Exmoor Food Fest

Meet the Chefs: Anita-Clare Field

“People who love to eat are always the best people”
Julia Child

Anita-Clare Field has been passionate about food since she could balance on a stool and watch her mother create dishes from around the world. Formerly a Magazine Publisher, Anita-Clare decided to make cooking her career nearly 10 years ago as she recovered from a bad accident.

She launched her tiny Bistro in the back of her re-modelled Citroen HY Van in 2014 and after a hugely successful run A-C and her family relocated 6 years ago to Devon opening the Multi-Award Winning La Petite Bouchée, a 24 cover brasserie in North Devon. With its roots firmly in French cuisine and specialising in fish and seafood , she cooks both à la carte restaurant and bistro classics.

Anita-Clare has built a reputation here in Devon and is regularly asked to cook at events and privately for customers. All the ingredients sourced are either local ( 5-10km radius*) or homegrown and everything is cooked from Scratch.

You may have seen her on Channel 4’s Hidden Restaurants with Michel Roux Jnr showing Freddie Bird around La Petite Bouchée and cooking for him. Anita-Clare sits on several food judging panels including Taste Of The West.

Anita-Clare is professional, personable, engaging and energetic. Her cooking style ranges from rustic to carefully curated high-end tasting menus, she loves making flavours sing. She is motivated by seeing customers enjoying their food and inspired by the incredibly bountiful larder Devon has to offer. She has a fabulous network of suppliers and a highly experienced professional team. Anita-Clare is now focussing on the Private Chef and Events side of her business and information on how you can hire her to cook for you can be found on the website

Check out the ExFF menu at the Royal Oak Inn Luxborough

The Royal Oak Inn has been at the heart of the pretty village of Luxborough for over 600 years and still to this day retains most of the building’s original features. Inside you’ll find the original flagstone and cobblestone flooring, coupled with rugged stone walls and open beams – giving the inn unrivalled character and charm.

In the main bar area there is a beautiful open fire, which is always kept lit throughout the winter months. We have a second ‘back bar’ area which has comfortable seating, a big screen on which we show sports of every variety including all major tournaments and matches, along with a darts board, pool table, record player with a large selection of vintage records and a wood burner. The back bar is the perfect place to spend a few hours with friends. Although the bar itself is small in size, we have a vast selection of local Real ales, lagers, ciders, scrumpy ciders, gins and whiskeys.

Along with dining available in both bar areas, we have a further 3 dining rooms, all are bursting with character and original features. We also have a large courtyard to the rear of the Inn and a large riverside area. Whether you are after a cosy meal for two in a quiet corner, a casual lunch with the dogs after a walk or a big celebration meal for the entire family, we can cater to your every need. The Royal Oak we pride ourselves on our passion for fresh and local produce. Everything is always cooked fresh to order with the emphasis on beautifully cooked and presented, seasonal produce. With our main menu changing regularly to accommodate the freshest produce and our specials board changing daily, we also are able to provide a personalised menu for your own special function. Booking is always advisable, especially over the weekend.

The Royal Oak Inn houses 10 ensuite guest rooms, all with their individual features and character, in keeping with the original buildings which make up the Inn in its entirety today. If you’re after a quick and easy over night stay, a weekend away, a stay in our Royal Oak Suite for a special occasion or staycation, we can accommodate your every requirement. A full continental and cooked breakfast is included with your stay.

The Royal Oak Inn is 100% dog friendly throughout, we welcome your 4 legged friends to come and visit with you. We are surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for a leg stretch with your dog. We also have a toasty boiler room, perfect for drying your coats off on a rainy day, and plenty of towels and blankets for wet dogs!

