Going the Extra (14) Miles

The sleepy seaside town of Sidmouth is famous for its Recency facade, its promenade and its gorgeous sea views across Lyme bay. It was to this pretty town (that’s close to our heart here) that Debbie Ellis was drawn to realise her lifelong dream. She’d decided to leave her management position in the NHS to open a restaurant called 14 Miles East. (14 Miles is the distance from Exeter to Sidmouth). She signed the lease on her beautifully transformed premises (previously Carina’s nightclub!) and then Covid-19 hit! Not a great year, you might think, to open a restaurant. However undaunted, Debbie has been heartily welcomed by Sidmothians and is keen to make an impression. Her vision is to provide a space where people of all ages; locals and visitors alike can meet to eat and drink in an informal and relaxed environment - complete with a view of the sea! She knew she needed to get her brand quickly seen in the town to make the most of periods of freedom. I excitedly booked a table with friends to enjoy a delicious dinner out during Debbie’s opening week (between lockdowns) and got talking to her. She reached out and set up a consultation to look at her company ethos and values - and then to create some images that would really promote the distinctly friendly personality of her 14 Miles East brand.

Debbie’s dream come true:

her very own restaurant in Sidmouth!

We had a great time photographing both the delicious freshly cooked food - tapas, cakes, Kevin’s all-time favourite - Eggs Benedict! (He and our dog Lucy came along as models- man reading paper, dog eating dog-treats :) ). We also took some images of the chefs in action (I can actually always stand the heat in the kitchen!) and made sure we captured Debbie in her element. She was a little bit nervous about being in front of the camera, but I explained, that any restaurant can have nice pictures of steak, but only one can be Debbie’s restaurant so she needs to show her lovely face in her marketing and publicity! With a good number of culinary options in Sidmouth, its portraying how Debbie and the welcome she wants to provide and her super-smiley, uber positivity that will bring customers in (as well as the amazing food of course!) Take a look at Debbie’s gallery. We really can’t wait to see 14 Miles East flourish as the sun comes out and restrictions lift next year.

Here’s a little bit of fun we created with her amazing tapas…

Debbie was kind enough to share her thoughts about different parts of her experience.

Here’s the full interview…