Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - January/February 2024 (Issue 47)

All the latest from around both regions SOUTH WEST COUNTY CHAMPION IS ANNOUNCED A Devonshire local has been named as the county’s first ‘County Champion’, having been appointed by a hotel collection seeking to celebrate the best that the South West has to offer. The Coast & Country Hotel Collection, which includes The Imperial Hotel Exmouth, Torbay Hotel and Valley of Rocks Hotel in Devon, had been on the hunt for a local enthusiast to highlight the very best that the county has to offer and came across Rebecca Searle from Devon, who revealed some of her hidden gems for visitors to enjoy. The hotel collection was amazed by Rebecca’s extensive knowledge and unrivalled passion for the area she lives in. As part of her status as ‘County Champion’, Rebecca agreed to create a travel guide looking at the best experiences the South West has to offer, of which there are many. The hotel collection will then share these recommendations with its guests to offer a real insight into what makes the area such a great place to visit – helping them to create an entertaining itinerary for when they stay. Commenting on the champion, Paul FitzGerald, managing director of the Coast & Country Hotel Collection, said, “Rebecca is so knowledgeable about the South West and has so much to recommend for every type of holiday. From those who want a walking holiday, to paddle boarding adventures or a coastal escape – she knows it all and has kindly shared it with us.” Speaking of her status as County Champion, Rebecca said: “I was raised in Devon and moved away when I was 18. I travelled extensively and lived in many places including New Zealand, Norfolk, Brazil and Hampshire but I’ve always come back to Devon and I love the South West more than anywhere I have seen in my life.” “My entire family are from Devon for as long as we can trace our lineage back. My grandfather was in the Dartmoor mountain rescue team and knew it like the back of his hand. I spent many evenings and weekends exploring it with him when I was a child. My father is also a keen sailor and I have sailed much of the South West, seeing it from all angles and I appreciate the beauty and diversity of the area.” The search for county champions coincided with the Coast & Country Hotel Collection’s launch of its Explore & Stay package last year, which seeks to encourage holidaymakers and honeymooners to discover some of the extraordinary sights, experiences and attractions situated near its extensive range of hotels, located in some of the UK’s iconic tourist spots. To find out more and to book, visit https://bespokehotels.com/coast-country-collection/2023/10/12/ exploring-devon NEWS DEVON-BASED OWENS COFFEE OPENS PERFECT WAVES CAFÉ Devon-based coffee roaster Owens Coffee has announced the opening of Perfect Waves Café within The Roastery at Ivybridge that’s open from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am until 4 pm and Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm. Four-legged friends are welcome inside the new café and in the existing outdoor seating area. It’s a stylish new coffee shop serving sustainably sourced coffee freshly roasted on-site, beautifully brewed tea and delicious local produce. Lorraine Bridden, managing director of Owens Coffee, says: “We’ve opened Perfect Waves Café to allow our passionate team to showcase everything we do, from our organic and Fairtrade coffee to our expertly brewed teas and locally sourced produce.” Lorraine adds, “Our customers will have a choice of coffees, including a house blend or a single origin of the day, plus our organic decaf. Our teas, Devonshire Tea and Perfect Waves infusions are also a feature of the drinks menu.” The new café is proud to serve Owens’ freshly roasted coffee beans, all of which are 100% certified organic and Fairtrade. Customers can choose from a variety of brewing methods, served black or with Trewithen’s Barista Milk or plant-based alternatives. Soft drinks from local suppliers Luscombe, Gusto Organic, Tarka Springs, Four Elms and Courtney’s are also on sale. The menu showcases locally sourced produce featuring a selection of sandwiches, paninis, light bites, fresh cakes and pastries with organic and vegan options. The Roastery - a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to have a low environmental impact - has been home to Owens Coffee since 2018. This is where the team clean-roast, package and distribute their organic and Fairtrade coffee across the UK, both to consumers and businesses. It also houses a shop, contemporary training facility and events space where visitors are welcomed, with tours and tastings for wholesale customers, and professional barista training. A range of coffee experiences and masterclasses can be enjoyed by coffee enthusiasts, including their Latte Art Essentials Workshop. Owens’ range of freshly roasted coffee beans and Perfect Waves infusions can be purchased from the shop along with a range of brewing equipment; tried, tested and recommended by the team. To find out more, visit https://owenscoffee.com Coffee, cakes and pastries courtesy of www.tomcardermedia.com, Perfect Waves Café Interior bar area and seating courtesy of www.paulslaterimages.com Nearlywed 9 LOCAL NEWS

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