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13th December 2019

Exmoor Food Fest Comes To The Brasserie

By Emily on Local Area, News

Ok, we’ll admit it, at The Carton we’re rather excited about February! It’s not everyone’s favourite time of the year, but this month we have three reasons to be cheerful: Exmoor Food Fest!

As lovers of fine food, how can we not get excited about this event? The 2020 edition will be even more special of course because this year The Carlton is getting involved for the first time too through our Ilfracombe Brasserie restaurant!

Exmoor Food Fest Background

This most excellent of foodie festivals, right on the doorstep in North Devon, is celebrating something of a milestone in 2020 as this will be the fifth Exmoor Food Fest. The event has earned a reputation for turning the spotlight on some of the region’s finest eateries, while at the same time giving foodies in the area, and from beyond, an added incentive to get out there for a taste of Exmoor!

This incentive comes in the form of the Exmoor Food Fest discounts which run for the month and expose the palate to some of the more sublime tastes the area has to offer. The Carlton Hotel, Ilfracombe, is proud to be joining in this festival of food and will be bringing its own special menu components to the party, along with a selection of exclusive Exmoor Food Fest deals.

Exmoor Food Fest 2020: Deal

For the duration of the event, The Brasserie (at The Carlton Hotel) is offering:
* 20% off of all starters, mains and desserts.
* A special £17.50 dinner menu ⁽¹⁾ featuring two courses– available Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
* 15% off accommodation at The Carlton when booked direct

Let’s take a look behind the menu to see what makes the Ilfracombe Brasserie one of your must-eat stops on the 2020 Exmoor Food Fest tour…

The Brasserie

Exmoor Food Fest and the Taste of Exmoor event coincides with the unveiling of The Brasserie. Open to non-residents since The Carlton was extensively refurbished three years ago, the Brasserie has been gaining enough plaudits of its own that the time has come to emerge from the shadows of the hotel and deliver as a stand-alone dining destination in Ilfracombe.

What sets it apart? From the early days, The Carlton has stamped its own distinctive style on the food it serves in its restaurant. The dishes are simple but that simplicity is worn as a badge of honour in the Ilfracombe Brasserie, as it is the food that does all the talking.

The Carlton calls itself a ‘Hotel with Provenance’ and a gaze through the suppliers‘ list tells you just how important local ingredients are for the kitchen team. Free-range eggs, locally caught fish, locally reared meat, seasonal vegetables, and ingredients all feature heavily on the menu.

The fish you will eat at The Brasserie, in Ilfracombe, will have been caught in the bay and landed by local fishing boats or, in the case of the plump tidal mussels on the menu, plucked from the bed of the Torridge, one of two arterial rivers which flow into the Atlantic via the North Devon coast.

Much of the meat that makes the plate in the Brasserie will have been Exmoor farmed (such as the pork), or at the very least come from a southwest farm with high welfare standards (as is the case with the beef and the lamb).

Meanwhile, the kitchen’s supply of staple vegetables comes from The Great Field, located in the nearby village of Braunton, which has been providing sustenance from its nutritious soil since the ninth century.

With such quality and consistency, simplicity in the kitchen means celebrating the authentic tastes and full flavours of these basic ingredients. While the provenance and local sourcing behind the Brasserie menu ensures the food talks for itself, the stylish layout and pleasant surroundings of the restaurant itself is another enticement to enjoy a wonderful evening (or lunchtime).

Also worth a mention is The Carlton’s reputation for non-fussy adjustments to menu items in order to accommodate diners with specific diets and allergies. You know how in some places such requests are received with a with a snooty nose in the air? Well not at The Brasserie, where it is the pleasure of the restaurant to do all it can to ensure that all guests in the restaurant party enjoy their meal.

So that’s the background, now it’s time to jump in and enjoy the Exmoor Food Fest! For more information about Carlton food menus or to book a table for the restaurant email us on dine@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.

13th December 2019

Start Your Lundy Island Adventure Here!

