Get your tickets now for the closing dinner

Tickets are now available for the very first Exmoor Food Fest event at Loyton Lodge near Morebath, which is also the closing down dinner for the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest on 16 March 2023.

Head chef Barrie Tucker will be joined in the kitchen by Chris Gillard, Chris Chatfield and Sam Brooke.

Exmoor Food Fest Menu At Loyton Tent

Starter By Chris Gillard

Smoked Beech Ridge Duck Breast, 

Date Puree & BBQ Duck Heart

Fish Course By Chris Chatfield

Butter Poached Cod, Peanut Crumble, 

Smoked Mussels, Cucumber, Lovage Sauce

Main Course By Barrie Tucker

Pine Crusted Saddle Of Venison, Chervil Root, 

Black Pudding, Twiglet, Liquorice Jus & Pine Oil

Dessert By Sam Brooke

White Chocolate, Coconut, Yuzu

Thursday 16th March

7pm arrival for arrival drinks and canapes 

7.30pm sit down for dinner 

4 Course Dinner with Matching Wines £85pp

Tickets to be purchased via Loyton- pre-payment only.
Tables will be allocated in groups of 6 or more- prepare to mingle!

Extra drinks can be purchased on the night

Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking by calling Tel 01398 331 051.
The dinner is sponsored by Wicked Wolf Gin and Goosemoor.

Loyton Lodge & Safari Tent are set in the heart of Loyton Farm, expanding over 280 acres in the heart of North Devon.

Originally a dairy farm, the land is now used throughout the year for various sports and farming.

The Safari tent (or as its well known as ‘the party tent’) is a purpose-built venue for supper clubs, dinner parties, weddings, and events.

Here at Loyton we like to make use of our surroundings and are often found foraging for wild berries and pines for our expansive cocktail list or searching for wildflowers to use in our displays.

Sitting on the edge of our golf green, the tent has expansive views, lots of walks and even a river to splash in-

the perfect setting for summer weddings and winter feastings.

Alongside the safari tent, Loyton Lodge caters for up to 20 people over 10 bedrooms with a large dining room, bar, sitting room and billiard room; so, plenty of options to choose from! 

Head chef Barrie Tucker started his career at the Castle Hotel, Taunton under the guidance of Phil Vickery,

and a career highlight at the triple Michelin starred Chez Nico with the legendary Nico Ladenis and more recently Luttrell Arms in Dunster.

Now very much based in West Somerset and Exmoor, Barrie champions locally sourced ingredients and beautifully presented food from his menus.

He now runs the kitchens at Loyton Lodge & tent, using the best local produce available alongside his foraging finds.

With a wealth of experience, knowledge and local influences, Barrie has been creating bespoke menus for our guests, running cookery workshops, and managing the team here at Loyton for the last year.

The team are looking forward to the spring and summer seasons and what produce and inspiration that will bring.

La Petite Bouchée launches Brasserie Menu

GET UP TO SPEED 

Last year as energy prices soared and people’s disposable income became less, we took the difficult decision to close the dining room here at La Petite Bouchée, except for a monthly supper club. We shifted the main focus of our business over to our private dining and small events. This side of the business has grown considerably and our diary is already looking healthy for this year. So there’s the background, we opened the dining room very successfully in December and for New Year and of course, for the Exmoor Food Fest this year.

Following the incredible success and generous feedback from this year’s Exmoor Food Fest we have taken the decision to open the dining room up once a month starting at the end of March. Popularity for the event soared last year when we came up with our simple but flavourful Brasserie menu. I have never cooked so many Lemon Sole, kilos of mussels or Steak Frites. 

Our ethos has always been to make the main ingredient the star of the show and the comments about the sole and in particular the steak have been simply amazing. Even in these challenging times we refuse to skimp on ingredients. Everything is fresh on the day and made from scratch including the gallons of Béarnaise and Green Peppercorn Sauce. 

We trialled the Supper Club for a couple of years offering different cuisines from around the globe, the food was not the problem or the price point particularly. Folks simply didn’t want to sit on shared tables, preferring to sit on their own. As the last quarter approached in 2022 we were busy and more and more customers were asking us when they could book in the restaurant and so after much discussion we have shelved our supper club for now and will launch our Brasserie Menu once a month moving forward.  We will also be having some special one-off events throughout the year. 

