Many of us entered 2021 with a feeling of optimism, only to have it dashed in the first week of January as another lockdown descended. With the latest news it would be very easy to disappear under a cloud of doom and gloom. But no. Resist!
While the midwinter skies are cold and dark, they do serve as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Just as it’s very hard to imagine a lush, verdant landscape and summer sunshine on your face, the seasons keep turning and that time will surely come. Just the same, these dark and horrible times ushered in by the pandemic will also eventually pass.
2021 Year of the Summer Staycation
For this reason it’s important to keep positive and fix an eye on the horizon for the first glimmer of blue sky. What you need is a holiday in North Devon in the diary! With all the uncertainty caused by local covid flare ups abroad and the travel restrictions resulting from them, 2021 will be the year of the staycation. And why not? Sometimes the Brits are so keen to jet off to a foreign holiday destination that they forget what their own backyard has to offer.
And within that back yard there is a particularly splendid patch, North Devon, which has the makings of a great holiday for all ages. With 30 ensuite rooms, and crammed with modern comforts, The Carlton in Ilfracombe is the perfect starting place for a North Devon summer staycation in 2021 for any size of party – with a selection of single, double/twin and family rooms available and optimum covid compliancy measures throughout.
The in-house Brasserie is a restaurant renowned for its local dishes that make the best of seasonal produce, and its selection of libations (many brewed in the area). Beyond what the hotel offers, a North Devon staycation offers options for all holiday palates – from gourmet dining to traditional seaside fish and chips and ice creams to slurp away on a warm summer’s day.
North Devon: Staycation Heaven
So why a North Devon staycation? After the confines of lockdown, the great outdoors will hold more of an allure than ever before and this is a part of the world which offers its benefits better than most. Put simply, summers were made for North Devon!
Let’s start with the lush green landscape with its rolling hills, which provides a picturesque backdrop to any summer staycation. The region is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths and bridleways, some of which begin a stone’s throw from The Carlton itself, allowing visitors to get an instant feel for the great outdoors. The town of Ilfracombe sits between two sections of wonderful Southwest coast path which winds its way across cliff tops, with views of Wales across the Bristol Channel, and down to hidden rocky beaches.
For those seeking a more traditional beach scene, North Devon has sandy beaches by the bucket and spadeful! Within a 10 mile radius of Ilfracombe are three of the most popular beach destinations in the county – Woolacombe/Putsborough, Croyde and dog friendly Saunton Sands. All three offer a paradise for sandcastle artisans and serve as a mecca for surfers. Experienced surfers opt for Croyde while the more easy going waves of Woolacombe and Saunton are perfect for beginners with all three offering surf schools and surf/body board hire facilities to help newbies wet their feet!
For those who find the rigours of the great outdoors rather less appealing, Ilfracombe itself is a perfect canvas on which to spread some holiday colour. From the delightful harbour and the town’s own network of small beaches to the gift shops, galleries and tea rooms which dot the narrow streets, everything is accessible within a 15 minute stroll from The Carlton. All local businesses have adopted rigorous covid policies to ensure customer safety, and at the time of writing North Devon remains one of the areas of England least affected by covid.
Having previewed the trailer (!) this is a great month to book that North Devon staycation trip! For peace of mind, The Carlton offers a flexible booking policy during these unpredictable times with free changes and cancellations up until 48 hours before the start of any stay. To find out more about summer staycation options, contact The Carlton.
Brasserie Brings Something Special To Exmoor Food Fest 2021
on Events, News, OffersJanuary is something of a fallow month for the senses, a time for them to settle down again after the overload of the festive period. Nevertheless after a chaste month, they are fit and ready for February, which is rather convenient because it’s the month the ever popular Exmoor Food Fest launches. Prompted by extenuating circumstances perhaps, it returns for not one, but two months of North Devon culinary delights and discounts.
The Brasserie @ The Carlton in Ilfracombe reprises its role as a partner restaurant in this Taste of Exmoor experience and brings its own sumptuous offering to the table in the form of an exclusive menu which celebrates the best of North Devon local produce. The added ingredient of a great deal, in the form of an ExFF201 discount in February and March, will be extra palatable to diners.
Fans of the Brasserie will be aware of the pride that is taken in the provenance of the food prepared in the kitchen by patron, Eliot Seabourn-Wren. He specialises in simple dishes which accentuate the ingredients without overwhelming them. “This is our second showing at the Exmoor Food Fest,” says Eliot. “We came in last year for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so had to return! What we loved about the event is the way it acts as a focus point for all the great things happening with food in the Exmoor region.