By Emily on Local Area, News

The North Devon coastline has a reputation for being spectacular enough, with its sweeping views across the Bristol Channel, but for a select number of visitors heading to the region, it is the small island that lies off its coast which marks the spot on their holiday map. Lundy is three miles (5km) long and just over half a mile wide (1km) and is a mere 23.5 miles from land (the town of Ilfracombe) and yet it could be another world…

While there are only 28 inhabitants on the island, around 20,000 visitors make the trip to Lundy Island each year between the months of April and October. The crossing, with MS Oldenburg tickets, takes approximately two hours. The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe has been approved as an official ticketing agent ahead of the 2020 season which means that residents (and non-guests) can purchase MS Oldenburg tickets. This Landmark Trust owned ship is something of a North Devon institution and has been carrying visitors out to Lundy and back for the past 35 years.

With a capacity of 267 passengers, she sails four times a week in the summer, from the port towns of Bideford and Ilfracombe. Most visitors to Lundy opt for the day trip – there on the tide in the morning and back on the tide in the afternoon (due to the tide times are not fixed so make sure to listen when the skipper announces when MS Oldenburg will leave for its return journey!).

However, the Landmark Trust, which manages Lundy Island, also has a number of holiday properties and an increasingly popular North Devon holiday choice is to combine a couple of days exploring the island with a couple of days on the mainland. The Carlton’s central location makes the hotel an ideal place to set up base camp as the Oldenburg leaves from Ilfracombe harbour, which is just a 10 minute stroll away.

Explore Lundy Island

So what can you expect to discover on Lundy? Well, let’s start with the joy of simplicity. There are no roads on Lundy, no shops, no major housing developments. This means there’s no traffic, no pollution and no stress (unless you neglected to listen to the skipper…). You are effectively escaping from the world when you set foot on Lundy Island and even your fellow passengers will begin to melt away by the time you’ve traced your way from the landing jetty to the centre of Lundy civilisation (ie the shop and the Marisco Tavern which are both run by the Landmark Trust).

The island has many nooks and crannies to explore and the 360 degree aspect provides amazing diversity in terrain despite the relatively small surface area. In the west, imposing cliffs jut from the exposed Atlantic side while the sheltered east of the island is home to wildflowers and a gentler coastline. This diversity of the natural environment is a big attraction for wildlife spotters.

Lundy comes from the Norse word for ‘puffin’ and the distinctive black and white bird with the colourful beak lives on the island, one of 317 species of bird which is known to frequent this Atlantic outcrop. This makes Lundy a popular destination for bird watchers who know their stuff, but also for casual visitors who are chasing a glimpse of what the Northern Scots refer to as ‘sea parrots’.

Marine Conservation Area

This beautiful little island also became the first Marine Conservation Zone in Britain in 2010. The waters around Lundy Island have long been popular with divers due to the clarity of the water and the diversity of marine wildlife it encompasses, including branching sponges and cup corals. You don’t have to be a diver to catch sight of the island’s seal population either and it’s very rare to visit the island without seeing at least a couple of pinnipeds bobbing up and down in the sea. There are also basking sharks, porpoises, dolphins and the occasional Minke whale to be spotted in the waters around Lundy. Seal watching, in particular, is a popular pastime amongst visitors.

Pirates and Brigands in Lundy’s History!

While nature rightly gets most of the attention on Lundy, it is worth reading up a little about the rich history of this island. Anyone travelling with kids can score some easy wow points by painting a picture of an island that for many years was the seat of some tumult; over time it has played base to Norse invaders, Knights Templar and various brigand groups including bands of pirates from England, France, the Basque country and even Barbary pirates from the North coast of Africa!

Definitely a trip to jot down in the memory book, Lundy Island may be not more than 20 miles off the North Devon coast but once you’re there, looking back at the mainland, it really does feel like you’ve travelled to a destination both exotic and unfamiliar. You can book your MS Oldenburg tickets to Lundy through The Carlton Hotel, which also offers the perfect pre and post-visit dock to shore up in, replenish stores and stretch your land legs!

1st July 2019

Explore England’s Adventure Coast

By Emily on Local Area, News

Do you have a sense of adventure? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect destination for you. If the answer is ‘I used to’, then we also have the perfect destination for you to rediscover that sense. Welcome to North Devon – England’s Adventure Coast.