Exmoor Food Fest deal:
2 courses £21.95 * 3 courses £24.95
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Lunch and evening. Friday and Saturday lunchtimes only

Exmoor Food Fest 2023 Menu

S t a r t e r s

Roaster Cauliflower Velouté, curry oil, farmhouse bread
Local Game Terrine, homemade chutney, crisp bread
Saffron buttered goujons of white fish, sauce gribiche

M a i n C o u r s e

Chicken Supreme, tender stem broccoli, creamed potato, sage sauce vierge
Oyster mushroom and chive risotto, parmesan crisps, micro red vein sorrel
Fillet of salmon, prosecco cream sauce, fine beans, new potatoes

D e s s e r t s

Sticky toffee pudding, honeycomb ice cream
Mango posset, fruit compote, coconut short bread
Textures of chocolate

The Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough, Watchet, TA23 0SH

Website – https://royaloakinnluxborough.co.uk/
Phone number – 01984 641498
Email address – info@royaloakinnluxborough.co.uk
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Masterchef Judge William Sitwell opens 2023 Exmoor Food Fest

A celebratory dinner launches the 8th Exmoor Food Fest!

Chefs from across Exmoor are joining the team at the Farmers Arms in Combe Florey on 25 January 2023 to launch this year’s Exmoor Food Fest.

The Exmoor Food Fest, which was launched in 2015, runs throughout February across the region: Participating restaurants will be offering special deals and host events to show-off the amazing hospitality and food Exmoor has to offer.

The launch dinner, hosted by the Farmers Arms in Combe Florey, sees four chefs from across Exmoor join their team for the night. The line-up promises an exciting menu – this year our chefs have up with their own twist on Burns Night which traditionally happens on 25 January. We can promise you that this menu is unlike any Burns Night you’ve been to!

Jade Shorney (Private Chef) – Canapés with a Scottish Twist

Anita-Clare Field (La Petite Bouchée, Witheridge) – Starter: Cock a Leekie

Gavin Athanasiou (La Chasse) – Josper roasted Scallop with Scottish Seaweed Butter

Joseph Roach & Sophie Rogers (Farmers Arms) – Local seared venison with seasonal additions

Tim Zekki (Duende, Wiveliscombe) – Desert: Tim’s Cranachan

We are delighted that Masterchef judge William Sitwell will join us at the launch to welcome guests and chefs.

‘I’m a food writer, a restaurant critic for The Telegraph, a broadcaster and a critic on MasterChef, a travel writer, an author, supper club host and founder of the world’s smallest wine store: William’s House Wines.’

This is how William describes himself and we’re sure he’s going to get all guests at the launch into the right mood for a month-long celebration of the best hospitality Exmoor has to offer.

There are only a couple of tickets left (£65.00, including a welcome drink by Exmoor Distillery).
Call the Farmers Arms to book now on 01823 432267.

Welcome to Tim Zekki at Duende, Wiveliscombe

Tim Zekki is chef patron of Duende restaurant in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. 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 on UKTV. 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.
Tim sources local, sustainable produce, and often includes wild ingredient in his tasting menus. He enjoys pushing the boundaries of food, such as the challenge of inventing a beef-based dessert course for Exmoor Food Fest’s celebration of beef. He’s been a semi-finalist in the Craft Guild of Chef’s National Chef of the Year in 2020, ‘21 and ‘22.
Tim cooks tasting menus in people’s homes for private events and is currently a regular chef for events at William Sitwell’s Supper Clubs.

Exmoor Food Fest:
Chef Tim Zekki is creating a menu for Valentine’s celebration at Duende.

There will be two dates, one on Tuesday February 14th and the other on Saturday 18th February. We know not everyone can celebrate on a school night!

We’ll welcome you with a complimentary glass of bubbly, and there will be a 5 course tasting menu, which will be kept secret until the night as usual, so we’d need to know any allergies and dietary issues when you book.

Places will be very limited. The 5 course tasting menu is £95 per person, and there will be an optional matching wine flight available at £40 per person.

Email bookings@duenderestaurant.co.uk to reserve your table.

PS Tim is one of the chefs cooking at the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest launch at the Farmers Arms in Combe Florey on 25 January 2023. Tickets are £65 per person. (Call the Farmers Arms to book: 01823 432267)

Links: Email booking@duenderestaurant.co.uk
Website: duenderestaurant.co.uk
Facebook: DuendeSomerset
Instagram: duende_somerset

The Exff23 Menu at the Royal Oak in Withypool

This is hot off the press! We have just received the menu from the Royal Oak in Withypool, and it’s looking fab.