Naturally, great food brings out people who love great food and last year was such an interactive and rewarding experience for The Brasserie, with lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ as plates arrived and many wonderful conversations around the appreciation of food.”
While last year was a case of not really knowing what to expect, this year The Brasserie returns with a menu offering that has a clear vision for what it wants to offer diners. The past few months have seen Eliot and his kitchen team planning a menu that offers depth, flavour and truly represents the diversity of ingredients the region brings to the winter pantry.
“For this year’s Food Fest we really are drawing on the rich resources available to us as a North Devon based kitchen,” says Eliot. “We are genuinely excited about this menu, which combines the best that land and sea has to offer. Our selection of meat comes from local North Devon farms – including Exmoor raised beef – which have been handpicked for quality and high animal welfare standards. The menu also features items which make the most of game, with dishes bringing out the richness of venison and fowl. As for the fish, it doesn’t come much fresher than a catch caught by boats which set off from the town’s harbour!”
Vegetables come with local provenance too, many of them supplied from the Great Field in the village of Braunton, whose fertile ground has been worked since medieval times. The Carlton Food Fest deals also include superb vegetarian options. Furthermore, explains Eliot, “Aside from vegetarian and gluten free dishes, The Brasserie kitchen has a ‘no fuss’ reputation for adapting its dishes to accommodate diners with allergies.”
A combination of two courses – chosen from starter, mains and dessert menu options – can be enjoyed for a special Exmoor Food Fest rate of £17.50 per person, a dinner deal that is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout February and March (and as a lunchtime option by appointment).
To make the most of this North Devon foodie event, serious diners will be seeking a place to rest those optimised senses (in addition to well filled stomachs!), and The Carlton provides accommodation in the form of first class en suite rooms that emanate style, convenience and relaxing comfort. Contact The Carlton by phone or email to find out about great off-season room rates, and make the most of the 2021 Exmoor Food Fest experience.
Well 2020 has been quite a year… just for all the wrong reasons! Nevertheless, it looks like there is a slither of blue sky on the horizon with recent announcements and so how about planning a post-Christmas break in order to reset, recharge and reboot!
Traditionally there are many reasons to visit North Devon in the summer, but actually a winter break can also be thoroughly enjoyable. A big part of this is the sense of having the place to yourself, with the pace of life a gentle stroll compared to the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. The Carlton in Ilfracombe is offering some fantastic North Devon winter break options to tempt you down to the Westcountry this January, February and March.
From the cosy snugness of The Carlton (which naturally will be continuing to implement its covid plan to ensure safety of staff and guests alike), 5 reasons to head west to North Devon this January and February include:
The Carlton – The Perfect Winter Base!
Excuses to visit the area in January and February are plentiful, and that’s even without leaving the hotel! The Carlton provides a great base to launch your exploration of the area, from its highest spec ensuite rooms to the fine food menus which source the best local produce, served in The Brasserie (located in the hotel). Having made it through the front door – if you can avoid the allure of the superb Carlton afternoon tea! – here are some more reasons to enjoy a winter break in North Devon in 2021.
The Charms of Ilfracombe
The Carlton’s home is a delightful harbour town on the North Devon coast which went from sleepy village to desirable seaside resort with the coming of the Victorian railways. The result is a town whose character reflects this era, seen in the buildings and architecture of the place. A stroll around the town will reveal some of its historical treasures, such as the famous Tunnel Beaches, Victorian bandstand and the sheltered harbour which has made Ilfracombe a historical haven for small fishing boats, which continue to land their fresh catches today.
Scratch deeper and you can discover much more fascinating history in the area, with remains of Norman settlements and Iron Age fortifications. On the flipside, Ilfracombe is also home to the sea facing Verity statue created by some time North Devon resident Damien Hirst, an arty side to the town reflected in its healthy array of arts, crafts and galleries.
North Devon’s Great Walking Country
For many visitors on a North Devon winter break, ‘blowing away the cobwebs’ with a few days filled with fresh air and exercise holds great allure. The locals have very much adopted the Scandinavian maxim of there being no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing, and if you are prepared for the very worst the elements can throw your way then you are probably going to be pleasantly surprised! Walking a section of the South West coast path (which passes through Ilfracombe) on a bright winter’s morning, with just the sun and the lapping of the waves for company is true bliss. On the flipside, a roaring wind and a turbulent sky brings its own magic too, but if that’s not your thing, then it’s easy to find a sheltered valley/river walk nearby in Exmoor National Park.
Dog Friendly North Devon
Nearby Woolacombe and Saunton Sands beaches roll on for miles and as a dog friendly hotel, The Carlton can recommend these beaches which never fail to disappoint dogs and owners alike. Closer to home, there are great short walks around Ilfracombe, which offer dog friendly exercise and spectacular views. North Devon as whole enjoys a reputation as being a great dog friendly holiday destination and most pubs, cafes and restaurants go out of their way to accommodate canine visitors.