It’s some boast of course, but in this case it could be said to be true. There’s something about North Devon- which runs from the Cornish border to the edge of Exmoor – that sets it aside from other parts of the country. This is typified by the rugged coastal landscape, formed by the region’s exposure to everything the Atlantic flings its way (there is nothing but sea between it and the coast of North America), and the lushness of rolling green hills.

Ilfracombe, home to the Carlton Hotel is the perfect location to explore the best the North Devon Adventure Coast has to offer. So let’s set the scene with a look at what adventures the area has to offer:

The Sea
It’s such a good place to start, considering our town of Ilfracombe sits within one of the most picturesqueyet hidden of bay locations. Thecoastline around it mottled with small coves that once offered smugglers safe havenand have captured the imagination of Famous Five tales (nearby WidmouthBay was the backdrop for 1995’s ‘Five on a Treasure Island’ TV production). The perfectexploration adventure awaits!

The Coast
Looking at the bigger coastal picture, the wonderful SouthWest coastal path provides a fantastic North Devon Adventure Coast experience – whether as part of an extended hike, or a day trip excursion, complete with picnic in the pack. The trail covers the breadth of the North Devon coastline, ascending steep cliffs, with amazing views out to sea, and descending onto empty beaches with frequent wildlife spotting opportunities, such as seals and porpoises bobbing between the waves. The Ilfracombe- Mortehoesection of the coastal path is particularly rugged and epic, while the section from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin is more sheltered and verdant.Whichever the route the visage is stunning.

The Sport
Long before North Devon got the title ‘England’s Adventure Coast’, it had been discovered by those committed devotees to the adventure sportsgenre. The beaches of North Devon are renowned for their great surfing opportunities. The sandy length of Woolacombe beach is frequently counted as one of thebest in the worldand its waves (particularly at the Putsboroughend, are classic). Nearby Croyde has surf that pumps (beginners beware) over its sandy bar, whereas the longer, more manageable, waves of Saunton Sands are a long boarder’s paradise and a great place to learn to surf.
Away from the waves, North Devon’s deep forested valleys, high moors and miles and miles of tranquil country lanes, provide most excellent cycling terrain for both road bikers and mountain bikers (check out our North Devon cycling blogfor more information).

The Land
Time to cast away thetech and swap a smart phone for a pair of binoculars and a firm stick! England’s Adventure Coast is a nature haven, a place where you can get close to wildlife without having to pay the price of an admission ticket– yes so much of the offer is free. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,and a UNESCO designated Biosphere, nature is literally on the doorstep. If you care about the environment, then England’s Adventure Coast is a great place to explore it! Adventures can be found throughout the Exmoor national park – from getting up close to an Exmoor pony or deer spotting as the sun goes down with a ranger (many activities are free). Braunton Burrows, one of the UK’s biggest sand dunes, always provides an adventure too (follow the walks in the Burrows guide to avoid the real possibility of getting lost in this vast space).

The Food
TheNorth Devon Adventure Coast culinary expedition will include some seaside favourites – fudge, ice cream, fish and chips! – but will also open the window onto a world of fresh caught fish, local reared meat and fine,locally grown ingredients. Use the Carlton as your home and enjoy a rich dining experiencethat will sensationalise those taste buds!

Need we say more?! Set up base at The Carlton in Ilfracombe where our stylish contemporary rooms and first class facilities provide a luxurious sanctuary… and set your sense of adventure loose this Summer or Autumn. Get in contactfor more information or to book a stay.

9th April 2019

Easter Activities In And Around Ilfracombe

By Emily on Local Area, News

Easter is a moveable feast, quite literally, but this year at least we all benefit from it being later rather than sooner. Spring will be more advanced and that is great news for anyone planning Easter holiday activitiesin North Devon, even if it doesn’t answer the eternal question ‘why can’t Easter be fixed’!

For North Devon, Easter is the time of year when the region emerges from its winter hibernation and becomes the go to holiday destination. It has been a favourite seaside stop since the early days of the Victorian era, when the railways opened up the possibility of travel for millions and a dip in the ‘old briny’ first became a holiday ritual.

