3 Torquay Tourist Traps Worth A Visit (Other Than The Beach)

During mofo I was so inspired by vegan.in.brighton. She often recommends places to eat in the places she visits. In fact, I thought to myself, I love reading peoples recommendations before we visit a place. So why don't I do that? Make myself useful. After all I live in a British seaside resort too. Just one that's less cool. So I bring to you...

3 Torquay Tourist Traps Worth A Visit 

I always recommend using Torquay as a base to travel to other bits of South Devon. 'Take a boat to Brixham!', 'Take the Bus to Greenway!', 'Go to Totnes!'. Here are three things you can do without leaving town. These are the places that I, as a local, go to again and again. 

Babbacombe Model Village 

I completely, totally and sincerely love model villages. I admire the work that goes into creating a tiny version of our own world and they have done it really well here. But if you aren't convinced just by the words Model Village then let me tell you a bit more about it.

As you walk around the garden there are plenty of charming scenes. I especially love watching all the trains, peering into the city scape and checking out what's probably the worlds smallest nudest beach. As long as it's not snowing. The miniature nudists may have no modesty but they do have sense.  

I also like the models of local landmarks. Even if the hotel from Fawlty Towers isn't exactly how it looks now¹ and in the miniature Cockington the church has been put where the pub is in real life.

By far the best time to visit the Model Village is over the Christmas Season. That is unless you really wanted to see those tiny little naked bums. Over Christmas the snow comes out and the entire Village is transformed. It looks stunning.

This is pretty much the only snow we see in Torquay at Christmas. And the only train willing to go through it.

Kents Cavern

Kents Caven is great for the History and Geology geek. Early man lived in the cave, and bears, lions, sabre toothed cats and wooly mammoths. So the history and interest is there but what makes it fun? You're taken around the caves by a charming, knowledgeable and funny guide.

There's also events running through the year. Plays, parties, santa visits. We even had our wedding there.

Awwwwww

Living Coasts

Living Coasts is a coastal zoo. There is a large free flight area for the coastal birds - staff have been known to hand out baby wipes in emergencies - and there are free range penguins hanging about. Living Coasts. They're looking after some endangers species, check out the pair of Black Cormorants (they are huge, you won't miss them) and some birds in decline around the UK coasts like the Chough.

My favourite part is actually watching the waders. They live in a tidal pool so they landscape is different each time we visit but their legs always look far too long to be that graceful.

Just watch out for this guy flying above you.

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1 There is nothing more disappointing than spending the time going to look at the Hotel Gleneagles. It just looks wrong now. But I'm told the cream teas are good.^↩

Eating Out in Torquay, One World Cafe

There are many things I hate about Torquay in season. People who go out for a nice day at the beach and leave all their rubbish behind because their enjoyment is the only thing that matters. Or people who set up a BBQ, complete with copious cans of Strongbow, so it blocks the entire path through a public garden. Or people who... okay so I think we've grasped that rude sun seekers annoy me let's bring the positivity back into this post... but the thing I love about the season is that some of our favourite places come out of hibernation. Take the One World Cafe, a decidedly cute cafe nestled in Abbey Gardens that does the best sandwiches in Torbay. 

Look down as you next walk through Abbey Gardens or you might miss one of the best cafes in Torquay!

And there is a lot we love about the place the international outlook, the quirky feel, the cute handicrafts for sale, the bookcrossing zone. Also food!

Raspberry And Chocolate

On the top of the list for things to do if we get a house with a garden or climb to the top of the allotment waiting list is fruit. Fruit, fruit, fruit, fruit, fruit! The balcony provides me with a taster of strawberries and Stephen with a few hands full of blackcurrants but what about the apples, the wineberries, the blueberries... the raspberries?

It's all on the wish list. Until then we try to get the best, most fresh berries possible. And if they're cheap enough to make into jam that's even better. With that in mind we recently made a trip out to Shute Fruit, a cute pick your own near Teignmouth.

Eating Out in Torquay, Serendipity

We've been to cute as a button cafe Serendipity before but this time we pulled in fully intending to be fed. It's lunch time and while chain pasty shops (or worse, pasty in a microwave shops) have their place we just weren't feeling up to it. So time to try and find a local business, easy walk from the harbour, with not just your obvious choices. So Serendipity then?

Stephen was impressed that the menu offered to make milkshake out of any one of their large selection of gorgeous ice creams. He went for green mint. Wonderfully frothy on top, sprinkled with chocolate. I had the slightly more sedate choice of apple juice. After the morning I needed refreshing.

To start with we shared a slab of bread. Nice bread. Soft, fluffy bread. The olive oil was light and refreshingly fruity although being a terrible person I stuck to the butter with occasional dips of balsamic and salt. More salt then balsamic to be honest.