Action Winter Break in North Devon
While some visitors’ idea of the perfect wither break in Ilfracombe is to sit, enjoy great food and drink and just ‘be’, others itch to get active. Despite the winter season, there are still plenty of activity options available. Exmoor National Park is as popular with cyclists as it is with walkers, while the Tarka Trail cycle track begins in Ilfracombe, accessing two more of the region’s bigger towns – Bideford and Barnstaple – along its route. Other activity options include fishing, golfing and clay pigeon shooting.
While the idea of a winter break in the UK may not have been top of a visitor’s list at the start of 2020, the events of the past few months have shown that staying close to home does have advantages. There are plenty of winter break charms to be found in North Devon and discovering them is part of the charm itself! To book your winter break stay, contact The Carlton and start 2021 with a reboot back to normal!
Did Covid put the brakes on your wedding preparations this summer? Many couples had their hopes swept aside by uncertainty, however now is the time to get those plans back on track by taking advantage of an amazing North Devon Autumn and Winter wedding offer.
We have heard the phrase ‘new normal’ far too often over the past few months. However, it is the situation that is here to stay for a while and, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we have the ability to adapt and make the best of whatever the new normal might be. When it comes to weddings, this is a new appreciation for a different kind of wedding occasion.
Consequently, the champagne may have been on ice, but your wedding plans no longer have to be. Current government guidelines give the green light to wedding gatherings of up to 30 people. In light of this, Autumn/Winter 2020 – 2021 should be embraced as the season of the smaller, more intimate wedding.
The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe has adapted its own wedding programme with a North Devon Autumn and Winter Wedding Offer (LINK) that caters for 30 people at £30 per head. So if you’re coming round to thinking that actually an intimate wedding reception may be the way to go, then here are some great reasons to back up those thoughts:
1) More Control
Some people crave the big wedding day, with a guest list as long as a wedding trail. However, the dream, as encapsulated in movies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, rarely goes so smoothly in reality. Big occasions are incredibly demanding and a supporting cast of dozens can bring dozens of problems with them. Keeping things intimate with a tighter control over a guest list that cannot exceed 30 means there’s an oven ready excuse to ensure that you only have the guests you want at your wedding!
2) Less Stress
Let’s face it, a wedding may be one of the biggest days of your life but it can also be one of the most stressful. With the pressure on to make sure that everything goes perfectly it’s a good job the bride and groom have a honeymoon to look forward to – they definitely need it! The wonderful thing about a small wedding is how much more relaxed it is. In many ways 30 is a perfect number – that much bigger than a typical family and friends gathering to feel special, but not too big to stress you out.
3) More Memorable
The curse of the big wedding is that the happy couple spend their whole day ‘catching up’ with everybody through fear of leaving anybody out. This involves a succession of snatched (and repeated) conversations, each one requiring a fixed smile and polite engagement of niceties. No wonder brides and grooms fall victim to wedding fatigue! If the big day flies by as a result then just how memorable can it be? Some of the happiest wedding memories are made when the occasion is relaxed, the guest list is convivial and there is actually time to sit back and enjoy the occasion.
4) Less Money
Ok, so this one is probably reaching out to the bridegroom more than the bride now the tradition of her father footing the bill is increasingly outdated. However, the days of happily yelling ‘money is no object’ at the top of your lungs are gone in these uncertain times and for this reason the current 30 guest limit is also a welcome brake on the budget. Don’t forget, the Carlton is offering 30 people for £30 per head leaving more savings for the honeymoon pot!
5) More Options
The occasion may be smaller but your ambitions don’t necessarily have to be. It’s your wedding day and you can do whatever you want with it so why not get creative? The Carlton is well experienced in managing events, such as weddings and celebrations, with its reputation for being there to help with every stage of the planning. So if you have some unorthodox ideas about how you want your wedding reception to stand out from the crowd then let your imagination wander!
Don’t forget that aside from offering a great North Devon Autumn and Winter Wedding offer as an event space, we also have enough rooms to comfortably accommodate 30 guests. We have a comprehensive Covid plan in place at the hotel and an experienced team to carry out all the necessary procedures and precautions to ensure your stay is as safe as it can be.
