This Is North Devon
07:08 - 28-August-2008
OCTOBER is the month for north Devon foodies, when Devon Celebration of Food, one of the region's biggest food festivals, has more than 100 gourmet events running throughout the county.
The events take place at restaurants, food and drink retailers and foodie hotels across Devon and there are some especially good events taking place in north Devon this year.
This is the annual festival's seventh year, and it's a bumper one with a record number of events.
The Journal will be covering these throughout October and you can also find the full listings on the website: www.celebrationoffood.co.uk and in the September issue of Food magazine.
Here's a selection of what's going on in North Devon in October.
The Red Lion in Clovelly
Lobster, crab and seafood platter lunches
The Red Lion on beautiful Clovelly Quay will be offering lobster, crab and seafood platter lunches with a complimentary glass of champagne from £10.50 throughout October(Normal admission charges to Clovelly apply).
The Red Lion Hotel, The Quay, Clovelly, EX39 5TF.
Tel. 01237 431237. www.clovelly.co.uk
RHS Rosemoor in Torrington
Food for Free
Part of RHS Garden Rosemoor's Taste of Autumn festival, this special day on October 11 will celebrate the riches of the hedgerow and countryside. There will be woodland walks to look at fungi, cookery demonstrations and short talks.
Apple Day
Don't miss the ever popular Apple Day on October 12 – there'll be something for everyone, including apple displays and tastings, special apple themed children's trails, apple printing and apple cookery demonstrations with family recipes to try at home. There will also be cider, apple juice, trees and other appley products to buy.
Pumpkin Day
Get ready for Hallowe'en at Rosemoor's Pumpkin Day on October 26 – a great day out for children and adults alike. Go and see the weird and wonderful entries for the pumpkin competition, and go on the pumpkin trail and gourd walk – you may even win a prize. There will be a pumpkin shy and woodland craft activities including making dormouse and bat boxes, charcoal burning and hurdle making demonstrations, plus pumpkin cookery demonstrations with family recipes to try at home.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Great Torrington, EX38 8PH.
Tel. 01805 626815. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
The Elmfield in Ilfracombe
Fine and fabulous Thursdays at The Elmfield
The Elmfield (pictured) will have great events on every Thursday throughout October. On October 2 learn how to match single estate chocolate with new and old world wines, then on October 9 and 16 it's fine dining with a seven course gourmet dinner and fabulous wines. October 23 is tutored Spanish sherry and wine tasting, accompanied by tapas, then on October 30 it's mini gourmets, a cookery experience for the family with a fabulous feast to follow.
Torrs Park, Ilfracombe, EX34 8AZ.
Tel. 01271 863377. www.theelmfield.com
The Muddiford Inn in Muddiford
Murder mystery and à la carte dinner
Enjoy an exciting evening complete with a 1920s murder mystery in a former 16th century coaching inn, on October 21. Dress up in 1920s gear if you wish, then try and work out whodunit over a three course meal. There's a prize in it if you do, and also for the best dressed. Tickets cost £38 (drinks are extra) and must be pre-booked.
The Muddiford Inn and Restaurant, Muddiford,
Barnstaple, EX31 4EY. Tel. 01271 850243.
www.muddifordinn.co.uk
The Pannier Market in Barnstaple
North Devon Foodfest
North Devon will be showcasing the best in local food and drink this October at the first ever North Devon Foodfest.
This one day food and drink extravaganza on October 12 will be held at Barnstaple's historic Pannier Market and there'll be loads on offer to make it a great Sunday out for families and foodies alike.
The Pannier Market will be set up with a demo stage where the best local chefs will be showing off their culinary skills and chatting to the audience as well as compere ITV Westcountry's Seth Conway.
If that gets your tastebuds going then local restaurants will be offering miniature versions of their signature dishes for sale at a sit down eating area.
In addition there'll be shopping for top quality local produce, from organic beef to fruit and veg, honey, dairy and homemade cakes.
Local drinks are on the menu too.
Finally, the keen cook will get a chance to pick up some cookware from the likes of Barnstaple's Pots 'n' Pans.
Also enjoy live music from the likes of local singer songwriter Amy Newton.
Entry is free and the event will run from 10.30am-4pm.
Barnstaple Pannier Market, Barnstaple, EX39 3DX.
Tel. 07827 884999. www.ndfood-drink.co.uk
Northecote Manor in Umberleigh
Gourmet overnight stay at Northcote Manor
Throughout October indulge in a gourmet delight of dinner and an overnight stay at Northcote Manor.
Inspired by the freshest local produce, Northcote's head chef has designed three signature dishes that come with accompanying wines, and for a truly opulent experience stay overnight in one of the recently refurbished bedrooms for £110 per person, inclusive of dinner with wines, and full English breakfast the next morning.
Burrington, Umberleigh, EX37 9LZ.
Tel. 01769 560501. www.northcotemanor.co.uk
Marshfield Organic in Northam
Bake doughboys and girls at Marshford
On October 4 children aged around 8-11 and their families are invited to try their hand at baking bread and pizzas. Sessions will run from 10am-2pm in half hour slots. Free but places are limited so book ahead.
Marshford Organic Foods, Churchill Way, Northam,
EX39 1NS. Tel. 01237 477160.
www.marshford.co.uk
● This year's festival is organised by Barnstaple-based company Salt Media in partnership with Devon County Council and with the support of the following sponsors: North Devon plus, Farm and Cottage Holidays, Darts Farm and The National Trust.
Food magazine along with The North Devon Journal, the Express and Echo and Devon Today are the official media partners.
For more information please contact Jo Rees at Salt Media on 01271 859299.