New developments for 2009 within Exeter & Essential Devon

Jack in the Green

Rockbeare, Near Exeter, Devon, EX5 2EE Tel: 01404 822240

Work is now underway at one of Devon's most exciting restaurants to install an extremely energy efficient Electrolux kitchen. The £350,000 investment at the Jack in the Green comes after sixteen very successful years with Paul Parnell at the helm and Matthew Mason in charge of the stoves.

The complete redesign will create a safer working environment and feature under counter fridges, a bespoke pastry section with granite worktops, state of the art appliances and biological grease traps. Several induction units will also be incorporated to help create a cooler working environment for everyone.

The restaurant will be open right up until December 24th but will then close until the beginning of March to allow the bulk of the work to be completed without any disruption to diners. Paul Parnell believes the twenty five year life expectancy of the new equipment embodies the Jack's unwavering commitment to their suppliers, loyal customers and the local economy.

"This new kitchen will allow us to be even better at what we do and continue to keep buying local produce in even greater quantities than we do now. Here's to another sixteen fantastic years!"

Otter Nurseries

Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LZ Tel: 01404 815815
For 2009 Otter Nurseries has a new restaurant and coffee shop, with a seating capacity of 400. Otter Nurseries already offer one of the largest freshly prepared home made meal options in the South West and the new restaurant will give visitors an even wider choice, including a new tasty lite bite section.
The new coffee lounge will offer the perfect retreat for those wanting a refreshing drink whilst relaxing in comfort.

Mercure Southgate Hotel

Southernhay East, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QF Tel: 01392 412812
The four star hotel have just commenced a project to add 44 room to the hotel, bringing them up to 154 in total. All new bedrooms will have air conditioning and walk in showers and the scheme will include 4 new accessible bedrooms. In addition to the 44 new bedrooms, the reception area will be re-furbished. The development is due to be completed July 2009.

Woodland Springs Touring Park

Venton, Drewsteignton, Exetre, Devon, EX6 6PG Tel: 01647 231695
The 4 star caravan and camping site have just installed 3 kennels with runs which can be hired by guests as day kennels on a daily basis. A unique service not usually provided by caravan and camping site.

Mazzard Farm

East Hill, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1QQ Tel: 01404 815492
A high quality, green and character barn conversion, on East Hill, Ottery St. Mary. Examples of our green investment include a Bio Mass Heating and Hot Water system (using locally sourced wood pellets, which are a by-product of the wood industry), special deals for non-car users and optimal use of natural and eco-friendly building materials (such as eco paint, sheepswool insulation, etc).

Land Rover Experience West Country

Wessington Fram, Awliscombe, Honiton, EX14 3NU Tel: 0870 2644470
Land Rover Experience West Country, three years ago, started environmentally sensitive own 4 x 4 vehicle self drives over areas of East Devon.
For 2009 the Land Rover Experience West Country will be introducing a new territory 'self-drive' across parts of Somerset and Exmoor. With the success of the established trips, often fully booked within a week of being announced, the new territory 'self-drive' looks like an assured winner! Other developments at Land Rover Experience West Country for 2009 include a permanent archery facility and falconry for corporate activities.

University of Exeter

Hospitality Services, Lafrowda House, St German's Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6TL Tel: 0392 215566
The University Campus accommodation was awarded 3 stars from VisitBritain in 2008 and for 2009 they are introducing our new online accommodation booking service - www.ex.ac.uk/visitors

Jurys Inn

Western Way, Exeter, Devon
Opening July 2009, Jurys Inns Exeter is destined to be one of the most popular Exeter Hotels, offering guests superior budget accommodation in the heart of the city.

Abbotshood Cycle Hire

Halberton, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7AE Tel: 01884 820728
New for 2009 Abbotshood Cycle Hire now have available to hire an adult tricycle, with special rates for any adults with special needs.

The Barn Rodgemonts

Chawleigh, Chumleigh, Devon, EX18 7ET Tel: 01769 580200
This old thatched property has a nine acre woodland classed by the Forestry Commission as 'Ancient/Semi-Natural'. They are busy regenerating the native hardwoods such as oak, ash and cherry etc. with dormice making ahome for themselves in the hazel coppice wood. As a result of this development The Barn Rodgemonts have replaced their old kitchen oil fired Aga with a woodburning Rayburn which heats the water, provides central heating and on which all the breakfasts are cooked on. Guests are invited to walk in the woodland if they are interested.

Town Barton

Doddiscomsleigh, Exetre, Devon, EX6 7PT Tel: 01647 252005
This historic Bed & Breakfast, have at last, received listed building permission to repair their old windows. This work will start August and will mark the start of a refurbishment plan for the whole house. Part of the old vegetable garden is going to be turned into a "hidden garden" complete with beach hut and barbecue facilities.

Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park

Gatedown Lane, Nr Weston, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0PT Tel: 01297 680387
During July, Oakdown, will be opening an additional 5 star area for touring caravans and tents.

Andrewshayes Caravan Park

Dalwood, Near Axminster, Devon, EX13 7DY Tel: 01404 831225
Andrewshayes have just completed a brand new toilet block and laundry facility, and have just applied to the David Bellamy award scheme.

Thorverton Arms

Thorverton, Exeter, EX5 5NS Tel: 01392 860205
The Thorverton Arms have just launched its Pie and Pastry Club. As a member of the club you receive a personal invitation to their monthly Pie and Pastry evenings where you get the opportunity to sample a selection of home-made pies and pastries for just £10 per person. At the end of the evening you cast your vote for the Pie and Pastry of the Month and you can then get the recipes. All club members also receive a free glass of wine with each meal.

Orway Crescent Farm

Kentisbeare, Cullompton, EX15 2EX Tel: 01884 266024. Opened Easter 2008 excellently located newly converted Farm House

Blackdwon Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

A new website has been developed for the Blackdown Hills AONB which details information on things to do, events and what type of widlife you would expect to see within the Blackdown Hills.

The Original Surf Board Company

You can now experience part of British surfing heritage on an original wooden bodyboard. The Original Surfboard Company is launching a range of hand crafted boards with nine designs so that even the silver surf brigade can look cool in the surf this summer. These boards aren't just for silver surfers though - they can be enjoyed by all the family together - from seven to seventy.

British made - designed in Cornwall and made in Devon, original boards are made on a traditional wooden surfboard press, hot steamed and hand painted and then hand finished with waterproof boat vinyl designs to give them that 21st century twist. Choose from the Cornish or Devon flag, fresh lobster or crab design or the signature boards - classic wood finish, hot pink or cool aqua - or surf your support for breast cancer research with a pink or white ribbon board - £5 donation to Cancer Research UK for every board sold. Bespoke service also available so you can take home a unique holiday momento or buy an original present for a special birthday, anniversary or wedding gift.

Original surfboards can be ordered from www.originalsurfboards.co.uk or by telephone on 01884 855475 and cost £49 including UK delivery.