Indulge in a variety of cuisines all set in the picturesque setting of Cornwall

Sandymouth Holiday Resort is one of three Darwin Escape parks located in the idyllic county of Cornwall.

Set in North Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sandymouth Holiday Resort is just a 15 minute drive from Bude, a seaside town at the heart of the River Neet with plenty of historical landmarks to visit and delicious restaurants to try.

So if you’re wondering where the best place to grab a bite to eat is when you visit, here are our top restaurant suggestions in Bude:

the bank

This quirky restaurant situated alongside the River Neet aims to bring the best taste of Spanish cuisine to Cornwall.
The Bank is ideal for those looking to experience a new culinary experience with plenty of flavour, offering both an eat-in or take-out option.
So whether you’re searching for an evening to share and enjoy a selection of tasty dishes or you’re looking to taste the Spanish flavours from paellas, fish platters and seafood and lobster specials, this restaurant is the place to go to bring the ‘fiesta’ back to your dining experience.

rosie’s kitchen

Rosie’s Kitchen offers a beachside family-run café, perfect for those looking to visit somewhere with a bustling atmosphere and picturesque seaside views.
All food is cooked fresh to order from sizzling fajitas classic to wood fired pizzas and Thai style fishcakes, using local produce where possible. For those who have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delicious desserts on offer including lemon meringue and toffee crunch sundaes and a peanut butter stack. They also offer a selection of Gerry’s Original Cornish Ice Creams and sorbet made just 21 miles from Rosie’s Kitchen itself.

the deck

Known for their signature hanging skewers, The Deck has a lot to offer in terms of delicious mouth-watering menu options.
Choose from The Deck’s popular skewers and pick either a seafood, chicken and chorizo, surf and turf or vegetables and halloumi and then choose which flavour of butter to brush it up with, whether it be hot, sweet chilli or garlic and citrus. There are also a range of burgers to select from, Deck mussels, steak and a range of ‘Deck bites’ for those who fancy a taste of a couple of dishes.

the crow’s nest

Located at Darwin Escape’s Sandymouth Holiday Resort, The Crow’s Nest, has a range of delicious and appetising menus, an entertainment area and a beautifully furnished bar area.
A range of mid-week specials are on offer which include pizza and pasta night, to pie and a pint night and steak night. There is also an opportunity to grab a delicious Sunday Roast from 12pm to 4pm each Sunday.
The Crow’s Nest caters for all and creates a relaxing and friendly environment for individuals, couples and families – a perfect dining experience to make your holiday in Bude memorable.

the coffee pot

This gem of a café is set in the heart of the shopping area of Bude and is the ideal place to stop off for a spot of lunch or a sweet treat and drink.
The Coffee Pot is well-known for its Cornish cream tea and delicious range of lunchtime snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes. It is just a short walk from the beach so whether you’re looking to quell your appetite or just warm up with a hot drink after a long walk, The Coffee Pot is for you.

olive tree bude

Situated alongside Bude’s picturesque canal, The Olive Tree has plenty on offer for those looking for a bite to eat in a picturesque location.
This hidden Cornish gem offers a taste of the county serving a range of Cornish produce from breakfast through to dinner including a range of Cornish beers and gins. With a team of talented local chefs who can cook up a range of delicious meals from baked Cornish brie, lemon sole or toasted mackerel on toasted sourdough, The Olive Tree gives you a chance to sample the local cuisine.
With a cosy interior and an option for alfresco dining this restaurant will leave you spoilt for choice.

life’s a beach

Life’s a Beach, which has a speciality for seafood, boasts a veranda which overlooks Summerleaze beach in Bude with stunning views and outdoor seating for those wanting to take in the sea air whilst they dine.
In the day the restaurant is transformed into a useful facility for Summerleaze beachgoers providing a beach shop, a café and ice cream parlour. From 7pm the restaurant is opened for those wanting to watch the sun go down whilst eating quality local produce.

elements café bar and restaurant

For those looking for a taste of Italian cuisine, look no further than Elements Café Bar and Restaurant serving food and drinks all day from a modern Italian menu.
Opening every day from 10am, Elements offers stunning sea views thanks to its high up location on a cliff top between Bude and Widemouth Bay. A daily specials menu featuring fish from the local catch of the day is on offer at Elements alongside a breakfast, lunch/snacks and dinner menu giving you plenty to choose from.

indulge at one of best restaurants in bude

So if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Bude make sure to visit these wonderful places first!