Send us an email or a call (01271 862446) to check date availability and tell us about your wedding plans and how we can help you to make the most of an intimate wedding this coming season.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
As part of the Treasury’s Eat Out to Help Out promotion we are offering all diners the opportunity to halve their food bill when they eat in our Brasserie At The Carlton this August. You can save up to a maximum of £10 per customer at breakfast, lunch or dinner when you eat in on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
You can enjoy this benefit as many times as you like in the month of August. The saving will be calculated automatically and applied to your bill, whether you are simply enjoying a coffee and cake or a three-course dinner.
Just look at these incredible prices
- Exmoor Park fillet steak was £25 now £15
- Hand made Scotch egg was £5 now £2.50
- Beer battered haddock & chips was £14.50 now £7.25
- Full English breakfast was £12 no £6
Remember the total maximum saving is £10 per person at any one meal service.
A couple of points to note:
- Please tell us on booking and advise us you’ll be taking part in the discount.
- We require a minimum spend before discount of £12 per person in The Brasserie, but no restrictions in the lounge (for light meals, coffee and cakes).
- The saving is not available on takeaway (or delivery) food and alcoholic drinks.
- You’ll also need to give us your contact details when you eat in as part of the test and trace scheme requirements.
To reserve your table call us on 01271 862446 or email dine@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk today.
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat,” said the author Laura Ingalls Wilder. For anyone over a certain age her most famous work, Little House on the Prairie, which was a stalwart of 1970s TV, epitomises an era of innocent wholesomeness.
At times when the whole world feels challenged we often develop a nostalgia for times gone by, regardless of the fact that each era in history has faced (and always overcome) its own challenges. Unfortunately for today’s generations, the 24 hour lens of media and social media attention and our addiction to hype means that we are permanently consumed by a crisis such as the current Coronavirus scare.
While there is of course good reason to take this virus very seriously indeed the statistics, nonetheless, do not spell the imminent end of the world. Panic in all its forms – from emptying supermarket shelves to rocketing levels of personal anxiety and mental health effects – has us gripped and right now it seems like there is no escape….
But of course life goes on and locking yourself inside your home – until told otherwise – can have implications for your state of mind and your mental health. Now is the time you need a fresh air break and The Carlton has the perfect Spring Break deal to take advantage of!
Fresh Air, Open Skies, Health Benefits
Spring is here, the sun is (at last) beginning to shine. Identified as one of the healthiest places in the UK according to a study last year all around North Devon the air is filling with birdsong – from cliff tops to dunes, woodlands, fields and wide open moorland. The town of Ilfracombe itself came to prominence in the Nineteenth century, discovered by the Victorians to be the perfect tonic to the pollution of cities and the stresses of working life – a perfect antidote that is as true today as it was back then.
Reports suggest that higher temperatures are the natural enemy of Corona Virus, and it’s this time of year when crispy mornings give way to sunny Spring days filled with the increasing intensity of the sun’s warmth. Of course this isn’t always the picture on the English Adventure Coast but a day of being buffeted around in stiff coastal breezes brings a certain charm of its own too – gulps of fresh air, the taste of brine on the lips and cheeks that flush ruddy from a day of open air exercise.
The Carlton offers the perfect base from which to launch a break filled with the kind of outdoor activity which benefits the body and clears the mind of those racing thoughts; a step away from the intensity of home and work places where the stress is constantly simmering. We all know that stress is bad for the health and a recognised factor which can affect our immunity. Often the only way to break the cycle is to step back and get away from it all for a while and reap the health benefits.
One of the consequences of the current situation is that we are all going through a period of reappraisal in relation to our daily habits, routines and social interactions. Many of us are taking a step back and appreciating the benefits of simple pleasures. On a North Devon break that’s a hike along a coastal path or down a long sandy beach, taking the plunge with some surf lessons or rambling along an Exmoor circular walk.
With The Carlton as base camp, the health and wellness aspect extends to the in-house Brasserie restaurant, with its simple wholesome menu dishes offering nutritious goodness thanks to fresh ingredients, most of them sourced with local Devon provenance.
What is The Carlton Doing About Corona Virus?
Of course we follow Government and industry guidelines, but at The Carlton we go further still. To be honest the measures we take are more like tweaks to our existing standard practices. As a hotel with a reputation for high class quality and comfort throughout all our rooms we already have very high standards when it comes to servicing and cleaning (we’re big fans of the old fashioned way – plenty of soap and detergent – with the recent addition of sanitising surfaces and door handles).
The same rigorous attention to sanitation applies to the restaurant – which is open to guests and locals (don’t forget our special Mother’s Day treat package). There is no buffet to worry about, all our dishes are plated up separately, as they always have been, and if our guests still have concerns then we are quite happy to provide meals in the room.
Our team are up to date on training, have been practising good standards for years and recognise the importance of being seen to be confident in the face of the current situation. The benefit of having a full time team all year round ensures continuity throughout any difficult time. You can read full details of our extensive Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines and safety procedures here to give you peace of mind.
