New deli at Farrington's

Farrington‘s Farm Shop at Farrington Gurney, near Bath, is opening a new Deli on March 12. There'll be more than 50 British and continental cheeses, antipasti, charcuterie, cooked meatsand lots of other deli faves, together with a range of home-produced sweet and savoury items from Farrington’s award-winning kitchen.
Opening simultaneously will be The Thoughtful Bread Company’s new on-site bakery, which will be open for customers to view, with bread-making courses planned for the future.



http://www.farringtons.co.uk

The Cornish Challenge 2009/2010

The Pandora Inn at Restronguet won first place in the Cornish Challenge 2009/2010, a competition that aims to celebrate high standards of cooking, service and Cornish ingredients. Six finalists were tasked to produce a four course meal during a cook-off, judged by a panel including chefs Ben Tunnicliff from The Scarlet Hotel, Des Turland from Brend Hotels, and Nathan Outlaw (pictured in the background, left-right, above). Green Lawns in Falmouth came second and The Mill House in Trebarwith, third. Nathan praised the finalists and said, ‘The quality has risen again this year and it was great to see such originality coming from smaller restaurants and pubs.’

Pennypots

Kevin Viner is bringing back Pennypots. The much-loved fine dining restaurant for which Kevin won his Michelin star will be opening at Viners in Summercourt this April
http://www.vinersrestaurant.co.uk

food party for Bristol's restauranteurs

Bristol’s restaurateurs joined the food team last month at swanky hotel The Square (pictured) in the city for a fun evening with a raffle to raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Southmead Hospital. Very generous prizes were donated by: Heritage Wines; Harvey Nichols; Pieminister; Hole in the Wall; Berkman Wine Cellars; Bramley and Gage; Byzantium; The Chocolate Tart; Binham Grange; Radisson Blu Hotel; Bindon Country House; The Maypole Inn; and Beautology. The evening raised £350 which will go toward the purchasing of a new incubator for the unit. Thanks to everyone who came got involved.

Britain’s best foodie street

Whiteladies Road in Bristol and South Embankment in Dartmouth have made the shortlist for Britain’s best foodie street. Google Maps and Street View are asking people to vote for the country’s winning street. To ensure that your favourite wins, vote at the website below.
http://www.google.com/landing/beststreetsuk/

Rumwell Farm Shop

Rumwell Farm Shop near Taunton is the first farm shop in the UK to achieve a new national certification standard from the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). The certification scheme - Genuine Own And Local - identifies and celebrates farm shops that are based on a farming business, selling their own produce alongside foods from local producers.
http://www.rumwellfarmshop.com

The Cheese Café @ Penny’s Pantry

A great new café-deli has opened on the High Street in Crediton. The Cheese Café @ Penny’s Pantry was opened in December by Penny and Tim Pearkes (pictured), the team behind Penny’s Pantry and Penny’s Parties. As well as serving up great lunches, snacks, drinks and cakes, the deli counter has stacks of local and continental cheeses, as well as the notoriously hard-to-source Iberico ham.

Vote for Restaurant of the Year

The voting for The Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year starts on March 1, giving you the chance to vote for your favourite independently-owned restaurant.
Last year Ronnies in Thornbury near Bristol won the accolade, and its chef-owner Ronnie Faulkner is urging everyone to vote: 'This is the diners' chance to have their say! Awards like this can put a restaurant on the map.'
Vote at www.which.co.uk/gfgfeedback
http://www.which.co.uk/gfgfeedback

A giant taste of curry in Bristol

A giant curry will be cooked on outside Bordeaux Quay at Canons Way in Bristol on Monday February 22 to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. From 12pm-2pm chefs will use Fairtrade products, including spices from local company Bart Spices, to cook a Mozambican Vegetable Coco Curry in a 1.3 metre pan. Passers by will then be offered tasters.
Bristol has been twinned with the town of Beira in Mozambique for 20 years, and to mark this the celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight has taken a Mozambican twist.

Stein’s Fish and Chips to open in March

Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips will open on Discovery Quay in Falmouth in March, it was announced today. The 130 seat restaurant, takeaway and oyster bar will have a menu similar to their very popular fish and chip restaurant on the quayside in Padstow.
Rick and his ex-wife Jill have spent over thirty years building up their business in Padstow, which includes four restaurants, a deli, patisserie, gift shop, cookery school and pub in the nearby village of St Merryn, but Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips in Falmouth will be their first venture away from the Padstow area.
Stein’s inspiration for his flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow came from a restaurant in Falmouth that he and Jill frequented during the 1970’s, so they are both familiar with the area: 'It’s great to be finally opening in Falmouth. Outside Padstow it’s my favourite seaside town in Cornwall,' says Rick. 'No wonder we’ve opened an oyster bar. I want to celebrate fabulous Fal Oysters.'
The new venture will feature an open plan kitchen and restaurant, along with a take away, all in the same design as Stein’s Fish and Chips in Padstow. A mezzanine floor will be transformed into the oyster bar, serving fresh River Fal oysters, selected wines and champagne.
The company plans to employ approximately 30 staff including chefs and front of house roles at the new restaurant. All vacancies are listed on www.rickstein.com/careers


http://www.rickstein.com

Fusion restaurant opens at Carlyon Bay Hotel

The new Fusion restaurant at The Carlyon Bay Hotel in St Austell has opened, and is offering an exciting mix of Asian cuisine and Cornish produce.
Starters include beef salad with lotus dressing, cilantro and pine nuts and lime steamed shrimp, with wasabi sorbet and papaya salad.Seared Szechwan tuna with green tea noodles and mango and red curry chicken with pandanus leaves, pea aubergines and jasmine rice are among the main courses.
The menu has been designed by the four star hotel’s award-winning executive chef, Paul Leakey.
Paul, who was classically trained and has worked in some of London’s top hotels, has travelled throughout Asia, to learn about different food cultures.
He says, 'I have always been drawn to the sights, sounds and scents of culinary diversity. While I was in Thailand, I learned about the delicate flavouring and balance of Asian foods. In Fusion, I have been able to use all of this experience to showcase a modern food experience in a relaxing, contemporary atmosphere.'
http://www.brend-hotels.co.uk

Nathan Outlaw on the move

Nathan Outlaw has closed his Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw at The Marina Villa Hotel in Fowey, and moved the entire operation to the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock; see our interview in Features.
http://www.nathan-outlaw.co.uk

Cornish sardines protected

Cornish sardines have been awarded the status of protected geographical indication and will get legal protection against imitation throughout the EU. Producers of Cornish pasties are hoping that their product will be awarded the same status next year.

St Austell Brewery brings new life to old pubs

One of the UK pub industry’s rising young stars has taken over St Austell Brewery’s popular William IV pub in Truro. Stephanie Todd (pictured), 23, gained national recognition for the way she ran her first St Austell Brewery pub on the Isles of Scilly, and was named Newcomer of the Year in The Publican Awards 2009. And one of Devon’s most historic pubs, the Three Crowns Hotel in Chagford, is to get a new lease of life after being bought by the brewery. Taking over the helm are John Milan and Steve Bellman, who already hold the tenancy for a number of award-winning St Austell Brewery pubs in Cornwall; expect top pub food, and great beer.
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Viner's slimmers

New year slimmers, listen up! Acclaimed chef Kevin Viner is hoping to show health-seekers that tasty can also mean nutritious. He’s providing the participants of Bootylicious Bootcamp with a supportive healthy eating awareness programme and cookery demonstrations - and the luxury of dining each evening at his renowned Viners Restaurant in Carvynick, Summercourt. http://www.cornwallbootcamp.co.uk
http://www.vinersrestaurant.co.uk

Taste of the West overall winners announced

Taste of the West has announced the overall winners of its annual awards, which recognise great food businesses and products in the South West.
Award winners in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset area include: Bramley and Gage for its Organic Sloe Gin (Best of Drinks); David Baker for his Styles Farmhouse Ice cream (Carol Trewin Producer of the Year); and The Real Boar Co. for its Free Range Pork Salami (Best of Cured Meat).
Winners in Devon include: The Jack in the Green in Rockbeare (South West Restaurant of the Year); The Holt in Honiton (South West Gastro Pub of the Year); Darts Farm in Topsham (South West Local Retail Outlet of the Year); Bigbury Bay Oysters for its Pacific oysters (Best of Fish); and Quickes Traditional for its Extra Mature Cheddar (Best of Dairy and Champion Product).
Cornwall's winners include: Muffins in Lostwithiel (South West Tea Room/Café of the Year) and The Real Veal Company for its Bocaddon Farm Veal calves’ liver (best uncured meat). For the full list visit the website.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Combe House Devon named green innovator

Combe House Devon in Gittisham has won the coveted
Condé Nast Johansens UK and Ireland 2010 ‘Most Excellent Innovation in Sustainable Hospitality’ award for the hotel’s focus on sustainable projects over the past ten years. The judges commented: ‘The owners, in addition to creating a bat habitat, have restored the extensive Victorian kitchen gardens, greenhouses and potting sheds to the highest standards. This home grown produce ensures that their two Master Chefs of Great Britain talk in food metres rather than food kilometres.’
01404 540400
http://www.combehousedevon.com

Ronnie's wins two rosettes

Ronnie’s in Thornbury, winner of the Good Food Guide’s Restaurant of the Year award in 2009, has been awarded two AA rosettes. Owner-chef Ronnie Faulkner (pictured, left) has also launched a new, fixed-price dinner menu, which will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The menu focuses on local produce and classic dishes with a twist - such as pork osso bucco with saffron potatoes. It costs £16 for two courses and £19 for three, and joins the popular fixed-price lunch of £9.75 for two courses. For more info visit www.ronnies-restaurant.co.uk
http://www.ronnies-restaurant.co.uk

Food and Farming Awards victories

We don’t know why they’re hiding behind their tiffin tins (see above), because Bristol’s Thali Cafés have been named Britain’s best takeaways at the Radio 4 2009 Food and Farming Awards. The authentic Indian street food is dished up in the insulated,
re-usable tiffin boxes, and Thali owner Sidharth Sharma said, ‘We just didn’t want to go down the usual route of foil and leaking plastic. The award is a recognition of all the environmentally positive things we’ve been trying to do.’ Judge and Michelin Guide inspector Simon Parkes, praised the cafés’ policy of sourcing ingredients from nearby and the ‘wonderful method of delivery’.
Also good news for the South West was that Growfair, Pride of Cornwall was named Best Retail Initiative at the awards. Growfair’s Nick Matthews said: ‘Having been up against competition from across the whole of the UK, we’re absolutely delighted to have won.’

Intro to Fish

Pop in to the Seafood Market at RockFish Grill on a Wednesday morning at 11am for a FREE introduction to fresh fish.
They'll be covering things like: How to choose the best from the fish counter, what to look for, when to buy, what is seasonal, trying alternatives, ask questions like what does John Dory taste like, which fish would be best for a paella? what to cook, some handy little tips on fast suppers & impressive dishes with the best fish in town. It's only 15 minutes so they won't cover everything every week but they're offering little nuggets of really useful information.
Mitch Tonks said, “This is like a mini cookery school and designed to de-mystify. People are often still not sure what to do with fish when cooking for family and friends or how to make a good choice from the counter and we want to show everyone how easy it really is!”.
Tel. 01179 73 73 84
http://www.rockfishgrill.co.uk/

Local Food Farmers of the Year

Steve and Heather Tucker of White Row Farm Shop have scooped the prestigious Local Food Farmer of the Year prize at the national 2009 Farmers Weekly Awards, for their lovely farm shop. It’s just off the A361 near Beckington.

http://www.whiterowcountryfoods.co.uk

The 2009 Taste of the West Awards

The 2009 Taste of the West Awards product results have been announced. Gold winners this year include Jon Thorner’s herby pork sausages (Jon is pictured), Bordeaux Quay’s chocolate macaroons, Pukka Herb’s Organic Three Berry Herbal Tea, I Should Coco’s honey and thyme truffle, Polgoon Vineyard’s Raspberry Aval, the Cornish Duck Company’s duck burger, West Lake’s Premium Organic Cider, Leigh Farm’s Wild Boar Faggots and Roly’s Fudge Pantry’s lemon meringue fudge. For the full list of winners visit the website.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Good Food Guide 2010

The Somerset restaurant scene is thriving, with nine new entries making it into the Good Food Guide 2010. The new entries are: At the Chapel, Bruton; The Lockhouse, Portishead; The Royal Oak, Winsford; The Barn at 10 The Square, Wiveliscombe; The Pheasant Inn, Worth; and Casanis, The Hop Pole, The Marlborough Tavern, and Minibar, all in Bath.

Budding ‘grow your own-ers‘

Budding ‘grow your own-ers‘ can gain the skills to cultivate their land from the Soil Association, which is launching 300 Organic Farm School courses over the next two years. Participants will learn practical skills direct from organic farmers and producers, and courses include bee-keeping, chicken-keeping, vegetable-growing, cider-making, bread-baking, willow-weaving and hedge-laying.
http://www.soilassociation.org

Best Gastropub in Devon

The Holt in Honiton has been awarded top honours by Taste of the West in its annual hospitality awards. Owned and operated by brothers Joe (pictured) and Angus McCaig, the business won gold in the ‘Best Gastropub in Devon’ category, but was also only one of the eleven finalists to receive gold. It will now go forward to the regional finals.
http://www.theholt-honiton.com

National Restaurant of the Year Awards

The Jack in the Green is celebrating after coming 80th at this year’s National Restaurant of the Year Awards, having already been included in the Top 100. Top spot went to Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck in Bray, and other restaurants from Devon were Lewtrenchard Manor at 28, The Seahorse at 84, The Elephant at 99 and Gidleigh Park, which came 28th, and which was also placed number 22 in the new Good Food Guide’s list of the top 50 UK restaurants.

www.vegswap.co.uk

The South West’s gourmet gardeners are sharing the love, produce-wise. An innovative new website: www.vegswap.co.uk is helping those with a surplus of homegrown grub to swap their goodies for somebody else’s - no money involved.
http://www.vegswap.co.uk

Golden honey

Cornish Chunk Honey, which is produced by Alverton Manor and Gwenen Apiaries, has just won a much-sought-after two gold stars at the 2009 Great Taste Awards. Drizzle it on yoghurt or hot buttered toast and enjoy nature’s generosity.
www.greattasteawards.co.uk
http://www.alvertonmanor.co.uk

Gold stars

The Guild of Fine Food has just announced the winners of the highly-respected Great Taste Awards 2009, and as always our local foods excelled, with a few winning two gold stars. Some of our favourite high achievers are: wild boar and venison salami from The Real Boar Co; whole side of cold-smoked salmon from Brown and Forrest; dark chocolate truffles with hazelnuts, and milk chocolate truffles with honey from Zoe’s Cakes and Chocolates; Castellano’s pâté de campagne; Somerset Dabinett and Redsteak ciders from Perry’s Cider; and Moroccan chickpea and roasted pepper soup from Darling Deli in Bath. Blur bass player, farmer and writer Alex James and chef Mark Hix will be judging at the September awards ceremony when the Supreme Champion 2009 will be announced.
http://www.greattasteawards.co.uk

Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant

Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant has a new head chef. Local boy Nick Brodie’s (pictured) pre-Olive Tree highlights include holding the senior sous chef role at both The Bath Priory and The Royal Crescent Hotel. The 33-year old has introduced a whole new range of seasonally-infused menus to the restaurant.
Tel. 01225 447928
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk

New branch of Carluccio’s

A new branch of Carluccio’s opens in Princesshay in Exeter on September 28. MD Simon Kossoff (since retirement Antonio, pictured, has held an advisory role in the company) is opening five new branches a year, and this is one of two new South West branches, with the other at Bristol’s Cribbs Causeway. Visitors will be able to sample genuine Italian food in the successful combination of a café, restaurant, alimentari foodshop and deli, and it’ll be open throughout the day for breakfast, coffee, light lunches or full dinners with wine in the evening.
http://www.carluccios.com

Tasting notes

The Guild of Fine Food has just announced the winners of the highly-respected Great Taste Awards 2009, and as always Devon foods excelled. Special mention must go to those who won three gold stars - less than 2% of entries - as by the Guild’s guidelines these are considered ‘faultless’. In Devon these were: Ashridge Sparkling Vintage Cider, a clean, crisp sparkler made by the méthode champenoise by Ashridge Cider, which won gold for the third year running; Manna from Devon’s gorgeously gooey dark chocolate brownies; Quickes’ hard goats cheese; and Jack Ratt Scrumpy from The Lyme Bay Winery. Blur bass player, farmer and writer Alex James and chef Mark Hix will be judging at the September awards ceremony where the Supreme Champion 2009 will be announced.
http://www.greattasteawards.co.uk

Exmoor blueberries need you!

Exmoor’s first and only blueberry farm, Sharcott Farm in Exford, has just picked its maiden harvest. There’s a bumper crop of delicious blueberries, but the harvest’s main buyer has just filed for administration, so Sharcott Farm’s owners, Sarah and Simon Keily (pictured), are looking for local shops, restaurants and the public to buy direct. If that doesn’t happen Simon says, ‘Much of the crop will go to waste and we will be fighting for the future of the farm.’
The blueberry season is short and only lasts seven weeks from mid-August. Retailers and restaurants can order by calling Simon on 01643 831520 and readers who want to pick their own should phone Sharcott Farm in advance on 07980 468793 for directions and opening times.

Vote for your fave restaurant

Gordon Ramsay’s food magazine show The F Word is looking for The F Word’s Best Local Restaurant. Tell the show about your favourite place to eat, whether it’s a well-known hotspot or a hidden gem, and once you've nominated you'll be able to apply for a seat in The F Word restaurant. Visit the website to give your nomination before midnight on July 17.
http://www.channel4.com/food/f-word/nominate

South West vineyards success

Vineyards from Cornwall, Somerset and Devon are celebrating success at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2009 and Decanter World Wine Awards 2009.
Camel Valley in Cornwall won gold awards at at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards on the same day, with a gold medal for their 2007 Bacchus at the former, and a gold medal for their 2005 White Pinot at the latter, as well as a clutch of silver, bronze and highly commended medals at both. ‘We’re not just over the moon - we’re somewhere above Mars!’ said Camel Valley's Bob Lindo (pictured with son Sam).
Two Somerset vineyards are also celebrating. At the Decanter World Wine Awards 2009 Mumfords Vineyard won a bronze medal and a commended, and Oatley Vineyard won two commended awards. Oatly Vineyard also won three commended medals at at the International Wine Challenge 2009.
Finally, Sharpham Vineyard in Devon won two silver and three commended awards at the International Wine Challenge whilst at the Decanter World Wine Awards it was awarded two bronze and a commended medal.

South West's top pubs announced

Eat Out Magazine has announced its list of Great Britain’s top pubs. Somerset's top pubs were The Queens Arms in Corton Denham, The Helyar Arms in Yeovil and The Lord Poulett Arms in George. Devon's top pubs were The Mason’s Arms in Knowstone, The Jack in the Green at Rockbeare, and The Williams Arms in Braunton. Cornwall's top pubs were Viners in Summercourt and The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor. Judges combined independent press reviews, customer comments, and recognition from regional and national guides together with respected industry accolades to decide on who made the list.