Times have changed dramatically, but funnily enough Ilfracombe still retains much of the original Victorian charm, as evidenced in the architecture of one the West Country’s most picturesque seaside towns with its narrow streets, unfussy harbour, town cove beaches and coastal views.

Making the Most of the Seaside

Nevertheless, Easter holiday activitiesin the region have progressed significantly since the days when men and women were obliged to bathe on different Tunnelsbeaches – women strictly covered and men in the altogether. The Twenty First century staple of British seaside bathing – the wetsuit – means that even in April a dip in the Atlantic can be a fun and enjoyable experience!

For vacationing visitors this Easter, any What’s on in North Devonguide to activities can’t ignore smorgasbord of sea based activities available. These range from surfing the waves at nearby Woolacombe (10 minutes by car), which was recently voted one of the best beaches in the world by Trip Advisortravellers, orcoasteering with H2Outdoorto get a seal’s view of the beautiful North Devon coastline.

For some, even a warm layer of neoprene and the exaltation of “it’s not too bad once you’re in!” is still not enough to be coaxed off the beach and there’s no harm in that either. There are few simpler pleasures in life than beachcombing for shells, rock pooling for crabs or joining one of the region’s regular beach cleansto get a sense of well being. North Devon is blessed with many beaches – from wide expanses of golden sand to intimate secret covesstraight out of a Famous Five adventure.

Nature on the North Devon Doorstep

Of course seals are very much a part of the local scenery and are often sighted from the craggy cliff tops around which the coastal path weaves its way with impressive stretches either side of Ilfracombe town. Aside from advertised ‘What’s on in North Devon’ activities over the Easter break, nature puts on its own show, ranging from the Spring flowers which are beginning to bloom on Braunton Burrowsin the heart of the UNESCO biosphere, to sightings of deer on the hoof and buzzards in flight over the dramatic landscapes of the Exmoor National Park.

Around the Town Of Ilfracombe
For most visitors, a sudden exposure to copious amounts of North Devon fresh air can lead to a sudden unwillingness to want to venture too far afield! Luckily, this town has many treasures to reveal , and all within walking distance of the Carlton Hotel. A great guide to what’s happening in the town is provided by the very informativeVisit Ilfracombewebsite.

The Tunnels Beachesand Ilfracombe Museum give a wonderful glimpse of Ilfracombe’s Victorian past while the Aquariumand boat trips from the harbour give an insight into what makes the North Devon coast so special as a marine habitat. There’s no pier’s end entertainment in Ilfracombe (other than the locals enjoying a spot of crabbing!), but The Landmark Theatrehas a full programme of events this Easter, with old favourite Sooty coming to town as well as grown up comedy in the form of the play Rotterdam.

A stroll around the harbour invites pause for thought at the sight of Damien Hirst’s Verity statue – a bit of a Marmite piece of art – and any appetite raised can be sated with traditional fish + chips and ice cream, pub grub or upmarket fayre from the Michelin starred Olive Roomrestaurant.

Base Camp Luxury – The Carlton Hotel

The Carlton Hotel is the perfect base to explore Ilfracombe’s charms with its combination of old fashioned character and high standard modernroomsfollowing its recent and extensive refurbishment. With high end bathrooms, super comfy beds and speedy Wi-Fi access as standard, the hotel brings a welcome slice of luxury to the seaside experience.

Kitted out to make your stay as relaxing as you hoped it would be, fresh locally sourced foodcan be enjoyed in the brasserie while the relaxed environment of the bar makes for a perfect end to the day. For more information about booking a stay at the Carlton Hotel this Easter you can emailus or telephone (01271 862446).

28th February 2019

Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival

By Emily on Local Area, News

Ilfracombe has a rich maritime history and its close links to the sea is one of the things we simply love about being here. Now whether that’s the day-to-day workings of the boats in the harbour; or the array of watersports and activities you can take part in; perhaps enjoying the fabulous seafood that come straight from the Atlantic waters or simply just setting out on the South West Coast Path and admiring the views across the ocean. Being close to the water is a must!