As for the health benefits of a fresh air break in North Devon – there’s not much more to be said than the fact that the air is plentiful and is feeling more Spring-like by the day!
Our Easter Family Break sleeps 4 for £46pppn, breakfast and one-night dinner inclusive. Plus get free admission to our local Chocolate Emporium and Museum!
This deal must be booked directly on 01271 862446 or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
Our very special Mothers Day Treat combines a Spring Weekend Break with Mothering Sunday lunch and FREE Devon Cream Afternoon Tea for just £69 /person/night. Plus dinner inclusive (one night) leaving you time to explore the rest of Ilfracombe. This deal is based on two sharing a twin or double room over the weekend of 21/22/23 March. Call 01271 862446 to book this offer or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
Get away from the crowds this Spring break, escape to the big skies of North Devon
on News, OffersOur Spring break offer is a relaxing two-night weekend stay in North Devon, which includes one evening meal in our Brasserie, two nights room and full English breakfast. And pricing is from £54 /person/night based on two sharing a twin or double room*.
T&C’s include – prepayment and if you book before March 20th we’ll offer you a FREE upgrade during April (excludes Easter weekend). Call 01271 862446 to book or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
We have colourful winter food on our mind at The Carlton this month; celebrating the great tastes available in the region is something of an obsession at the Carlton Hotel, whether that be in-house or great places to eat around us.
At this time of year, with grey skies, and general signs of January gloom in each direction, it’s the perfect time to seek a splash of colour, sensory fulfilment and solace in good food. Gone is the excess of Christmas and the New Year is a time to nourish the body while the short days lengthen on the journey to spring.
If this sounds like the perfect recipe for you as you wade through the murky months of winter then let us fill you in with a concise North Devon food guide on how to treat your palate. The Carlton is a great supporter of the food festivals which light up the region and embrace the culinary strengths of North Devon.
Great Food Close to Home
Before we begin to explore the area, let’s start this North Devon food guide a little closer to home – at the Carlton’s very own Brasserie restaurant which sates the appetites and enriches the taste buds of residents and non-residents alike. The Brasserie has recently been approved as a member of Food Drink Devon – the essential guide to all things delicious in the UK’s fourth largest county.
So what does our Brasserie bring to the (dining) table? Diners shouldn’t expect fancy flourishes or pretentious combinations. What Ilfracombe’s Brasserie serves is simple food, prepared with the best of local and seasonal ingredients. It’s our opinion that with the West Country’s superb offerings in terms of local meat, fish and vegetables there is little need to dress up for show.
The winter months are also a time to revel in the great British tradition of the Sunday roast and the Carlton has a fine reputation in delivering this most comforting of meals with a high quality twist.
These are served every Sunday in the Brasserie from 12.30pm. The hotel also has stepped up its regular Foodie Friday events to a new weekly fixture. The Brasserie is currently offering hot deals on weekly rotation of mussels and wine, burger and beer, fish and fizz, steak with wine and spice night.
The Brasserie is also earmarked by diners seeking a North Devon food guide to restaurants which brings creativity and imagination to its menu choices for vegetarians and vegans. Aside from a well endorsed Gluten Free menu, the kitchen’s willingness to adapt dishes for specific dietary requirements has made it a go to destination for those seeking menu alternatives.
North Devon Food Guide to Devon food festivals
And just over the foodie horizon for 2020 is the Exmoor Food Fest which takes place in February. The Carlton Hotel is very pleased to be joining the cast of gastronomic sights and tastes to savour for the first time. We will be lining up with restaurants and hotels from across the area to provide gastronomy fans with our exclusive Exmoor Food Fest 2020 tasting menu, meet the supplier evenings and other culinary deals. As well as extolling the diversity of tastes available across the Exmoor area, Exmoor Food Fest urges foodies to get out there and eat their way across the region between February 1st and 28th.
The Exmoor Food Fest kicks off a calendar of food related festivals and events that run throughout the year. Highlights include the Exeter Food and Drink Festival in April and a clutch of events that celebrate the natural riches of Devon’s coastal areas. North Devon, in particular, excels in this respect and another festival that The Carlton is involved in is the popular Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival in early September, which includes a focus on what the area has to offer in terms of seafood.
A little way ahead we have the Devon Street Food Festival which takes place on the town’s seafront every August and in October Barnstaple hosts North Devon Food fest centred in its pannier market hall.
Winter blues? Blow them away by focusing on food to bring the colour into your life this winter season. The Brasserie at The Carlton is a great place to start brushing up on your palate![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]