Tanner brothers celebrate

On July 17 Devon’s favourite TV chef duo, Plymouth’s Tanner brothers, celebrate ten years at Prysten House where they have their successful eponymous restaurant. Chris Tanner told food that the restaurant’s loyal supporters are rushing to book tables to help them celebrate on the night, and reflected on what’s been achieved in the ten years. ‘So much has changed. We’ve gone from a team of four to employing fifty people in two restaurants. There’s been an immense amount of hard work, lots of highs - and a couple of lows. We’re now looking forward to what the next ten years will bring.’
http://www.tannersrestaurant.com

Jamie Oliver hearts Cornwall

Jamie Oliver was at Fifteen Cornwall recently to see the latest bunch of enthusiastic young chefs graduate, and made time to speak exclusively to food.
Since 2006 his training programme has been taking Cornish youngsters with few prospects, and giving them a future, and he’s justifiably proud of everyone’s achievements so far. ‘Fifteen to me is about proving that young people who’ve had a bad time in their previous lives can be amazing,’ said Jamie. ‘Now we’re starting to see our graduates becoming head chefs and sous chefs, and having stories written about them for their own food. In this part of the world having generations of good chefs coming through the ranks is so important.’
He talked about the challenges that the restaurant faced at the beginning, and the importance of supporting other local businesses. ‘When we started here people said the business wouldn’t last a year and we wouldn’t be able to maintain standards,’ he said, ‘but the team keep this wonderful business running all year. Winter in Cornwall can be a worry but these guys are proactive and do so much. Neil [exec chef Neil Haydock] and the gang have done an amazing job of finding lots of amazing, quirky producers and investing in people.’
Jamie also sung the praises of Cornish food - though he doesn’t get to enjoy it nearly as much as he’d like. ‘Cornwall is becoming a serious contender for some of the most excellent places to eat out,’ he said. ‘Before things got crazy I used to like to go to Port Isaac, and visit a couple of pubs and have a bit of grub. I know it’s a bit clichéd, but I have fond memories of Cornish homemade jam, scones and clotted cream, honesty boxes and local produce that go back to my childhood.’
http://www.fifteen.net

New menus at Olive Tree Restaurant

Nick Brodie, the new head chef at Olive Tree Restaurant in Bath, has completely re-vamped the restaurant’s menus. With dishes such as ceviche of Cornish scallops with grilled wild seabass and samphire salad on the evening menu, and fillet of Bishop Collings pork with dauphinoise potato and roast pork sauce on at lunchtime, he’s taking pains to use some of the best West Country produce available. Visit www.thequeensberry.co.uk for more details.
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk

New Truro Bistro - ooh la la

The French Bistro has opened on New Bridge Street in Truro. It has an antique Parisian atmosphere and serves authentic French bistro dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Book ahead on 01872 223068.

Relish the opportunity

World-class barista Hugo Hercod of Relish Food and Drink in Wadebridge recently addressed an audience of industry experts at the Café Culture exhibition in London, as Relish is now widely regarded as especially innovative in its field. Relish is also now selling Cornwall company Origin’s new locally-roasted In Season espresso coffee blend.
http://www.relishwadebridge.co.uk

Pasty palaver

A debate has ensued after local pie company Chunk of Devon won an award for ‘best Cornish pasty’ in a national competition. The company, based in Ottery St Mary, won the award at the first ever British Pie Awards, but it was later claimed that the criteria had stipulated the pasties should be made in Cornwall. However, it’ll keep its award because there had been an ‘‘honest mistake’’.

New Tavistock restaurant

Blue Mango restaurant has now opened in Tavistock. It serves contemporary rustic dishes made with produce sourced almost exclusively from the immediate area, Devon and Cornwall; call 01822 617581.
http://www.bluemangobread.com

Celeb chef charity bakeoff

Celeb chef Phil Vickery has helped organise a charity baking event, and has written recipes to go alongside.
To support St Dunstan’s, a charity that offers lifelong support to blind ex-service men and women, he is launching the St Dunstan’s Great Cake Bake Challenge during St Dunstan’s week at the end of June. Supporters are encouraged to get involved by persuading friends and family to sponsor your cake-making efforts, organising a bake-off, inviting people to make a donation to sample a slice or two of your cake, or raffling off the fruits of your labour.
Visit the websire for recipes and further information.
http://www.st-dunstans.org.uk/greatcakebake

Darts Farm Award

Darts Farm has been given a Lord Mayor’s Award for its Food is Fun teepees at the Exeter Food and Drink Festival. Described as ‘An exceptional and innovative family food and drink experience’!' the Mayor of Exeter visited Darts Farm to present the award.
The teeepees were host to workshops from local producers to the world famous Mary Berry, allowed children and adults to explore the world of food with fun activities, and gave out seeds for visitors to take home and grow into a mini vegetable patch.


http://www.dartsfarm.co.uk

2009 UK Barista Championship

Cornish baristas excelled at the UK Barista Championship, with two making the top ten: Tristan Stephenson came third, and Jack Hudspith from Relish came eighth. Londoner Gwilym Davies won, and went on to become World Barista Champion.
http://www.ukbaristachampionship.co.uk

Fifteen Cornwall's third birthday

To celebrate Fifteen Cornwall’s third birthday, two-Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines will join the team on May 20 to host an evening of great European-style food. Book on the number below.
Tel. 01637 861000
http://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk

Masterchef winner to open restaurant

If you liked the look of this year’s Masterchef winner Mat Follas’ cooking, you’ll be interested to know that he’ll hopefully soon be opening a restaurant just over the Devon border in Dorset.

Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill

Nathan Outlaw (pictured) has taken the food and drinks operations at the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock under his expert wing and will launch the Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill at the hotel in June. He’ll continue to run his Michelin-starred Fowey restaurant, but will now also be serving excellent, simple Cornish meat and seafood dishes in a more laid-back style. “The menu will change regularly to make the most of what’s available from local producers,” says Nathan. “It’ll be great to be able to offer people good local produce at pub prices.” Nathan is on BBC2’s Great British Menu at the start of May, so get rooting for him.
Tel. 01208 863394
http://www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk/

New-look Trencherman's Guide launched

The 2009/10 Trencherman’s Guide is now out. Salt Media, the team behind food, created the guide and the new website this year and our editor Jo Rees said, “This long-established guide to the top restaurants in the South West is a must for every foodie’s glove compartment.”
www.trenchermans-guide.com

Get your family on the telly

Get your family on the telly with Rachel Allen. If you enjoyed her last series, Bake!, you may like to be one of the families taking part in Rachel’s new series. You must have children over seven and be interested in creating and eating nutritious home-cooked food as a family. Email a family photo by May 24 to family@cactustv.co.uk with the names and ages of your family members, home address, contact number, and reasons why you’d like to be part of the project.
family@cactustv.co.uk

The River Cottage Canteen

The River Cottage Canteen has opened in Bath. It’s in the same building as Komedia in Westgate Street, and is open for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. The menu reflects its seasonal, local ethos in dishes such as smoked organic rump steak with roasted jerusalem artichockes and Rachel goat’s cheese.
http://www.rivercottage.net/

Picnic in the High Street in Taunton

There will be a huge (and hopefully record-breaking) picnic in the High Street in Taunton on the bank holiday Monday of May 25. The picnic will celebrate the first day of National Family Week, and the organisers behind the week are aiming to break a Guinness World Record of people picnicking in one country at the same time. To join in the party, take your sandwiches to the High Street from 12.30pm on the day.

Learn from the wine experts

Exeter-based wine writer and broadcaster Susy Atkins, who appears regularly on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen show and writes for the Sunday Telegraph, has teamed up with highly respected wine expert Angela Mount. The team’ll provide a wide range of events, from talks for serious connoisseurs, to evenings based around great value wines with plenty of tips for beginners.

Royal Bath & West Show’s cider competition

The final call is going out for entries to the Royal Bath & West Show’s cider competition. The closing date is 13th April, whilst the actual show is on Wednesday 27th-Saturday 30th May, and The Celebrity Judge will be Mark Hix. There is a small prize for the best cider or perry juice made in a community or non-commercial orchard which should attract those who are trying their hand at making cider for the first time. There is also a new International Class and, as last year, for a bit of fun there is a competition for politicians and members of the Parliamentary Cider Group.
Entry forms are available online on the Royal Bath & West Society’s website http://www.bathandwest.com/schedulesandentries/56/ (or telephone Valerie Bath on 01749-822200) and cover classes for cider (farmhouse, bottled and organic) - from which the Supreme Champion is chosen - perry and apple juice, and for the best cider orchard award.
http://www.bathandwest.com/schedulesandentries/56/

Top Team for Barnstaple Restaurant

Chef/proprietor James Duckett of the restaurant James Duckett at the Old Custom House is joined by new restaurant manger Stefano De Raimondo to form a formidable team dedicated to placing north Devon firmly on the gastronomic map of the South West. Stefano comes to Barnstaple from Guernsey where he was, until recently restaurant manager and sommelier at the Michelin starred Restaurant Christophe. At the same time, James is joined in the kitchen by third chef, Raul Hernadez who has come to Barnstaple direct from Madrid in Spain. Raul previously worked as second head chef at the Cruz Blanca Restaurant in Madrid.
oldcustomhouse@tawview.com
Tel. 01271 370123
http://www.theoldcustomhouse.co.uk/

The Cornish Fishmonger lands at doorsteps

Fresh, expertly and sustainably caught fish and shellfish from the crystal clear Cornish waters can now arrive at doorsteps all over the Country within hours, with the launch of The Cornish Fishmonger.
From Falmouth Bay King Scallops, silvery Newlyn Hake and deep blue Padstow Lobsters, to hand picked Cornish Crab meat, River Fowey Mussels and hand sliced Smoked Salmon, The Cornish Fishmonger has fresh fish, shellfish and smoked fish at its fingertips - situated only a pebble’s throw away from some of the best quayside markets in the Country.
The Cornish Fishmonger is launched by Rob Wing, also founder and owner of Wing of St Mawes Fish Merchants in Cornwall, who has been catching, sourcing, cooking, preparing and selling fish in Cornwall for over 25 years.
rob@wingofstmawes.co.uk
Tel. 01726 861666
http://www.thecornishfishmonger.co.uk

The Jack in the Green

The Jack in the Green will reopened on February 28, after undergoing an extensive kitchen refurbishment. A quarter of a million quid has been spent creating a new ergonomic cooking area to help the award-winning restaurant reach new heights. “We’ve a lot of talented guys in the kitchen, and so this should make it easier for them to create even better food,” says proprietor Paul Parnell (pictured above). There’s a whole new pastry section, combi ovens and a greener way of working using induction cooking, and Paul and the kitchen team have also come up with some new menu ideas, including ways of providing great value for money with a few lower-priced dishes.
info@jackinthegreen.uk.com
Tel. 01404 822240
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com/

Michelin-star success

Three local restaurants are celebrating Michelin-star success. The Dining Room at Whately Manor in Malmesbury has gained its second star for head chef Martin Burge (pictured above). Casamia in Westbury on Trym has been awarded its first Michelin star, with brothers Peter and Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias doing the honours in the kitchen. And The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe has also received its first star this year.

Learn to cook at home with Padstow Seafood School

Padstow Seafood School has announced a special five week cookery course to help local food lovers build confidence in the kitchen as ‘eating in’ becomes the new ‘eating out’.
Whether cooking for friends, hosting dinner parties, entertaining guests or simply eating with the family, the Seafood School’s special five-week fish cookery course aims to boost kitchen confidence and promote cooking from scratch at home. The course covers everything from how to clean and fillet a selection of fish to choosing the right wine to accompany your meal.
Head lecturer at the School, Mark Puckey, and his team of chefs have devised this evening course to suit everyone from beginners to aspiring chefs. By taking people back to basics Mark and his team will demystify the world of seafood, covering the groundwork of fish cookery in just five weeks.
A combination of hands-on cookery and chef demonstrations over a five week period will enable students to learn to cook a wide range of courses.
Each week will focus on a different area of food preparation, including: stocks, canapés and starters, main courses, desserts, cheese and wines, equipping students with everything they need to know to create the perfect meal.
The five-week evening course runs from Tuesday 10th March to Tuesday 7th April 2009 and costs £275 per person.
For more information visit the website or contact Padstow Seafood School on the number below.
seafoodschool@rickstein.com
Tel. 01841 533466
http://www.rickstein.com

Rick Stein to become landlord of his local pub

St Austell Brewery have announce that Rick Stein is to become the landlord of his local St Austell Brewery pub, the Cornish Arms at St Merryn.
The Cornish Arms is a popular country village local in St Merryn, just two miles from the fishing village of Padstow where Rick has established his successful stable of restaurant and food businesses.
Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery Estate Director, said: “The Brewery is very proud of the Cornish Arms and we are delighted to work with Rick Stein in this traditional Cornish inn. Good food is an ever more important part of any pub's success and it is wonderful news that top chefs are choosing to operate good quality pubs in addition to restaurants and bistros. With Rick's name above the door, we can be sure the Cornish Arms is in good hands.”
Rick Stein is the latest top chef to take on the tenancy of a St Austell Brewery pub after former Michelin starred Paul Ripley, who spent more than ten years as Rick’s head chef, took up the reins at the St Kew Inn, near Wadebridge in October 2008.
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/

Britain's Best Dish 2009

Do you cook an original mouth-watering starter, main course or pudding which you believe is a recipe for success?
Go and pitch your dish to a panel of top chefs and food critics at one of ITVs nationwide auditions. £10,000 cash prize for the winner.
Auditions will be held this spring. Please call or email for more information.
bestdish@itv.com
Tel. 0871 6266222

Three AA rosettes for The Abbey

The Abbey Restaurant in Penzance has been awarded three AA rosettes, it was announced last week.
Tel. 01736 330680
http://www.abbeyrestaurant.co.uk/

Foodeaze

Foodeaze in Exeter is undergoing a major refurb as part of the plan to develop it as a regional Foodcentre in support of the government’s Change for Life campaign, as endorsed by Jamie Oliver. It is expected to reopen by the end of March.
Tel. 01392 269 590
http://www.foodeaze.co.uk/

Grand New Chef

The Grand Hotel in Torquay has a new chef in the form of Richard Hunt. Devonian Richard has held positions in respected Devon kitchens, as well as those further afield, many at two AA rosette level. Along the way he has collected various trophies and was elected a Masterchef of Great Britain in 2002. Richard intends to continue to bring excellence to the Grand Hotel: “My style of food is based on having one star of the show that will shine through and have the flavour expected in bucket-loads,” he says.
Alan Knight, group operations manager of Richardson Hotels, which includes the Grand said, “We want the Grand to be at the forefront in the renaissance of Torbay as a leading UK resort, and we want our food to be known for its integration with the area. Richard uses high quality local produce, from Ruby Red Devon beef to fresh Brixham fish in his imaginative dishes, and will be a key player in our future plans”.
Tel. 0844 5027587
http://www.grandtorquay.co.uk/

Camel Valley community food project

St Kew Harvest farmshop is at the centre of a new community food project. Camel Valley residents are invited to help grow fruit and veg on the farmshop’s land, either by actually getting stuck in or subscribing, and will then be able to take the produce home to their own kitchens. To get involved call Antonina Brown on the number below.
Tel. 01208 841818

Taste of the West dining awards

The results of the Taste of the West hospitality and retail awards have been announced. Gold winners in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset include: The Grove Inn in Kings Nympton, The Salty Monk in Sidmouth and Ode in Shaldon (Devon); Victoria Inn in Perranuthnoe, Fifteen Cornwall in Watergate Bay and Lobbs Farm Shop in Heligan (Cornwall); and The Mandeville Arms in Hardington Mandeville, Farrington's Farm Shop in Farrington Gurney and Rumwell Farm Shop in Rumwell in Somerset.
The Grove Inn was also named overall Dining Pub of the South West, and South West Restaurant of the Year was won by Ode in Shaldon.
See the website for full winners' details.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Top local restuarants named

Eateries in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall have made it onto Restaurant magazine’s first Top UK Restaurants list. Somerset restaurants on the list are The Bath Priory in Bath, The Royal Crescent, also in Bath, and The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Cornish restaurants on the list are Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Ripley’s in St Merryn, No6 in Padstow and Porthminster Café in St Ives. And those in Devon who made it are Gidleigh Park in Chagford, The Oyster Shack in Bigbury and The New Angel in Dartmouth.

Local foodies honoured by BBC

Three West Country businesspeople were honoured at Radio 4’s 2008 Food and Farming Awards: Adam’s Fish & Chips on St Martin’s, in the Isles of Scilly, was named Best Takeaway; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was named BBC Food Personality of the Year; and Mary Mead of Holt Farms in Blagdon was been named Farmer Of The Year.

Calling north Devon’s fruit and veg growers!

Local Farm Box is a new food box scheme from Edd’s of Braunton that’s launching in February, and it’s looking for local producers who can supply it with fresh produce; you don’t have to be a huge producer to get involved. Call John Ward on the number below, or visit the website after February 2.
Tel. 01271 855999
http://www.localfarmbox.co.uk

Michael Caines to work with The Bath Priory

Uber chef Michael Caines MBE has been named executive head chef of The Bath Priory, following the departure of Chris Horridge to Berkshire’s Cliveden House. Caines (pictured), who holds two stars for his cooking at The Bath Priory’s sister hotel Gideligh Park in Devon said, “It is my intention to bring more synergy between Gidleigh Park and The Bath Priory, while retaining their unique appeal and offer.”
Tel. 01225 331922
http://www.thebathpriory.co.uk/

We love local meat

Dartmoor Farmers Association has launched its new meat boxes. Produce comes from native Dartmoor grass-fed livestock, and is available UK-wide; visit the website below to order.
Further good news for meat lovers is that South West beef and lamb could soon get a Protected Geographical Indicator, giving it the same protection as champagne, says Meat South West.
Tel. 0800 756 1396
http://www.dartmoorfarmers.co.uk

Market success

St Nicholas Market - home of foodie faves The Bristol Sausage Shop, Trethownan’s Dairy, Pieminister, the fab Treasure Island Sweets and with Taste@StNick’s nearby - has been named the south’s greenest market by the National Markets Traders Federation.

Masterchef: The Professionals is back!

BBC2's Masterchef: The Professionals is back for a second series, searching for the best young professional chefs in the country who dream of cooking at the highest level and want to experience Michelin standard cooking.
The competition will be judged by Michel Roux Jnr and Gregg Wallace and aims to uncover a new talent. It is a fantastic opportunity for any ambitious chef with passion and creativity.
To apply:
• You must be aged 20 or above on February 1st 2009
• You must be resident of the UK (inc Northern Ireland and Channel Islands).
• You need to have worked for at least 2 years as a chef in a professional kitchen and/or have the necessary qualifications (i.e. passed your NVQ level 3, or your 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent. In Ireland you must have NTCB Certificate in Professional Cookery)
If you know anyone who fits the bill or fancy having a go yourself, please apply by visiting the website or call the number below.
Tel. 0871 210 8882
http://www.masterchef.tv

Green England Awards Winners 2008

A1 Fruiterers in North Cornwall won runner up in the category of Best Green Company. They are suppliers of Fair Trade, Organic, vegan and vegetarian groceries and produce, supporting local producers and have a range of Cornish products as well as Fair Trade products from around the world.
Tel. 01840 212424
http://www.a1fruiterers.co.uk/

Stuck for gift ideas?

Falmouth Bay Oysters has Christmas all wrapped up. Get fresh Falmouth Bay wild native oysters delivered to your door by mail order with a 24 hour delivery service. Perfect as a gift to a friend or relation. All native oysters are packed in fresh seaweed and in attractive French style wooden punnets with full instructions for opening and storage.
info@falmouthoysters.co.uk
Tel. 01326 316600
http://www.falmouthoysters.co.uk/

Winter madness – your room for FREE!

Why not get away from it all for a couple of days before Christmas at Watergate Bay. If you stay for one or more nights Sunday – Thursday during December you'll get your room for FREE when you stay in the Coach House or Hotel house rooms. You just have to pay for dinner each evening (three course dinner in the Brasserie) and breakfast each morning. Offer valid until 18th December.
Watergate Bay is a stunning location and perfect setting, with a two mile stretch of beautiful beach and coast line as far as the eye can see all just a few steps from The Hotel.
Prices start from £39.95 per person (based on two sharing) and reduced tariffs are available for children.
For further information visit the website or call the number below.
Tel. 01637 860543
http://www.watergatebay.co.uk

Luxury Christmas shopping

The Queensberry Hotel is offering a luxury Christmas shopping break throughout November and December to encourage visitors to make the most of Bath’s Christmas market as well as its wealth of independent shops and boutiques. Guests can stay from Sunday–Thursday in a deluxe double room including a chilled half bottle of champagne placed in the room for arrival, three course dinner at The Olive Tree and English breakfast for just £250 per night for two guests – a saving of £100.
The Queensberry Hotel is the perfect base to explore the Bath Christmas Market, one of the UK’s most popular festive gift markets and Christmas events in the UK. The Christmas Market, now in its eighth year, is just weeks away and multi award winning The Queensberry Hotel, in Russel Street, is making preparations to welcome its Christmas visitors. Hotel owner, Laurence Beere said: “With an estimated 200,000 people expected to visit the Bath Christmas Market this year it’s important to start planning your accommodation now to avoid disappointment. The Christmas Market is growing in popularity year on year and as the hotel is situated in the heart of the city; we pride ourselves on providing a magical retreat for visitors who, after the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, can return to The Queensberry and relax in front of a log fire.”
Tel. 01225 447928
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk/

Mason's Arms makes UK's top 100

Restaurant Magazine has included the Masons Arms at Knowstone, north Devon in its list of the 100 best places to eat in the UK. The group was compiled by a panel of judges made up of chefs, restaurateurs and food critics, who were asked to vote for their top five restaurants, explained Restaurant editor Paul Wootton.
"This is a fantastic achievement for us, and I am absolutely delighted to be flying the flag for North Devon." said Mark Dodson, chef and owner of the Michelin starred restaurant within the 13th century pub. "To be included in such a star studded list after only three years in the business is wonderful." adds Mark’s wife Sarah who runs the front of house at the restaurant .
Other Devon restaurants that are featured in the top 100 are Gidleigh Park, Chagford, The New Angel, Dartmouth, Combe House Hotel, Gittisham and The Oyster Shack at Bigbury.