NEW MENU

Our Brasserie Menu launches this month on March 31st and April 1st and is another veritable collection of classic brasserie fare. With the first asparagus emerging towards the end of the month we’ve got a classic Vinaigrette to accompany it. Crowd pleasing Steak Tartare and Mackerel Rilettes served with delicious locally baked sourdough bread. There are the usual suspects on the list of mains with Moules Frites and Steak Frites continuing to be the most eaten but headlining this month are Breton Fish Stew and a beautiful Toulouse Cassoulet fit with homemade confit duck, pork belly and our amazing butchers handmade garlic sausages its not to be missed. 

For steak lovers we’ve reintroduced our Cote de Boeuf which has a £25.00 supplement (that’s per steak rather than per person). Excellent value when you consider that there’s over a kilo of meat.  

Brand new this month is the La Petite Bouchee Burger. A mighty 6 oz burger made with 80% chuck steak 20% Rump Steak.This is served with salad, caramelised onions, pickles and cheese, all served in a pretzel bun and crispy French Fries. 

We’ve got classic desserts on the menu as well as the most delicious cheeseboard served with fruit, vegetables and chutney. 

BOOKINGS

Bookings are open and at a similar price point to Exmoor Food Fest its not to be missed. We’re also offering a 10% discount to everyone booking through this news letter. Make sure you use EXMOORMARCH when you book. 

Bookings couldn’t be more simple just email us at hello@lapetiteboucheebrasserie.co.uk with your name and number of covers you require. we look forward to welcoming you. 

It’s not over yet….

While the beginning of March is the official end of the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest, we still have some great offers and events coming your way!

The Farmers Arms in Combe Florey will continue their popular Exmoor Food Fest menu throughout March.

Then there are the following events which all promise a great night out:

5 March 2023: Steak Sunday at Duende

Fancy a relaxed Sunday chill out where you can explore three different cuts of steak, with zesty salsas, deep umami flavours and the fluffiest, crispiest chips you’ll ever meet?

EXFF 3 course set menu £45

Chalk stream trout cured in Sheppeys’ cider, homemade tartare sauce, charcoal bread.
Steak board, with three 35 days aged Aberdeen Angus / Red Ruby cross steak cuts: Ribeye, piccante and bavette.
With Boulangère potato chips, sauces and vegetables, foraged sea truffle
Blood orange savarin, white chocolate mousse & black olive

Spaces are limited to 20 so we’re offering two seating times: lunchtime booking slots from 12pm or afternoon from 5pm. Let us know your preferred time when you email to book.

Veggies aren’t left out – non meat eating alternatives available by prior arrangement. Please tell us about any allergies etc when you book. Email Bookings@duenderestaurant.co.uk

8 March 2023: Tim Zekki at Croydon Hall

5 course tasting menu: £75.00
Wine flight: £35.00

Friday 10 & Saturday 11 March: Spice Fusion at Duende

This five course tasting menu is £55 per head. There will be an optional matching wine flight available at £35 per person. To book, email bookings@duenderestaurant.co.uk

Spice Fusion

Inspired by some time assisting Atul Kochhar and his team, Tim Zekki is increasingly drawn to Indian spiced dishes.

For the Exmoor Food Fest Duende presents a Spice Fusion 5 course Tasting Menu, Friday 10 & Saturday 11 March.
This five course tasting menu is £55 per head.
There will be an optional matching wine flight available at £35 per person. To book, email bookings@duenderestaurant.co.uk

Menu revealed for Tim Zekki’s Tasting Dinner at Croydon Hall

Celebrated Somerset chef Tim Zekki is coming to Croydon Hall with an exquisite 5-COURSE TASTING MENU with matching wine flight that will set your taste buds alight.

Tim first started to cook at his father’s restaurant in Cyprus, where he inherited a love of foraging, pickling, and preserving from his grandmother.

He developed his skills in restaurants in London, and his love of fine ingredients led him to open and run two delis, in Isleworth and Twickenham, appearing on Gary Rhode’s Local Food Hero TV series. After a move to the Chilterns, he ran pop up restaurants under the name Duende.

Moving to Somerset meant a chance to settle into a permanent place, where Duende was recognised by Taste of The West, and won Somerset Life’s Best Restaurant in its first year.

Surrounded by beautiful Somerset countryside, the views from Croydon Hall are spectacular, the setting tranquil, the pace relaxed. The perfect setting in which to enjoy Tim’s delicious menu with matching wine flight.

Stay over and make a night of it. Each of the 15 bedrooms has been individually designed and appointed and with a combination of double rooms, family rooms and apartments, there’s accommodation to suit everyone.

30% discount on accommodation for the night of Tim’s tasting event on 8th March. You’ll be sent a code to claim your discount after making your booking.