Then our proper lunch arrived. Stephen, the newly converted pescetarian, had Smoked Haddock and Potato Pancake. Mainly ignoring the creamed leek topping, through no fault of its own. I had the special; frittata with goats cheese and red onion.

Our food was lovely, light and refreshing, perfect lunch food. But I'm glad we ordered that slab of bread to fill us up.

Gardening with piggies

It's that time of the month again! The worn out one. But nice worn out. The worn out that means you have done something. On saturday we were back at Occombe for the One Planet Food Project volunteer day.

We have fewer pictures this month. Most of our jobs were of the necessary but unglamorous variety: mucking, weeding, mulching.

Our first job was in the herb plots. We all got together sorting and laying out the herbs ready to go into the soil. We met two new volunteers and chatted with them about the herbs. In Torbay on placements they are from Colombia and Germany. So we had some explaining to do about herbs in British food and swapped some tips. Thyme tea, for instance, to ward off a cold.

After the herbs Stephen and I broke off to fetch wheel barrow after wheel barrow full of poop. It was time to muck the fruit. On the fresh mulch we sowed some poached egg plants which will hopefully look lovely up between the blackcurrants and strawberries. Good for bees too.

Then it was all together again for the weeding. Lots of weeding. By the beds, by the willow, every place there were weeds. We didn't waste them though. The pigs at the top of the field where getting fat off our hard work. And I got very excited because I got to feed the piggies.


After we weeded we put down another layer of mulch, wood chips in this case, to suppress anything we may have missed or anything that thinks they can make a go of it now. I practised my raking around the willow. On the other side of the living fence though a wild flower bed was being prepared.

After the fresh compost was put down we walked over it to pat it down and then chucked on some wild flower seeds mixed with sand. It will be fun to see what pops up.

One Planet Food Project, One Exhausted Blogger

Yesterday was the One Planet Food Project volunteer day at Occombe Farm. Stephen used to volunteer for the Coast and Countryside Trust over at Cockington so when we heard about this project that involved weekend volunteer days and the chance to take part in a community growing project we knew we had to get involved.

We arrived apologetic and late after walking the four very hilly miles between our flat and Occombe. Before I moved here It was hard to imagine how far four miles really could be... not any more.

As we arrived jobs were being given out. The beautiful onion sets, shallots and Jerusalem artichokes pictured above were all to go out yesterday. And yes, that is some oca nestling amongst them.


Our first job was a decorative one though. One that my balcony only experience had actually trained me for. We washed (yes the inside and the bottom too, despite Stephen's objections) this wonderful tub. It's a reclaimed mixer bowl. And yes, we drooled thinking about how much bread we could get in that.


We put in some rocks for drainage (although at the time we couldn't find many. Later when digging a bed over we wondered were they had been) followed by some grit and lovely Devon mud. The soil here is very much clay. And red. The idea is that a layer will help retain water in the pot and, unlike the rocks, there was plenty of soil knocking around. Although it was mainly stuck to our tools, clothes and wellies.

Then it was time for the compost and the lilies. We covered it with grit and stuck in some twigs to remind us where the plants are going to appear. So at the moment it just looks like we are growing baby willow. But wait.


Our next job was to dig over bed number 14 ready for the shallots. This is were we found all the stones. We also found out that Stephen is a natural with a folk and I am useless with a spade. After digging over we topped off the bed with a bit more compost and buried the shallots up to their necks. It would have been much easier if we weren't being watched...


By these cuties! Some very, very, very mucky pigs. They were a major distraction. At least halving productivity, especially when they were being fed. After the pig watching we teased a baby bay tree into one of the beds.


So on to the job that took most of our day and our strength. We planted a Victoria plum. As far as we're concerned planting a tree is incredibly exciting. Like weekend in Paris exciting. We found out that it's also very exhausting. Like weekend up Everest exhausting.

Our first job was to fill the raised bed. On top of the soil we put in manure and compost, mixing it all together. Then we got to the fun bit. Digging the hole. We took turn at digging, dislodging stones, digging again, dislodging yet more stones. Okay, perhaps there wasn't even enough to build a very small rockery but it was still tiring. The last four or so inches we needed help. A man with better tools, not to mention body strength.

At last the tree was ready to go in. Add a stake (and later a bunny guard) some protective fencing and some mulch and we were done.


While we were planting the tree the whistle blew for lunch. We snacked outside with our picnic box full of yum. Including banana cookies from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.



Of course lunch didn't go uninterrupted either these chickens legged it over to our bench. They had been comically running about the farm all day and we where more than happy for them to join us.


After the tree we needed something with a little less sediment so we helped one of the young volunteers sow the salad bed. Lettuce, radishes and spring onion. Afterwards we covered them in a blanket of fleece to protect them from the birds and give them a little boost.