Tel. 01398 341231.
http://www.masonsarmsdevon.co.uk/

Newly-expanded Lilicos

The newly-expanded Lilicos in Barnstaple is now open. Chris and Wanda Smith have added the building next door to the tapas lounge and bar, and created a larger lunch menu, new patisserie and champagne bar, and a choice of eating areas with sophisticated but laid-back décor.
Tel. 01271 372933

Beautiful desserts

Scott Paton of The Jack in the Green has won the 2008/09 International Pastry Chefs’ Dessert Competition; get your fill of Scott’s beautiful desserts while you can, as the pub will be closed for a refurb during January and February.
info@jackinthegreen.uk.com
Tel. 01404 822240
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com/

Mail order for Newlyn Fish

Newlyn Fish is expanding their thriving business into the world of mail order, making its fine fish available to everyone; call for details.
newlynfish@btinternet.com
Tel. 01736 369814
http://www.newlynfish.co.uk/

My Heart of Cornwall loyalty card

Shoppers in Camborne, Pool and Redruth will be rewarded for buying locally if they join up to the first project of its kind in the country. From January 2009 residents who use local shops and businesses and the My Heart of Cornwall loyalty card could earn around £50-£60 a month.
http://www.cprregeneration.co.uk

National Award for the Boston Tea Party

Hot on the heels of Boston Tea Party’s recent success at the ‘Best Beverage Experience Awards 2008’ comes another national award this time for ‘Best Small Branded UK Coffee Chain 2008’ presented at the prestigious ‘European Coffee Symposium’.
The Boston Tea Party is one of the West Country’s best known and popular independent cafés with coffee houses in Barnstaple, Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Honiton. It is famous for its coffee and tea and has established a well deserved reputation for creating delicious and affordable meals with an emphasis on using local and ethical suppliers. To date over 80% of its suppliers are based in the West Country. The Boston Tea Party uses only organic West Country milk and its coffee is imported and freshly roasted by local importers and coffee specialities D J Miles - helping them stay true to their aim of sourcing local producers and ethical products whenever possible.
admin@bostonteaparty.co.uk
Tel. 0117 929 3939
http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/

Otterton Mill opens on Friday and Saturday nights

The move to open the Mill’s restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings follows demand from the Mill’s day-time customers who share a passion for great food using the freshest local and seasonal produce. Game-meats are at the heart of the evening menu, alongside other meat, fish and vegetarian choices.
To celebrate the restaurant’s evening opening on Fridays and Saturdays, there are a number of offers running to the end November which include a complimentary bottle of house wine to accompany the meal for parties of four or more people.
Tel. 01395 567041
http://www.ottertonmill.com

Bath Oliver

A branch of Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain, Jamie’s Italian, opened in Bath on October 6. Subtly dominating the city’s new-look Milsom Place complex, the restaurant specialises in authentic, rustic Italian fare in cheerful, informal surroundings. “I love Bath; it’s the prettiest city ever,” Oliver told food. “I can relax here and enjoy myself; it’s my aim to translate those feelings to my diners.”
Tel. 01225 510051
http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian

Gurnard's Head wins award

The Gurnard’s Head near Zennor was awarded the 2009 Good Hotel Guide’s Dining Pub of the Year award last week.
enquiries@gurnardshead.co.uk
Tel. 01736 796928
http://www.gurnardshead.co.uk/

Calling all local foodies!

If you're a talented cook looking for a big break, passionate about your local food and eager to learn from top chefs, TV wants you! Taste The Nation, a new ITV show, is looking for contestants to represent their county in its national cookery knock-out competition. Contestants must be available for filming on the occasional day between November 2008 and February 2009. If you want to take part, call or email to register your details.
You must be 16 years or older to apply or call. Calls cost 10p from BT landlines. call from other networks may be higher and from mobiles will be considerably more. Lines close at midday on October 31. Calls made after closing time may will not be counted but may still be charged. ITV cannot guarantee that all applicants will be called back. Terms and conditions at itv.com/terms.
tastethenation@itv.com
09011 986986
http://www.itv.com

Cornwall has a world-class barista!

Hugo Hercod of Relish in Wadebridge came 10th out of 52 at the World Barista Championships in Copenhagen recently.
01208 814214
http://www.relishfoodanddrink.co.uk/

Von Essen Chef of the Year Competition

This year’s Von Essen Chef of the Year competition has been won by Dan Moon, head chef at Homewood Park. He was pitched against five other chefs in the final, and impressed the judges by making the best main course and pudding from mystery box of ingredients that included rabbit, lemon sole, and chocolate.
01225 723731
http://www.homewoodpark.co.uk/

Eat Out Magazine's list in Devon

Four Devon restaurants have been included in Eat Out Magazine’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK; congrats to Ode in Shaldon, The Room in The Elephant in Torquay, The New Angel in Dartmouth, and Tanners in Plymouth - where are the rest though?

Eat Out Magazine's list in Cornwall

Two Cornish restaurants have been included in Eat Out Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK; congrats to The Abbey in Penzance, and Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey.

New chef to run Olive Tree Restaurant

The Olive Tree in Bath has announced the appointment of new award-winning Head Chef, Paul Burrows. Paul who previously worked at The Residence, will oversee the running of the Olive Tree restaurant as well as the food and beverage aspect throughout the Queensberry Hotel.
Commenting on his appointment Paul said, “I’m really excited about my move to Olive Tree Restaurant. I passionately believe people want good service and to try something different to what they would ordinarily have at home. I am a firm believer in having ‘balance’ between the menu and each individual plate, whilst creating dishes that appeal to all the senses.” Laurence Beere, owner of The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant adds, “The arrival of Paul Burrows, our new head chef will, further enhance the reputation of the hotel and restaurant. Paul is passionate about food and always goes that extra mile to provide customers with a really fantastic dining experience.”
reservations@thequeensberry.co.uk
Tel. 01225 447 928
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk

St Austell Brewery launch menus in braille

St Austell Brewery is launching menus in braille in its pubs and hotels to help blind and partially sighted customers ordering food and drinks.
The menus are being launched in the Brewery’s 30 managed houses, a move that has won praise from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). As well as having menus in braille, all staff are trained to assist blind and partially sighted diners by reading out menus, including the specials board.
The first St Austell Brewery pubs and hotels to launch menus in Braille are:
The Atlantic Inn, Isles of Scilly
The Central Inn, Newquay
The Copley Arms, Hessenford
The Cornish Arms, St Merryn
The Fort Inn, Newquay
The Harbour Inn, Porthleven
The Holmbush Inn, St Austell
The Lifeboat Inn, St Ives
The Lugger Inn, Polruan
The Norway Inn, Perranarworthal
The Old Custom House, Padstow
The Oystercatcher, Polzeath
The Port William, Trebarwith Strand
The St Austell Visitor Centre, St Austell
The Ten Tors, Kingsteignton
The Weavers, Bodmin
The White Hart Hotel, St Austell
All other managed houses will receive Braille menus in the coming months.
Tel. 0845 24111224
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/

DJ Miles online

If you've been out and about in the South West this Summer, the chances are you will have come across DJ Miles & Co Ltd. Supplying fine tea and quality coffee since 1888 has been their aim, and now they are on the world wide web too. Their new website is packed full of Miles' classics, like the Original and West Country blend teas and Mr Miles Blend coffee, plus loads more unusual teas, ancillaries, gifts, cafetieres and much more. It's a haven for tea, coffee and hot chocolate lovers, or if you are on the lookout for an unusual gift.
info@djmiles.co.uk
0800 387948
http://www.djmiles.co.uk

Salty sourcing trip

The latest recruits from Fifteen Cornwall enjoyed some fresh sea air away from Watergate Bay when they visited the Cornish Sea Salt Company on the Lizard Peninsula to see how the high quality salt, used in their restaurant is produced.
Eleven apprentice chefs were given a tour of the production facility at Pol Gwarra, Porthkerris, by company founder and Managing Director Tony Fraser. During their visit the apprentices saw how up to 15,000 litres of sea water an hour is extracted just eight metres from the sea into a state-of-the-art energy efficient production unit. After passing through filtration, concentration and steam evaporation stages the sea water becomes a concentrated saline solution which is slowly evaporated in open vats to produce large flakes of sea salt that are soft enough to crumble by hand.
Within just a few months of starting, the commercial production is already gaining a buzz amongst food circles in the UK and Tony was pleased to see such enthusiasm for his product from the Fifteen Cornwall apprentices, “It was great to see that the group of chefs were really interested in what we do here. We talked about how many years ago salt was made in Cornwall for preserving pilchards and showed them how we’ve resurrected an ancient process with twenty-first century technology.”
0845 337 5277
http://www.cornishseasalt.co.uk/

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian is looking to turn into a widespread high street brand, and is opening for business in Bath this September, following the Oxford opening, which was pretty well received, and ahead of Kingston, Brighton and Cambridge. The concept is about high quality, affordable Italian food seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menus are pure rustic Italian with dishes such as “hot fingers” crispy lamb chops – proper grilled lamb chops served with dressed salad greens and Italian mint sauce, and Italian pear chocolate and almond tart served with orange crème fraiche. Check it out on Milsom Street, no bookings taken.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/

Roll out the red carpet

Marshfield Farm Ice cream from Bath is celebrating winning a prestigious Great Taste Award, often referred to as the Oscars of the food industry. The family-run artisan ice cream producer has been presented with a much-desired three star Great Taste Award for its new flavour of ice cream - clotted cream with blackcurrants. It also entered another two products which both won a two star gold award: clotted cream ice cream and its diabetic vanilla.
The Great Taste Awards is organised by the Guild of Fine Food. For more on Marshfield, read our recent ice cream round up here.
enquiries@marshfield-icecream.co.uk
Tel. 01225 891221
http://www.marshfield-icecream.co.uk/

Lessons to be learned at Slow Food summer market

It’s back to school for the monthly Slow Food Devon market at Topsham as young pupils from Topsham School will be selling some of the produce from their Sensory Garden and Allotment Patch for the first time. As part of their curriculum they have been growing beans, courgettes, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, radishes and peas, which they will sell on a regular basis from their own stall at the market.
All the money earned by the pupils will go towards the next stage of the school’s Allotment Patch scheme.
Slow Food Market, Matthew’s Hall, Topsham, Devon, Sunday July 20, 11am-3pm.
info@slowfooddevon.co.uk
Tel. 07708 371862
http://www.slowfood.com

Calling young chefs!

Do you know an aspiring chef aged between 11 and 16 who would like the opportunity to cook in the kitchen of a well-known restaurant? If so, get them to point their school in the direction of the Quality Standard beef mince Young Chef Challenge 2008.
Schools need to register with the competition organisers by July 21, then they're encouraged to help their students create original recipes using Quality Standard beef mince, which must be submitted with a photograph of the finished dish. The best entries will be invited to regional cook-off finals judged by James Martin and a panel of experts. There are also great prizes for the runners-up.
For lesson plans and an entry pack email visit the website, email, or write to Quality Standard beef mince Young Chef Challenge, 26 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1PQ.
QSMyoungchefchallenge@goodrelations.co.uk
http://www.meatandeducation.com

The Barbican Kitchen

Plymouth’s favourite chefs James and Chris Tanner have reopened their restaurant The Barbican Kitchen at the Plymouth Gin building, after the unfortunate kitchen fire in February. They’ve also got a fab new ice cream recipe book out and are happy to sign copies at the Barbican Kitchen, with some of the proceeds going to charity.
Tel. 01752 604448
http://www.barbicankitchen.com/

Dartmouth Apprentice

Dartmouth Apprentice, an Italian restaurant with a social conscience is opening on July 26. Serving a fusion of Devon and Italian food in a refurbished church, it will be a training restaurant - similar to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen - providing career and lifestyle development for local people.

The Seahorse Restaurant

Mitch Tonks’ The Seahorse Restaurant has some of the UK’s top chefs doing guest chef spots this summer. Mark Hix is sold out in July, but there’s still space for Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver of London’s St John restaurant, in September.
Tel. 01803 835147
http://www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk/

Enjoy England Awards

Fifteen Cornwall recently won gold at this year’s Enjoy England Awards, scooping the top award in the ‘Taste of England’ category for its excellent service, customer care, food sourcing and environmental policies.
Tel. 01637 861000
http://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/

'Local' beef

In a recent investigation 20% of West Country pubs and restaurants were found to be selling beef as ‘local’ when it actually originated abroad. If you’re worried when eating out, ask restaurant staff where the meat comes from - they should be able to give you details.

New top-notch organic bakery

North Somerset has just got a top-notch organic bakery. Winnie’s Bakeries at Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea have long been big on making bread in the traditional and natural way, but now there’s a new little sister company, Brinkton Bakehouse, making organic bread, including the yummy fig and aniseed, and roasted hazelnut and raisin speciality loaves. Look out for the new sourdoughs, rye breads and house loaf, ‘The Brinkton’, which is packed with seeds, and which will be in the bakery soon.
http://www.brinkton.com

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Bristol’s Farmers’ Market which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. It was the first weekly farmers’ market to be established in the UK and ten of the original traders at the very first farmers’ market are still trading today.
http://www.bristolfarmersmarket.org/

Sharpham Park Shop

The much-anticipated Sharpham Park Shop and Kilver Court Gardens will open this summer. Everything in the shop will come from within a fifty mile radius and of course there’ll be the full range of Sharpham Park’s own top-quality produce. Visit the website below for more details.
http://www.sharphampark.com

The Green Table

Celeb chef Lesley Waters has just launched The Green Table, a new food concept to Devon, which is a sort of posh meals on wheels for foodies. She’ll be trialling it in the Salcombe area in July and August, so if you are interested in giving it a try then call the number below or visit the website.
Tel. 01548 560850
http://www.thegreentable.co.uk

Children lead the way on 5 a day

One in three parents admit that their children know more than they do about 5 A DAY and nutrition.
A new report released for the Department of Health's 5 A DAY campaign shows that although parents understand the importance of getting their 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day, many are still confused about what counts towards that target, with one in three admitting that their children know more than they do about 5 A DAY and nutrition.
1 in 2 parents don't realise that any vegetables they include in homemade food such as spaghetti bolognaise can count towards their five a day, and that of their children. 95% of mums and dads also didn't know that chips cannot be counted towards the 5 a day target.
While 91% of parents know that fresh fruit and veg counts, and 78% are aware that frozen fruit and veg counts, 4 in 10 parents don't realise that canned fruit and veg counts too.
It looks as though there's some clearing up to do on the 5 a day issue, and so celebrity mum Melinda Messenger offers parents the clarity they need in a new government video.
http://www.dh.gov.uk

Roskilly's creates historic ice cream for Tregothn

Roskilly’s – one of Cornwall’s leading makers of ice cream and fudge – has teamed up with Tregothnan Estate to create a brand new Ice cream.
The new Kea Plum and Vanilla ice cream uses fruit from the historic plum orchards on Tregothnan’s Cornish estate and has been combined with Roskilly’s organic milk and ice cream expertise to create the unique new flavour, which will be sold on the Estate.
Jonathon Jones from Tregothnan says: “The Kea Plum orchard is over 300 years old and is the only one of its kind in the world. We have worked hard over the years to bring the orchards back to life and we want to ensure its future is preserved. One way of doing that is to make sure the rare fruit produced is used wisely and now that the trees are producing more plums, we decided to expand into ice cream."
Tel. 01326 280479
http://www.roskillys.co.uk/

Riverford Sidmouth

Riverford Farm Shop has just opened a branch at Sidmouth. Check it out for the fresh meat counter, outside fresh fruit and vegetable area, deli counter and dairy, wine selection, local fruit juices, dry goods, chocolate, and much, much more.
Sidmouth Garden Centre, Stowford, Sidmouth EX10 0NA.
Tel. 01803 762571
http://www.riverfordfarmshop.co.uk/

Latte lover

An expert coffee-maker from Cornish fair-trade coffee company Origin has just won the UK Latte Art Championship at this week’s Caffe Culture Exhibition at London Olympia.
Phil Gevaux, Origin’s highly experienced Barista Trainer, beat entrants from throughout the UK and earned the right as the UK Latte Art Champion to represent the UK in the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe World Latte Art Championships in Copenhagen at the end of June.
Tel. 01326 340320
http://www.origincoffee.co.uk/

Allium knows its onions

Allium in Fairford, Gloucestershire is the winner of the Which? Good Food Guide – South West Restaurant of the Year award. Allium will feature in the 2009 edition of The Good Food Guide and will now compete with nine other regional winners for the Restaurant of the Year award, which will be presented at a ceremony on 17 June 2008 at the British Museum.
Tel. 01285 712200
http://www.allium.uk.net/

Bristol to get its own Bar Week

After successful Bar Weeks in London and Brighton the organisers have decided to launch Bristol’s first Bar Week. It’s essentially a week of intimate gigs and events taking place from 10th – 15th June in the best bars that Bristol has to offer. Look out for events publicised in bars around the city, over the coming weeks.

Chris Horridge in the Great British Menu finals

Chris Horridge, head chef at The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, is through to the finals of the Great British Menu. Chris, who represents the South West of England, will join the other finalists from around Great Britain to compete for the opportunity to cook a fantastic four-course dinner in June at the restaurant at the top of the iconic Gherkin building in London. The host is Heston Blumenthal of the 3 Michelin starred restaurant The Fat Duck in Bray, and his guests will include top chefs from around the world as well as gourmets and celebrities.
You can watch Chris’ progress from Monday May 19 until Thursday May 22 May on BBC 2, from 6pm-7pm. At the end of the programme, viewers can vote, so get that finger on the dial…
In celebration of Chris’ participation his four course Great British Menu is available at The Bath Priory for lunch or dinner at £66 per person. Or catch him at the Taste of Bath Festival from July 3-6, where you’ll also be able to sample a couple of his Great British Menus dishes.
The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Weston Road, Bath, BA1 2XT.
01225 331922
http://www.thebathpriory.co.uk

Annual chef v chef competition

Chefs from The Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel won top prizes in the annual chef v chef competition at the City of Bath College. Martin Blunos judged the competition, which was open to chefs from Bath and the surrounding area.
Tel. 01225 823333
http://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/

New head chef at Woolley Grange Hotel

Woolley Grange has a new head chef in the form of Mark Bradbury. He’ll be creating a great new summer menu that will make the most of the organic kitchen garden in the fine dining restaurant and informal orangery.
Tel. 01225 864705
http://www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk/

Local children learn about food

The Jack in the Green’s head chef Matthew Mason (pictured) is continuing to help local children learn about food. He took 30 children from West Hill Primary School to Quickes Cheeses at Newton St Cyres to learn all about how cheese is made, then followed this with a cooking lesson at The Jack in the Green. Plans are now afoot for the next session which will focus on breadmaking.
Tel. 01404 822240
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com/

Final round of the AA Wine Awards

Northcote Manor’s wine list has made the final round of the AA Wine Awards. “I couldn’t be more thrilled,” says Northcote’s Cheryl King. “Our wine list is now more comprehensive, well balanced, and easy to use for people who feel overwhelmed by endless names and vintages.” To win the final award the hotel must match wines from its list to complement an unusual menu; watch this space for the result.
Tel. 01769 560501
http://www.northcotemanor.co.uk/

Supporting Cornish farmers

The Nare Hotel is pinning its colours to the mast again this month and sponsoring The Eden Project’s celebration of food and farming in education on June 21-23. It aims to explain, promote and celebrate food production in Cornwall. “We need to support our farmers,” says Toby Ashworth (pictured), proprietor of the hotel, “and get across to people the dependance that we as a nation has on farming.” As a result of the hotel team’s passion for supporting local food, and serving it at the restaurant, The Nare Hotel has long been a sponsor of the champion and reserve champion beef animal class at the Royal Cornwall Show.
Tel. 01872 501111
http://www.thenare.com

Major refurb at The Rosevine

It’s all change at The Rosevine (above) near Portscatho. It’s had a major refurb by new owners Tim and Hazel Brocklebank, a new chef in Simon Stallard and a cool new look, making it the place to hang out in Cornwall this summer.
Tel. 01872 580 206
http://www.rosevine.co.uk

Rosehill holiday lodges

The georgeous Rosehill holiday lodges near Porthtowan beach have just become the first five star eco lodges in Britain thanks to an award from Visit Britain.
Tel. 01209 891920
http://www.rosehilllodges.com

Could yours be the wedding of the year?