Book your holiday in Sandymouth today to indulge in a delicious lunch or local seafood or a taste of Spanish cuisine… whatever your taste, there will be something to satisfy your cravings in this picturesque seaside location of Bude.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bude?

In the heart of the Lake District you can indulge in delicious meals from a never ending array of restaurants on offer

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is brand new for December 2016 and offers utter luxury throughout the park, from the delicious onsite restaurant, The Copper Fells to the complete relaxation of our Ammara Spa offering Aromatherapy Associates treatments.

If you’re like me and just love food, Keswick Reach is the ideal place to base yourself to take a tour of the best restaurants in the area.

Here are our top 5 places to eat in Keswick…

the Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

The Lingholm Kitchen boasts delicious locally sourced food, including artisan breads and home backed cakes, with a passion for real barista coffee and housing an extensive range of loose leaf tea is all on offer at this quirky eatery. Offering a blend of traditional and healthy dishes, The Lingholm Kitchen aims to offer the best day-time eating experience in Keswick, and you won’t be disappointed with beautiful breakfasts, luscious lunches and decadent afternoon tea all on offer for a wonderful day out in beautiful surroundings. The kitchen is also home to a fantastic shop selling Cumbrian artisan products, from cards, gifts, art to craft beers. Don’t miss the magical Walled Garden area, which was the inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in Beatrix Potter’s, The Tale of Peter Rabbit! Enjoy everything from a cuppa to a full meal here.

the Copper Fells Bar & Brasserie

This beautiful restaurant is exclusive to our guests here at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, where you can indulge in a mouth-watering meal at our formal eating area, serving sumptuous starters, delicious main meals and decadent desserts. There is also a light lunch menu on offer if you’re interested in a quick re-fuel before exploring the local area. Choose a mouth-watering steak while enjoying views of the rolling mountains and if the weather is on your side take your meal to the decking area and take in the scenery around you. Relax in the rustic lounge area, next to the wood burner fire with a drink from our fully stocked bar, with locally brewed beverages, including the Lakes Distillery whiskey and gin offerings. Dogs are welcome in the lounge area and, of course, on the decking, but not in the formal dining space.

the Square Orange Café & Bar

A hidden gem of the Lake District, a continental café that specialises in perfectly brewed coffee and beautifully stone-baked pizzas. There is also a fully stocked bar for a wonderful evening at this quirky find with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in freshly roasted coffee, ethically sourced loose leaf tea or a weak-at-the-knees hot chocolate all on offer. The stone-baked pizzas are a huge hit with the locals and holiday guests alike, cooked from 6pm – 9pm on weekdays, as well as 12 – 3pm on weekends. Enjoy the delicious homemade soup, mouth-watering panini or sumptuous tapas! There is something for everyone here, along with being very dog friendly, there is even a selection of board games to settle in for a quiet and rainy afternoon.

the Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant

Having been redeveloped and upgraded in 2013, The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant offers a delicious day menu, from a full Cumbrian breakfast to a beautiful brunch and an all-day fried breakfast option. For lunch why not indulge in a freshly backed pizza or homemade soup from the day menu. Pre-book a delicious afternoon tea where you can indulge in homemade fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, delicious cake and freshly made sandwiches. Visit the onsite bakery section to take some tasty goodness home with you too! Located next to the Derwentwater Lake, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking surrounding scenery.

