As we're halfway through 2023, Honiton Nub News thought it would be a good time to review the top ten most popular stories of the year so far. 

1. East Devon: The new solar farm will be the size of approximately 100 football pitches

June: A 58-hector solar farm has been given the green light to be built in the countryside close to Honiton. The farm will power 12,000 homes and will be in use for approximately 40 years. 

2. Say olá to the Portuguese restaurant coming soon to Honiton High Street

June: A new Portuguese restaurant will be opening soon on Honiton High Street. 

3. East Devon police officer charged with rape

January 2023: An East Devon policeman was charged with rape, which allegedly took place in 2021.

4. Honiton's Bruv's Bar to permanently close

January: The popular bar and restaurant Bruv's Bar permanently closed earlier this year, citing a difficult trading year and a quiet festive period. 

5. Honiton: New Pine Pony Sports Bar on High Street is already proving a hit

April: A new bar named Pine Pony Sports Bar opened in the building previously occupied by Bruv's Bar. 

6. 'We're gutted': Combe Garden Centre broken into after thieves make hole in the roof

March 2023: The Combe Garden Centre in Gittisham was struck by a group of robbers who made a hole in the roof and ransacked the office. 

7. 'I just want somebody to care': Honiton Town Youth FC in race to find new home

June 2023: Honiton's youth football club are looking for a new home due to a lack of facilities at their current location. 

8. Honiton: Community Police Officer achieves 20 years of service

January 2023: Darren England, a Honiton Police Community Support Officer (PSCO) completed his 20th year of service and received an award and certificate from Chief Constable Will Kerr and The High Sheriff of Devon, at a ceremony held in Bodmin.

9. Update: Woman dies after hit-and-run in Ottery St. Mary

January: A woman in her 60s was hit by a vehicle and left in the road. She later passed away in hospital. 

10. Michelin-star chef and his food truck to visit Honiton each week

February: Michelin-star chef Ed McLachlan started bringing his fusion-style meals to Honiton Family Church every Wednesday evening. You can read a review of Yamza here.