With Valentine’s Day 2009 falling on a Saturday, Combe House, a wildly romantic Grade I Elizabethan manor house hotel at Gittisham, near Exeter, is seeking a couple planning to tie the knot on this most special of lover’s weekends.
Combe is hidden on a glorious wooded estate in the lush Devon countryside where Arabian horses and pheasants roam freely. A Michelin Rising Star and the Good Hotel Guide UK Country Hotel of the Year 2007, it’s one of the few places in the West Country perfectly suited for exclusive wedding use ensuring total privacy and a wonderful sense of occasion in an idyllic setting all year round.
The hotel has a civil wedding licence in four intimate rooms, including the Great Hall with its oak panelled walls and crackling log fire, and can welcome 100 guests in the main house or up to150 in a garden marquee. Whether it’s a candlelit wedding with dancing into the night or a weekend long party with fireworks and entertainment, the Combe team have the right contacts to ensure it runs smoothly.
The contemporary-British cuisine is created by Combe’s two resident Master Chefs of Great Britain, Hadleigh Barrett and Stuart Brown, who are ardent about sourcing the freshest and best quality ingredients for their menus from local producers.
Accommodation is in fifteen individually styled bedrooms and suites including a four-poster, many with stunning views across the valley to Dartmoor. For the wedding night the bridal couple would have their very own thatched cottage with a private walled garden sleeping just two, hidden at the entrance to Combe’s mile-long drive.
Exclusive wedding use of Combe House for two nights over Valentine’s weekend 2009 (2pm Friday to 10.30am Sunday) is around £14,000 based on 60 -100 guests including B&B for 32 guests in fifteen bedrooms/suites and Combe’s thatched cottage. All other meals, beverages and wedding arrangements are additional.
For a wedding brochure and to discuss your personal requirements call or email Ken or Ruth at Combe House. on 01404 540400 or visit www.thishotel.com . Alternatively the email address is stay@thishotel.com.
stay@thishotel.com
Tel. 01404 540400
http://www.thishotel.com

Cornwall’s got the best coffee in the UK

It’s official! You’ll find the finest latte in the whole of Britain at Wadebridge café Relish Food & Drink. Proprietor Hugo Hercod won the 2008 UK Barista Championship in London on Thursday 21st February, and now he’s going to take on the world at the World Barista Championships.
Hugo kept his nerve through three days of stressful competition, preparing four cappuccinos, four espressos and four ‘signature’ drinks of their own creation in a 15 minute slot. As well as the flavour and texture of the drinks, the baristas were judged on their speed, professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge of their coffee’s provenance.
“Making a dozen coffees in a quarter of an hour may not sound that difficult, but it really is an incredibly high-pressure experience,” said Hugo. “If you get even the smallest thing wrong it will be noticed by the judges, and the standard of the competition was so high this year that there just wasn’t any room for mistakes.
“I make around 1000 coffees every week at Relish, and it was very satisfying to be able to take the coffee I use every day in the café, Origin’s Triple Certified espresso blend, to the UK championships and win. It shows that our customers consistently get coffee that’s as good as any in the country.”
“The standard of espressos and cappuccinos made by baristas at this level is almost unrecognisable to anything you’ll find on the high street. Cappuccinos are small, the coffee taste is strong and rich, the milk foam is silky smooth and latte art is obligatory. Espressos are short and sweet with thick crema and deep, complex flavours, while the beans are fresher and higher grade than anything you’ll find in a supermarket.”
Tel. 01208 814214
http://www.relishfoodanddrink.co.uk

Michelin men in Devon

The new Michelin guide is out, so here’s who’s in:
Michael Caines (pictured) kept his two stars for Gidleigh Park, and his reputation as the most highly awarded chef in the South West. The Masons Arms in Knowstone and The Room at The Elephant in Torquay both retained their single stars. Hadleigh Barrett at Combe House Hotel and Restaurant was given a rising one star for the second year running.

North Devon Food and Drink Awards

The winners of the North Devon Food and Drink Awards have been announced. The Best Restaurant award went to Lathwells Restaurant in Bideford, Best Pub to The Lower House in Georgeham, the Best Café award to The Corn Dolly Tea Shop in South Molton, Best Local Producer to Higher Hacknell Farm in Umberleigh, and Best Specialist Retailer to Marshford Organic Foods in Northam. The Best Cream Tea award went to Docton Mill Gardens in Hartland, The Best Breakfast to The Roundhouse near Bideford, and The Best Farmers’ Market Stall was awarded to The Cheese Shop at Barnstaple Pannier Market.

Michelin men in Cornwall

The new Michelin guide is out and Nathan Outlaw (pictured) at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey not only got a star for the restaurant but was also awarded a rising two stars. “It’s fantastic to achieve one star, but to also get tipped for two with a rising star is amazing,” said Nathan. “I can’t stress enough that without the team this would not have been possible.” A new single star has also been awarded to Kenny Atkinson of the Teän Restaurant on St Martins in the Isles of Scilly, and the new addition for Cornwall in the Bib Gourmand section was The View at Millbrook.

St Moritz

The long-awaited St Moritz Hotel has just officially launched. From the beginning of March food lovers can treat themselves to the freshest local produce including the fruit of our seas, cooked up by international head chef Elliot Ketley who, after four years as head chef at London’s seafood restaurant J Sheekey, should know what to do with it. The new hotel is on the site of the original St Moritz and is the first purpose built, luxury hotel in Cornwall for over thirty years. It includes a luxurious spa, large restaurant and external dining deck, bar and coffee lounge. Foodies will also be pleased to know that a deli will be situated onsite selling the very best local fare including organic breads, fresh fish from Padstow harbour, fruits, preserves and wines.
St Moritz Hotel, Trebetherick, Wadebridge.
Tel. 01208 862242.
http://www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk

The Abbey

The Abbey restaurant in Penzance has been taken over by Bill Treloar and chef Michael Riemenschneider of The Old Coastguard in Mousehole. Michael (pictured left, with Bill) has honed his skills working at Michelin starred kitchens across Europe and the UK. The menu aims to be a ‘tour de force of choice and interest’ and in addition to the à la carte, the team will offer a ‘menu surprise’ where Michael won’t know what he’ll be cooking until the front of house staff tell him what the guests do and don’t like.
http://www.abbeyrestaurant.co.uk/

Michelin men in the Somerset and Bath area

The new Michelin guide is out, and the local newcomer to the scene is The Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay near Bath, where a rising one star has been awarded to talented chef Lee Evans (pictured). Lee said, “It’s something which we have been working towards and it is great to have the recognition. We haven’t got too ‘starry eyed’ about our prices and remain committed to fresh seasonal and local produce cooked to the highest standard.” Other establishments in the guide in the region are Lucknam Park just outside of Bath and The Bath Priory, which have both retained their single star status.

Chicken Out

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's campaign to end the misery of intensively-farmed chickens already has nearly 60,000 supporters.
In a series of TV programmes this week he urged viewers to boycott cheap supermarket poultry - birds that live short lives, in cramped conditions, without ever seeing natural daylight - and buy free-range. It is hoped that this will both encourage the government to improve animal welfare regulations, and show consumers how much better free-range meat is both morally and in flavour.
If you would like to join the campaign and find out more, visit the website below.
http://www.chickenout.tv

Could you win series 2 of The Restaurant?

Last year's series ‘The Restaurant’ was a huge success, featuring Raymond Blanc and nine couples who battled it out over eight weeks to win thier own restaurant. The show is coming back for a second series. Last year's winners were Jeremy and Jane Hooper, originally from Braunton in North Devon, who opened their Oxfordshire restaurant "Eight at The Thatch" in November 2007 and are currently booked up 4 months in advance.
Raymond Blanc will once again be giving nine couples the opportunity to try their luck as restaurateurs. The stakes are high as the successful couple will go into business with Raymond and, as last years winners are finding out, this is an opportunity money just can't buy.
The BBC want to hear from any couples who think they too could run a restaurant. Married, friends, siblings, relatives, partners, colleagues – any pair over the age of 18 can apply. Experience of a restaurant or catering environment isn't necessary but they only want to hear from people who are passionate about food and the dining experience.
For more information contact Monica Bjorklund, Producer of 'The Restaurant' on her number below.

Tel. 020 822 57635

Tarka Springs bottles

New glass Tarka Springs bottles. Our favourite Devon spring water now looks as good as it tastes. Great for dinner parties and restaurants.
Tel. 01805 601179
http://www.tarkasprings.co.uk

Off to restaurants new

The team behind The Abbey Restaurant in Penzance is moving on to a new challenge.
After six and a half years Ben and Kinga Tunnicliffe are in the process of selling the restaurant, with their last day being December 23.
Watch this space for news of the new owners, and the Tunnicliffes' next venture.


http://theabbeyonline.com

Brewery wins green award

A West Country brewery has won top honours at this year’s Devon Environmental Business Awards.
The Otter Brewery at Luppitt near Honiton won the hotly contested ‘Greening Devon’ category at the 2007 DEBI Awards. The brewery proved a long term commitment to protecting and enhancing its immediate surroundings, (the Blackdown Hills are both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest) and have ensured that their long term future is wholly sustainable.
01404 891285
http//:www.otterbrewery.com

Festive cheese

Christmas - a time of cheese and goodwill to all men, and for complementing your local cheese of choice with the right glass of wine. Thankfully this year help is at hand in getting those wine and cheese pairings just right.
The British Cheese Board and English Wine Producers have joined forces to match up the perfect partners in the run up to the Christmas season, and found that wines and cheeses from the same area tend to complement one another better because they have been formed from the same soils and the same weathers. One very good pairing was found to be Camel Valley Brut with Cornish Yarg.
Julia Trustram Eve of the English Wine Producers also advocates breaking with tradition:: "We would suggest that not all cheeses go well with red wine, although English reds do go particularly well with a vintage or farmhouse cheddar. Perhaps surprisingly, some of our deliciously aromatic dry and medium white wines genuinely complement many cheeses. As a rule of thumb we would suggest that the whiter the cheese the better it goes with white wines."
http//:www.cheeseboard.co.uk

Bread of heaven

Anyone who loves top-quality bread made from only natural ingredients will be glad to hear that Truro's Lemon Street Market is now host to the first BakerTom shop. Tom Hazzledine started by baking bread at home and cycling it to the local farm shop. Now his range runs from Italian style focaccia to the award-winning honey and lavender, and has proved so popular that it needed a home of its own.
http://www.bakertom.co.uk

Love artisan

One of our favourite places to shop for the kitchen is Artisan Cookshop in Truro, so we’re very pleased to let you know that it has just won Best Cookshop in Britain and Best Newcomer in Britain’s Best Retailer Awards 2007. Well done and congratulations to Sam, Annie and team!
Artisan Cookshop, 17 Pydar Street, Truro.
Tel. 01872 261040.
http://www.artisancookshop.co.uk

Don't miss...

Tom Cull's new shop - Tom’s on the Triangle, at the top of Bristol’s Park Street. The shop sells a range of handmade, freshly prepared dishes inspired by seasonal, rural English cooking. Choose from imaginative and inspiring pies served with or without minted peas, mash and gravy, hot or cold tarts, and mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Perfect comfort food for winter from the man behind the award-winning Dartmoor Kitchen catering company. Also look out for Tom’s TV debut in January in Tom’s Big Feast, an eight part documentary which screens weekly on ITV1 from Thursday January 3 at 7.30pm.
01395 239000
http://www.dartmoorkitchen.com

Why did the chicken cross the road?

To get to Shirwell Stores of course. The new shop will be opening in the near year in Shirwell, near Barnstaple and is committed to supplying local food and drink. Expect to find it stuffed to the rafters with top quality regional produce including veggies, meats, breads, jams and pickles. There’ll also be veg boxes for pick-up and hot local pasties.
01271 850734.

Hold the mayo

You don’t find ‘pastrami and Russian’ sandwiches in many Devon cafés, so for a taste of the Big Apple in the shape of New York deli-style sarnies, hot beef rolls, bagels and homemade soups, hot foot it over to Barnstaple’s newest coffee house, The Corner Café on Mermaid Walk. Owner Bill Denton makes one of the best cappuccinos we’ve had in ages.
01271 859555

Ello, ello, ello...

Roborough’s Ye Olde Inn had a makeover when former police officers Alex and Vicky Stanbury decided to swap the beat for the bar. They took on the run-down pub, changed its name to The New Inn (pictured left) and set about bringing good local food to the people. That’s what we call good community service.
01805 603247

FARMA winner

Occombe Farm Shop near Torquay has been named Best Newcomer in the UK at the recent national Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association annual awards. Rita Exner, FARMA Secretary said: “Occombe Farm Shop is a thriving example of a farm retailing business that has set out on a path to be unique. It is not easy; it takes great skill and determination and it is a great pleasure to see this very special farm shop recognised as a winner.”
http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk

Bakewell brilliance

Exeter cocktail agency Monkey Bars’ Rachel Williams recently came second in the Bols World’s Favourite Cocktail competition, held in Leeds. Rachel made a ‘well baked’ cocktail, inspired by Bakewell tarts (the theme of the competition was ‘British’). To match the flavours of the bakewell tart she used Plymouth Gin, almond syrup, cherry syrup, lemon juice, egg white and fresh mint, all topped off with a mini bakewell tart.

Bringing home the bacon

Make it a British banger and support your local pig farmers. They’re having a tough time due to feed prices having doubled, and The National Pig Association estimates that they are losing £26 for every pig produced. Buy local, buy British and if possible buy direct from the producers now, to ensure that you can continue to do so in the future.

Slowly does it

The Slow Food Market is moving to Topsham and will be held on the third Sunday of each month, from 10am-4pm in St Matthews Hall. Expect to see offerings from Quickes Cheese, Emma’s Breads, Shillingford Organics, Marbled Meat, Brimblecombes Cider, Shute Fruit and Pebblebed Vineyard. There will be tasting workshops and visitors can also grab a spot of Sunday lunch.

Ripley's to close

Paul Ripley's eponymous Michelin starred restaurant in St Merryn will be closing on December 15. However, you will still find Paul's culinary offerings in the deli opposite the restaurant from January.

Local charity

The Local Food Company is really entering into the Christmas spirit this year. The contents of its local food hampers have been chosen by top local chefs like Michael Caines, the Tanner brothers, Peter Gorton, Paul Da Costa Greaves, and a donation from their profits go to children’s charities such as Jeremiah’s Journey, Children’s Hospice, Families for Children, Brainwaves and 15.
01548 831183
http://www.thelocalfoodcompany.co.uk

Cornwall Tourism Awards

There were some fab foodie established praised this year in the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2007. Not content with hosting the glittering presentation ceremony, which rewarded Cornish businesses for excellence in 14 categories, Newquay's Headland Hotel claimed two gold awards - Hotel of the Year and Popular Restaurant/Café of the Year for the Sand Bar and Brasserie. They then went on the win the coveted "Winner of Winners" title.
More than 50 businesses, from hotels and guest houses to restaurants and activity providers, were represented at the awards, organised by Cornwall Enterprise's VisitCornwall service to draw attention to the quality and variety of Cornish tourism.
Other winners on the night were The Bay Restaurant at Hotel Penzance in the Restaurant of the Year category; Pub of the Year went to Golden Lion & Lakeside Restaurant at Stithians Lake; and St Michael’s Hotel & Spa in Falmouth won the award for Cornish Distinctiveness.
http://www.cornwallenterprise.co.uk

Well done Roy

Roy Heath of the Cornwall Food Programme received a special commendation from the judges at the Farm Business Food and Farming Industry Awards 2007 recently in the category of Food Farming Personality of the Year.
As Sustainable Food Procurement Manager for the Cornwall Food Programme, based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Roy (pictured far left)was nominated for Food Farming Personality of the Year and was short-listed with seven other finalists.
The awards ceremony, held at the House of Commons on the 16th November, recognised those in the food and farming industry that have promoted British food through buying from small-scale rural producers.
On receiving the award, Roy said, “It was a pleasure to compete with others in the food and farming industry that also strive to bring British produce to the forefront. The programme has continually sought to promote Cornish produce and the support from our suppliers has enabled it to gain further recognition at national level.”
Roy has worked with the NHS in Cornwall to initiate a programme that seeks to provide locally sourced, fresh produce for hospital patients. Since 2002, the programme has identified several local suppliers and growers to purchase produce from.
The judges of the award were particularly impressed with the way that Roy and his team are using local produce to help in the healing and rehabilitation process of Cornish patients.

Smoking a Success in Clovelly

Herring, once one of the mainstays of the British fishing industry, are caught for a short season off the coast of Clovelly. They travel there from the Irish sea to spawn and arrive in superb condition. Clovelly's fortunes were once very dependant on the very fickle herring shoals. At the height of the season, most villagers were involved in dealing with the catch, but today, there is only a handful of herring fishermen.
Through the overfishing of popular fish, stocks have been dwindling and the aim of the first Clovelly Herring Festival, held on November 17, was to promote the neglected but great-tasting herring and help support the beleaguered fishing industry.
In the week leading up to the festival, Clovelly herring proved to be as fickle as ever as the Clovelly fishermen returned morning after morning with empty nets. Then just 36 hours before the festival, they returned to the port triumphant with a catch of a maise or mease of herring equivalent to 612 fish.
The catch provided delicious herring tastings from a kitchen on the quay as well as cold-smoked kippers and bloaters, pickled and soused herring. The remaining fresh fish sold out within hours.
There were shanty songs throughout the day, a photographic exhibition and special promotion of Devon cider and wine. Mike Smylie, aka Kipperman, maritime historian and writer was there with his Kipperland exhibition and smokehouse.
Visitors came from all over Devon and the event was judged a great success - well done all!

Christmas cheers

Want to know which local wine to drink with your Christmas dinner? Well, you're in luck - TV wine expert Olly Smith will be available live online to answer all your questions on Tuesday November 20 at 1pm.
Submit questions for Olly - Richard & Judy's wine expert - by clicking on the link below, and follow the same link to join the live chat on the day.
http://www.webchats.tv/webchat.php?ID=457

Taste of the West overall winners announced

The very best food and drink producers in the South West and retail and hospitality establishments were honoured recently at the Taste of the West Awards 2007, sponsored by Budgens.
John Sheaves, Chief Executive Taste of the West, said: “The South West is renowned for its exceptional food and drink produce. The appeal of local products is higher than any other ethical alternative at the moment and that includes organic and fair trade. The food and drink industry must now face up to the market and deliver. The awards aim to provide an important quality benchmark, giving well deserved recognition and reward to those creating the very best produce and places to eat and drink in the region.”
One of the most successful winners is Deli Farm Charcuterie, Delabole, Cornwall, who came away with the Champion Product Award for their Coppa Air Dried Ham. Individually rubbed with a mix of salts and spices and slowly cured, each Coppa is then pressed into a natural skin and gradually air dried over a long period of time. Ruby red in colour, the same ham also won the Best of Meat category.
Olive Farm of Somerton, Somerset, picked up the award for Best of Dairy with their Untreated Guernsey Cream.
Among the Devon winners were Ode restaurant in Shaldon (pictured above), who picked up South West Restaurant of the Year. Judges were particularly impressed with the exquisite food, charming and knowledgeable service and owner Tim Bouget’s obvious passion for locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The Well Hung Meat Company also won this year, securing the award for South West Online Retailer of the Year. Well done all. For the complete list, visit the website below.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Gourmet Mill End

Dartmoor is the most wonderful setting for a spot of indulgence. The food team were lucky enough to go along to one of Chagford hotel Mill End's Gourmet Weekends recently where six courses of the finest local ingredients are washed down with matching wines from the hotel's rather wonderful wine list.
Often one of the hotel's wine suppliers is on hand to talk you through each wine, so you'll get insider knowledge on the best choices to accompany each dish. The next weekend is planned for December 7-8. If you'd rather wait 'til Christmas is out of the way, there are more dates planned for the spring.
info@millendhotel.com
01647 432282
http://www.millendhotel.com

Hold a worthwhile dinner party

The Food Chain is the newest fundraising initiative for Penny Brohn Cancer Care and is a way to indulge your love of food and raise money for a whorthwhile cause at the same time.
Supported by Bart Spices, the Food Chain is simple - it starts with one person inviting some friends around for food, whether it’s a three course dinner party, lunch or simply a tea party! Each person makes a donation and pledges to keep the chain going by hosting their own get together if they can.
Keeping the Food Chain going means you have the potential to help raise thousands of pounds for people with cancer.
With Christmas fast approaching why not use the Food Chain as a perfect excuse for a festive-themed dinner party?
Everyone who takes part receives a FREE recipe book from the Food Chain supporters Bart Spices.
To find out more call, email or visit the website and click on Get Involved.
events@pennybrohn.org
01275 370 079
http://www.pennybrohncancercare.org

Cream supreme

A lucky six year old has claimed her chance to make her own ice cream flavour, as part of the Future Footprints competition to ‘draw your best day out in the South West’.
Future Footprints, the region’s sustainable tourism campaign, took Abigail to Roskilly's where, with the help of Toby Roskilly, she chose from lots of tasty options to make her own unique concoction.
Future Footprints received hundreds of postcards from children across the South West which were then judged by Miranda Krestovnikoff from BBC’s ‘Coast’,
http://www.futurefootprints.org.uk

Sharp’s beer money

The search is on for new beer tasters, as Sharp’s Brewery sees the first volunteers graduate from its beer taster training.
After a county-wide appeal, a select team was put through its paces to win regular tasting sessions at Sharp’s. Head brewer Stuart Howe is now keen to attract even more discerning drinkers, and women in particular. Team members are paid a beer allowance, plus some brewery merchandising.
“There are a number of tests to pass to qualify," says Stuart. "Volunteers are asked to tell the difference between two beers. We are looking for the ability to detect and identify important flavours, tastes and smells, the ability to learn about beer flavours, and the ability to articulate what they perceive”.
Volunteers go through a rigorous training process to get their taste buds up to the brewery’s high standards, and must pass exams on the comprehensive training course. Call Sharp's Brewery on the number below for details.
01208 862121
http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk

Like boutique hotels?

