AS PART of the Devon Celebration of Food, and throughout the month of October, The Elmfield will be offering a special à la carte menu, featuring the finest produce Devon has to offer.

In addition, each Thursday evening brings a special event, pairing fabulous Devonshire produce with the finest food and wines from around the world.

Situated in the coastal resort of Ilfracombe, North Devon, housed in a lovely Victorian villa with a heated indoor swimming pool and an acre of fabulous gardens, there's also a meandering stream at the bottom, making this a rather beautiful venue.

Head Chef Tom Frost, formerly of 11 The Quay (Damien Hirst's double rosette winning restaurant on the harbour) sets the menu daily.

Regular options include super fresh fish, West Country meat and cheese, and interesting and imaginative vegetarian dishes. Chef's homemade fish fingers are a very popular dish with adults and children alike.

The Elmfield's unique October events include:

Thursday October 2: chocolate and wine tasting:

This unique event pairs the finest single estate chocolate with some wonderful new and old world wines. A real taste extravaganza, in association with expert chocolatiers, Seventy Percent. Cost £25 or £15 for hotel guests.

Thursday October 9: Elmfield fine dining:

A seven-course gourmet dinner with fabulous wine. Strictly limited places.

Cost £55 or £35 for hotel guests.

Thursday October 16:

Elmfield fine dining:

A seven-course gourmet dinner with fabulous wine. Strictly limited places.

Cost £55 or £35 for hotel guests.

Thursday October 23:

Sherries and wines of Spain and fine foods of Devon:

A guided tour around some of Spain's best estates, vintages and varieties, and includes some well-kept secrets, and hidden gems. Accompanied by tasty tapas, prepared with Devon's finest produce. In association with Devon wine experts Christopher Piper wines. Cost £15 or £10 for hotel guests

Thursday October 30:

Mini gourmets:

A cookery experience for the whole family, a day of fun and learning for mini gourmets, with a fabulous, family feast to follow. Cost £65 per visiting family or £45 per family staying in the hotel.

At the end of October to increase the fun during half term The Elmfield offers private swimming and horse riding lessons and a family movie making workshop.

● To book a room, dinner or events contact Zoë on 01271 863 377; info@theelmfield.com or log on to www.elmfieldhotelilfracombe.co.uk