to more than 2,000 schools in the MATs it is working with – and this is set to grow even further with the Department for Education’s recently-published Schools White Paper requiring every school to be part of a MAT by 2030.

The company was co-founded by Will

Jordan and Dave Hall in February 2019, and together they have revealed a new logo, brand colour scheme and fonts, and website to re ect its transition from a plucky start-up” to a fully established systems provider now serving one in three large Trusts and around 20 per cent of the overall MAT market.

Having doubled its customer base and staff headcount year on year for the ast three years, IMP Software is now preparing for the next phase of its journey; this drive is boosted further by the team growing to 40 people for the start of 2023. For more: www.impsoftware.co.uk

B THE BEST

outh est law firm te hens cown has recently become a ertified or oration or , oining a growing group of businesses across the world who are committed to balancing eo le, lanet and rofit.

he em loyee owned law firm announced it has become the first law firm in the outh est to do so and one of only a handful of or law firms in the . or ertification re uires a holistic review of a business’s social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and is based on a vision of creating a community of for rofit com anies committed to redefining success in business.

GREEN HEROES

Planet & People, an organisation which runs environmental education workshops in Devon schools has recently extended its reach to support businesses, especially those connected to the education sphere.

The company owners, Jess Carter and ethia tevenson aul, curate a circular model for their social enterprise, helping businesses to be more sustainable in a market where sustainability credentials are of increasing importance.

Within The Devon Planet Action Partnership (DPAP), the sustainability consultancy arm of their organisation, they offer a ustainable Foundations package which guides businesses from sole traders to social enterprises and SMEs through a series of sessions to create and implement a six-month action plan to take the next step on their journey to net zero.

For more: www.devonplanetactionpartnership.co.uk

Part of Stephens Scown’s commitment to this vision is shown through their Giving back Programme, set up in 2018, which sees them empowering their employees to do good through four key pillars of fundraising, volunteering, pro bono work and reducing the business’ environmental impact.

t te hens cown, we have always cared about doing things the right way for our people, our clients, our planet and our community,” says managing partner, ichard aker.

aining our or certification underlines our long-term commitment to also being a force for good in wider society.”

For more: www.stephens-scown.co.uk

© @STEVEHAYWARD

Jess Carter and Bethia Stevenson-Paul

The IMP Software team

The gang at Stephens Scown

SOUND IDEA

Exeter has a suite of new radio stations broadcasting exclusively to the city and surrounding area, following the launch of a DAB transmitter network.

xeter is one of the first of locations around the country to be selected in the first round of such networks which enable new radio stations to broadcast to relatively small areas. Last year broadcast regulator Ofcom awarded the licence to operate the service to local company ExeDab, which is led by Devon’s commercial station Radio Exe and Exeter’s community station Phonic FM.

Launched in December, eight stations are now broadcasting on high uality stereo to an area of around s uare miles around xeter, and reaching around 3 , adults.

oining adio xe and honic are iviera F , est s, bacus Radio, and Pop-Up Devon; community station East Devon Radio and its new station Devonair Gold complete the line-up.

New channels are expected to come on stream this year, on a network that can handle u to about stations. Four s aces are set aside for community stations, of which only one, Phonic FM, is currently operating.

The ExeDab network is broadcast from three transmitter sites: the Exeter College tower in the city centre, Hilltop Riding School in the Pennsylvania area, and at Cranbrook Education Centre.

“It’s been a long journey from applying to run the network to getting on air, but thanks to Exeter College, the Ted Wragg Trust and illto iding chool, our first eight radio services are beaming out,” says ExeDAB chairman Dr David Treharne.

“Until very recently, broadcasting was expensive and restricted. Now anyone can do it, provided they get a licence, and the costs are relatively modest. We’re now looking forward to helping groups launch radio stations.”