Then you need this book. The new collection from experts Mr & Mrs Smith UK/ Ireland Volume 2 features a guide to the most inspirational places to stay in the British Isles and Ireland, including boutique hideaways, luxurious spa retreats and secret city havens.
Inspiring and informative, this stylish book gives you the inside scoop on the sexiest places to stay, featuring some of our local faves. In Cornwall, Driftwood in Rosevine gets a mention; in Devon, you'll find Hotel Endsleigh in Milton Abbot and in the Somerset region, Charlton House in Shepton Mallet
and The Wheatsheaf in Combe Hay.
Reviewers include a stable of tastemakers and opinion leaders from fashion to music. Available to buy now.
http://www.mrandmrssmith.com

Tastes good

The results of the hospitality and retail classes in the Taste of the West Awards 2007 have been announced.
In Cornwall, the best bed and breakfasts were: Highland Court Lodge in St Austell (gold); Trerosewill Farm in Boscastle (silver); Buttervilla Farm in Torpoint (bronze); Bedruthan Steps Hotel in Mawgan Porth (bronze). The best dining pubs were Victoria Inn in Penzance (gold); The Springer Spaniel in Launceston (silver); 5 Degrees West in Falmouth (bronze). The best tea rooms/cafés were Muffins in Lostwithiel (gold); The Venus Café on Tolcarne Beach (silver). Best restaurant awards went to Trawlers on the Quay in East Looe (gold); Tapenades Restaurant in Liskeard (bronze); Bedruthan Steps Hotel in Mawgan Porth (bronze). And the best local retail outlets were Purely Cornish in Looe (silver); Tiffins Deli and Bakery in Fowey (silver); St Kew Harvest Farm Shop in St Kew Highway (bronze); Trevaskis Farm Shop in Hayle (bronze).
In Devon the best bed and breakfasts were: Percy's Country Hotel in Virginstow (gold); Prince Hall Hotel in Yelverton (silver); The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford (bronze). The best dining pubs were: The Jack in the Green near Exeter (gold);The Grove Inn in Kings Nympton (silver); The Merry Harriers near Cullompton (silver). The best tea rooms/cafés were: Georgian Tea Rooms in Topsham (gold); Fremington Quay Café near Barnstaple (silver); The Venus Café at Blackpool Sands (silver); Food Dreckly at the Cattle Market Café in Tavistock (bronze); The Venus Café in Bigbury-on-Sea (bronze). The best restaurants were: Ode in Shaldon (gold); Combe House Hotel and Restaurant near Honiton (silver); Café Paradiso @ Hotel Barcelona in Exeter (bronze). Best local retail outlet awards went to: D J Haggett Butchers Ltd in Silverton (gold); Darts Farm near Topsham (gold); Real Grub Local Food Centre/Stokeley Farmshop in Kingsbridge (gold); Lifton Strawberry Fields Farm Shop in Lifton (gold); Pipers Farm near Exeter (silver); Gribbles Butchers @ Delicatessen in Ivybridge (silver); Jacksons in Newton Abbot (silver); Downes Farm Shop near Crediton (bronze).
In Somerset, Bath and Bristol the best bed and breakfasts were: Spears Cross in Dunster (gold); Three Acres Country House near Dulverton (gold); The Pilgrims at Lovington near Castle Cary (silver). The best dining pubs were The Montague Inn at Wincanton (gold); The Pilgrims at Lovington (silver);The Queen's Arms in Corton Denham (silver); The Globe in Milverton (bronze). The best tea rooms/cafés were: East Lambrook Manor Gardens in South Petherton (gold); Bank House Café in Axbridge (silver). The best restaurants were: Little Barwick Housein Yeovil (gold); Bordeaux Quay in Bristol (gold); Thomas's Restaurant at Bellplot House Hotel in Chard (silver); Truffles Restaurant in Bruton (silver); New Farm Restaurant in South Petherton (bronze); Clavelshay Barn Restaurant near Bridgwater (bronze). Best local retail outlet awards went to: Pitney Farm Shop near Langport (gold); Roots in Taunton (gold); Rumwell Farm Shop near Taunton (silver); Barleymow's Farm Shop near Chard (bronze); Jon Thorner's near Shepton Mallet (bronze).
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Love Dinner Parties?

The Channel 4 show Come Dine With Me is looking for people in the Exeter area to take part in the new series.
Four strangers with a passion for cooking take turns, over four days, to host the perfect dinner party for each other. At the end of the week the most impressive host wins a £1,000 cash prize.
If you live within 20 miles of Exeter and fancy having a go at creating the perfect dining experience, and three nights dining out with the chance to win a prize, get in touch ASAP as filming commences soon.
comedinewithme@granadamedia.com
0871 244 4142

Taste of Christmas

Taste of the West has launched its fab Christmas Hampers at Mole Valley Farmers. The stores have been stocking the Taste of the West range of regional food and drink products since it was launched nearly a year ago with nearly 130 different local food and drink products from over 33 producers.
As well as making a great gift, the hampers are a good way to kick-start your locally-sourced Christmas food shopping, and also support small producers.
http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

On the Grapevine

Exeter’s funky Alias Hotel Barcelona is halfway through its foodie events programme, Grapevine 2007, with two dates to go and places still available.
food was lucky enough to attend the first wine evening, hosted by Stephen Barrett, the Plymouth restaurateur and co-creator of Channel 4’s Wine Hunt. Great Winter Wines (hosted by Stephen) takes place on November 13 and Contemporary Banquets (hosted by Stan Parks of Milton Sandford Wines and Barcelona’s head chef Chris Archambault) will be held on December 11. Don’t forget the hotel’s Supper Club starts again in the New Year and is always great fun; membership even makes a great gift.
Alias Hotel Barcelona, Magdalen Street, Exeter.
01392 281000.
http://www.aliashotels.com

Something fishy going on

The ‘silver darlings of the sea’ will be celebrated at the Clovelly Herring Festival, which takes place on Saturday November 17 at Clovelly Harbour. This is a new festival, celebrating the fish that was once the staple economy of the fishing village (pictured left).
The aim is to raise awareness of dwindling fish stocks, safeguard fishermen’s livelihoods and promote a neglected, great-tasting foodstuff. Maritime historian and writer Mike Smylie will be there and there’ll be herring tasting, Devon ciders and wines and a photographic exhibition of Clovelly’s fishing history. A smörgåsbord will be available in the Harbour Restaurant on the quay too. Normal admission charges to Clovelly apply. 10am-4pm.

Want good food?

The new-look Good Food Guide 2008 has for the first time ranked the best UK restaurants to produce a gastronomic top 40. The highest new entry is Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey at number 12, which demonstrates “refined, beautifully crafted cooking” in a relaxed setting. Newcomer to the guide Gidleigh Park in Chagford has been ranked at number 18 for ‘exemplary country-house dining’. In at number 30 is The Castle Hotel in Taunton, and at number 37, The Bath Priory. It’s a thorough guide, produced by Which? with rankings based on both expert inspections and reader feedback.

Best pubs

The 2008 edition of Michelin’s Eating Out in Pubs guide has recently been published with only the finest inns included. See below for the list of the Westcountry's best.

Devon pubs:
The Turtley Corn Mill in Avonwick
The Harris Arms in Portgate
The Hoops Inn at Horn’s Cross
The Jack in the Green Inn in Rockbeare
The Tower Inn in Slapton
The Chasers in Stokeinteignhead
The Avon Inn in Avonwick
Masons Arms in Branscombe
The Drewe Arms in Broadhembury
The Puffing Billy in Exton
The Rock Inn in Haytor Vale
The Dartmoor Union in Holbeton
Bickley Mill in Kingskerswell
The Masons Arms Inn in Knowstone
The Dartmoor Inn in Lydford
Church House Inn in Marldon
The White Hart in Modbury
The Ship Inn in Noss Mayo
The Sandy Park Inn in Sandypark
The Tradesman's Arms in Stokenham
The Kings Arms in Strete
The Steam Packet Inn in Totnes
Rose & Crown in Yealmpton

Cornwall pubs:
Trengilly Wartha Inn in Constantine
The Halzephron Inn in Gunwalloe
The Plume of Feathers in Mitchell
Pandora Inn in Mylor Bridge
Roseland Inn in Philleigh
The Manor House Inn in Rilla Mill
The Falcon Inn in St Mawgan
Viners in Summercourt
New Inn in Tresco, the Isles of Scilly
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor

Somerset, Bath & Bristol pubs:
The Globe Inn in Appley
The Red Lion Inn in Babcary
The Three Horseshoes Inn in Batcombe
The Queen's Arms in Corton Denham
The Manor House Inn in Ditcheat
Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George
Ilchester Arms in Ilchester
Kingsdon Inn in Kingsdon
The Devonshire Arms in Long Sutton
The Pilgrims at Lovington
The Vobster Inn in Lower Vobster
The Royal Oak Inn of Luxborough
The Talbot Inn in Mells
Phelips Arms in Montacute
The Camelot in South Cadbury
Tarr Farm Inn at Tarr Steps
The Blue Ball Inn in Triscombe
The Rising Sun Inn in West Bagborough
The Royal Oak Inn in Winsford
Queen Square in Bristol
The Albion in Bristol
Bear & Swan in Chew Magna
The Wheatsheaf in Combe Hay
Carpenters Arms in Stanton Wick

Eating Out in Pubs is out now priced £14.99.

Winning wines

Christopher Piper Wines of Ottery St Mary has been named South West Wine Merchant of the Year 2007 at the International Wine Challenge - well done guys.
http://www.christopherpiperwines.co.uk

Cellar surprise

St Austell Brewery’s wine expert Xenia Irwin (pictured left) was amazed recently to uncover a ‘lost’ treasure trove of 370 wines dating back to 1875 which have been lying untouched in the Brewery’s cellars. Xenia is the wine buyer for the brewery’s Walter Hicks arm of the business and one of only 260 people worldwide to hold the elite Master of Wine qualification.
Xenia said: “I’ve been involved in the wine business for more than 19 years and could never have dreamed of making such an exceptional discovery. The door to the ante room in the cellar was very stiff but unlocked so anyone could have gone in there but it clearly hadn’t been entered in decades. I couldn’t believe what I saw and then I started brushing off the cobwebs and looking at the labels and that’s when I got really excited.” Some of the wines will be put on display in the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.

On the level

Provenance is the word when it comes to the new Levels’ Best brand, which marks a fab range of produce from the Somerset Levels. Nearly 30 producers have qualified to display the Levels’ Best logo on their meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, fruit, nuts, vegetables, honey, drinks and processed foods, and even more eateries are displaying the logo - meaning they serve at least two of the products. Meat and poultry in the range is from native breeds farmed on the Levels, all fish and game has been caught or shot there, and the rest is harvested or produced from verifiable local sources – all with a minimum of food miles and to the highest standards.
http://www.levelsbest.co.uk

Movers and shakers

Orlando Garcia, bar manager at the Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, wowed judges at the Sputnik National Cocktail Competition Finals in London recently.
27 Bartenders from across the UK competed and Orlando was awarded second place after showcasing his pre-dinner cocktail Golden Delice made from a blend of Sputnik vodka, peach schnapps, elderflower cordial, fresh lime and an orange twist – served martini style.
The trophy takes pride of place in the Dower House bar (pictured left) and Golden Delice is now included on the Royal Crescent Hotel cocktail list.

Canterbury tales

Chefs Paul McEvoy and Claire Evans are launching a café. Canterbury House, on Silver Street in Bradford on Avon, will be serving award-winning dishes - Claire and Paul have been running an outside catering service from the premises for five years - and selling their top-quality frozen meals for customers to take home.

Want more information about local food?

A recent survey by Future Footprints, the South West’s sustainable tourism campaign, asked over 200 adults living in or visiting the region about their attitudes to local food. The results released recently show that over three quarters of respondents always or sometimes look out for opportunities to try local food and 97% of respondents want more information about local food, including where to buy it and tips for cooking it.
Future Footprints, a charitable partnership, is working across the region to help holiday makers and day trippers ‘keep the South West special’. From Wiltshire to the Isles of Scilly, Future Footprints encourages people to ‘try local, buy local’ and taste the best of what the South West has to offer.
The survey also showed that the main reason people do not buy local food is lack of availability (53% of respondees) rather than cost (29% of respondees). Future Footprints is already working with the region’s hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and attractions to provide visitors with more information about where they can find great local food.
Future Footprints is working to help each of the region’s 26 million annual visitors support our farmers and producers and help protect the landscape and countryside they love and enjoy. Research by the ‘New Economics Foundation’ shows that every pound spent locally, generates almost twice as much income for the local economy as the same amount spent in a typical supermarket. And buying local food means food travels shorter distances, which helps to reduce carbon emissions, congestion and pollution.
Future Footprints project manager Clare Mitchell said: “Just as Italy or France promote great food and drink as part of the experience of visiting their different regions, so should the South West – we have fantastic seafood, meat and vegetables dishes, fruit, cheese and wine – we need to start to highlight our local food as all part of the fun of a day out or holiday in the region to ensure we can maintain and protect our unique environment.“
www.futurefootprints.org.uk

Cookery workshops for teens

Westden will be running a series of exciting and interactive local food workshops for young people aged 14 to 19 in the West Devon area between October and November.
“We are hoping that the participants will become food ambassadors, spreading the word – and actions – of cooking to other young people, which is why the content will be decided by the group members themselves” said workshop co-ordinator Diana Lee.
Participants will get to prepare, cook, taste and find out more about their food and where it comes from. They will also have the opportunity to meet and work with local chefs including Peter Gorton of the Horn of Plenty, butchers and other producers as well as compiling a cookery survival guide for young people.
The events are being run by Westden to encourage young people to cook and eat more healthily using locally produced food and to support local producers and cut food miles.
The first three sessions will be held in Tavistock on October 8th, 15th & 29th. Places will be limited. Further sessions are planned for Hatherleigh, Gunnislake and Princetown.
info@westden.co.uk
0845 345 5077
http://www.westden.co.uk

Can you taste the difference?

Now in its second year, the Bath Restaurateurs Association’s ‘Bath Food & Drink Fortnight’ will begin on Saturday September 22nd with a cook-off in Milsom Street showcasing samples of the West Country’s finest produce.
Chefs from some of Bath’s well known independent restaurants will be cooking produce from Gobblers Organic Turkey Farm in Cornwall, Bath Organic Farms and other local producers for the public to taste. From 10am-11am you can also go along to participate in a blind taste test between West Country organic and supermarket non-organic produce.
During the fortnight establishments such as Café Retro, Sally Lunns, The Cavendish and Demuths Restaurant will be running special offers, encouraging diners to support local businesses. With many participants using British and West Country produce in their restaurants, this is a great opportunity to eat local and support local.
Jean-Pierre Auge, proprietor of the Beaujolais Bistro Bar and Chairman of the Bath Restaurateurs Association said, “The Bath Food & Drink Festival is a fantastic opportunity for people to rediscover the individuality of Bath‘s Independent eateries.”
http://www.visitbath.co.uk/foodfortnight

Tasty

Some of The Taste of The West awards have been announced, with many awards given to businesses in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. Some of the winners:
Deli Farm Charcuterie in Delabole won a whopping three golds, four silvers and a bronze for its black olive salami, coppa air dried ham and oak smoked paprika salami amongst others.
Kenniford Farm near Exeter won two golds for its chipolata sausages and Devon pork sausages, and a silver for its pork and apple burgers.
Mendip Moments near Wells won a gold, two silvers and a bronze for its premium dairy ice creams including clotted cream and honeycomb flavour, Somerset strawberries and clotted cream, chocoholic chunk, and mango and lime premium sorbet.
Well done all! To see the full list of winners, visit the website.
Tel. 01392 440745.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Happy birthday!

Own, Devon’s online supermarket, has its second birthday this month. Celebrate by ordering delicious local, ethically sourced food and green household goods from its website and get it all delivered straight to your door. There are over 3,000 products available now, from sausages to soap, and from September deliveries will be made twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays in Own’s chilled transport to the Exeter area.
Tel. 01392 832000.
http://www.ownonline.co.uk

Doing it for the kids

When not chopping, stirring and roasting, Matthew Mason, head chef at The Jack in The Green, spends his time forging relationships with many of the neighbouring farmers, producers and growers that surround the award-winning dining pub. He’s also the proud father of Charlie, three, who can already tell his courgettes from his leeks. So it was a natural progression for Matthew to join forces with Ottery’s West Hill Primary School. Beginning with the next school term, Matthew and Paul Parnell, the proprietor of The Jack, will be working closely with head teacher Sue Nield, and science subject leader, Sue Bedford, to get pupils enthused about good food. This will include ongoing visits to a number of farms, producers and to The Jack itself. Almost worth going back to school for.
The Jack in The Green, Rockeare, near Exeter.
Tel. 01404 822240.
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com

New places for Cornwall's foodies

Four hot new places have opened in Cornwall recently that really shouldn’t be missed. The first is Custard in Padstow (left), an English diner that is prettily old-fashioned and unusually styled with chandeliers and chintzy retro fabrics. Put on the jukebox, share a booth and enjoy the simple, high quality British menu including dishes such as prawn cocktail, potted salt beef, and baked egg custard with berries. The menu will come into its own in the autumn with all of the classic comfort foods that Britain does so well.
For über chic, get down to Harvey’s Wharf, overlooking the water in Falmouth. Reassuringly this informal bar and brasserie is not style over substance and the strong, simple menu, majoring on fish and hot on local produce, is worth checking out. Then call in next door for Italian gelato at the new Pizza Express Gelataria, one of only two in the country.
Finally St Moritz Hotel, the swanky new £13.5m hotel and spa development at Daymer Bay in north Cornwall, is due to open in mid September. The project comes from the team behind London’s Soho House and Somerset’s Babington House and in addition to a top-end restaurant with outdoor dining deck, bar and coffee lounge, there’ll be an on-site deli.

