Thursday 13 February 2014

Exeter's Most Romantic Destination?

photo: © Helen Lisk 2013 -4
I asked Exeter based portrait and wedding photographer, Helen Lisk to name the most romantic spot in the city. Her answer was resoundingly clear: Exeter Quayside. Helen has been doing beautiful wedding photography all over Exeter and Devon for years, so she certainly knows a thing or two about romance.

So what makes the Exeter Quayside such a romantic place?


I started a love affair with Exeter when I moved here ten years ago. We’ve always lived near to the Quayside, and I absolutely adore this area. Whereas there are endless beautiful places to enjoy near Exeter, from beaches, to moors, to the beautiful river valley and countryside, Exeter itself is just so lovely that we often don’t choose to go anywhere else. I love the openness of the river, the way that you can walk from the quay, along the river bank and feel like you are outside of the city in minutes. We love to hire a bike from Saddles & Paddles and explore the paths around the river and canal, head up to the Turf Locks for a pint of beer in the sunshine, watch the estuary in the late afternoon light. I love browsing through all the quirky little shops at the quay, or wandering across to The Welcome CafĂ© for coffee and cake in its lovely rooms. So it should come as no surprise that my idea of a romantic evening in Exeter would be based in this area.

When I first moved to Exeter with my lovely other half, Ian, we’d often go for a wander around the Quayside in the evening. So my ideal romantic evening would start here, with a walk along the riverside, the sun setting over the city, watching the swans nestling down for the night. I love to be reminded of what a beautiful place that we live in, and every time I walk around this area, I do just think how lucky we are to be here in Exeter. We would then have to head up the hill to the utterly wonderful Hour Glass Inn. Our first home in Exeter was just around the corner from this fantastic pub, and we have spent countless happy hours there over the years, tucked away at one of its little tables and sampling delicious local beers. For a special evening, I’d want to eat here as well, as the food is utterly delicious. Probably finishing with one of the lovely single malts on offer behind the bar and a quick game of Bananagrams on the pub table.

Photo: © Helen Lisk Photography 2013 -2
On our first New Year’s Eve in Exeter, we walked from the Hour Glass and shared a bottle of champagne with friends at midnight, standing on Colleton Crescent and watching all the fireworks going off over across the city. This would be the perfect end to my evening – maybe without the champagne and probably no fireworks in the sky this time, but to stand there, snuggle up with my husband and look at all the lights twinkling across lovely Exeter… perfect!

© Helen Lisk Photography 2013 -11
See more of Helen's work on at www.helenliskphotography.co.uk, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter at @helenliskphoto.

Saturday 1 February 2014

Say hello to Jelly: City Centre Children's Shop Extraordinare



Introducing Jelly, quite possibly the most adorable children's shop in Exeter city centre and the only one with dedicated collection of great value, great quality, second hand, or 'preloved', goods. Run by a team of welcoming, committed, creative and inspired volunteers, this light and loved space is a must visit for tots in the city. Not just a clothes shop, this Exeter Community Initiatives project has got books, games, toys and is gearing up to take prams as well. Not to mention the lovely bits and bobs for kids up to 11 years old.

The thing that makes Jelly different is that even in this small space, the team behind it have thought of everything to make shopping with little ones more enjoyable. When you visit Jelly you will be greeted by a whimsical window display created by the volunteer staff. As you browse the racks and shelves, your little one can amuse himself in their play area. And should your family need a comfort break, they have a quiet space for changing and feeding.

Shop and play at Jelly

The shop is the brain child of the good people of the Exeter Community Initiatives and all profits go back into community projects throughout city. And the ECI does all kinds of amazing - childrens centres, projects for sustainability, urban farming, youth work, and even a city farm - so shopping here is better than getting cash back because it helps make Exeter a more awesome place for your awesome kid.

Visit Jelly at 9 Paris Street, Exeter City Centre.

Clothing for infants, tots and older children
Toys, games and gifts.

Books for children of all ages

Jelly at 9 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon