Home
Travel
Food
Europe
Caribbean
Devon Cornwall & Somerset
Books
Drink
Hotels
Walks
Podcasts
Switzerland
Travelling Friends
About
Contact
2T1A9157-3.jpg

Welcome to my food and travel website

Martin Hesp

Martin Hesp: Food and Travel Writer & Journalist
Discover Travel Tales and Culinary Delights from Around the World
ITV Walks
Feb 8

Feb 8 ITV Walks

Martin Hesp
Walks, Travel, Media

Martin Hesp remembers the filming projects he used to do with ITV Westcountry and digs out a load of old photos from the various episodes

Calling at Ko Lipe
Feb 7

Feb 7 Calling at Ko Lipe

Martin Hesp
Travel

REmemebring a visit to Ko Lipe off the west coast of Thailand

Getting Back Your Mojo
Feb 7

Feb 7 Getting Back Your Mojo

Martin Hesp
Travel, Food

All about the sunshine food of the Canaries - mojo sauces etc

Bit of Cider History
Feb 5

Feb 5 Bit of Cider History

Martin Hesp
Drink, Cider

Here’s a little bit of cider history for those who are interested in the drink which is made from fermented apple juice

Cider With Barny - Taking a Look at Sandford Orchards
Feb 5

Feb 5 Cider With Barny - Taking a Look at Sandford Orchards

Martin Hesp
Cider, Drink, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

Sandford Orchards makes really good cider - and good for them for taking on the Big Boys in the drinks industry and producing a high quality Devon cider, says Martin Hesp

Travel - Visiting Switzerland With Dartmoor Farmers
Feb 2

Feb 2 Travel - Visiting Switzerland With Dartmoor Farmers

Martin Hesp
Travel, Food, Switzerland

Martin Hesp recalls the tie he joined a group of Dartmoor farmers on a trip to the Simmental in Switzerland

Chefs: Matt Mason - and Cooking With The Exeter Chiefs
Feb 2

Feb 2 Chefs: Matt Mason - and Cooking With The Exeter Chiefs

Martin Hesp
Food, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

Continuing our series about great West Country chefs Martin Hesp writes about his old pal Matt Mason and recalls the day he learned to cook in Matt’s old kitchen at the Jack in the Green alongside half a dozen rugby players from the Exeter Chiefs

Chefs: Nathan Outlaw, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Port Isaac
Jan 30

Jan 30 Chefs: Nathan Outlaw, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Port Isaac

Martin Hesp
Food, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In our series on great West Country chefs, Martin Hesp talks to Nathan Outlaw on the very day he was told that his Port Isaac had been officially named "best place to eat in the whole of Britain…

Chefs: Hylton Espey, Merchants Manor Hotel, Falmouth
Jan 30

Jan 30 Chefs: Hylton Espey, Merchants Manor Hotel, Falmouth

Martin Hesp
Food, Hotels, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In our series about the talented chefs of the West Country we visit Falmouth where South African Hylton Espey ahas been cooking up a very natural and delicious storm for the past five years at the Merchant’s Manor Hotel

Making-Do During a Pandemic
Jan 29

Jan 29 Making-Do During a Pandemic

Martin Hesp
Food

Experimenting with recipes and food during a pandemic lockdown… Why not? You havn’t much choice if you’re only shopping for essentials once every two weeks

Load More

Subscribe

Get updates on my travels.

Thank you!

Martin Hesp: Award-Winning Food and Travel Writer

© 2026 Martin Hesp. All rights reserved. Original journalism and photography based on real-world experience. No AI-generated content.

Welcome to the digital home of my culinary and travel explorations. As a journalist and author with over 20 years of experience—including my extensive work with the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press and my "Hesp Out West" series—I have dedicated my career to uncovering the stories that make a place truly special. From the rugged coastlines of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset to the hidden culinary gems of the Caribbean and Europe, this site is a collection of my journeys and a guide for fellow travellers.

On these pages, you will find travel tales, detailed hotel reviews, and local food guides. I am particularly passionate about the heritage of the South West of England, covering everything from the best walks in the West Country to the rise of artisanal food producers in our region. As a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, I strive to provide high-quality, independent journalism that offers a deep sense of place through long-form storytelling and photography.

Whether you are seeking inspiration for a weekend hotel stay in Switzerland, a challenging hike through a National Trust estate, or a deep dive into local beer and drink culture, my goal is to provide insights you won't find in a standard brochure. Thank you for joining me on this adventure through the world of food and travel.

Home
Travel
Featured Travel
Food
Caribbean
Drink
Europe
Walks
Devon, Cornwall & Somerset
Hotels
Switzerland
About
Travelling Friends