Despite living in Italy for several years, the founder of Luscombe Drinks still revels in the Devon seasons and the county’s bounteous supply of food and drink
Tell us briefly about yourself and what you do in the county.
I am a first generation Devonian - born in Totnes, I went to a local school and then after living away in Sicily for four years, I returned to take the reins of an ailing cider company on the small family farm. Cider was not the rage in those days and it was evident but with the same equipment, we started to press Sicilian lemons, Williams pears and other fruit. We harvested our own apples and elderflowers and blended these to become a range of highly acclaimed soft drinks that people took to be alternatives to alcohol. We now sell all over the UK and export to at least 10 countries. Still making everything in the same fashion we started – only with larger pieces of equipment.
Where in Devon do you live?
In the South Hams, between the moors and the sea.
How long have you been here and what brought you here?
I was born in Totnes but spent about 15 years away.
What's the best thing about living in Devon?
The seasons - I can’t say the rain, but certainly the greenery. Sicily was very dry and arid in contrast. Being close to both the moors and the sea is great but also the large diversity of good food and drink supply. This came from the need for Devon's small farms to diversify when they realised they were too small to provide a farm income.
And the worst?
I guess it’s the rain! but we have had a poor run of it this past year. A few days of sun and we seem to forgive months of rain.
Describe your ideal day out in Devon.
Jumping the large granite boulders across the River Dart or lighting a fire on the beach at Street Gate. Usually, these are centred around good food.
What is your favourite Devon journey, by any mode of transport?
This has to be the train journey as it travels along the beachside at Teignmouth / Dawlish. After a trip to London that is a piece of magic to return to.
What is your favourite view in the county?
The view from Haytor, down the valley to Teignmouth, is pretty special, you get moor and sea. Or the 360 degree view from the hills above the Dart at Sharpham with the Dart snaking down below you.
What is your favourite month to be in Devon?
May has to be the best month. We make sure we don’t book too much in that month – especially any travel out of Devon. You can forgive all the winter grey and rain for May's extraordinary awakening.
What gift from Devon would you give to a friend?
A taste of the foods and drinks [ plural purposefully ] we make here – quite a wide answer, but usually it speaks more than just a gift.
What three words best describe Devon?
Calm, stunning, good life.
