The Cornish coffee scene has a new champion, and it’s one that’s roasting, pouring, and proving its worth on the national stage. Dark Pony Coffee , tucked away in the heart of Falmouth, has just been named one of the 44 Greatest Coffee Shops in Britain by Time Out . In a significant coup for the West Country, the Falmouth roastery and cafe has earned the distinction of being the only establishment in Cornwall or Devon to make the prestigious 2026 list. The Rigorous Road to

Winter BBQ: Why the Best Roasts are Made in the Rain Think barbecuing is just for summer? Think again. From succulent pork loin to rich ox cheek ragu, discover why cooking over a live flame in a Westcountry winter is the secret to unbeatable flavour. Featuring expert tips from Sue Stoneman and Marcus Bawdon, we explore how to defy the elements, master the "Maillard reaction," and turn a cold afternoon into a gourmet feast.

London can feel a world away from the West Country, but arriving at Paddington needn't mean diving straight into the crowds. On a recent trip I discovered a wonderfully civilised route through Hyde Park to Knightsbridge and Belgravia, with stays at the luxurious 15 Basil Street and Royal Lancaster London. Here's my guide to enjoying a rather more relaxed side of the capital.

After a month of heavy roasts and carnivorous delights, the body begins to cry out for something light, easy-going, and plant-based. But how do you eat seasonally in the depths of winter without relying on tasteless supermarket salads? The answer lies in the humble pulse. From protein-packed Sicilian lentils to warming Moroccan tagines, I’m taking the healthy Mediterranean route to bridge the gap between midwinter and spring—without breaking the bank.

A quick guide to the markets of the Caribbean

Is Kingsbury Episcopi the true heart of the cider world? Martin Hesp joins poet James Crowden to explore a landscape of 'ghost' apple varieties, Somerset oak brandy, and the proper old-fashioned cider houses of the Levels.

<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">After the festive slump, a simple stir-fry and a coastal walk might be the best medicine. I catch up with health coach Rebecca Farrington Turner to share three grounding recipes—from butternut soup to turmeric shots—designed to nourish the body without the 'detox' misery</p>

Quick guide to finding authentic food while abroad

I stumbled across Monchique’s wonderful Festa da Castanha while exploring the Algarve mountains – a traditional autumn celebration filled with bonfires, music and the aroma of roasting chestnuts.

Wander the perfectly preserved medieval streets of Monpazier in the Dordogne, enjoy a traditional French lunch and discover why this is one of France's most beautiful bastide villages.

A visit to the amazing Lagar dos Pardieiros olive oil producing business up in the high hills near the lovely little town of Monchique.

Luscombe Drinks at 50: The Pursuit of Britain's Best Soft Drinks The sound of milling resounded through the orchard and we watched as hundreds of fresh-picked apples bobbed along in clear water, gushing down a metal chute towards the ‘scratter’ or crusher , and eventually the press which would extract their delicious juice. Most Westcountry folk reading this sentence will immediately assume this article is going to be about the new cider season, but I had actually gone to the

A Celebration of Perry at the Malvern Show James Crowden, a great friend of these pages, invited me along to the Malvern show where he was judging at the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association’s annual Perry Festival. The event is dedicated to promoting knowledge, understanding and appreciation of that most delicious of English drinks, made from fermented pear juice. The Orchard Marquee: A Cathedral of Apples and Pears It all takes place in the amazing orchard marquee. If

Britain's biggest harvest celebration brings together livestock, giant vegetables, food, cider, rural crafts and country traditions. Here's why the Three Counties Autumn Show deserves a place on every autumn travel itinerary.

Timing Is Everything in Mushroom Foraging Timing. So much of life is about timing. Last week we promised to dedicate this Hesp Out West feature to the wonderful fungi explosion that has been occurring here in the South West of England of late. I’d already found more edible field mushrooms than I could possibly eat, but I was hoping to find some delicious ceps before I had to file this article. And, hey-presto. Monday and Tuesday’s bright sunshine brought the blighters out.

What happens when artificial intelligence tries to describe a vintage cider? We put AI to the test alongside some of the West Country's finest cider makers and discovered the difference experience makes.

What is the food like in Skagen? I explore this remarkable corner of northern Denmark through its seafood, Nordic cooking and local produce, from harbour restaurants and historic hotels to fishcakes, smørrebrød and a surprising Danish cider scene.

The Enchanting Landscape of West Dorset Certain corners of the landscape somehow hold or retain a greater air of mystery and intrigue than others. There’s no real reason for this - maybe something to do with the curvature of hills or a sense of intimacy promoted by the lay of the land. But somehow, when the contours combine and the geology and the flora and fauna all come together in one glorious orchestration, you can find yourself in a place that is not only different from

There is nothing quite like the unique British tradition of the English tea garden. From hidden coastal gems to quiet sanctuaries tucked behind historic ruins, we explore the very best spots to enjoy an authentic cream tea in the fresh air.

Nothing captures the flavour of the English countryside quite like a traditional cream tea. Discover the history of this much-loved West Country tradition, the secrets of the perfect scone, and some of the finest tea gardens in Somerset where you can enjoy this timeless British treat.