East Devon is preparing for a bustling, vibrant month of September when thousands of visitors flock to to the district to join local foodies to attend a whole host of events during the Taste East Devon Food Festival (9th-24th September).
Back for its exiting third year, the festival promises to showcase the very best that the area has on offer, with some exciting new additions and sold out events at River Cottage, Darts Farm, Coldharbour Field Kitchen and Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
From mouth-watering food markets and street food extravaganzas to immersive gastronomic workshops and ultimate and exclusive dining experiences, the 16-day festival really does have something for everyone.
What's the opinion of the region's well-known celebrity chef and television personality, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall? He said: “This is so much more than a traditional food festival. It's a truly unique chance for people to experience East Devon in an entirely new light. We can't wait to welcome visitors to our little corner of the South West and share all the amazing food and drink it has to offer.
“I'm obviously pleased to be hosting the new Gut Health Revolution event at Darts Farm. It's a sold out event and I'm very much looking forward to sharing my own enthusiasm for the topic, alongside experts from the gut health industry.”
Another key player on the East Devon food scene, Michael Caines, who is the chef and patron of Lympstone Manor, said: “This food festival takes a different format to most others, which are generally fixed in one place.
"It provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a wide range of food, drink and hospitality businesses within the 16 days enjoying everything from wine and beer tastings to sociable feasting evenings and fine dining experiences.
"During the festival, please do ensure you come down to Mickey's, in Exmouth, to give our delicious Taste East Devon Lunch Menu a try or why not head over to Lympstone Manor for a special Vineyard tour and wine tasting lunch with Lyme Bay?”
Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Chair of Taste East Devon and owner of Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, says: "Last year's festival was a fantastic, huge success. It solidified the fact East Devon has an incredible food community, and it was amazing to see so many award-winning businesses join together and really put our district on the food map.
“This year, we've popular events returning and a range of exciting new events on offer, too. It's set to be bigger and better than ever before. Whether you're a food lover, a cooking enthusiast, a resident of East Devon or a visitor to the region, we invite everyone to join us and indulge in East Devon's wonderful produce.”
Leader of East Devon District Council, Councillor Paul Arnott says: “Obviously, we're tremendously proud of our local roots. East Devon is our home, we're keen to support activities that bring people together, encourage community spirit, support the local economy and local producers.
"Taste East Devon allows businesses with shared values to collaborate and shout about the diverse, high quality food and drink offering we have here in East Devon. Being able to celebrate the district in this way is such an incredible privilege.”
To launch the festival, experience the City to Sea Taste Trail at Darts Farm (9th September).
Hone your steak skills with a masterclass with Luke Vandore-McKay at High Grange (10th September).
Indulge at a Lyme Bay Winery and Quickes Cheese Tasting (12th, 14th, 16th, 19th and 21st September).
Start the weekend with a Cocktail Masterclass at Copperwood (16th September), followed by the Party at the Pig (17th September). Enjoy the last of the summer rays with a fabulous afternoon tea at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary (18th September).
Eat to your heart's content with the big Taste East Devon Feast at River Cottage (22nd September). As the festival comes to a close, take the family along to Smallicombe Farm for a Farm to Fork Family Experience and Lunch (23rd September) before celebrating the festival at Taste East Devon's Party in the Vineyard at Heron Farm (24th September). Explore the full programme of events at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk.
Taste East Devon is kindly supported by founder members River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Donkey Sanctuary and Lympstone Manor. Sponsors include East Devon District Council, Ashfords, East Devon Excellence, Goosemoor Foodservice, SunGift Solar and NFU Mutual (Tiverton and Honiton Agencies).
To find the full programme of events visit the official Taste East Devon Food Festival website at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. Details of how to book each event and accommodation providers can be found on the website. To stay up-to-date you can follow @tasteeastedevon on Instagram and Facebook.