For more: www.exedab.com

PERMISSION TO LAND

Planning permission has been granted for Barratt David ilson omes to build new homes as art of hase one of the new North West Cullompton Urban Extension. The plans were unanimously approved by Mid-Devon District Council. The development, which will be known as Beacon Green and Castra,will consist of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, and include open spaces and allocated infrastructure including a spine road that will connect the site to Tiverton Road and the wider north-west development. Groundworks are due to start shortly. or ore www arrattho es co uk

THE FIRM

ocal firm ri n hartered ccountants has recently welcomed a new artner to its firm. aura aycott oins founder isty ickells and the team, having previously worked at PFK Francis Clark for over 13 years where she undertook her training and rose to become an audit manager s ecialising in the not for rofit sector for the ast two years she has been head of finance for charity hildren s os ice outh est. aura s a ointment comes after ri n ex erienced im ressive growth of er cent in , following the firm s stable growth tra ectory over the ast seven years with er cent of new business coming via referrals. or ore www gri naccountanc co uk

Site illustrations of the Cullompton development

Laura Waycott (left) and the team at Griffin Chartered Accountants

© KYLE BAKER

Managing director Paul Nero and Radio Exe’s chairman Rex Rozario OBE

Ticket to ride

The glittering, joyous Exeter Living Awards 2023 are just around the corner and anyone can win one of our prestigious accolades. The Awards celebrate the whole of the city – all sectors, all types, from commercial to charity and civic; from new companies to long-established; and from the smallest of the indies to the largest of the corporates.

As business owners, bosses, managers, teams: how is your success recognised? Where do you get validation? Sales and profit for many, of course. New wins, great projects, happy clients. But sometimes, just sometimes, public recognition helps.

Imagine gaining the validation of your peers. Your work, your company, discussed, highlighted, shortlisted – and some chosen as winners by independent experts.

• Get tickets

Nothing beats being there! Anyone can attend the event, whether you’re up for an award or not. Not been before? The Awards are held at The Great Hall, University of Exeter. Expect a dazzling red carpet event, champagne reception, followed

CATEGORIES

You can enter your business into one or more of these categories…

Arts & Creative

Bar Business services

Charity Civic Education Event

Financial Hair and Beauty Health and Wellbeing Homes and Interiors

Legal Leisure and Tourism New Business People Services

Property Restaurant Retail Sustainability Technology (And then the ultimate Winner of Winners is chosen by us!)

by a three-course meal and the mighty awards themselves, followed by an epic after-party where you can let your hair down and throw some shapes with Exeter’s finest. With the company of 500 people, this night is full of glitz, glamour – and a whole lot of heart.

• There’s still time to enter the awards, but hurry!

It’s free to nominate your business; just head online, choose what categories you’d like to enter, and you’ll find a Q&A asking you all about your business or organisation. This is not a time for modesty; you are encouraged to blow that trumpet and shout about yourselves! Nominations close on 2 February.

• Sponsor the Awards

With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Exeter business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. To find out more, please contact Paula Miller (paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk) or Harriette Dixon (harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk).

For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

PHOTO BY EMILY APPLETON

Will you be at one of these tables?

PHOTO BY NICK MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

HEATHFIELD

Fancy moving to Lympstone? Make this bright and stylish home top of your list to visit

By Imogen Davidson-Smith

Situated in the pretty estuary village of Lympstone lies this bright and sunny three-bedroomed home.

Originally constructed in the 1800s, there is plenty of period charm here including grand high ceilings with picture rails and coving, stripped wooden doors and original fire laces.

he ground oor is made u of the sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room with the added benefit of an extra sitting room come family room, (that’s the sunset-coloured room, pictured right) that opens onto the kitchen and has a cosy wood burner.

A guest loo is also situated at the end of the hallway with the under stairs area fitted with additional storage.

The decently proportioned living room sees a cast iron feature fire lace and benefits from easterly light and an open outlook along Longmeadow Road.

Features of the open-plan kitchen and dining area include roof lanterns, slate oors, glorious under oor heating, lus bi fold doors leading out onto the garden. The set up here also includes a range of shaker-style units with a double butler sink, electric oven and induction hob as well as an Aga. Washing machine, and sink units with plenty of storage are all neatly located in the utility room next door. stairs, the main bedroom has fitted wardrobes

and a large en suite bathroom with roll-top bath and walk in shower; the second bedroom, a large double, has fitted wardrobes. edroom three has a good size recessed storage area and next door is a fully tiled wet room with shower.

Outside sees a spacious and lighted patio area looking out towards the 100-foot landscaped garden, with a car port and a large parking area for a number of cars positioned at the end.

If you’re not too familiar with Lympstone, you’re in for a treat. The village built its reputation on maritime trade and agriculture and about fishing vessels operated from the area towards the end of the 19th Century, when Lympstone was particularly celebrated for its whitebait and the quality of its oysters. Today, it still feels nicely boaty; walking around the harbour area you’ll catch sight of bobbing boats, and odd canoe leaning against the wall of a house.