Get green

Looking for a good, green eaterie or place to stay? The Green Tourism Business Scheme awards businesses that are caring for the environment and supporting the local economy. The scheme has close to 250 award winners in the South West, such as the beach cafés of the Venus Company, Burgh Island Hotel, Pig Finca Café in Kingsbridge and the Laughing Monk in Strete, as well as The Gylly Beach Café in Falmouth. To see the list, visit the website, below.
http://www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/feelgood

Great Taste

The national Great Taste Awards’ panel of illustrious foodies (including The Independent’s Charles Campion and BBC Radio 2’s Nigel Barden) has just announced the winners, after weeks of blind-tasting. Ashridge Cider came up trumps for Devon, winning the top award for its Sparkling Vintage Cider (see page 38 for our interview with proprietor Jason Mitchell). Meanwhile in the Somerset region, local favourite Pieminister won gold awards for its PM - steak and kidney - and Poussin Boots pies. Amongst the other local winners were Bar Cake, Daisy and Co, Westcombe Dairy, Brown and Forrest, Darling Deli, and Pukka Herbs.
In Cornwall, Penryn based Cornish Cuisine won gold one stars (awards are graded Gold one star, two star and three star) for its smoked eel and gravadlax. After previously winning a gold award in the World Cheese Awards earlier this year for its Tesyn smoked goats cheese, it’s on a winning streak. Other winners this year were Cornish Country Larder, Davidstow Dairy Crest, Treleaven Luxury Cornish Handmade Ice Cream, Ninemaidens Mead, Primrose Herd and The Small Cake Company’s pecan pie - a particular favourite here at food HQ. The complete list of winners is at the website below.
http://www.finefoodworld.co.uk

Join the club

Two new foodie clubs are launching this autumn.
The first is the Taste of The West Club. For many years Taste of The West has been championing producers of exceptional food and drink from the South West. Consumers will be able to learn about the stories and the people behind local products, with the aim of taking you behind the scenes, to visit the artisan cheese maker, taste the first new season's cider or learn the traditional methods for producing hogs pudding.

The second is Darts Farm's Food Club, an exciting new venture where food lovers are invited to come together to explore the local landscape and meet the people that farm, provide and cook with the fantastic produce from the South West. It's somewhere that people can enjoy each other’s company whilst learning, appreciating and developing their local culture. Leading local chefs like Michael Caines and Matt Mason (South West Chef of the Year) will put on cookery demonstrations, there'll be foodie events and children are welcome too, with special events where kids can see, feel, smell and learn more about the produce that’ll be used in their dinner, before sharing a wonderful two course meal with friends.

To find out more about Taste of the West Club, ask for the joining information by emailing club@tasteofthewest.co.uk quoting "please tell me about the Taste of The West Club".

To find out more about Darts Farm's Food Club or about getting one of the limited places available for theire Celebration of Food events, please send your contact name and telephone number to foodclub@dartsfarm.co.uk
http://www.celebrationoffood.co.uk

Party planning

Don’t groan - but it’s not that long until Christmas and if you’re planning a big bash, now’s the time to organise the catering. Exeter-based Posh Nosh is taking bookings now for the festive season, and have some fabby dishes on the menu, such as cream of parsnip, rhubarb and ginger soup, pan-fried breast of pheasant with calvados and apple, and chocolate crème brulée scented with Baileys. Give Julie or Jim a call.
Tel. 01392 444877.
http://www.posh-nosh.co.uk

Organic festival goes large

Europe’s largest organic festival is to be held in the West Country.
The Soil Association Organic Food Festival will be held at Harbourside Bristol on the weekend of September 1 and 2, and will kick off Organic Fortnight, which runs from September 1-16. Hundreds of stalls will sell a wide range of food and products, and there will also be a demonstration kitchen, plus an organic fashion show, relaxation and beauty zone, and a green home and green planet pavilion.
Tickets can be bought in advance or at the gate and cost £3.50 for adults, whilst under 16s and Soil Association members get free entry.
http://www.soilassociation.org

The Five Bells know a good pie...

The Five Bells at Clyst Hydon made the last six at the finals of the English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX) Beef Pie of the Year Competition.
After being 'Highly Commended' for its 2005 entry, The Five Bells entered two recipes for the national 2007 competition, both of which reached the semi final. One recipe was created by owner Di Shenton, and the other by Head Chef Paul Walker.
The two recipes feature on The Five Bells’ menu. Visit to try the finalist - citrus beef (from farmer Jim Stevens herd at Swannaton Farm, near Crediton), leek, thyme and pickled kumquat pie in a potato pastry basket, or the semi-finalist - beef and O’Hanlon’s port stout pie with blackcurrants and pickled walnuts with country shortcrust pastry.
Paul said “To have had two in the last 18, and reached the last six in the country is a tremendous achievement, and is evidence of farmer Jim Stevens’ care and attention in producing a high standard of beef.”
01884 277288
http://www.fivebellsclysthydon.co.uk

Online offerings

Joshua’s Harvest Store in Ottery St Mary has launched a new website with an online shopping facility (see URL below), so now you an get all your local favourites delivered from the comfort of your desk chair. That should ease the load.
01404 815473
http://www.joshuasharveststore.co.uk

Hotel fit for foodies

Cornwall's foodies have welcomed the news that a £13.5 million Daymer Bay hotel complex will be sourcing food and drink locally.
The new St Moritz Hotel will be Cornwall’s first purpose-built, luxury hotel for over thirty years. The hotel is now seeking local food and drink companies to supply high quality produce for the top-end restaurant, bar and deli. This move underpins their ‘sourcing locally’ ethic and will both help to limit food miles and support the surrounding economy. The on-site deli will be open to hotel guests and visitors and will sell organic breads, fresh fish, fruits, preserves and wines.
The hotel is inviting Cornwall's producers to get in touch if they would like to get involved.
01208 862242
http://www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk

Wine awards

The results from the English & Welsh Wine of the year competition 2007 are in and there are plenty of winners from the South West.
Devon favourite Pebblebed Vineyard near Topsham won the Montagu Trophy for Best Presented Wine with labels designed by talented Devon-based designers Salt Media (pictured left).
Bodmin-based Camel Valley Vineyard's 'Cornwall' Pinot Noir Rose 2004 won the Gore-Browne Trophy for Wine of the Year and the Vintner's Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine. It also scooped the McAlpine Winemaker of the Year Trophy for Sam Lindo.
Sam also made the wine that won the Waitrose Rosé Trophy for Best Still Rose - Penzance's Polgoon Vineyard Rose.
Three gold medals and three bronzes also went to Camel Valley, with Yearlstone Vineyard in Bickleigh scooping a silver and a bronze, Polgoon Vineyard taking a silver and Down St Mary Vineyard and Sharpham Vineyard taking bronzes too. Well done all!
http://www.englishwineproducers.com

WIN! A celebrity-packed recipe book!

Red Tractor Week is coming up. From July 9-15, Red Tractor ( the trusted symbol for conscientiously produced food) is all set to inspire you in the kitchen with the help of some of the nation’s best loved celebrities.
James Tanner, the face of Red Tractor Week, Ainsley Harriot, Ian Botham and Sally Gunnell have all shared their favourite recipes made using a variety of fresh, seasonal British produce.
We have five copies to give away. To be in with a chance of winning one, simply pop your answer to the following question on an email to Stef, below.
Which South West city is James Tanner's restaurant situated in? Get your answer in before July 15 2007.
stef@saltmedia.co.uk
http://www.myredtractor.co.uk

Ice cream just got hot

Cornish ice cream company Roskilly’s is heating things up for the summer by launching a new range of chilli ices.
The range includes chocolate and chilli - sumptuous chocolate ice cream with a delicate tone of chilli - pineapple and chilli yoghurt ice, sweet chilli sorbet and raita yoghurt ice which combines fresh mint and cucumber.
"The addition of chilli creates a greater depth of flavour as well as a little fiery heat to finish,” says Jane Pearce, Roskilly’s chief ice cream maker.
This range is limited edition, and available from many Roskilly’s outlets around Cornwall. There will be a free tasting of the new range at the Croust House on July 5 and 6 between 10am and 3pm.
01326 280479
http://www.roskillys.co.uk

Royal connection

Lambourne Vineyard, situated on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula, recently attended the Royal Cornwall Show, where it won first prize for best newcomer with a presentation by HRH Prince Edward. The Prince took a bottle of Lambourne Ruan Ridge Phoenix Quality PSR away with him in a presentation hamper.
Lambourne Vineyard produce red and white wines and now also have a rose and a sparkling wine ready for Christmas.
01872 501212
http://www.lambournevineyard.co.uk

Ticking all the right boxes

Callington based Ginsters, the UK’s leading sandwich and savoury pastry brand, has been awarded a ‘Big Tick’ by the Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence.
Sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, the award is designed to recognise companies which have demonstrated a positive impact on a rural area and who have made a significant difference to their local community.
Ginsters turns its Cornish location into an ingredient of its success, with community policies being an integral part of the ethos which is helping the company grow and build the brand across the UK.
Mark Duddridge, Ginsters managing director, commented: “A policy of sourcing locally wherever possible, and taking a leading role in helping local suppliers meet national standards is at the heart of our company. Ginsters strives to be a first class employer, offering real career development opportunities in an area dominated by low wage jobs. We help our staff develop to their full potential while playing a very active part in enhancing the quality of life for people in our local area. At Ginsters, we pride ourselves on playing a major part in promoting a positive image for Cornwall, which is in turn helping other companies in the area to thrive.”
01579 386200
www.ginsters.co.uk

Fancy writing?

Join Sophie Grigson and Alastair Hendy for a week’s food writing course in Devon.
Run by the Arvon Foundation, the course will help you communicate your fascination with food and tell everyone how thrilling or dreary it can be. Whether you want to find your own unique culinary voice or craft a tight, fool-proof recipe, this week long course between Monday, July 2 and Saturday, July 7 is just the ticket. Based at Totleigh Barton, Sheepwash, Beaworthy.
t-barton@arvonfoundation.org
01409 231338
http://www.arvonfoundation.org

Oz praises Pebblebed

Wine expert and TV Personality Oz Clarke has visited the Pebblebed Topsham Wine Cellar to film a summer special Countryfile based around the Devon Vineyard Trail.
Oz and his co presenter Lotty praised the quality of both the Pebblebed white and rose wines, and pointed out that a Frenchman in Burgundy would certainly not be drinking an Australian Chardonnay and so in Devon we should be drinking the excellent local wines.
Pebblebed's Geoff Bowen said, “Its wonderful to see somebody like Oz Clarke, with so much knowledge and experience of the wine industry throughout the world, down in Devon showing interest in Devon wine.”
Oz and the film crew stayed at the Globe Hotel in Topsham. He visited the Pebblebed cellar and filmed a boat trip down to the Turf Locks Pub. The programme will be shown on BBC in August.
http://www.pebblebed.co.uk

Kids' cooking comp

Devon schoolchildren got to feel the heat of the kitchen in the 2007 South Hams Food and Drink Association Schools Cookery Competition. Twenty students from five schools had 90 minutes to prepare, cook, and serve a two course meal using the South Hams produce as key ingredients.
The age 11-14 group winner was Rosie Harmer from Kingsbridge Community College, and the age 14-16 group was won by Phil Rogers of Ivybridge Community College
The judges included Mitch Tonks of the prestigious ‘Fishworks’ in Bath, Werner Rott of the Fortescue Arms in East Allington and Richard Smith of the Church House Inn in Stokenham.

http://www.lovetheflavour.co.uk

Devon Celebration of Food is launched!

Foodie businesses from all over the county met at Darts Farm recently to celebrate the launch of Devon Celebration of Food 2007.
One for your diary, the month-long food festival takes place this October, with events from producers, restaurants, cafes, delis and accommodation providers from Ilfracombe to Dartmouth.
Look out for the Sep-Oct issue of Devon's food magazine for listings and keep checking the website below to find events taking place near you.
lara@saltmedia.co.uk
01271 859299
http://www.devoncelebrationoffood.co.uk

Festival fever

Tavistock’s fourth annual food festival will be held from Saturday July 28 to Sunday 29. It's one of Devon’s finest, helped along by the fact that Tavistock is a gourmet hot spot, recently winning national acclaim as the Best Food Town in the South West.
The festival concentrates on quality food products originating from the South West - with over 100 stands of cheese, crisps, fish, meat, preserves, pickles, chillis, chocolates, fresh fruits and ice cream. Producers are joined by some of the best known local hotels such as the Horn of Plenty, Browns, Lewtrenchard Manor, Bedford Hotel and Hotel Endsleigh.
One of the highlights of the festival are the celebrity chef cookery demos organised by Master Chef Peter Gorton from the Horn of Plenty. There will be 12 demonstration sessions over the two days from chefs like Michael Caines, the Tanner brothers and the Head Chef from the Seafood Restaurant, Padstow.
This year’s festival will also include a kiddies corner where the chefs will introduce children to the basics of food ingredients and healthy eating. Peter Gorton works closely with local schools and has set up a recipe competition for the primary schools in West Devon and Tamar Valley. The semi finalists will have their recipes cooked and judged during the food festival by the celebrity chefs. Burts Chips are the main festival sponsor this year - guess how many crisp packets are in its Land Rover and you could win a year’s supply of Burts Chips.
Additional car parking will be available in a Park and Ride scheme down Crowndale Road with a free shuttle bus service to and from the Festival venue in the main Bedford Car Park off Plymouth Road.
jstackhous@aol.com
01822 613016
http://www.tavistockfoodfestival.co.uk

King Kevin

Kevin Viner has taken over the café at Kingsley Village – it’s now known as Café Viners. Kevin will be serving up the best in local produce for lunches, meetings and private functions, as he’s always done at Viner’s, his restaurant down the road in Summercourt.
01726 861111
http://www.kingsleyvillage.com

It's in the box

Fishleigh Estate has just launched a new online meat box scheme. The Sargent family’s Fishleigh Estate (pictured left with Ian Sargent and his Red Devon cattle) is the idyllic farm featured on BBC’s Spring Watch. Small, medium, large or ‘create your own’ meat boxes start at £38 plus delivery charges for some areas. The boxes contain cuts such as prime organic roasting joints, award-winning free range pork sausages and a seasonal surprise. Subscribers will receive a free local gift in every box.
http://www.moorlandsfarmshop.co.uk

By George!

The George Hotel in South Molton has undergone a facelift and now reopened. Expect to see a modernised, comfortable bar and restaurant, in keeping with the contemporary British food on offer from new head chef Chris Mullan, previously of The Royal Oak in Bigbury. Pop along for one of The George’s popular live music evenings or a stand-up comedy night and enjoy a special pre-show menu (£13.95 for 2 courses), with real ales and good value wines.
01769 572514
http://www.georgehotelsouthmolton.co.uk

Lugger success

Congratulations to all at the Lugger Restaurant in Portloe, which has just been awarded an AA Rosette for Excellence for the fifth consecutive time.
This has proved to be a successful year for The Lugger Restaurant, as they scored a very respectable 83 per cent with merit Rosette.
Head chef Franz Hornegger says, “This is a great achievement for the hotel and the restaurant with our highest AA rating yet. It has always been a passion of mine to cook top quality, innovative food using only the freshest ingredients and I’m glad that we have been recognised for this.”
(0)1872 501322
http://www.luggerhotel.com/contact.html

New River Cottage shop

Axminster continues its development as a foodie destination with the opening of the River Cottage Store in August. The shop which will sell locally sourced products and fresh fruit and veg from local growers, and will be situated in the town centre to complement the local fishmongers and butchers.
http://www.rivercottage.net

All ale the king

The Turtley Corn Mill in Avonwick is a great place for food and cask ales - it just won the West Country regional award for Perfect Cask Ale Pub at the national Abbot Ale Perfect Pubs awards. Congrats to the team.
http://www.avonwick.net/

Salad Days

A North Devon company has added a delicious mild nutty oil to its range in time for the salad season.
Good Oil Light is a milder version of Good Oil Original, and can be used in the same way as mild and light olive oil. It's made from hemp seed, and - like Original - is high in omegas and is the only seed to contain the same potent form of OMEGA 3 as fish oil.
Good products are available in Devon and Cornwall in delis, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose ASDA and Morrisons, and in other stores across the country.
http://www.goodwebsite.co.uk

Lewtrenchard lunches

Lewdown's Lewtrenchard Manor has just launched a new Lewtrenchard Garden Menu.
Making full use of produce available from the country house's garden, it changes weekly according to what's being picked that week. This week, for instance, guests have been sampling English asparagus salad with smoked Montgomery shavings and olive oil; pan fried john dory with marinated peppers, pepper coulis and basil foam; rhubarb jelly with compote of rhubarb and rhubarb smoothie. And it's all served with wine to complement the tastes of the dishes. Treat yourself to a very local lunch with coffee and petit fours, for £33 per person.
01566 783222
http://www.lewtrenchard.co.uk

Hot chefs

The Devon winners of the South West Chef of the Year competition have been announced.
The Professional Class was won by Matthew Mason from the Jack in the Green Inn in Rockbeare, whilst the Young Professional Class was won by Ramone Burton, 17, chef de parte at Browns Hotel in Tavistock.
The panel of judges included Peter Gorton, Michael Caines, Chris and James Tanner, and Richard Guest, and the comp was organised by Taste of the West and Michael Caines@ABode Hotels.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Cornish Food Guide 2007

The 2007 Real Cornish Food Guide is now available.
Now in its 3rd year, it provides information on where to buy and eat some of the freshest and best locally produced Cornish food and drink.
The 2007 Guide features over 132 listings, and is produced by Taste of the West in Cornwall and the Cornwall branch of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFU). Copies are available free from Taste of the West in Cornwall.
01579 349363
http://www.tasteofthewestcornwall.co.uk

Beer elections - much more fun!

St Austell Brewery’s Tribute Ale has been named as the South West's favourite cask ale in the first Best of British Beer Awards.
It was chosen by a ‘beer election’, held in local pubs across the area. Cask Marque, which organised the awards with the Daily Telegraph, accredits pubs serving the perfect pint of cask ale. The awards are backed by the Campaign for Real Ale and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
Tribute’s success comes just a week after it beat off competition from more than 250 beers from all 58 breweries in the South West to be elected Supreme Champion at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) South West Beer Festival.
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Plum award

A Tregony producer has made the finals in the Waitrose Small Producers Awards.
Crellow has beaten off competition from small food companies nationwide to become one of three finalists in the Fruit and Veg category with its Kea Plum & Rosemary Jelly, which is hand-made using fruit from nearby Coombe.

New restaurant in Falmouth

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has opened a new restaurant serving local food with fantastic views.
The Waterside Restaurant is alongside the Waterside Café, and free entry to the museum is included if diners book in advance.
Dishes on the menu include Cornish monkfish with garlic, lemon and herbs, and carpaccio of beef with sautéed potatoes, at £10.95 for two courses or £13.95 for three.
01326 214557
http://www.nmmc.co.uk

The good book

A new book that celebrates good food in Devon is now on the shelves.
A Taste of Devon by Andrea Leeman introduces some of the finest food and drink produced in Devon, and visits honey makers, cheesemakers, an olive and almond grove and wine and cider makers, as well as telling how snails become romantically rampant during thunderstorms. The book also includes recipes and is published by Redcliffe Press at a price of £10.

Free copies of the SW Local Organic Directory

Want to know where to buy fresh, local organic food and drink in the South West? Organic South West’s new edition of the South West Local Organic Food Directory is free to readers of food magazine. To get your copy please send an A5 SAE to: Organic South West, 19D Normandy Way, Walker Lines, Bodmin, PL31 1RB.
If you are a retailer or business who would like multiple copies for your customers, please call OSW on the number below.
01208 78988
http://www.organicsouthwest.org

Blackdown food and drink guide released

You can now find out about all things foodie in the Blackdown Hills area, with the help of a new guide.
The Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Food & Drink Guide contains information on farm shops, breweries, cider farms, a vineyard, bakeries, trout farms, caterers specialising in local produce, plus a wide variety of meat producers.
Copies are available at Tourist Information Centres in Taunton, Wellington, Tiverton and Honiton and from the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership at St Ivel House, Station Road, Hemyock.
01823 680626
http://www.blackdownhillsfoods.co.uk

Foodie renaissance

Devon County Council and the Soil Association signed an official charter recently in support of local, climate-friendly food and farming at Occombe Farm near Paignton.
Led by Devon County Council in partnership with the Soil Association, the RAFAEL initiative (Renaissance of Atlantic Food Authenticity and Economic Links) aims to promote and support local food producers and help businesses and schools to source more authentic Devon produce. For more information, see the website below.
http://www.rafael-eu.com

The tag team wins!

The South West Handline Fishermen’s Association and Seafood Cornwall’s fish tags have just won the hotly contested Sustainable Future Award at the 2007 Seafood Awards.
Other winners on the night were Stefan Glinski of Hayle’s Fresh & Freeze Company (who won the Catching for the Market Award for his enlightened fishing policies), and Bradford Primary School in Holsworthy (which won the Schools Supporting Seafood Award.) Well done all.
http://www.linecaught.org.uk

Purely brilliant

Purely Cornish Deli in Looe will be celebrating its first birthday by opening another shop at St Martin, on the main road just outside Looe. Previously called Pigs and Pickles, the new premises will be renamed the Purely Cornish Farmshop and Delicatessen. A grand opening is planned at 12pm on Saturday May 12.