Bar Metro: American Grill & Coffee House

An American themed family friendly diner in the heart of the Lake District, serving delicious Tex Mex style food. All food is locally sourced from Cumbria, a diner where the burgers are made from scratch and all BBQ meats are flame grilled in the stylish kitchen. There is a light bite menu on offer, but the stars of the show are the mouth-watering ribs, steaks and burgers, all freshly cooked to perfection. A range of desserts include sundae’s pancakes and home backed apple pie, as well as a variety of shakes on offer, with an option for alcoholic shakes too! You’ll meet Bunty, Bar Metro’s resident dog, and being a dog friendly restaurant don’t hesitate to take your own fur-babies along!

So what are you waiting for? Why not book your luxurious lodge accommodation at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat now and explore the breathtaking beauty and mouth-watering meals on offer in this stunning region.

Book your holiday in Keswick Reach today and discover the beautiful food on offer, the relaxation area, state of the art gym and sumptuous spa all on site, while staying top of the range, luxurious lodge accommodation and being surrounded by the rolling mountains of the Lake District.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in Keswick?

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, afternoon tea or a delicious main meal, we have the top 5 places you need to visit in York. The KP Resort is Darwin Escapes’ brand new, luxurious location in Yorkshire, surrounded by 180 acres of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds, home to a championship golf course and top class wedding venue. The facilities at The KP, including The Box Gym and Nordic Spa, are second to none, along with the dining facilities. But if you’re wondering where to eat in York, here are the top 5 places not to miss!

melton’s

 

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Opening the 1990’s, Meton’s is a fine dining restaurant that serves modern British food for all, so even the pickiest of eaters will find something here. One of York’s leading restaurants, the winner of two AA Rosette awards, you can indulge in a high quality food in a relaxing atmosphere. 3 courses of locally sauced produced will cost you £30, from starters of roast beetroot salad and goats cheese, mains of lamb loin, shoulder and bacon, to delectable desserts of back cheesecakes, raspberry soufflé and a choice of cheese and biscuits.

the rattle owl

 

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This place is worth a visit just for the name alone really, even before finding out the independent 42 seating restaurant is a listed building with an intriguing history. The 17th Century building has been lovingly renovated from the former Blakehead Bookshop & Café into The Rattle Owl. During the renovation the remains of a Roman building was found in the basement, which is now one of York’s most interesting wine cellars. Oozing Yorkshire history and offering fine dining with a range of choices, including lunch, diner, delicious Sunday lunch and decadent desserts, along with a tasty high tea menu!

shambles kitchen

 

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A small kitchen diner offering first class lunches on the go in the city. Health fast food is a big draw and Shambles sell out of their freshly made sandwiches fast, head there for 11:30am to be within a chance to try everything! Everything on offer is prepared from scratch, including pulled pork, beef pastrami, Cajun halloumi and even mouth-watering burritos and soups. Shambles Kitchen also does corporate events if you’re looking for a fabulous dinner in your work event.

the glasshouse

 

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Located at Darwin Escapes’ new destination, The KP Resort, The Glasshouse serves traditionally British dishes, including a popular Sunday Roast. Enjoy a light lunch or a main meal on the outside decking, surrounding yourself with over 100 acres of the most beautiful Yorkshire Wolds scenery. Indulge in a spot of afternoon tea and relax next to our serene water feature outside. With a wide range of choices on the menu you are sure to find something to tickle your taste-buds in one of the top places to eat in York. Delve into a friendly atmosphere and a mouth-watering meal.

countess of york

One of the most interesting places to eat in York is the Countess of York carriage-cart. A beautiful and lovingly restored railway carriage that offers group booked evening meals and wonderful afternoon tea. The carriage is situated between the Great Hall and Station Hall of the National Railway Museum of York. This hidden gen in the city is a unique place to indulge in beautiful food and an amazing atmosphere.

So if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in York make sure to visit these wonderful places first! Indulge in a 3 course meal, delicious lunch or decadent afternoon tea… whatever your taste, there will be something to grab your attention in this beautiful and historic city!

Check out The KP’s own Glasshouse menu here…

Happy Eating Ladies & Gents!

See our pick of restaurants in Lyme Regis. Lyme Regis is a popular holiday destination; attracting visitors from all over the UK, as well holidaymakers from overseas.

