Hugely Popular England’s Seafood FEAST 2023 sells out and announces dates for 2024

From left to right: Frazer Pugh, director of The Handpicked Scallop Company, Josh Perkes, co-owner of Brixham Seafish, Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant

The start of autumn has seen the UK’s most popular holiday destination, the English Riviera, welcome thousands of visitors for its annual England's Seafood FEAST, which celebrates locally landed and caught seafood during a fortnight of exclusive experiences, special events and seafood menus. 

The two week FEAST took place from 29th September until 15th October and saw the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham join forces to host a seafood feast like no other. A chance for visitors to join the locals and experience some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed.

The FEAST started with a bang at Brixham Fish Market with an exhilarating live broadcast by BBC Radio Devon on Friday 29th September and a fantastic featured piece on BBC Spotlight on Monday 2nd October 2023. Throughout both broadcasts, presenters John Acres and John Ayres engaged with the Faces of the FEAST, from dedicated fishers to market managers, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant maritime community. Special mentions go to Helen Lovell-Smith from the Fishermen's Mission, Barry Young of Brixham Trawler Agents, Mitch Tonks of Rockfish and program coordinator Kelly Widley, whose dedication set the stage for an unforgettable FEAST. 

All of the exclusive experiences sold out including the legendary ‘7 Chefs from England’s Seafood Coast’ in both Torquay and Brixham, ‘Meet the Maker’ with Simon Hulstone of The Elephant and Frazer Pugh of The Hand Picked Scallop Company, an Exclusive Celebration Seafood Supper at Sandridge Barton, a Sea Swim and Seafood with author Matt Newbury at Cantina and ‘Seabirds and Seafood’ Guided Walk and Breakfast with local bird expert Mike Langman at Guardhouse Cafe on Berry Head. 

Goodrington's SEAFEST was also a resounding success, featuring a medley of arts, performances, and interactive sessions that underscored the beauty and importance of the coastline, and the fun didn’t stop there. 

Over 40 independent eateries took part in England’s Seafood FEAST including Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish who served a special of local mussels throughout and Hampton by Hilton Torquay, who hosted an Afternoon Tea with local artist Becky Bettesworth. A five course seafood taster menu was served at The Thatched Tavern, which welcomed Dartmouth-based explorer, marine biologist, and broadcaster Monty Halls for a talk and Paignton’s Shoreline invited local paddle boarding 9 time world record holder Brendon Prince to talk after a three course seafood sharing feast.

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “A huge thanks goes to everyone involved with England’s Seafood FEAST, which has gone from strength to strength every year. Our local fishers, chefs and independent eateries have done a fantastic job of showcasing the local fish and shellfish. As an organisation, we are very proud to represent these local individuals, businesses and eateries.

I’m delighted to announce that this year has been so popular that we have already confirmed dates for next year with some new exciting events in the early planning stages.. England’s Seafood FEAST will return to the English Riviera from 27thSeptember - 13th October 2024. Save the dates!”

England’s Seafood FEAST is brought to you by English Riviera BID Company and kindly sponsored by Torbay Council and Henderson Seafood.

To find out more visit www.theseafoodfeast.co.uk and for regular updates follow theseafoodfeast on Instagram and follow/like theseafoodfeast on Facebook.