01579 320848
http://www.purelycornish.co.uk/

Shake your thang

Movers and shakers in Devon and Cornwall's cocktail world are to get together for the 4th annual South West Cocktail Competition and Jamboree.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the event, which is organised by Monkey Bars, at 3pm on Sunday 29th April at Bar Riva in Exeter.
Competing bars this year include Fifteen Cornwall, Michael Caines Cocktail and Champagne Bar and Plymouth Gin Refectory Bar.
Alongside the competition will be demos and games, including the intruiging Incredible Hulk Hands Challenge - which involves attempting to make a drink wearing Incredible Hulk Hands.
http//:www.monkeybars.co.uk

Scilly prices

Isles of Scilly Travel is celebrating 30 years of service for the Scillonian III with some brilliant deals.
Her birthday is on Saturday May 19 and if you fancy a foodie tour to the Isles, the first 100 tickets on sale will be priced at just £3.50 each, with the following ticket sales at £15 per person. You can also visit the Isles of Scilly Travel stand at the Royal Cornwall Show, for lots of discounts and prizes.
Tel. 0845 710 5555
http://www.ios-travel.co.uk

Look out for...

Pedn Olva Hotel in St Ives. It has just launched its refurbished restaurant, The Lookout (‘Pedn Olva’ is Cornish for ‘lookout’). It features fantastic sea views, a modern, Mediterranean feel and Cornish ingredients. Dishes include noisette of lamb, boulangère potatoes, steamed asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli with a blue cheese cream, and charred vegetables on puy lentils with red pesto.
Manager Drew Sanderson said: “We’re incredibly proud and delighted with the new surroundings and our menu at the Lookout. The feedback we’ve had in our first few days of opening has been fantastic."
Visitors will also find a specials board – which changes every day – and an exciting and extensive new wine list developed by the hotel team working with St Austell Brewery’s expert wine buyer Xenia Irwin.
Tel. 01736 796222.

It's cider time!

Cornish Rattler is to be made available in bottles - just in time for the summer cider season.
The cider, from the Cornish Cyder Farm at Penhallow near Truro, launched three years ago and has been a hit in pubs throughout Cornwall. From the end of April a bottled version will be available from retailers and St Austell Brewery pubs.
In a departure from traditional cider types Cornish Rattler is cloudy but sparkling, though it is made from apples grown and pressed at the Cornish Cyder Farm’s orchards at Penhallow near Truro.
01872 573356
http://www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk

Too kool

Newquay’s funky The Chy Bar & Kitchen and Koola Klub reopened recently after refurbishment. New head chef Gareth Beckett’s influence means traditional food with a modern twist. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tel. 01637 873415.
http://www.the-chy.co.uk

Blessed are the cheesemakers

The results from The World Cheese Awards 2007 have been announced. Cornwall was well-represented by Cornish Country Larder, Cornish Cuisine, Dairy Crest Davidstow, The Cornish Cheese Co., Toppenrose Dairy and Lynher Dairies, who all won awards. Quickes Traditional, Taw Valley Creamery, Sharpham Partnership, Norsworthy Dairy and Parkham Farms all flew the flag for Devon winning awards too. Well done all.

What's your favourite favourite?

Got a favourite eatery? Vote for it to win the South West Restaurant of the Year award.
The Which? Good Food Guide is asking people to nominate their favourite independently owned establishment – preferably one that offers regional dishes or uses local produce. To vote, text GFG7 followed by the name and town of the restaurant to 62277 (standard network charges apply). Alternatively, vote online or by sending in a postcard (available from restaurants).
You can vote until 18 May, and nominations will be entered into a prize draw for a meal for two at the regional winning restaurant.
http://www.which.co.uk/gfgaward

Barnstaple restaurants revamped

Two restaurants on the same Barnstaple road have reopened with brand-new looks, chefs and menus.
Old Custom House on The Strand has had a chic-but-cosy redecoration, with a new menu featuring Continental and Morrocan-influenced dishes as well as English classics at £8-£15 for a main course.
Old Custom House's new chef has migrated from the pizza-pasta restaurant down the road - now called Piccolo Italia- which now has a new owner and chef, and menu with classic italian dishes from around £6 for a main course.

The future for foie gras?

Foie gras won't be banned in the UK but strong public feeling on animal welfare issues may lead to its effective demise, says Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw.
Banning the goose liver pate - made from force-feeding the birds - would be illegal under EU laws, said Mr Bradshaw in a letter to Portsmouth MP Mike Hancock, who asked if it is likely to be banned by the British government.

New Coastguard

It’s all change at The Old Coastguard Hotel in Mousehole with a new team in the kitchen boasting 2 shiny new AA Rossettes. Head Chef Barnaby Mason (pictured above) joins the hotel from The Mill End in Chagford, with collegue Jonathan Blair, also previously of The Mill End who takes on the position of Head Pastry Chef. New Sous Chef is Simon Harris, who trained with Damion Broom at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes. The same stunning views and classy dining atmosphere remain.
01736 731222
http://www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

Cornwall's chefs buying local

Cornwall's restaurant-goers can look forward to being served more local food, thanks to the continued success of a yearly guide produced by Taste of The West.
The Food Finder provides a quick and easy way for chefs to find out who is selling what from where in Cornwall. Now in its fifth year, it has become essential reading in many kitchens.
The 2007 guide was launched this week at an event at the Royal Cornwall Showground as part of Expowest.
Top chef Kevin Viner spoke at the launch, and called for his fellow chefs to use more local produce.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

New look for Cornwall Wine & Fine Food Fair

It's all change for the 2007 Cornwall Wine & Fine Food Fair, with a new look, new venue and new dates. This year's event, organised by Castang Wine Shippers (pictured left David Hearnden, of the company) will be held at The China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, on Tuesday and Wednesday April 17 and 18. The China Fleet Country Club offers a wide range of outstanding facilities and the fair will be the first event to be held in their new conference and events centre.
It's the south west’s biggest wine and food fair, and it promises to be the highlight event for both trade buyers, and the general public again this year.
The fair is also hugely popular with individual wine and food enthusiasts and is free of charge but by invitation only. So, if you'd like to go, contact Castang Wine Shippers, on the number below. Tickets for the event will be sent out in March.
sales@castang-wines.co.uk
01503 220359

Herb festival

It’s ‘Herb Festival’ time at Bodmin Plant & Herb Nursery. Drop in on the week-end of Saturday April 28 and Sunday 29 for orange & rosemary sorbet, wild rocket & purslane salad, saffron & bergamot soap or lavender & honey toner amongst other goodies. The weekend pulls together collected experts, such as Dorset food expert, Cheryl Bouchier, Rachel from Bodmin-based Mount Folly Whole & Cornish Foods, Local horticulturalist, George Kestell, and Wadebridge-based Herbalist, Maria Holzamer, along with their herbs and herb-based goods. There'll be more than 200 varieties of herbs for sale and on both afternoons, Jane Hanscomb of St Breward will be talking on the “History, Lore and Magic of Herbs”. Round off your visit with a trip to the Tea Tent, where light refreshments (including chamomile and nettle tea, naturally) will be available, with those proceeds going to local charities. Entry is free.
Bodmin Plant & Herb Nursery, Laveddon Mill,
Bodmin.
bodminnursery@aol.com
Tel. Linda Lawlor 01208 72837.
http://www.bodminnursery.co.uk

Ethical eating

It's Fairtrade Fortnight, the time when you engage your concience as well as your wallet when buying food. To coincide with this Kernow Chocolate has launched their own range of Fairtrade chocolate bars, the first to be produced in Cornwall under the Fairtrade branding.
Both bars have done the rounds of the mag office, and we can confirm they're well worth a try - the dark is satisfyingly rich and the milk chocolate is sweet and creamy, and the only guilt attached comes from the calories consumed.
Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 26 Feb to 11 March.
http//:www.kernowchocolate.co.uk

Rub a dub dub

Hooray! It’s time for Cornish Earlies again. Well, nearly... The first crop is being lifted at the end of April, so keep a sharp eye out for them. Proper Cornish Earliers are marked up as such - don’t fall for impostors! Then all you have to do is get them home, rub them (don’t scrub them) and serve boiled or steamed with a local butter and herbs - heaven on a plate. Doesn’t absence make the heart grow fonder?
http://www.deliciouslydirty.co.uk

Tag team

Buying local isn’t just about food that’s been produced on the land, and so we’re hooked on these tags which you’ll find at your local fishmongers. Only Cornish fish that have been line caught instead of trawled for can wear them, helping promote sustainable fishing. You can even look up the fisherman who caught your fish on the website below.
http://www.linecaught.org.uk

West is best

Falmouth’s Five Degrees West has won Britain’s ‘Best Premium Bar’ for the second year running. The St Austell Brewery bar is run by Justine Stockton, pictured left with her team. Justine says, “I’m thrilled for the bar to win again. It’s a great achievement for the whole team who work so hard in maintaining exceptional standards.” The award was given by the Morning Advertiser, the licensed trade’s national newspaper.

Latte-licious

Want to know where to get the best latte in Cornwall? Try coffee made by the professional hands of Hugo Hercod - winner of the south west heat of the 2007 Barista Championship. Hugo and partner Sarah run their café/deli Relish Food & Drink in Wadebridge and use local Origin Coffee and Roskilly’s organic milk.

Paradiso found

Fans of vg.deli.co in Launceston will have noticed that it’s got a new name - Deli Paradiso. It’s still offering all the best local produce, but with even more emphasis on provenance and originality.

Mellow yellow

A former fruit and veg shop in the centre of Penryn has been renovated and is now an organic coffee shop. What was once The Orange Pip is now The Little Yellow House, selling gorgeous home-made cakes and biscuits, plus locally produced foods and home and garden accessories.

The quay to success

It’s all change at No.11 The Quay this spring.
Damien Hirst’s restaurant has re-opened after top-to-bottom redecoration with a new General Manager Stephen Cave (pictured right), new set menus for parties of over 10 from Head Chef Laurence Hill-Wickham (pictured left), and new kids’ options on the bar menu. The restaurant will also be launching its set luncheons in the Atlantic Room, Wednesday to Saturday, from mid-March.
http://www.11thequay.com

Deli-cious

We’ve heard on the grapevine that the Tanner brothers are planning to open a new deli this year; watch this space...

Bringing our seas back to life

A pioneering project is being launched in the South West this spring to breathe new life into our coasts and seas, which are central to communities and the economy.
Finding Sanctuary will aim to create the very first network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the UK, by balancing the needs of the people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods or leisure activities, with the protection and conservation of marine habitats and sea life.
The foundations of the Finding Sanctuary project have been considered and researched for two years and its ethics centre strongly on shared and careful decision-making by a steering group involving the fishing industry, anglers, and leisure, enforcement and conservation groups.
Tom Hooper, Project Manager for Finding Sanctuary, explains: “The success of Finding Sanctuary rests on the input, understanding and commitment of everyone who has an interest in the coasts and seas in the South West - especially fishermen, anglers, divers and conservationists but also residents and tourists who enjoy the lifestyle the South West coastline brings. The pivotal role of Finding Sanctuary is to ensure that sites are well planned to provide better protection for a diverse number of species, and are suited, and preferably advantageous, to the needs of those that use the seas.”
For more information about Finding Sanctuary and to become involved in the project please log on to the webiste below, or write to: Finding Sanctuary, Darts Farm Village, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0QH.
http://www.finding-sanctuary.org

Harris Arms in Young Chef final

The Harris Arms' youngest chef, Chris Penn, has been named one of four finalists for the ‘Young Professional Chef’ award run by Taste of the West. The 19 year old will be cooking for Michael Caines, the Tanner Brothers and Peter Gorton of The Horn of Plenty at the final on Saturday March 24. Good luck Chris!
01566 783331
www.theharrisarms.co.uk

Ring out the bells

The Bell at Chittlehampton - highly recommended in the Camra Guide for Real Ales - has a new chef in local man Shaun Peters.
He also hopes to continue to build on The Bells's reputation for quality, locally-sourced food - which includes homemade pies - and has introduced a Saturday menu which offers three courses and coffee for £14.95.
01769 540368
http://www.thebellatchittlehampton.co.uk

Williams' Award

Braunton chef Anthony Williams, of the Williams Arms, has won his heat at the 2007 Pub Chef Food Excellence award.
Anthony won the poultry category with a dish of Devon style turkey tournedos, served with dry-cured back bacon, black pudding, mini fondant potatoes and a pea puree.
The food excellence award began with a six-month search for top chefs who then went head-to-head in 11 cook-off rounds to become category champions.
Anthony has been winning awards for his cooking since 2002.
01271 812360
http://www.williamsarms.co.uk

Love Moorlands Farm Shop

A special sampling session is taking place at Moorlands Farm Shop at Whiddon Down near Okehampton as part of Purple Love Week, a time when people are encouraged to support local producers.
Visitors to the shop will be able to sample a variety of goods, talk to local producers and pick up a new edition of the Little Book of Love which is written each year especially for Purple Love Week, which is 10-17 February.
Tastings will be on offer from 11am until 3pm from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17.
enquiries@moorlandsfarmshop.co.uk
01647 231 666
http://www.moorlandsfarmshop.co.uk

BBC's Carol Klein at Broomhill

Star of BBC's Grow Your Own Veg series, Carol Klein, inspired an audience of keen gardeners at last night's Waterstone's Supper Club at Broomhill Art Hotel in Muddiford, North Devon. After telling stories about her experiences filming the current series she took questions from the audience, espousing the benefits of going organic and explaining ways to manage pests in an organic garden. Check out her new book 'Grow Your own Veg' which is out now and see our interview with her in the March/April issue of Food magazine.

St Austell Brewery success

The St Austell Brewery Catering Development Manager, Paul Drye has received a new accolade in recognition of his effort to revolutionise pub food. The ‘Catering Development Professional of the Year’ award at the annual Pub Chef Food Excellence Awards, celebrates chefs that have shown a commitment to improving the food they serve to customers, creating new dishes and using local food. The judges said they were impressed with “the way Paul has developed and delivered an outstanding food offering across the Brewery’s estate”.
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Michelin awards announced

The new Michelin guide for 2007 was unveiled on January 24 and there was plenty to smile about for Cornwall and Devon. Retaining its star this year was Padstow’s Ripley’s, Dartmouth’s New Angel, Knowstone's Masons Arms and Torquay’s Elephant. Ben Tunnicliffe’s Abbey Restaurant in Penzance is also back in the book and Michael Caines’ Gidleigh Park retains it’s dazzling two stars.
In the Rising Stars category, our very own Combe House Hotel in Gittisham and St Martin’s on the Isle in the Isles of Scilly got a mention and Bib Gourmands, or ‘good dining on a budget’ awards went to Gardiners in Budleigh Salterton, The Jack in the Green Inn near Exeter, Rick Stein’s Cafe in Padstow and Viners in Summercourt.
http://www.michelin.co.uk

Purple love week

Lovers of gourmet food will be spoilt rotten this Valentine’s week as Britain’s largest free food tasting event, Purple Love Week, comes to north Cornwall.
Relish Food & Drink, Wadebridge’s newest food grocer and delicatessen, is embracing Purple Love Week with a series of free food tastings and special events from 10th-17th February.
Now in its second year, Purple Love Week is Britain’s largest co-ordinated tasting event, drawing in around 600 delis, farm shops, butchers and bakers across the UK in a bid to support and unite smaller independent food shops everywhere.
“Purple Love Week really highlights the serious issue of how we can keep our high streets buzzing, and is a chance for us to give our customers a taste - for free - of the great selection of produce we have on offer,” said Relish’s Sarah Townsend.
Relish Food & Drink have planned a series of free tasting sessions every day from Saturday February 10 to 17. Customers will also be able to meet specialist food producers, including Boddington’s jam, and cheese expert Emma Johnson of Anthony Rowcliffe (formerly of Lynher Dairies, the makers of Cornish Yarg) on Friday 16.
Twice every day at 11am and 3pm a “Taste the Difference” session will compare an artisan- or locally-produced food with its supermarket-bought equivalent. There will be a different food to try every day, including Wensleydale cheese, Tywardreath sausages, and Boddingtons jam amongst others, plus all-day tastings of nine different types of olives and free samples from Dorset producer Olives Et Al’s range. You could also win a £50 hamper.
01208 814214.
http://www.relishwadebridge.co.uk

Frying pans at the ready...

...Entries are now open for the South West Chef of the Year competition 2007.
If you are a professional, young professional or amateur chefs and fancy a culinary challenge, why not enter? All you have to do is devise a two-course meal for two people using regionally and locally produced food. The competition is run by Taste of the West, in association with Michael Caines@Abode Exeter.
Entries are judged on the quality, ingenuity and balance of the two course menu’s and the use of locally produced food and three finalists in each class are selected to go forward to prepare their starter and main course dishes for the panel of judges at the cook-off final on Saturday March 24, at Exeter College. The winners in each class will then go on to demonstrate their dishes in the cookery theatre at the Exeter Festival of South West England Food & Drink on Friday March 30 to Sunday April 1 2007.
Entry forms for any of the categories are available from Taste of the West, details below. Closing date for entries is Wednesday February 14 2007.
enquiries@tasteofthewest.co.uk
Julie Harvey on 01392 440745

MasterChef's back

And they're looking for volunteers. If you are an ambitious and talented amateur cook who wants to take part in the fourth series of MasterChef Goes Large, apply asap. Check out the website; send a S.A.E to: MasterChef, PO Box 50405, London, W8 4XF; telephone; or email to be in with the chance to change your life for a future in the food industry.
masterchefcontestants@shinelimited.com
0871 210 8881 (calls cost 10p/min)
www.masterchefgoeslarge.tv

Getting ready for a great food festival

This years' Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink is set to be the biggest and best yet.
The food festival, now in it's fourth year, will be held from Friday March 30 to Sunday April 1. For the first time, the live demonstration cookery theatre will be located in the grounds of the Rougemont Castle, now under new ownership after nearly a thousand years in continuous Crown occupation.
This provides extra space for the third Taste of the West Food and Drink Pavilion and a dedicated place for celebrity chef’s demonstrations.
The Exeter Festival’s growing reputation has attracted the hottest culinary talent to demonstrate the best regional and seasonal cooking this year including Exeter’s 2-star Michelin Chef Michael Caines; writer, broadcaster and campaigner for real food Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the River Cottage Team and talented chefs regularly appearing on Ready Steady Cook, James and Chris Tanner of Tanners Restaurant and Barbican Kitchen, Plymouth.
Check out the March-April issue of food magazine for more information.
01392 440745
www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/foodfestival

It's a lottery

Fancy winning a free meal? Webbs Inn and Restaurant, Pike Street, Liskeard is kicking off the New Year with the first of eleven ‘It’s a Lottery’ evenings.
Every customer who dines at Webbs on that evening will have the chance to win the value of their table’s entire evening meal. At 9.30pm, a table number will be picked at random and the winners will have their bill for the evening torn up.
January’s ‘It’s a Lottery!’ night is being held on Wednesday 24, at 7pm.
A 6-course menu has been created, by award winning chef manager Graham Ledwith (pictured), especially for the night, which features, a warm confit duck with toasted pine nuts and flaked Devon blue, roasted corn fed breast of chicken, sautéed bacon, fondant potato and creamed leeks as well as the infamous Webbs’ something chocolate for dessert.
At just £19.95 per person for six courses (and that’s if you pay of course!), it's worth the gamble.
Graham says, "it's a good fun evening for all who participate and with the added dimension of knowing you and your friends (maximum table of four) could actually be munching your way through your fabulous six-course dinner without having to part with a penny!"
Graham plans to hold the following ‘It’s a Lottery!’ meals on the last Thursday of every month although this month’s event is on a Wednesday.
01579 343839

New to try...

The White Hart in Modbury and St Elizabeth’s House in Plympton St Maurice are two new acquisitions by the Wykeham Group, which is expanding its range of top notch restaurants, gastro pubs and boutique hotels in Devon. Check them out for fabulous foodie destination dining with rooms.

Darts success

What a way to go into 2007 - Britain’s Farm Retailer of the Year award was won by Darts Farm, near Exeter. Michael and James Dart were recently presented with their award by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (pictured left.)
Tel. 01392 878200.
http://www.dartsfarm.co.uk

Tasty Tiffins

Tiffins Caffè is has just opened upstairs at the deli in Fowey, so if you like the Tiffins Tosca recipe on the recipes page, you’ll be able to taste the real thing and a whole load of other delicacies.