Thanks to the amazing World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast and the area’s unique local culture; it’s a treat for anyone who loves history, palaeontology and beautiful scenery. The beaches are great too!

We take a look at some of the best restaurants in and around Lyme Regis and summarise what’s on offer so that you know where to head next time you’re visiting the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ and looking for a bite to eat or a romantic evening meal by the sea…

poco pizza

Situated on the Marine Parade, Poco Pizza offers good value and amazing pizza! The restaurant is relatively small and not open every night of the week but it does boast an amazing atmosphere, a great range of drinks, friendly service and amazing pizza! Just a stroll away from the beach, Poco Pizza boasts amazing wood fired pizzas using the finest local ingredients in addition to an impressive range of wines. The restaurant also does takeaway, so that you can enjoy Italian style food whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of Lyme Regis – an amazing combination!

the millside restaurant

Found at 1 Mill Lane, the Millside offers fresh food from Tuesday to Sunday. Morning Coffee is available from 10.30 am – 12 pm, lunch from 12 pm – 2.30 pm, and evening meals from 6.30 pm until 9 pm. With an enticing evening menu created to include a range of local foods, the meals on offer vary from rump steak with chips to smoked roasted celeriac risotto.
The lunch menu is surprisingly extensive with a range of delightful starters such as braised cuttlefish & chorizo, with tasty main courses such as chargrilled free range chicken salad. With the option to sit outside in the evenings, the staff are very knowledgeable about the food and the local area. It is strongly advised to book in advance as the popular eatery can get very busy.

largigi

A 2 in 1 restaurant and café, Largigi is situated on the Marine Parade. Next to the beach, the restaurant offers a Thai dining experience that is surprisingly authentic given the location and the restaurants rather understated exterior. The overall dining experience on offer at Largigi continues to gather very positive reviews thanks to the quality of the food and the value for money. Visitors can enjoy sea views and a first class level of customer service; a cold beer in the evening or a coffee in the mornings.
The opening hours and menu are separated into the English Café open 7 days a week from 9 am until 6 pm and the Thai Restaurant which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 6 pm to 9.30 pm. If you want to explore as you eat, there is also a fantastic takeaway menu on offer too.

the beeches restaurant

Based on the border of Lyme Regis, in the beautiful church village of Axminster is The Beeches Restaurant. With a quirky, fresh interior full of character and beautiful finishing touches, the restaurant itself is set in one of the most peaceful settings that you could imagine. If you are lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you can take in the beautiful views and dine in style on the bespoke patio area.

With a range of mouth-watering creations on the menu, you can enjoy the soup of the day or something a little bit more adventurous as your starter such as the Duck Liver Pate served with Orange & Apricot Chutney, or the Mussel chowder with garlic and herb cream. There is also a good choice of mains with pan fried market fresh fish with crushed new potatoes remaining popular all year round. If you have room for dessert, the head chef has created a range of fine-dining options including the Somerset cheese plate or the Lemon Panna cotta with raspberry Sorbet. On a Sunday you can enjoy a 3 course Sunday Roast, with either roasted sirloin of beef or roasted turkey crown served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and pan gravy. An exquisite twist of character, charm and quality, The Beeches Restaurant combines unpretentious fine dining with tranquility that is afforded by its beautiful location.

tierra kitchen

Tierra Kitchen is the best known vegetarian restaurant in the area. Located on Coombe Street this vegetarian restaurant is a favourite eatery of many a local Vegetarian and omnivore. Serving a range of local, seasonal and organic vegetables the chef creates a range of savoury and sweet delights as customers enjoyed the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere on offer. The friendly staff and service is another reason that the restaurant is so successful and popular, the wine is pretty good too!

Just a 10 minute drive from Lyme Regis is the stunning Hawkchurch Resort & Spa. The pet friendly lodge retreat offers sublime tranquillity that’s just a stone’s throw from the vibrant coastal communities and the beautiful beaches of Devon and Dorset. With a stunning spa offering a range of blissful Aromatherapy Associates treatments, you can spend all your time on the resort relaxing and rejuvenating or use it as a peaceful base for exploring what East Devon, Dorset and the Jurassic Coast has on offer. A great place to stay if you’re visiting Lyme Regis, the restaurant isn’t too bad either!

Take a look at the luxurious Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in East Devon, just 10 minutes’ drive from Lyme Regis

Aberconwy would like to offer a huge congratulations to Signatures, who have taken home this prestigious award for the second time!

Signatures Restaurant have won the coveted Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Award!

The Signatures team attended the British Restaurant Awards 2017 on 14th June in London, where they were nominated for two awards, the Best Restaurant in Wales and the Best Restaurant of the Year. Joining world famous names, such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and Marco Pierre-White on the list of nominees, it is a huge achievement just to be nominated and is thoroughly well-deserved for such a hardworking and passionate team!

In 2013 Signatures won the Best Restaurant in Wales Award, and have gone on to win a number of awards since, including the coveted AA Rosette Award. For a list of their awards in 2016, see our post here – there are quite a few!

At the awards, Executive Chef and owner Jimmy, along with his wife and co-owner Louise, were joined by Head Chef Sonny Walker and his wife Monika, all looking spectacular we must say!

Winning the award means so much to the Signatures team, Jimmy shared a picture of the award via his social media channels…

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is proud to be the home of Signatures Restaurant, creating a place for mouth-watering dishes in breath-taking surroundings. Being on the doorstep of the Conwy Morfa beach and with the dramatic Snowdonia Mountain Range as a backdrop. Make sure to visit this wonderful team, bask in the surroundings and taste the decadent and award-winning food!

Congratulations to Signatures!

Vote for Signatures at the British Restaurant Awards 2017! We’re very excited to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for both Best Restaurant in Wales and Restaurant of the Year 2017…

We’re so incredibly proud to announce that Signatures have been nominated to appear in the shortlist for 2 prestigious titles at this year’s British Restaurant Awards.

Aberconwy Resort & Spa is the proud home of Signatures Restaurant, a place where Jimmy, Louise and the rest of the talented team at Signatures always strive to use their extensive knowledge and welcoming outlook to deliver 5 star food in a superb environment. The team work tirelessly to provide delicious meals and with a friendly atmosphere, a place where you will always feel like a regular, where they go the extra mile to make sure you throughly enjoy your Signatures experience.

Signatures couldn’t have made it this far without the continued support of their valued diners who make Signatures Restaurant the delightful place it is, and make every day exciting and fun for the lovely staff.

You can view the full list of the contenders here or vote for Signatures here. Voting ends 10th June.

Please spare a moment to vote for Signatures Restaurant in these awards, it means so much to Jimmy, Louise and their team, and would really show them how amazing they truly are!

Good Luck Signatures, and Please Go Vote!

Indulge in a mouth watering meal at an award winning restaurant along the North Wales Coastline. Aberconwy Resort & Spa is the proud home of the outstanding Signatures Restaurant. Owned and managed by Executive Chef Jimmy and his, equally talented wife, Louise who is front of house with a smiling face as you enter, Signatures is a jewel in the North Wales crown. It might sound like we are biased here at DE HQ, but if you haven’t tried a meal at Signature’s you need to book now and you will see what we mean!

2016 has been a fantastic year for Signatures Restaurant, winning awards left, right and centre! Below is a list of the awards and accolades that Signatures have gained this year…

• Awarded 2AA Rosettes
• Recommended Restaurant in the Michelin Guide 2017 (again!)
• Jimmy’s creation ‘Study of Peach’ Dessert is featured in the Great British Cook Book
• Winner of the Best Food & Drink Category in the North Wales Tourism Awards
• Named in the Best 50 Restaurants with Wales Online

What an amazing year for the whole Signatures team! They really are like one big family there too, so they will all be so pleased and celebrating for the rest of the year (as well as working hard!). 2017 is kicking off to a great start too, with the local Daily Post conducting a ‘secret taste test’ and the fabulous review due out soon! Having all these awards, recommendations and the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2016, just shows Jimmy and Louise that all their hard work has paid off!

