Large helpings of Devon food served up in two new foodie books!

Two new “foodie” books just published demonstrate why Devon is fast becoming known as one of the best food regions in the UK. Alastair Sawday’s Eat Slow Britain and food lover’s guide Taste Britain feature some of the finest producers from one of the most fertile counties in the UK. Michael Caines, who features in Taste Britain, and is well known as a chef and restaurateur comments “If Devon was in France or Italy, it would be famous as a great food region. In Devon there’s always a food experience to match the location. It may be a Devon ice cream on a sunny beach, a ploughman’s with some interesting local cheese or a glass of Sharpham’s Devon wine down in the South Hams.” Taste Britain retails at £19.95 and the section on Devon was written by renowned travel writer and foodie Simon Heptinstall. It looks at some of the most worthwhile food destinations in the country, styling itself as a “gastronome’s mystery tour of Britain’s tastiest places” and there is an enormous emphasis on artisan producers, independent shops and local and regional food. Rosie Bates, General Manager of Visit Devon, says, “We are delighted that Devon and its food producers and providers are playing a starring role in two such fabulous books. We hope that visitors to the county will enjoy visiting some of the many outlets, farms and vineyards featured.” So if you fancy arriving at a Georgian mansion by boat and then sitting down to an al fresco meal of produce from its country estate, get down to Sharpham Estate at Totnes: www.sharpham.com . Or perhaps you want some freshly cooked fish and chips at one of the UK’s highest-rated fish and chip shops – go to Hanbury’s in Babbacombe (www.hanburys.net ) – a licensed restaurant and seafood takeaway with some of the finest views over Torbay. If you are really feeling adventurous foodie wise, try The Purple Carrot experience at Lewtrenchard Manor, near Okehampton where you can experience the ultimate high-tech food experience, check out: www.lewtrenchard.co.uk/purple_carrot.asp . Eat Slow Britain, retailing at £19.99, also celebrates food and the importance of Britain’s farmers and food producers. It looks at special places to eat like The Harris Arms in Lewdown, Devon (www.theharrisarms.co.uk ) which uses local ingredients where ever possible, to exceptional places to stay like Percy’s Country Hotel in Beasworthy (www.percys.co.uk ) that features 130 acres of “living pantry”. Award winning Occombe Farm, an organic farm run by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust: www.occombe.org.uk and Riverford Organic (www.riverford.co.uk) in Buckfastleigh are covered in both publications and Riverford has one of the country’s largest organic vegetable box delivery schemes taking Devon produce far and wide. Rosie Bates says, “In the last few years, the importance of home grown, fresh produce has become more significant and Devon’s first-class ability to produce quality food products and offer the consumer an overall foodie experience is seen in both of these publications.” About Visit Devon Devon County Council in partnership with Visit Devon supports Devon food and drink producers through a varied programme. This includes skills training and the promotion of local food and drink to both local and national consumers.” For more information visit: www.lovetheflavour.co.uk or contact Rachel Mildon on 01392 382837 or rachel.mildon@devon.gov.uk . Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd.

Tags: