Food & Drink

Harrison Brockington was the winner of last year's South West Chef of the Year competition

Michael Caines launches South West Chef of the Year 2025

Renowned chef Michael Caines MBE DL has launched the 2025 edition of the prestigious South West Chef of the Year competition – a highlight of the region’s culinary calendar and a platform for recognising the best cooking talent from across the South West.

Michael, who is chef/patron at the Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor, co-founded the competition in 2004 with the aim of championing professional excellence, nurturing rising stars, and celebrating the world-class food and drink produced in the region. Now in its 21st year, the competition continues to spotlight the outstanding...

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Exeter researchers say computer game could help children choose healthy food

A simple brain-training game could help children choose healthy snacks instead of chocolate and sweets, according to a new study.

Children who played a seven-minute game devised by University of Exeter psychologists made healthier choices when asked to pick foods afterwards.

The game involves reacting to images of healthy food by pressing a button, and doing nothing if unhealthy foods are shown.

“The sight of foods like chocolate can activate reward centres in the brain at the same time as reducing activity in self-control areas,” said Lucy Porter, the lead...

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Record entries in Food & Drink Devon Awards 2017

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 05/17/2017 - 11:09am

Entries closed last month for the prestigious Food & Drink Devon Awards and once again there has been a huge increase in the numbers of entrants. Undoubtedly, 2017 looks set to be another record-breaking year for the awards which recognise the very best talent in Devon’s flourishing food and drink scene.

Barbara King, a proud champion of Devon’s producers and chair of the board of directors for Food & Drink Devon, comments: “These gold standard awards were set up seven years ago to celebrate the county’s most respected, influential and passionate artisan food and drink...

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Black Tor Brewery launches beer to celebrate 25th anniversary of Devon Air Ambulance

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 05/17/2017 - 8:19am

Black Tor Brewery based in Christow, Dartmoor National Park have launched a special new beer to celebrate 25 years service of the Devon Air Ambulance and raise money for the charity by donating 10p for every pint/bottle sold.

Down Draught 4% ABV, a refreshing and easy drinking amber bitter will be available in pubs across Devon from now until November and bottles available from May at farm shops, hotels, restaurants and off-licenses.

Jonathon Crump, award-winning brewer and Director of Black Tor Brewery said, “I am very excited and proud to be involved with the 25th...

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The City Gate launches in Exeter

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 05/16/2017 - 8:27am

Last Thursday the City Gate hosted an official launch party to celebrate the venue’s new look.

Formerly known as the Crown and Sceptre, the boutique pub-hotel is literally laced into the fabric of the ancient city of Exeter and has been welcoming guests since it first opened in 1778.

Transformed, following an extensive refurbishment by renowned pub, hotel and bar group Young’s, The City Gate offers everything from a pint of real ale to after-work cocktails, a leisurely weekend brunch to a three-course dinner and, with 14 boutique bedrooms, a stylish place to lay your head....

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Thurlestone Hotel unveils The Trevilder restaurant after massive refurbishment

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 05/13/2017 - 5:19pm

The award-winning Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon has announced the opening of its new restaurant ‘The Trevilder’, following a million pound refurbishment.

The development has seen the existing restaurant undergo a complete transformation with a new identity and new menus ready for the summer season, featuring produce sourced almost exclusively from within the county. Set across two levels and with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the dreamy coastal views, the restaurant has been completely redesigned by London-based Fabled Studio, whose work can be seen in many of...

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Exeter leads the way as Vegans launch first nationwide festival

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 05/10/2017 - 9:39am

Exeter and East Devon will be playing a major role in a nationwide three-week Vegan Festival of Britain that begins later this month.

Restaurants, shops and cafes will be putting on special events or promotions to highlight the wide range of delicious animal-free products that are now available, from ice-cream and handmade chocolate to dairy-free pizzas and sushi. There will be a chance to attend a cookery demonstration, book for special one-off three-course meals, and sample vegan versions of everything from a good old-fashioned full English breakfast to a luxurious champagne and...

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Thousands flock to bank holiday food festival

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 05/08/2017 - 9:48am

The early May Bank Holiday weekend saw Exeter’s Northernhay Gardens and Castle Courtyard transformed into a foodie’s paradise as the 14th Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink sprang up.

Crowds gathered to see hundreds of local producers, top chefs including Tom Kerridge, Michael Caines MBE, Simon Hulstone, Michael Wignall, Paul Ainsworth, Josh Eggleton and Mark Dodson, family activities, masterclasses and freshly cooked locally-sourced street food.

For the first time in its history, the festival ran on the Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday drawing thousands...

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Rusty Pig gets ready for summer

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Thu, 05/04/2017 - 2:39pm

Diners at Rusty Pig in Ottery St Mary will have the opportunity to dine al fresco, with the introduction of an outdoor dining area.

The balcony at the back of the restaurant, which is also the location where Rusty Pig’s charcuterie range is air dried, overlooks the rooftops of Ottery across to St Mary’s Church.

Owner, Robin Rea said: “We are very much into natural ingredients – and what could be more natural than sitting outside to dine?

“We have also included seating for customers who just want to enjoy a drink in the sunshine.”

Rusty Pig offers an eclectic...

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POLPO - you have four yeses!

It is the wont of the restaurant reviewer to over indulge.

Starter, main, dessert, wine and coffee for two is the minimum expectation.

But not everyone has the time, or budget, for a three-course meal.

And so it was when this reviewer booked a table at Exeter’s newest restaurant, the Venetian-inspired Polpo.

We were looking for good food, nothing too heavy, served promptly for around £12 a head.

To really put our hosts to the test, I ordered one of the most expensive fish dishes (fritto misto) at £9.20.

My dining partner opted for the whipped...

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