And here’s a few picture’s to get your taste-buds going…

If you live locally why not give them a call on 01492 583513 to book a table and indulge in a mouth watering meal of a lifetime! And if you are considering holiday home ownership along the North Wales Coastline, Aberconwy Resort & Spa offers fantastic scenery, five star leisure facilities and top of the range static homes and lodges to own in Conwy. Call our dedicated and friendly Ownership Team on 01745858010 for more information, or request a brochure here.

An amazing well done to Signatures for all their hard work!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat stocks the world class spirits from The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning The Lakes Distillery offers delectable spirits made locally, with Keswick Reach’s own bar stocking all 3 offerings from the world class company.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is Darwin Escapes’ brand new location in Cumbria, offering stunning views and luxury accommodation, with outstanding facilities to enjoy on your holiday. Keswick Reach has everything you’ll need for a relaxing Lake District holiday, including a dog wash room for those pesky pups! Take a break from your self catering holiday with a delicious meal at the Copper Fells onsite restaurant, and a quiet drink at the bar, where we stock the local The Lake Distillery offerings, The One Whisky, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka.

close to keswick reach

 

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Take a 10 minute trip down the road to The Lakes Distillery itself and experience all that is on offer there, including tastes of the mouth watering spirits locally made. With a 9 million pound development, the distillery opened its doors in 2014 in the heart of the Lake District National Park with the view of producing world class spirits. Since opening, the distillery has become one of Cumbria’s leading and award winning tourist attractions.

Since then they have expanded to The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka, which are lovingly created in hand crafted copper stills. Their next spirit offering, The Lakes Single Malt Whisky, is ‘sleeping in the casks’ until 2018.

 

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The distillery is located in a beautifully renovated 1850s Victorian farm, offering a range of facilities including an interactive tour where you can indulge in a tasting of the delicious spirits. As well as experiencing the working distillery behind the scenes, including exploring the stillrooms, warehouse and tasting room, there is also a luxury gift shop to peruse and purchase a bottle of your favourite spirit. Don’t forget to visit the resident herd of friendly alpacas, ask at the retail shop about taking part in feeding time and walking an alpaca around the distillery’s beautiful scenic grounds.

Book your holiday at Keswick Reach now for a relaxing and informative holiday in the Lake District, and enjoy a day out at the one-of-a-kind The Lakes Distillery

You can find out more about The Lakes Distillery by visiting their website

Thinking of getting into shape in January 2017? Darwin Escapes’ Andrew has a first class degree in Sport Science and a Master’s degree in Exercise & Nutrition, so he is the perfect person for offering advice on making a new start in the New Year and achieving your New Year resolutions…

where to start?

With so much diet information available on the internet, in magazines and books, it can be extremely difficult to know where to begin. Whereas in the past, it often proved difficult to find the information that you needed, these days there is so much information that it is very confusing and overwhelming.

The best place to start, is to set out your goals.

Before delving into the confusing and often very contradictory world of diets, nutrition and fitness-related lion memes, decide specifically what you want to achieve.

For more information on how to set and organise your goals, see our previous post about goal setting.

healthy eating not diets

Diets work for some people, but according to Psychology Today, around 95% of people who lose weight on specific diets will regain the weight within 1 to 5 years. Rather than approaching a change in eating habits as a diet, think instead of a healthy eating programme or lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle change is much more, well, healthy. Fad diets on the other hand can be promote a less sustainable and nutritious attitude towards food.

Start in the house, then in the supermarket. If you are committed to a new way of eating, then you need to make sure there is no unhealthy food in the house. If you have to, give your high calorie, processed foods to a charity or the local food bank.

When food-shopping, make a list and stick to it and don’t shop whilst you’re hungry. Your healthy shopping list should include things like fruit, vegetables, meat & fish, oats, eggs and nuts.

gut health

The digestive system is often referred to as the “second brain” and gut health is an often overlooked element of weight loss and general well being. Taking care of your gut is crucial for a healthy immune system, mental clarity, maintaining energy levels and healthy eating habits.

