Exeter blogger proves bus is best for foodie adventure

A food blogger has travelled by bus to some of the best eateries across Exeter and beyond to find out how accessible they are on public transport.

Chris Gower, founder of the Eating Exeter blog that has over 4,000 subscribers, travelled to his culinary destinations using Stagecoach South West’s bus services. Darts Farm, Quicke’s Cheese Farm Shop and Greendale Farm Shop were all on Chris’ list and the upshot is he is now convinced that some of the very best foodie destinations in the region are easily accessible by bus.

Chris said: “It goes without saying that I absolutely love food and discovering new foodie places to visit and try out. I wanted to see whether you could enjoy the region’s culinary delights without always having to get in your car. Not only was it possible but, for me, it added to the fun. The fact that you can get to so many of the region’s best farm shops, cafes and restaurants by bus is great.”

The food lover travelled on the Gold 57 service from Exeter Bus Station to Topsham, where the bus stops outside Darts Farm, home to a huge variety of food and drink from local producers. Gold 57 buses run up to every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and up to every half hour on Sundays.

Chris also discovered that Stagecoach buses take foodies to the award-winning Quicke’s Cheese Farm Shop. The shop, which made The Daily Telegraph’s 50 Best Food Shops outside London, is in Newton St Cyres and is served up to every 15 minutes, 7 days a week by the 5 (including 5A, 5B and 5C).

Greendale Farm Shop near Farringdon and Clyst St Mary can be visited by hopping on the 9/9a service that drops off directly outside the shop. There are buses running up to every half hour throughout the day, 7 days a week.

Bob Dennison, Managing Director for Stagecoach South West, said: “Taking the bus is a great way to get around Devon, including visiting many of the wonderful farm shops and eateries. More and more people are discovering just how easy it is to get the bus and enjoy travel that’s great value and stress-free. I’ve no doubt that it will be saving Chris money that perhaps he can spend on his love of food instead!”

Both Darts Farm and Greendale Farm shop can be reached using an Exeter Dayrider, which costs just £3.70. Quicke’s Cheese Farm and Shop can be reached using an Exeter Dayrider Plus for £5.50. Both tickets provide a day of unlimited travel for the zone they are bought in. A Group Explorer allows up to 5 people to travel together and costs just £15. £1 child add on tickets are also available*.

To read Chris’ full review, please visit www.eatingexeter.co.uk