There’s just over a fortnight to go before FOODfest returns to Barnstaple Pannier Market. Organised by Barnstaple Town Centre Management, with support from North Devon Council, this annual event this year takes place on Sunday 21 October. Now in its 11th year, FOODfest is a gastronomic treat showcasing the very best local artisan food businesses from across North Devon.
Hosts Seth Conway and Dez Turland from Brend Hotels will be joined by four of the best chefs who work in the region:
• Mark Dodson, chef patron of the Michelin-starred Masons Arms, Knowstone
• James Mason from the Coach House by Michael Caines at Kentisbury Grange
• Thomas Carr from the Michelin starred Olive Room & Seafood Grill
• Jamie Coleman Head Chef at The Notley Arms and South West Chef of the Year 2016
The chefs will be live on stage in the market during the course of the day to demonstrate their talents, provide cooking tips and answer questions from the audience.
If your tastebuds are already tingling and you can’t wait for FOODfest, you can book a table at the launch event taking place on Tuesday 16 October at 6.30pm in The Taw Restaurant, Petroc. Enjoy a sumptuous four-course tasting dinner menu prepared by the four top South West chefs appearing at FOODfest and the hospitality and catering students from the college. The chefs will be sharing their skills and culinary knowledge with the students by each designing and cooking a course for the FOODFest launch meal. The evening is £35 per head and tables can be booked by calling 01271 852483 or emailing thetaw@petroc.ac.uk.
Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Pat Barker, said: “FOODfest is back and it looks better than ever! With more than 70 exhibitors showcasing some of North Devon’s finest food and drink, what’s not to like? The launch event sounds amazing and what a fantastic experience for the catering students at Petroc to be inspired and encouraged by some of the South West’s best chefs. Book early to avoid disappointment!”
Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, Hannah Harrington, said: “FOODfest is one of the highlights of our calendar and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the market for the eleventh time. We’ll also have seating and street food on Butchers Row again, and this year we’ll be spilling out onto Market Street too with an outdoor living and entertainment space – we just keep getting bigger and better.”
FOODfest runs from 10am to 3.30pm, with free entry to the Pannier Market. Thanks to sponsors Rangemoors, Ashgrove, John’s of Instow and Appledore, Brend Hotels and Barnstaple Town Centre Management.