Whitelake goat’s curd, butternut squash purée, compressed pears, cured beetroot, toasted pumpkin seeds

Minus 8 glazed mackerel, tartine of toasted almond & parmesan

Guinea fowl, corn purée & wild garlic Jerez sauce

Creedy Carver duck breast, spiced dhal, potato terrine, blackcurrant sauce

Pot au creme, lava salt, maple syrup

Welcome drinks courtesy of Exmoor Distillery
5 course tasting menu: £75.00 pp
Optional Wine Flight: £35.00 pp

Welcome drink 18 30
Dinner from 19 00

Book now

Loyton Lodge joins ExFF23 for one special night

Loyton Lodge & Safari Tent are set in the heart of Loyton Farm, expanding over 280 acres in the heart of North Devon. Originally a dairy farm, the land is now used throughout the year for various sports and farming.

The Safari tent (or as its well known as ‘the party tent’) is a purpose-built venue for supper clubs, dinner parties, weddings, and events.

Here at Loyton we like to make use of our surroundings and are often found foraging for wild berries and pines for our expansive cocktail list or searching for wildflowers to use in our displays.

Sitting on the edge of our golf green, the tent has expansive views, lots of walks and even a river to splash in – the perfect setting for summer weddings and winter feastings.

Alongside the safari tent, Loyton Lodge caters for up to 20 people over 10 bedrooms with a large dining room, bar, sitting room and billiard room; so, plenty of options to choose from! 

Head chef Barrie Tucker started his career at the Castle Hotel, Taunton under the guidance of Phil Vickery, and a career highlight at the triple Michelin starred Chez Nico with the legendary Nico Ladenis and more recently Luttrell Arms in Dunster.

Now very much based in West Somerset and Exmoor, Barrie champions locally sourced ingredients and beautifully presented food from his menus.

He now runs the kitchens at Loyton Lodge & tent, using the best local produce available alongside his foraging finds.

With a wealth of experience, knowledge and local influences, Barrie has been creating bespoke menus for our guests, running cookery workshops, and managing the team here at Loyton for the last year.

The team are looking forward to the spring and summer seasons and what produce and inspiration that will bring.

Prices for accommodation start at £180 per room/ per night 

Closing down dinner of the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest:
Thursday 16th March

7pm arrival for arrival drinks and canapes 
7.30pm sit down for dinner 

4 Course Dinner with Matching Wines £85pp 

Canapes
Starter 
Fish Course
Main Course
Palate Cleanser 
Dessert 

Tickets to be purchased via Loyton- pre-payment only.
Chefs and menu to be announced soon.

Tables will be allocated in groups of 6 or more- prepare to mingle!

Extra drinks can be purchased on the night

Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking  .

The dinner is sponsored by Wicked Wolf Gin and Goosemoor.

Loyton Lodge, Morebath, Tiverton, EX16 9AS 

Phone: 01398 331051

Website: loyton.com
Email: faye@loyton.com

Instagram 
@loytonlodge 
@loytonsporting

Facebook 
Loytonlodge
Loytonsporting

Steak Sunday at Duende

Fancy a relaxed Sunday chill out where you can explore three different cuts of steak, with zesty salas, deep umami flavours and the fluffiest, crispiest chips you’ll ever meet? Then quickly book your table at Tim Zekki’s restaurant Duende in Wiveliscombe.


EXFF 3 course set menu £45

Chalk stream trout cured in Sheppeys’ cider, homemade tartare sauce, charcoal bread.
Steak board, with three 35 days aged Aberdeen Angus / Red Ruby cross steak cuts: Ribeye, piccante and bavette.
With Boulangère potato chips, sauces and vegetables, foraged sea truffle
Blood orange savarin, white chocolate mousse & black olive 

Spaces are limited to 20 so we’re offering two seating times: lunchtime booking slots from 12pm or afternoon from 5pm. Let us know your preferred time when you email to book.
Sunday 26th February
Sunday 5th March 
Veggies aren’t left out – non meat eating alternatives available by prior arrangement. Please tell us about any allergies etc when you book. Bookings@duenderestaurant.co.uk 

Extra ExFF dates at La Petite Bouchée

Following a sell-out month we’re extending our Exmoor Food Fest menu to March 3rd & 4th.
Packed full of Bistro classics this menu has gone down a storm and we’ve been at full capacity all month. This also means we’ve had to let a lot of people down – another reason for this decision… so if you fancy a kilo of Moules followed by Creme Brulée, it’s yours for just £20.00.