I feel a bit bad. This is a very one sided account of what was done yesterday. We couldn't have done half of what we did with the help of all the other volunteers never mind all the incredible stuff they did. It's amazing to be part of a project like this, we'll definitely be going back to watch it grow up and, of course, to do some more digging. But like any volunteer effort what we did as individuals was just a drop in the ocean. It's when you see what we accomplished together that you get a sense of how incredible it is.

Seedy Saturday

I feel like a real blogger now. I did one of those things that I've always read about. I seed swapped.

We turned up at the event and paid our £1 each. We were told the rules. Seeds are available for a 50p donation. After explaining that I'd brought some to swap we were told the swappers rules: just put down a comparable amount of seeds to the amount you take.

It made Stephen kind of nervous. What if someone saw us do it in the wrong order and thought we where stealing? In truth nobody asked us anything. At all. It kind of felt like intruding on a private members club where you don't get a look in unless you already know everyone. But I'm not the least neurotic person on the planet so take that with a grain of salt.

I was over generous with my comparable amounts and for my seeds I swapped Japanese Parsley, Rue, Kale and some Climbing French Beans from this allotment. Stephen picked them up first and I'm glad. Left to mature it means we will have grown our own haricot. Which is cool. Although I hardly ever use haricot. My gardening eyes are bigger than my belly.

So now all that's left to do is wedge these (rather forcefully by the looks of it) into my planting calender. We had a nice day out in Totnes but perhaps next year we might want to think about putting something together closer to home.

Garden stuff

A £1 bag of crocus bulbs, looking smashing in spring. And there is other exciting gardening news too although, I admit, I'm being more than a little Devon-centric here.

Tomorrow is the 4th annual Totnes Seedy Saturday. Being in one of our favorite towns and having seeds. Well how could we miss it? I've packaged up all of our leftovers. We're taking cauliflower, mint, chives, swede, marigold, nasturtiums, sun flowers, and dwarf French beans.

And speaking of some of our favourite places in Devon Riverford will be offering boxes to grow this spring. We're looking at the the small veg one. Although most of the balcony is already mapped out for this year and we'll probably end up with more seeds tomorrow but what can it hurt?

Unless the balcony collapses.

Roasting

I've been craving a big giant roast for a while now. You know me, I wanted to get the gravy boat out. As my Dad is visiting I thought this would be the perfect time for a traditional family bonding roast.

After listing the vegetables; 'we have romanesco, carrots, leeks, bok choy, peas in the freezer' my dad pointed out that he only really likes sprouts, cabbage at a pinch. Oh dear.

We headed to Occombe Farm to pick up their meat and a large amount of flour that we couldn't get home without a car.

Okay, so we also got distracted by doggie treats and cookies. Not to mention the missing sprouts. Time to head home and turn it into yums.


Okay, the plate doesn't look that attractive. The sweetcorn overwhelms things. But it was wonderful. Smothered in gravy are sprouts and the last of the pink potatoes. Sweetcorn divides the veg section from my favourite: Veganomicon's baked BBQ tofu.

All the fun of the... massive amounts of free samples

Today we went out to the small but cool Torbay Food and Arts Festival at the Market Forum. There was a fair amount on show and we managed to come home with quite a bit of reasonably priced swag. Although when you have three different people selling olives it's quite easy to get a competitive price. Our goals are always the same at these things. Stephen likes to come home with some new fudge, jam or honey and some new cheese. I like to come home with something fun and exotic that I can't get anywhere else. That and home-made chutney.

Stephen managed to get everything on his list. and I got to try some truly awesome free samples. Olives, Bombay potatoes, anything that come with a tooth pick. The ice cream stall even had a pot of lemon sorbet so, of course, a picture had to be taken with me looking stupid next to it.


The one thing I wanted to try - the Thai food - I wasn't able too. I've got a picture of their wonderful vegetable display but all the dishes they have to offer have meat. Sad. We picked up a menu and their everyday offerings come with an extensive vegetarian selection. At least the watermelon looked pretty.


I also bought a Bombay potato spice mix which is apparently 'authentic' and 'real'. I have my doubts but it was definitely yummy. I'm not usually a big buyer of spice mixes or a fan of Bombay potatoes but being offered one straight from the pan did sway me a little. They have other flavours here. Along side that are some Szechuan peppercorns and a squash of some description.

The most exciting was yet to come. When we got home our postbox was full. Our AmnesTea pack had arrived. We're probably going to host a lunch on December 10th and if you are in the UK please order your own pack and give it a go. If you can't and you have a few spare teabags... well you know who needs them.