People often think of Ilfracombe as a Victorian seaside town, but its seafaring past goes way back – it’s played a huge part in the country’s maritime history. Did you know that the man who carried news of Nelson’s death home to England was born in Ilfracombe? Captain John Lapenotiere was a British Royal Navy officer and commanded the HMS Pickle which was at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Previously we have supported our local pilot gig boat club, so when the opportunity arised last year we set up stall at the local maritime festival called Sea Ilfracombe. You can see the team hard at work in the image above.

The Carlton At Sea Ilfracombe Festival

We’re really proud to help carry on this maritime tradition by taking part in the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival. This years festival takes place on 31st August – 1st September 2019. It’s a celebration of everything to do with the sea and there’s loads going on.

Last year we were proud to have the support of Nathan from Passmores fishmongers to create our seafood dishes. So popular in fact, we sold out of the local oysters supplied by Phoebe Chope who picks and processes them on the Torridge, just outside Instow.

We really enjoyed meeting lots of people who came along to enjoy an oyster or 2, with one of our gorgeous dressings, or our special seafood risotto. We couldn’t resist having some of Eliot’s famous hand-made scotch eggs too, made with flaked Exmoor ham hock, Farmer Bob’s free range eggs, fresh herbs and fennel – with piccalilli on the side!

We even had lots of Vegan options too!

Take a look at Sea Ilfracombe Festival 2018, and you can be sure we will be back his year.

15th February 2019

The Carlton Suppliers

By Emily on Local Area, News

The Carlton we have sought to work with a range of local quality suppliers, since August 2015. And to be fair we’ve got an amazing choice being based in the South West.

Being surrounded by over 230 miles of coastline means we get to choose from a huge variety of fish and seafood. Plenty of boats land in the south of the county, but in North Devon we have a thriving market at Appledore where Ilfracombe based S&P boats land their daily catch. Other smaller boats land in our own harbour. Species such as plaice, sole, cod, haddock and of course skate are all harvested. The quality of the fish is superb, and the sustainability is wonderful. The smaller day boats means the catch is fresher and caught in a more sympathetic less damaging manner.

We are equally proud to work with Phoebe Chope who supplies us tidal mussels and oysters from the Torridge estuary. The plump mussels are usually available all year round except when the weather is truly hot. Oysters make an occasional welcome on the menu too!

You can be sure that fish and seafood is a big feature of our brasserie and event food offer.

We tap into the main fruit and veg market in Bristol from time to time, with more exotic options. Equally we shop locally for vegetables, and our menu serves plenty of produce grown and picked locally. All year-round staples like cabbage, cauliflower and brassicas are regularly included. Seasonal delights such as asparagus from Braunton, samphire from the River Taw feature when the time is right.

Another true local merchant is Tony The Butcher. Tony works out of his shop in Muddiford, just a short 8-mile drive from our kitchen. Despite the size of his business Tony manages to bring us some fantastic West Country meats including most of our beef, pork and chicken. In one of our most popular menu items alone, the marriage of his pork sausagemeat, mixed with our recipe of herbs and seasoning, together with (another local) Farmer Bobs free range egg really makes our Scotch Egg. You’ll find this and other hand made dishes on our Club brasserie menu.

Tapping in to the knowledge and passion of our local merchants is really inspiring. Ensuring our own team of kitchen pro’s stay in tune with what’s best on the market and therefore best for our guests.

5th February 2019

Love Ilfracombe Focus Magazine – February Edition

By Emily on Local Area, News

We are so excited that the February edition, Love Ilfracombe Focus Magazine is out now! Take a look at our lovely lemon sole menu, prepared and cooked by head chef, Pawel Tasak, simply cooked using the best of locally landed seafood.

If you haven’t got the time yourself to make this dish come why not enjoy a night with your loved one for our Valentine dinner for just £22pp for a whopping 5 courses, instead! Also featured is our popular two course Sunday roasts and this month’s Foodie Friday Steak Night, with Best West Country steak, chunky chips and a bottle of house wine for just £14.50pp.

We then talked about all our love of things local and how we support local businesses in everything we do, in fact, 95% of what we buy comes from local suppliers. We are currently undergoing a third-floor upgrade and feature pictures and updates on the progress and quality of works. Finally, we wanted to mention the launch of our treatment and pamper packages and the success of our pamper taster day in January. We have had wonderful feedback and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day!

