THE pandemic had a massive (and mainly adverse) impact on the hospitality and catering industry, but post-Covid many have predicted a “new dawn for fine dining” and the recent publication of the 31st edition of the Trencherman’s Guide, the South West’s dining guide, proves it, says Michael Caines, who chairs the Trencherman’s committee. “In the…
THE biggest celebration of English seafood takes place on the English Riviera in South Devon, from 29th September to 15th October, with top chefs, fishermen, restaurants and food writers demonstrating the quality of world-renowned locally caught and landed seafood. More than 40 eateries have joined forces to put on an incredible array of experiences and…
DORSET food producers, including Dorset Pastry, were among the winners of the 230-plus coveted three star awards in this year’s Great Taste Awards, run by the Guild of Fine Food at Gillingham. The pastry company, based at Crossways, is renowned for its all-butter puff and shortcrust. The family-run business was founded by Moira Blake in…
TWO leading West Country organic food businesses are getting together. Devon-based Eversfield Organic Ltd, one of the UK’s top organic grocery services, has announced the incorporation of Coombe Farm Organic, based near Crewkerne in Somerset. This strategic move will double the size of Eversfield Organic’s online butchery business and the company says this will enhance…
The writer Henry James famously wrote in The Portrait of a Lady: “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” WHATEVER your view on the cream or jam on top scone debate, most of us can agree that the South West has the best…
THE deadline for entries to the 2023 Somerset Food Trail is on Wednesday 15th March. The food trail, which last year attracted 8,500 people to visit more than 190 sustainable food producers and retailers, runs from 14th to 30th July and focuses on smaller scale and more nature-friendly farmers and artisan producers. The 2023 trail…
PLANS to create an Avalon Agroecological Area, within a five-mile radius of Glastonbury, bringing together farmers, growers, conservationists and local councils will be launched at Glastonbury Town Hall on 19th March. The aim of the project, called 5FF (5 miles farming and food), is to support local farmers and food growers to embrace more nature-…
SALCOMBE Brewery Co has launched a new spiced farmhouse ale, Saison (ABV 5.5%), which will be available on tap in pubs and from retail outlets. Head brewer Sam Beaman says this spiced ale is the fourth and final ale in Salcombe’s new small batch range: “Saison style ales originated in the farmhouses of Wallonia, the…
CASTLE Cary, with its beautiful golden stone, is one of Somerset’s prettiest towns, and the Market House, one of its jewels, is the setting for an Apple Day celebration on Sunday 22nd October from 11am to 3pm. Organised by cook and food writer Lucas Hollweg and his partner Lucie Reader, there will be stalls offering…
THE results of the 2022 Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, based in Gillingham, include 529 Great Taste star products from the south west. From blood orange marmalade to hot and cold smoked salmon and kimchi, the awards demonstrate the amazing variety and creativity of food producers around the region, the…