The village also has four pubs, a primary school, village stores, an art gallery/shop, café, and a lively sailing club, plus a wide selection of clubs and societies.

Getting around is no problem here, you’re very connected. The village is on the newly opened Exmouth to Topsham cycle path, and it’s on the Exeter train service so you can be bar-hopping in Exeter in 25 minutes, dining in Topsham in eight minutes, or splashing about on the beach in Exmouth in little over five minutes. ot too shabby, eh n

HOUSE NUMBERS

Where? The village of Lympstone, on the Exe Estuary. A 30-minute drive from Exeter city

Nearest train station

Lympstone, 0.4 miles away

Property type Semi-detached Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2

Outside 100ft south facing garden with space for numerous cars

Guide price £875,000

For more Wilkinson Grant, The Old City Library, 1 Castle Street, Exeter; www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk

REBECCA FULCHER

Being made redundant during the pandemic didn’t stop Rebecca in her tracks. Instead, she – together with her husband Tom – launched

Flower Street, selling vintage and rustic homeware

In mid 2022, Rebecca and her husband Tom created Flower Street, sourcing vintage and antique furniture and homeware and selling in local markets. Finding that there was much appetite for these kinds of pieces, they opened a showroom in Ebdon, near Topsham, at the end of last year. Here, visitors will find a curated collection of French pieces, ranging from shabby-chic kitchen tables to cosy wicker baskets, coffers to candlesticks.

“We look for the unusual and lovely and try to offer items you don’t often see elsewhere,” says Rebecca.

Hi Rebecca! Tell us a bit about your journey to creating Flower Street... I have been selling antiques on and off since my teen years, but before Flower Street, I worked full-time as a sales admin assistant for a local com any in xeter. hen the andemic hit, my artner and I were furloughed from the same com any and then subsequently made redundant in August 2020.

e started doing ea markets and fairs in the summer of 2021, but it wasn’t till we took a holiday to France in ay and wandered around the ea markets that I knew I wanted to sell these ty es of ob ects.

So, you source your items from France?

es, the ma ority of our stock comes from France, s ecifically Normandy and Brittany, though we sell some English ieces too. visit France about once a month because it s very hard to find the kind of things I like here in England, and it is affordable. eo le do think it s very romantic or relaxing to go on a buying tri in France but it s hard work, there s an increased demand for this style now so it’s getting harder to find what we’re after.

Days are long and there is lots of driving, and I sleep in the van with not much room because my stock is in there with me but there are incredible days where you find lots and it s exciting and I begin to think about how to dress those new finds into our showroom. The beauty is also that I never know what I am going to find. like to try and find things you won t find anywhere else, and once it s sold, you’ll never see it again; it’s rare and different.

Tell us about the joys of vintage items…

Buying vintage not only allows you to have something different and unique in your home, but it is also a greener way of shopping. These items also have a look and uality to them you can t get with new items.

For example, we had a lovely long French anti ue wooden bench that recently sold, you could see in the colour of the

wood where over time bums had been sitting on the seat.

What have been the challenges of running the business so far?

There is always something to do, there is always the need for new and interesting things. Being a full-time mum as well, sometimes I don’t have all the time I need, so I have to prioritise and do things e ciently. ut wouldn t change that, I’m working for myself but more importantly I’m working for her my daughter , so can be there, and she can be involved and have trips away.

Maybe it will be something she is interested in one day, but I hope at least she sees that you shouldn’t be afraid to try a new venture. ost challenging after a redundancy is getting the confidence to do it, the erson who tells you that you can t the most is often yourself, so I have had to be brave and not be afraid to fail. I have amazing support from Tom, my parents, family and friends, and that’s very important.

What does 2023 look like for you?

e will continue to trade at the Malvern and Shepton

Flea arkets that take lace throughout the year. We will have the showroom open, at the moment we are open Friday and Saturday afternoons, we’ll try to increase this, and we will continue to aim to kee our stock fresh and exciting. n

Flower Street, Unit 1, Danny’s Wharf, Ebford; www flowerstreet intagean rustic co

“The person who tells you that you can’t the most is often yourself, so I have had to be brave and not be afraid to fail”