Veg In Focus: Sweetcorn

Watching Gardener's World last week made me all kinds of sad. They were picking corn directly from their plants, soaking it and grilling it. Eating it fresh. It's a dream that is going to have to wait for another time I'm afraid. Corn is wind pollinated, so would need more space then I can dedicate to it. Although banks of corn on the balcony would look rather cool, I'm going to have to wait for land.

I've written before about the sorry state of buying corn in the UK. It's problem is, quite simply, this. Look at that. Corn protectively wrapped in plastic, only missing it's natural packaging and protection. The stuff that keeps it fresh, and allows for my favourite cooking method. But apparently the consumer prefers it like this.


The most simple and satisfying preparation is to peal back the leaves, rip off the silks and soak in water (according to Veganomicon half an hour will do, but I start the soaking before I go out and cook when I get home) then peal back the leaves again and rub oil on to the corn in a motion that look surprisingly rude, sprinkle with salt and pepper and throw it on the grill pan for 20 minutes. I like to turn it 45 degrees after five minutes.

After that you eat it. Hold it in your hands and chew the kernels off. Not delicate but the best way to get the job done. Awfully fun too. It's pictured here along side the Spinach and Potato squares from Vegan Brunch on my Chelsea pattern pyrex.



Although, if you are feeling more exotic you can't go wrong with this recipe. It's Sweetcorn Dhansak from Riverford. And it's lovely. Very Lovely. Definitely deserves a taste if you have some sweetcorn and lentils lying around.

So how do we solve the problem of plastic wrapped corn in the UK? Same old easier said than done answer: grow it yourself or find a good supplier. I'm fortunate to be able to have two. There is, of course, Riverford and then there is Shute Fruit who you can either go and see in person or on the Newton Abbot Market.

This year I've preferred Shute Fruit's offerings as they have been smaller and less full of aphids (not vegan! Shows it's organic though) but while the season lasts I'll take sweetcorn from wherever I can. As long as it isn't in plastic.

Serendipity

Who ever said Torquay wasn't metropolitan? We even have our own place that sells fancy cupcakes.

Serendipity has recently opened on The Terrace, just off Fleet Street. Aside from this massive yummy thing they also have your standard selection of posh coffee and - and - ice cream!

The shop itself is bright and airy. Gorgeous from the inside and out.

And the cupcakes are yummy.

Days off

Today's Wild Wednesday consists of pictures from my days off two weeks ago: a chaffinch at Becky Falls, a giant butterfly at Buckfast Butterflies, a bee on a flower in Torquay, and a cuddly hedgehog buried in marbles at The House Of Marbles.

Fun at the Field Kitchen

Being slightly obsessive about our veggie box it was only a matter of time before we went to see where exactly it is our vegetables come from. The only thing that had stopped us before was transport. When my Dad came down to visit we thought we'd beg a lift by treating him to a meal.

We arrived far too early for our tour and where welcomed into the kitchen and offered drinks. The first sight of the farm already had us impressed. The sounds even more so. Any spare bit of land was home to wild flowers and the birds and bees could be heard everywhere. In fact some very naughty bees where swarming as we arrived. The bee keeper was to wrangle them later.

We had a great group for our tour. One couple had come from Blackpool with their Mum and where passionate and enthusiastic. We all begged our guide for gardening tips which he was happy to oblige us with.

While walking round we stopped at the broad bean field. He pulled up a plant for us to sample. Not the beans, it's too early for them yet, but the leaves. They had an intense flavour. Stephen described it as 'green'. I agree but I wouldn't sound so negative about it.

After a quick tractor ride (we had spent too long talking about aphid issues) we returned to the kitchen. We were sat with the group from Blackpool who began to feel very maternal about Stephen who only eats potatoes.

"But he's a growing boy"

The omnivorous amongst us helped themselves to some lamb with couscous and other bits that I didn't enquire too closely about. As the table's solitary vegetarian I had this stunning summery dish of artichokes, broad beans and tomatoes. The tomato and broad bean tasted sweet and delicate contrasting with the heaviness of the artichoke and broth. Almost too heavy for me but I'm not the hugest fan of artichokes.


We shared out the side dishes. New, Jersey potatoes baked in parchment with wet garlic and rosemary was a massive hit. We bought some baking parchment on the way home.


I also enjoyed the carrots with fennel and even the asparagus. Baby spears lay on a bed of mixed leaves with grilled tomatoes and goats cheese. It was sweet, sinful and refreshing at the same time. Don't call me an asparagus convert just yet. But perhaps, one day.


Also on the table were a fennel gratin and spinach with lemon (not pictured) I was quite happy with my one serving of them but I didn't help myself to more.

As we where lead up for desert we put our faith in seconds and ordered the chocolate almond cake. It was delicious and soft. Then seconds arrived and I got to sample this seasons strawberries fresh from the plant with meringue and cream.

Perfect.