Anita-Clare Field, Chef/Patron La Petite Bouchée
Book now

Dine out at Tarr Farm Inn on Exmoor

Tarr Farm is a 16th Century inn in the heart of Exmoor next to Tarr Steps.

We use only the finest local ingredients which are put together by our expert team with fantastic bar food and delicious a la carte meals in our restaurant.

In 2017 we were named as one of the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK, and we were a finalist in the Somerset Life Food & Drink Awards 2017 as well as a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos ‘Best Destination Pub’ in Somerset 2018.

In 2022/3 we have been chosen to provide the VIP catering for both Badminton Retreat and the VIP area at the Glastonbury Festival.

We have regular themed food evenings such as our highly popular Seafood Evening, Curry Evenings and Steak Nights. Keep an eye on our ‘Events’ page for more details.

We’re also well known in the area for our fantastic Sunday Roasts. Delicious local meat with mouthwatering crispy roast potatoes, fresh vegetables and all the trimmings – booking is essential!

Exmoor Food Fest offer:
2 courses: £24.00
3 courses: £29.00
Monday to Thursday, lunch only

Tarr Farm, Tarr Steps, Nr. Dulverton, Exmoor, TA22 9PY SAT NAV USE TA22 9QA

Website www.tarrfarm.co.uk 
Phone number 01643 851507
Email address enquiries@tarrfarm.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarrfarm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarrfarminn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tarrfarminn

Trip Advisor: https://bit.ly/3H6UqGN

The 800-year history of Croydon Hall near Minehead in a nutshell

Croydon Hall near Minehead is taking part in the Exmoor Food Fest for the very first time this year. The venue was purchased and extensively renovated and refurbished by Jeremy Millins in 2020 during Lockdown. The plan for the hotel is simple: to share the glorious setting, to welcome diners to the restaurant, families and friends to stay in the individually designed and appointed bedrooms and apartments, to host and help create bespoke events and memories for birthdays and celebrations, and to hire out the five-acre estate for exclusive weddings, helping to make dreams come true.

History enthusiasts will be interested in Croydon Hall’s wonderfully colourful and eclectic past – just what you’d expect from a building that’s been standing for over 800 years.

The earliest written record of Croydon Hall dates back to 1221, pre-Norman Conquest times, where it was reported to have been a farmstead for the Cistercian monks at Cleeve Abbey. In the 1500s, Croydon Hall became a family home for Landed Gentry.

A plaque on the front of the building from the 18th Century suggests that Croydon Hall was used as a Magistrate’s Court. It was during this time that the area become known as Felon’s Oak, named after the tree used for hanging felons.

​The house was significantly rebuilt in the 1800s and again in 1907, when it was bought by Count Konrad von Hochberg, a German aristocrat who made many improvements to the property including adding the Italian Garden.

​This elegant period of Croydon Hall ended abruptly with the outbreak of the First World War when the Count fled back to Germany.

​Since then, Croydon Hall has had many uses, from a home for evacuees, a school for troubled teens to a Buddhist retreat. It fell into a state of disrepair when the last business fell on hard times, so it was ripe and ready for new owner, Jeremy Millins, to take it back to its former glory.

From Saturday 11 February to Saturday 18 February, Somerset born chef Andrew Pavey will be offering a special Exmoor Food Fest meal at lunch and dinner. This is a one-off opportunity which should not be missed!

Here are the details:

2 courses for £21 / 3 courses for £27
Sat 11th                        lunch and dinner
Tues 14th – Sat 18th         lunch and dinner

Starter

Beetroot Bavarois
served with beet Bloody Mary & candied walnuts (Ve)
~
Pheasant Bon Bons
served with celeriac puree & roasted vegetables
~
Mackerel Fillet
served with black pudding, confit tomatoes & horseradish cream

Main

Stuffed Kale Leaves
stuffed with roasted parsnip & pine nuts, served with a country style broth (Ve)
~
Roast Venison Fillet
served with braised red cabbage, crushed roast potato & a red wine jus
~
Curried Monk Fish
served with a seafood & winter vegetable cassoulet

Dessert

Vanilla & Rose Infused Berries
served with candied nuts (Ve)
~
Rum Baba
served with crème fraiche & citrus fruits
~
Dark Chocolate Mousse
served with a praline crisp

For restaurant and room bookings please visit www.croydonhall.co.uk or call 01984 642200
After booking your table you’ll be sent a code for 30% discount off hotel accommodation.

Croydon Hall, Rodhuish, Somerset, TA24 6QT
info@croydonhall.co.uk