And the award goes to...

Whitsand Bay Hotel, Portwrinkle, has been awarded a well-deserved AA Rosette for culinary excellence at its Bay Restaurant. Head Chef, Tony Farmer and team are steadfastly devoted to their ethos of using local produce to create a Modern English menu.

New farmers' market

A farmers’ market pilot scheme on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly has been so successful that plans are afoot to make it a regular thing. Depending on the weather, it’s to be held at the Town Hall or Holgates Green on the Strand, between 10am and 2pm. The first Thursday of the month looks to be the likely date, but it’s a project in development, so call to check or look out for notices and news on the webiste below.
Amy Slack 01720 424355
http://www.scilly.gov.uk

Rock on

Calling fans of Mariners in Rock! The first floor restaurant has just been relaunched with new chef Paul Maclean at the helm. There’ll be a new menu and restaurant refurbishment, but regular customers will be happy to know that the views over to Padstow remain.

Bon appetit comrades

Sarah Townsend and Hugo Hercod have just opened Relish, a new gourmet café and fine food grocery with the aim of sparking a “fine food revolution in Wadebridge.” Join the party at Foundry Court.
01208 814214

Calling coffee aficionados...

Keep February 6 and 7 free as Origin Coffee is hosting the South West Barista Championships at St Austell Brewery. Be there to cheer on the Cornish baristas who could be in with a chance of going on to the UK finals, then conquering the world at the internationals in Tokyo this May.
http://www.origincoffee.co.uk

Dig it

A two acre unused site in Stoke, Plymouth will soon be transformed into a market garden of organic veg, fruit, flowers, fauna and compost, thanks to ‘Diggin It!’ - a project which will help socially excluded people to gain training, life experience, exercise, confidence and self-esteem.

Award-winning chef joins Truro hotel

Truro's Alverton Manor is celebrating the arrival of a new head chef.
John Mijatovic,who won three AA Rosettes during his time at St Martin's Hotel on the Scilly Isles, will build upon the hotel's reputation for cooking seasonal and traditional British foods, using local produce.
John will be joined by eight new kitchen members, three of whom have followed him from St Martin's whilst the other five are all local recruits.
01872 276633

Our heroes!

Four Devon food business owners were named as finalists by UKTV's Local Food Heroes 2006 programme.
Businesses were nominated by customers, and top local chef Michael Caines chose the South West winner and finalists.
They were: Elise Jungheim of Country Cheeses in Tavistock and Topsham; Ken Hunt of Combe House Hotel and Restaurant in Gittisham; Karen Burgess of The Dartmoor Inn in Lydford; Guy Watson of Riverford Organic Vegetables in Buckfastleigh.
The South West winner was Somerset's John Rowswell of Rowswells Fruit and Veg in Ilminster.
Each programme in the 11-part series, presented by Gary Rhodes, looked at one specific region as the list of nominees were whittled down to the eight strongest contenders.
http://uktvfood.co.uk

Ronald McDonald given the boot

Local food traders in Tavistock have proved to be too much competition for the town's branch of McDonalds, which has closed.
The company said "trading patterns" in Tavistock had changed over recent years and the site was no longer suitable.
The restaurant, which opened in 1999, has closed while Tavistock's local food industry thrives, having won the title Best Food Town in the South West this year.
John Taylor, Tavistock Forward and EatWise chairman, said: "It just goes to show that the food is so good here we have seen them off."

Food magazine Reader Survey 2006

Your chance to shape your favourite local food magazine. Take five minutes to fill in our Reader Survey 2006 by December 7th and we will enter you in a draw to win a food subscription for yourself or as a gift, and a copy of Rick Stein's Food Heroes: Another Helping.
Once you have filled in the form (find link below), please return to us by fax, post or email.
Salt Media, 5 Cross Street, Barnstaple, devon, EX31 1BA.
Tel. 01271 859299. Fax. 01271 859292.
stef@saltmedia.co.uk
download/readersurvey06.pdf

How well-travelled is your Xmas dinner?

Your Christmas dinner could have travelled nearly 100,000 miles to get to you, according to recent research.
With turkey from Brazil, veg from Africa, wine from Australia and brandy butter from New Zealand, some Christmas roasts add huge amounts of harmful carbon dioxide to the atmosphere - when most people could source fantastic ingredients from their immediate area.
"A lot of people will be appalled by how far their dinner has come," says Sarah Carter, climate change and carbon monitoring resesarcher at Edinburgh University. "If you want to do your bit for the environment, always buy locally if possible."

Taste the new range

A new Taste of the West range of Westcountry food and drink has been launched at Mole Valley Farmers’ stores across the south west.
The new range will include beer, cider, wine, spirits, biscuits, cakes, preserves, meat, sausages, pasties, cheese, soup and pasta sauces from some of our favourite producers in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
The launch at the Mole Valley Farmers South Molton store on Thursday November 30 was introduced by Taste of the West Chief Executive John Sheaves and Mole Valley Farmers Chairman David Burke, pictured.
"This range is a brilliant idea in terms of taking an industry forward. It's about quality and integrity - food with a story," said John Sheaves.
01392 440745
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

I'm a celebrity, let me in your farm shop

Antony Worrall Thompson and Paul Rankin have been filming their new TV series in a South Hams farm shop.
The newly opened Countryman’s Choice at Ivybridge is playing host to UKTV Food's The People’s Cookbook, fronted by the celebrity chefs. Look out for food editor Jo Rees and some of the food team as expert tasters when the series airs soon.
The shop has been open for business as usual and transformed into a film set at night. It will reopen for normal business hours 9am – 6pm on December 1st, when customers will be welcomed to an open food tasting to usher in the Christmas season.
01752 892540

Cornwall's Tourism Champions

The winners of this year's Cornwall Tourism Awards have been announced, and include many from the local food and drink industry.
More than 180 businesses entered, and over seventy awards were presented to a range of Cornish businesses. Read the full list of winners on the Cornwall Enterprise website.
http://www.cornwallenterprise.co.uk

Burgers banished

Jamie Oliver has presented an award to a Devon primary school for dishing up school dinners that are 'of restaurant quality and beautifully fresh'.
Blackawton Primary School near Totnes has won the Soil Association's Hobart Best School Dinner Award as part of their School Food Awards 2006. The award, plus £2500 of kitchen equipment, was handed over by the celebrity chef and campaigner for good school food.
Blackawton Primary School is very strong on both organic and local sourcing, being supplied by local businesses Tideford Organic Foods and Riverford Organics.
As well as eating great school dinners, the children work to develop a strong food culture and understanding of food. Each gets involved in gardening and growing fresh herbs and vegetables, as well as going on farm visits.
http://www.soilassociation.org/foodforlife

Calling all Baristas

Make a mean macchiato? Entrants are being sought for the South West Barista Championships which will be held at St Austell Brewery on the 6th and 7th of February 2007. Cornish company Origin Coffee will again host the South West heats of the prestigious espresso coffee making competition.
Baristas will have 15 minutes to prepare four identical espressos, four identical cappuccinos and four identical specialty drinks of their own design. The winner and highest scoring runnerfrom each heat from around the UK will go on to compete in the UK finals in London. www.ukbaristachampionship.co.uk
To enter this years competition contact Origin's Tom Sobey - details below.
tom@origincoffee.co.uk
01326 340320
http://www.ukbaristachampionship.co.uk

Less Mess

A North Devon woman's kitchen-friendly invention has won an award.
The Fat Trap aids the disposal of cooking fat, thus preventing sink blockages and river pollution. It was invented by Tina Offield, whose company Less Mess - which she founded with her partner Jamie Pearce - was presented a National Green Apple Environment Award by David Bellamy.
tina@lessmess.co.uk
01271 817977

A Luxurious New Year

Combe House Hotel and Restaurant has put together a three-day New Year package which promises to see 2007 in with style.
The award-winning Grade I Elizabethan Manor on a secluded wooded estate near Exeter will be the venue for a weekend with fabulous local food and drink, magicians, live music and a fun casino as well as coastal walks, treasure hunts and roaring fires.
The long weekend break is from Friday 29 December to New Year's Day, with the highlight for all you foodies being New Year's Eve. Champagne and canapés will precede a five-course feast with seafood from Brixham, poultry from Silverton, Ruby Red Devon Beef and West Country farmhouse cheeses.
Prices for the three-night New Year package start from £778 per person including accommodation, all meals, champagne receptions and entertainment.
01404 540400
http://www.thishotel.com

Real good news

Real ale fans may be finding more of their favourite brews on tap in their locals, thanks to an initiative from the Society of Independant Brewers.
SIBA recently announced the winners of its Local Brewing Business Awards, and it is hoped that by encouraging small producers more real ale will be produced and stocked.
Overall winners Hawkshead Brewery have invested in installing dispensing and cellaring equipment in local pubs and hotels to satisfy increasing consumer demand.
http://www.siba.co.uk/awards

The origin of pasties

Devon is claiming that most ubiquitous of Cornish icons, the pasty, for its own, following recent historical unearthings.
A reference has been found in a 16th Century document at the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office which reads, "Itm for the cooke is labor to make the pasties 10d."
Cornwall, however, claims that its pasties can be traced back 8,000 years, with Lizard cave paintings showing leaf-wrapped parcels being consumed.
"We definitely believe the pasty started in Cornwall, though it is difficult to ascertain," says Jane Flowerdew of pasty makers Proper Cornish. "It was certainly established here. There is a bit of jokey rivalry between Cornwall and Devon, but you can't beat a Cornish pasty."
Why Devon, with an abundance of its own fine local foods, should wish to kidnap the good old pasty is a mystery to us here at food. It's a Cornish icon and treasure, and long may it remain so.

Recipes required

Do you think your recipe has the X-factor to be developed and sold in shops nationwide?
A new programme for Channel 4 is expecting to attract queues of hopefuls clutching their tupperware boxes waiting to see judges seeking Britain's next best recipe. The programme makers will be working alongside a major food store in search for Britains best amateur cooks with winning traditional or innovative dishes. Recipes will be judged on inventiveness, quality, taste, presentation and potential.
The hundreds will be eventually whittled down to the top two who will be assigned a mentor chef to help them develop their recipes into top quality products at High Street standards.
food@ricochet.co.uk
www.ricochet.co.uk

Hook yourself a book

We've got a copy of Cornish Fishing and Seafood by local food writer Carol Trewin up for grabs.
Described by Gordan Ramsay as telling "the true story of Cornish fishing, and why we must love and cherish it", the book contains interviews with fishermen, fish merchants and chefs, as well as recipes from Cornish chefs and restaurants (we love Neil Haydock at Fifteen's recipe for Rosemary skewered Scallops).
It's great looking book with vibrant pictures, and profits will help support Cornish fishing.
To win your copy, email or post your answers to the following question to food, or buy from the website below.
What is the Cornish word for fish (singular)?
stef@saltmedia.co.uk
http://www.alison-hodge.co.uk

Ten years old!

Tideford Organic Foods celebrates a decade of delectables this November. Here in the food office, we're loving lashings of the Totnes based company’s farmhouse chicken and vegetable soup - a wonderfully warming blend of chicken, organic veg, herbs and pulses.
01803 840555.
http://www.tidefordorganics.com

Get your Own

Own Online, the Exeter based online supermarket, is going places (above). As it celebrates its first birthday, the company has announced that it is about to start delivering nationwide. As well as providing Devon foodies with the products they love, the rest of the UK can now have their favourite Westcountry products delivered by courier within 24 hours.
http://www.ownonline.co.uk

Adopt a canteen

Does your school need a bit of extra special help when it comes to food? If you live in Plymouth, you’re in luck as Tavistock chef Peter Gorton is looking to adopt a Plymouth school to help with every aspect of cooking and nutrition. Interested Heads should write to Peter before December, at The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy, Tavistock,
stating why they think they would benefit.
http://www.thehornofplenty.co.uk

Deli-licious

Braunton will have a new deli in November in the shape of Westone, situated in the old Portman building. This is a new venture for Ivan Rees, the man behind the successful Westbeach in Woolacombe.

11 out of 10

Lawrence Hill-Wickham of The Muddiford Inn, Barnstaple has joined Damien Hirst’s No 11 The Quay in Ilfracombe. Good news for his army of fans.
http://www.11thequay.co.uk

Don't miss...

New restaurant, Salt Water, situated at the old Blue Tomato site in Polzeath and run by Steve Pitt, previously of The Royal Oak, Lostwithiel and Palate Café, Kingsley Village.
01208 862333.

Catch of the day

Truro’s Indaba has had a make-over recently - in just two weeks of gruelling round-the-clock refurbishment, the popular city restaurant has been transformed into Indaba Fish, a more intimate continental style bistro with the focus on seafood. Owner Nick Botting (pictured left with Development Chef Nik Boyle) has gone for a larger open kitchen on view, a two metre seafood and crustacean bar, with delicatessen offerings including Parma ham, cheeses, bread and olives.

New in Looe

With a café-bar up and running and a first-floor restaurant opening early in November, The Pavilion on the seafront at Seaton near Looe is going to be another foodie destination in South-East Cornwall. Go for pizzas, burgers and fish and chips - but made with organic ingredients from within a 40-mile radius.

Outlaw on the move

Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw has moved to the Marina Villa Hotel in Fowey, with his appointment being followed by a complete re-fit of the restaurant in January. "We're thrilled that Nathan has decided to join us and we're really looking forward to opening Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in February," says General Manager James Coggan.

Don't miss...

The Roseland Inn at Philleigh in the Roseland Peninsula, which has just won The Good Pub Guide's Cornish Dining Pub of the Year 2006 Award. Congratulations to owners Doug and Will Richards and Head Chef Simon Stallard.

Meating traditions

Oughs in Liskeard’s long tradition and good reputation is being continued by grazier and traditional butcher Philip Warren, who has taken over the premises. The Launceston based company opened doors in October, providing great local meats, hot carvery sandwiches and daily deliveries.

King of the Food Hall

Fans of Kings Deli will be happy to know that it’s not gone for good - it’s moved to Homeleigh Garden Centre, Launceston, where it has become the Homeleigh Food Hall.

Which is YOUR favourite?

Enter our competition to win a copy of 'This is my favourite...', the BBC Children in Need Appeal recipe book.
It's a collection of favourite, original recipes from some of the country's best known chefs including Gordan Ramsey, Raymond Blanc and Rick Stein.
To enter send us your favourite winter recipe that uses local produce. It could be for a main course or pudding - anything you like, as long as it makes the most of our fab local food.
Send your recipes to us by email or post (address on contacts page) before November 30. The winning recipe will be posted on our website, plus any others that tantalise our tastebuds.
You can buy copies of 'This is my favourite...' online for £10 (see address below). It also has ideas for holding a 'My Favourite Night' dinner party. During the week of the appeal (17 November) people across the country will cook for their friends, who will then donate the cost of a meal out to Children in Need.
stef@saltmedia.co.uk
www.thisismyfavourite.co.uk

Chalky's Bite

On October 26, Sharp’s Brewery launches its new beer ‘Chalky’s Bite’ in partnership with Rick Stein.
Named after the celebraity chef's equally famous and vivacious terrier, it's an English beer in a Belgium style with the character, individuality and quality to stand alongside some of the great Belgium beers.
With subtle flavouring from wild Cornish fennel, Cornish malted barley and a delicate balance of three different hops, Chalky’s Bite is ideal as an aperitif or with a main meal, particularly seafood.
"There are so many elements of this beer that really impress me," said Rick Stein. "The Belgium style brings the subtle fennel and hop flavours to the fore yet the beer is also distinctively English and very much a product of Sharp’s Brewery."
"Working on this project with Sharp’s Brewery’s Head Brewer Stuart Howe has reinforced my belief in the abundant and highly skilled talent that exists here in the UK. Stuart’s genuine passion, knowledge and ingenuity for the art of brewing was one of the main reasons that this partnership worked so well."
http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk

The Countryman’s Choice

Countryman’s Choice farm shop and regional food centre has just opened at Ivybridge, located next door to Endsleigh Garden and Leisure.

Manager Adam Taylor told us "We will try and bring that little extra to your visit with information on our suppliers, demonstrations, food tasting, and a little bit of theatre."

" Our aim two fold, firstly, to bring together a large selection of high quality food and drink from the local region and secondly to support the smaller local producers and farmers. As far as possible our stock will be sourced with in a 30 mile radius of the farm shop, ensuring a truly local feel, as well as being as fresh as we can get it."

The on site butcher, Lidstones of Kingsbridge has has been operating in Kingsbridge since the 1800’s. You can order and watch them cut your locall reared meat to your requirements.

The store is located just off the A38 at Ivybridge, next to Endsleigh Garden and Leisure, Open every day of the week including Sundays.
01752 895533.
http://www.countrymanschoice.co.uk

Pol Roger Top Of The Pops

Devon foodies congregated at Northcote Manor recently to celebrate Winston Churchill's favourite Champagne, Pol Roger.
The four course gourmet dinner was the one of the first and probably the most glamourous event of this year's Devon Celebration of Food calendar. The four course gourmet dinner included Pol Roger Champagnes matched to each course with an accompanying introduction by James Simpson, Director of Pol Roger. Black tie was the order of the evening with guests sparkling almost as much as the wine.
01769 560 501
www.northcotemanor.co.uk

Top Westcountry organics

Organic businesses across Devon and Cornwall have won Soil Association Organic Food Awards.
Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson were among the judges of this year's awards, which recognise the best organic food producers in the UK.
North Devon's Tim and Jo Budden, of Higher Hacknell Farm, won a Special Award - one of only five - and were named Producers of the Year for their superb organic produce and outstanding standards of organic farming.
A gold award went to Well Hung Meat in Buckfastleigh for their veal, the company's fifth award in as many years.
Other Devon award winners were Rod and Ben's, Linscombe Farm, Shillingford Organics, Luscombe Organic Drinks, Old Cummings Organic Farm and Higher Fingle Farm.
In Cornwall, ice cream company Roskilly's won two awards in the dairy category. Somerset also had its share of winners, with a Special Award for Box Scheme of the Year going to Spring Grove Market Garden, and Taunton's new deli Roots winning a bronze award, amongst others.
See the Soil Association website for a full list of winners.
http://www.soilassociation.org

Combe House wins top award

Combe House Hotel & Restaurant at Gittisham, near Exeter, has won the prestigious country hotel of the year 2007 César award from the Good Hotel Guide.
The food was judged as being exceedingly good, whilst Ruth and Ken Hunt were found to be thoughtful hosts, justly proud of their restoration of the house. On an anonymous visit their inspector “had great fun in a lovely place amid glorious surroundings”.
Thrilled to receive the award, Ken Hunt said, “This unexpected honour reflects the myriad of lovely people who come and stay with us and the wonderful, happy and hard working team whom we regard as our family.”
Regarded as the Oscars of the hotel industry, the annual César awards are given to special places, each of which is considered to be outstanding in its own class. Hotels cannot buy their entry as they do in rival guides, so readers are given completely impartial advice to assist them in finding a good hotel.
01404 540400
http://www.thishotel.com

Eden Project praised for angelic kids' food

Cornwall's Eden Project has been found to offer the healthiest kids' food in a survey comparing others across England and Wales.
An undercover 'mum' visited 14 attractions for the Soil Association survey. Many only offered a choice of burgers, chips and fizzy drinks, but the Eden Project fared much better with its varied menu of dishes made from fresh produce, 87% of which is sourced from Cornwall.
"It's heartening to think that no child is ever very far away from a fresh bowl of fruit when they are here," said Eden's food and beverage manager Jo Bates.

www.edenproject.com

Sunday Flights to Tresco

Sunday flights will again be available to those wishing to get to beautiful Tresco in the Scilly Isles, thanks to British International, in conjunction with Tresco Estate.
Running between 29 October and 17 December 2006, the Sunday afternoon flight will enable travellers to take a relaxing weekend break, and return in time for work on Monday.
For more information contact British International (01736 363871), the Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher (01720 422947) or the Island Hotel, Tresco (01720 422883). Both hotels offer weekend packages.
01736 863871
www.brit-int.co.uk

Brand new bangers

Sizzling summer news from Tamblyn’s Finest Meats is that the business is launching a new range of handmade gourmet sausages. The bangers are made from the Tamblyn family’s own Saltash farm-reared Cornish pork and will be available throughout South East Cornwall and Plymouth. Pictured left is Jonathon Tamblyn (second on the left) with wife Carol, his twin brother Martin and Anne Tamblyn.
Tel. 01752 851717
http://www.tamblyns.co.uk