10th January 2019

Our Favourite Dog Walks

By Emily on Local Area, News

Here are just a few of our favourite dog walks in North Devon. We are proud to welcome well-behaved dogs at here The Carlton Hotel.

Morte Point, Mortehoe Village

Enjoy a challenging walk through a rare spot of coastal heathland which provides the wonderful backdrop for a wealth of wildflowers and wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to spot some of our infamous sealife including dolphins and seals.

This wonderful dog walk will take you out into the fresh country air and really give you an opportunity to get the blood pumping with steep ascents, steps and descents to challenge you along the way. Adventurers will be rewarded with the discovery of some hidden beaches along the way and for those who enjoy a bit of history, discover why Morte Point has been responsible for many a shipwreck throughout the centuries.

Saunton Sands

A short drive or long walk along the South West Coast Path and you arrive at stunning Saunton Sands. This particular beach is a favourite for dog walks as it welcomes dogs year round.

Saunton Sands employs easy to follow zoning sections where just the car park and first 5 minutes of your stroll requires that your dog is kept on the lead. From here you have the next 3.5 miles of golden sands to explore and enjoy with your four legged friend.

Hillsborough Nature Reserve

Known to the locals as ‘the sleeping elephant’, Hillsborough Nature Reserve offers a short but testing walk for you and your dog. This dog walk takes you past beaches which are also dog friendly so offers plenty of opportunity for a run and a dip in the sea for both of you – especially welcome during those warm summer months!

The views provided by this dog walk are glorious – a bird’s eye view of Ilfracombe, out to Lundy Island and even as far as the South Wales coast. There is so much for nature lovers to enjoy along the way too with an array of wildlife and their habitats to be seen.

Baggy Point

As well as providing a dog friendly route, Baggy Point is also an easy access route which is especially important in opening up our beautiful countryside walks to as many people as possible. Considered an easy route, Baggy Point lends itself to those pups who cannot manage a challenging route but still enjoy the great outdoors. It is also considered equally good for young children.

Baggy Point might be a shorter, easier dog walk than others on our list, but nonetheless it delivers in breathtaking sights. The views along the way extend along the coast and out to sea and you can also enjoy sightings of our diverse wildlife and sealife – there’s plenty to keep everyone captivated along the way.

The South West Coast Path

The Carlton Hotel is delightfully situated in Ilfracombe town centre where you can begin dog walks in any direction to end up on the beautiful South West Coast Path. Here we have miles and miles of stunning countryside and coastal walks to explore and discover your very own favourite spot.

On the hotel doorstep

There’s so many walks around town and Ilfracombe. To name them all would take far too long. Our local fellow dog walkers will recognise many of these though

Up the Torrs – a gentle ascent (depending on whether you circuit clockwise or anticlockwise) including a dramatic view looking back to the channel over the compact ‘Combe valley. This walk starts on the pavement but quickly moves past the large Victorian houses and into wooded grounds.

The Seafront and harbour – past our lovely museum, onto Wilder beach. Always remembering to pick up a stick or two for Leo. Briskly onwards and around Capstone. Keeping an eye out for playing seals of the rocks, and sometimes hanging on for dear life as we pass Windy Point. A sharp turn left down to the harbour and maybe a rest in one of the bars along the Quay. Not always mind you (okay more often than not). Head back past St James and past the pretty row of shops, or take a little more time out by climbing the ascent to Fore Street and then the High Street.

Whilst we have only covered our top dog walks in this blog, there are of course so many dog walks here to enjoy and far too many to list . The South West Coast Path website is an excellent place to begin to plan your local dog walks when you visit us here in Ilfracombe.

This dog friendly website is worth a look for more ideas

https://www.doggydevon.co.uk/category/stay/hotels-stay/north-devon-hotels-stay/

The Carlton Hotel is a dog friendly hotel which welcomes well behaved humans and their four legged friends. Our aim is to make your break as pleasurable for your dog as it is for you. Inform us when you book and we will endeavour to ensure all your needs are met, including bowls and dog beds in your room.

We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to The Carlton Hotel.