Taste East Devon announces exciting new events for 2023 Food Festival

Taste East Devon, one of the region's most popular food festivals, is thrilled to announce an array of exciting new events for 2023. This year's festival promises to be more delicious than ever before, showcasing the finest local produce, talented chefs and unique dining experiences that East Devon has to offer.

The festival, which runs from the 9th to the 24th of September, will feature a diverse range of events and activities that cater to all tastes and interests. From mouth-watering food markets and street food extravaganzas to immersive gastronomic workshops and exclusive dining experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The latest event to be added to the programme is ‘The Gut Health Revolution’ on the 13th of September. Join Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at Darts Farm for an educational morning of talks and tastings.  This informative event will feature two talks and a panel discussion, followed by the opportunity to get books signed by Hugh and other special speakers.

Other new events include the fiery Spicy Night at River Cottage (13thSeptember), bringing flavours of the East to East Devon. A delectable ‘Taste of Tapas’ at Coldharbour Farm Shop and Field Kitchen (15th September), where you’ll enjoy delicious dishes made from the best local and seasonal ingredients. The ‘Knife and Pork’ event at The Nightjar Inn will be celebrating local pork from Kenniford Farm through mouth-watering pork dishes (20thSeptember). Join Bar Buoy for the 'Cocktail Compass': Tour, Talk and Tasting Event, where you can sip their expertly crafted cocktails while navigating through the world of mixology (21st September). Discover the secrets of pig keeping at Smallicombe Farm with their Pig Keeping Course with lunch (21stSeptember) and embark on a Farm to Fork Family Experience with lunch (23rd September), where your family can get stuck in with feeding the pigs, poultry and sheep. 

Back by popular demand, The Salutation Inn's Devon Shellfish Dinner is returning on two evenings (12th and 13th September), when you can expect to find locally landed mussels, crab and lobster on your plate. The bustling Field, Fire, Ferment Food Festival is returning to Darts Farm (16th September), where you can meet their in-house experts and taste local artisan produce. The hugely popular ‘Sowing with Donkeys’ at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, is back (18th September). Enjoy a walk and talk with a member of the conservation team followed by a delicious afternoon tea at The Kitchen. The Two Drifters’ ‘Distillery In Action and Cocktails’ is back (23rd September) at the distillery, with the addition of their new cocktail bar and shop. 

One of the annual highlights is the Ottery St Mary Food & Families Festival, taking place on the 9th of September. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the best of local food and drink. With demonstrations, a market, street food, and entertainment, it offers a fun-filled day out for the whole family. 

Another not-to-be-missed event is Courtney’s ‘Big Pick’ and Open Orchards weekend (23rd and 24th September). Courtney’s Orchards will once again be opening their ancient Whiteways orchard for guests to explore, pick and press apples or simply relax and listen to live music with family and friends. 

For those looking for a unique dining experience, The Jack in the Green’s Totally Devon Menu will be available for lunch or dinner, Monday to Saturday (excluding Tuesdays) from the 9th to 23rd September. This special menu showcases the region's finest ingredients and produce, providing a true taste of Devon. Mickey’s Beach Bar and Restaurant’s ‘Taste of Devon lunch menu’ will be available on Mondays to Fridays (between 11th - 22nd September) from 12-2.30pm, offering a range of seafood, meats and vegetables for all to enjoy. 

Other exciting events include the Sidmouth Eats Boutique fringe event; Steak Masterclass and Lunch at High Grange Devon; the Kitchen Garden Tours & Lunch at THE PIG-at Combe; Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting and Lunch at Lympstone Manor; Seaweed Foraging and Pressing with Ebb Tides Seaweed; Sidmouth Distillery Gin School; and many more. These events offer participants the chance to learn from experts, discover new flavours and immerse themselves in the rich culinary heritage of East Devon.

"We are delighted to introduce even more events for the third year of the Taste East Devon Food Festival," said Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Chair of Taste East Devon and owner of Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages. "This year, the festival aims to provide an array of truly unforgettable culinary experiences for our visitors, showcasing the incredible local talent and the diverse gastronomic offerings of East Devon. Whether you're a food lover, a cooking enthusiast, or simply looking for a great day out, we invite everyone to join us and indulge in the delights of our region."

The 16 day celebration is kindly supported by founder members River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Deer Park Country House, East Devon AONB, Donkey Sanctuary, The Jack in the Green and Lympstone Manor. 

To find the full programme of events visit the official Taste East Devon Food Festival website at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. Details of how to book each event and accommodation providers can be found on the website. To stay up-to-date follow @tasteeastedevon on Instagram and Facebook.