Inflammation often starts in the gut. In turn inflammation is now linked with more and more physical and mental health conditions, including low energy and depression. This often leads to a vicious circle of emotionally driven unhealthy eating habits which can lead to obesity and further levels of fatigue and lack of motivation. If you want to make a thorough attempt to adopt a new, healthy eating lifestyle, then start with gut health.

To reduce any possible inflammation in the gut or gut lining and to ensure an optimal balance of gut flora:

• Limit sugar intake. Studies have shown the sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.
• Consume probiotic & prebiotic foods such as yoghurt, garlic and bananas. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut are also fantastic sources of probiotics.
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, deep fried foods and processed foods

consume whole foods

If you make one change to your diet, eating whole foods (rather than processed foods) will revolutionise the way that you eat.

Whole foods are unprocessed and unrefined. Make simple but significant changes to introduce whole foods into your diet. For example, snacking on fruit rather than sweets and chocolate, cooking main meals from scratch rather than eating any ready-made foods. This obviously requires more effort, but you can easily get around this issue by making large batches and freezing individual portions.

Too many dieters look at the calories, rather than the ingredients. If there are lots of chemical-sounding, unpronounceable names on the ingredients list, steer clear.

mindful eating

Consider how you eat, as well as what you eat. One of the best and most simple tips for avoiding over-eating is “Don’t eat whilst watching TV”.

The problem with eating whilst watching TV, is that you are not fully conscious of what you are consuming. Your brain literally doesn’t register that you are eating. In fact, a study from the University of Liverpool found that eating while watching TV or sitting at a desk leads to an increased consumption of calories. In addition, the study found that eating whilst distracted had an even bigger effect on the number of calories eaten in the meals later that day.

In contrast, mindful eating involves paying attention to why you are eating, what you are eating and where the food came from. Similar to saying grace before a family meal, mindful eating gives you an appreciation of the food, as well as the effort that has gone into getting it on your plate. Consider putting your fork down between mouthfuls, and take your time eating and chewing.

diet foods & supplements

The fitness and sports nutrition industry has really taken off in the UK over the last 5 years. Like diets however, I would recommend avoiding the majority of diet foods and supplements. Again, opt for whole foods whenever possible.

Consider what you are training for too. If you want to lose weight for health reasons, then it’s generally best to stick to whole foods and avoid supplements (with the possible exception of fish oil). If you are a competitive athlete or looking to bulk up, then supplements such as whey protein and creatine may be of value.

For those people looking to lose body-fat, consider drinking green tea. It contains a number of compounds that improve health, including the antioxidant with the catchy name of Epigallocatechin Gallate – proven to help prevent everything from heart disease to stress. The same antioxidant may help to increase your metabolism, which in turn stimulates the burning of calories.

get an app

Finally, consider getting an app that will help you to plan and create healthy meals. This is especially helpful with shopping lists, meal planning and recipes. Planning your meals is crucial, especially when you begin a new healthy eating programme. Without any planning, you are far more likely to impulsively eat unhealthy food.

If you are looking for a holiday in the UK, remember that a number of our resorts and parks include state of the art gyms & fitness clubs, with qualified fitness instructors who will be able to help with your new year’s fitness resolutions.

And those are Andrew’s top tips for Healthy Eating Tips! Do you have any you’d like to add, or something that works well for you? Let us know!

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is in the heart of the stunning Axe Valley in Devon, the perfect surroundings for a lovely cocktail…

Summer is now coming to a close, schools will be back in no time along with the daily grind of work. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop having some fun! A weekend break, or a week holiday away from the summer crowds, at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, in the heart of the Axe Valley along the Dorset/Devon border could be just what you need! The Beeches Restaurant is beautifully decorated, with vibrant colours and also a more formal dining area, these are the perfect surroundings for feeling like Carrie Bradshaw while in the Devonshire countryside!

Hawkchurch has some delicious cocktails and we have even got the recipe details listed below in case you wanted to make one in your holiday lodge during your stay at our resort, or even if you fancy getting in jolly mood at home!

Happy Cocktail Making Folks!