‘Toast’ cafe on the Honiton high street is a real treasure, and really gives you the impression that its owners take pride in their work. Immediately upon entering you are faced with a cabinet full of amazing looking cupcakes with flavours such as Rhubarb & Custard, mini tarts, meringues and other tasty morsels…

The inside of the cafe is beautifully decorated, natural but contemporary, and the tables and chairs are solid wood or even tree stumps. There is a large outdoor area with garden seating, trellises and winding paths. The whole thing feels relaxed and characterful without being fussy, and we’re looking forwarding to going back and using the garden in warmer weather.

The menu is affordable with a light cafe range and specials, and the meals we ordered were very tasty. They offer toasted sandwiches with fillings such as Smoked Salmon & Cheese, plenty of brunch items like Poached Eggs On English Muffin, and the familiar High Tea and Cream Tea. It’s hard work making an English Breakfast look sophisticated, but somehow they managed. Throw in some ‘Russian Caravan Tea’ on the side, and the whole experience feels somewhat indulgent!

We’d happily return, and no doubt will, and would recommend a trip to try them out to anyone in the area. If you’d like detailed directions on how to get Toast or how best to travel into Honiton from The Old Vicarage bed and breakfast just let us know when you arrive and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

And for something warmer, and perhaps more contemporary (with a touch of geek), check out the Lab Craft: Digital Adventures In Contemporary Craft which is showing at the Plymouth College of Art Gallery until February 19th.

Jewellery incorporating sound waves, a pot that can be scanned with an iPhone – the exhibition shows a range of art pieces integrated with technology. More information at the Lab Craft website here.

And if art is not your thing, or you want a laugh after all that culture, the Exeter Laugh Out Loud festival runs until 20th February and features some big names in comedy, such as Russell Howard. Amateurs join the mix too, and you can find slot times and performers on the LOL Festival website here.

Tomorrow sees Dawlish Christmas Market in the Strand from 10am until 4pm, for a day out and some interesting shopping.

For festive music, try the ‘Festive Flutes’ Christmas Cracker in Salcombe on Tuesday 14th December in the evening, with a range of Christmas tunes expertly played on many varieties of flute. They are also putting on a free session at Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday the 15th of December. You can check their website for more information: http://www.festiveflutes.co.uk

For a more modern range of music, try the Exeter Phoenix Phonic.fm Christmas party on the 17th of December, from 8pm until 2am in the Lounge. A truly eclectic range of music plus food and drinks at the bar. More information here: http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/live/q4-2010/phonic-fm-the-christmas-party!.html

And finally, if you fancy something a bit more active, Plymouth’s outdoor ice rink returns after a six year absence! The rink is open all the way through December, see details and location here: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/christmasicerink.html

There is music, both classical and contemporary, comedy shows, open art studios and workshops, theatre and more. Not all events charge a fee, so there’s something for those on a budget too.

And if the weather turns grey and you fancy something to warm you up, we’d suggest checking out nearby Toast cafe in Honiton. Having opened in July, Toast offers meals like poached eggs on muffins with dried ham, drinks, lunches and dinners, but also a spread of delicious cupcakes, pastries, tarts and cookies all baked on site that we highly recommend you try!

You will find plenty of local meats and dairy produce, along with items you might not find elsewhere such as all-natural apple juice, Goose eggs, home-made pates, and cupcakes and baked goods from local companies.

Crediton Farmers Market has just been held last weekend (1st Saturday of every month) and Hontion Market is coming up on the 16th of September (3rd Thursday of every month). Whatever time of the year you visit there will be several Farmers Markets to choose from, and you can view a full list here.

Or ask us during your stay and we can help point you in the direction of an upcoming Market.

And congratulations to Mr and Mrs Saddler from all here at The Old Vicarage B&B.

You can also now keep track of us (and talk to us) on Twitter and Facebook, and of course at any time you can just use the traditional method of giving us a call.