So here it is:

Starters

Seasonal Soup of the Day with Crusty Baguette & Butter

Saffron Poached Pear, Goats Cheese & Black Onion Seeds

Fish Cakes, Parsley Emulsion, Royal Oak Pickles

Home Smoked Duck Breast, Melba Toast & Red Onion Chutney

Mains

Fish Bouillabaisse (Haddock, Calamari, Prawns & Mussels), Baby Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables

Braised Exmoor Venison, Creamy Mash, Buttered Seasonal Vegetables

Somerset Chicken (Chicken Breast filled with Somerset Brie, wrapped in bacon) served with Sautee Potatoes and Seasonal vegetables

Forest Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan & Truffle Oil

Desserts

Clementine Posset, Chantilly Cream & Homemade Shortbread

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Toffee Sauce & Clotted Cream Ice Cream

Baileys Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream & Chocolate Flake

Affogato (Vanilla Ice Cream with Espresso Shot)

2 Courses £24.50 3 Courses £29.50
Monday – Thursday Midday – 8pm

Fancy making the most of your time out? Stay 2 nights at the Royal Oak and receive 20% off 2nd night and subsequent nights when booking on flexi rate. To be booked by 31st Jan 2023. For stays 12/1/2023 until 31/3/2023. Not available online. Book direct only by phone, not in conjunction with any other offer.

The Royal Oak
Withypool
Somerset TA24 7QP

Tel.01643 831506
Email: joinus@royaloakwithypool.co.uk

Welcome to the Royal Oak of Luxborough

The Royal Oak Inn houses 10 ensuite guestrooms, all with their individual features and character, in keeping with the original buildings which make up the Inn in its entirety today. If you’re after a quick and easy over night stay, a weekend away, a stay in our Royal Oak Suite for a special occasion or staycation, we can accommodate your every requirement. A full continental and cooked breakfast is included with your stay.

The Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough, Watchet, TA23 0SH

Website – https://royaloakinnluxborough.co.uk/

Phone number – 01984 641498

Email address – info@royaloakinnluxborough.co.uk

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Welcome to The Royal Oak Inn, Withypool

For over 300 years, the Royal Oak Inn at Withypool has been renowned for providing comfortable rooms and delicious food.

Located on the beautiful village of Withypool in the heart of Exmoor, it is the ideal base from which to explore the moors.

Under new family management, The Royal Oak was refurbished in May 2019 and reopened on 1st June 2019 and has received excellent reviews.

With 2 traditional bars serving a selection of local ales & ciders, including their own ‘Withy Wanger’ ale & ‘Withy Wurzel’ cider, there is also a very well stocked gin bar and malt bar along with extensive wine menu to cover all drinkers. There is also a dining room/function room seating up to 40 for private dining or functions along with 8 en-suite bedrooms.

All food is freshly cooked by a team of experienced chefs who pride them themselves on using local ingredients to produce high quality meals.

In the short time of being open The Royal Oak has already been award the AA dining award and also finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards 2020 in the Pub category.

Exmoor Food Fest deal: tba

The Royal Oak
Withypool
Somerset TA24 7QP

Tel.01643 831506
Email: joinus@royaloakwithypool.co.uk

Win a foodie retreat on the north Devon coast

The prize:
A three-course meal for two and an overnight stay with breakfast at Sandy Cove Hotel in Berrynarbor

In anticipation of Exmoor Food Fest, we’ve teamed up with the Food Mag to treat one lucky reader to a winter getaway on the coast.

To mark the launch of the event, Sandy Cove Hotel is giving one reader and guest a three-course dining experience at its Seacliff Restaurant, followed by an overnight stay and breakfast. Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Bristol Channel, the three AA rosette restaurant is one of the shining lights in the north Devon food scene and is known for its innovative execution of fresh local ingredients.

Enter the competition

Welcome to La Petite Bouchée

2 for £20.00

3 for £25.00

4 for £28.00

Bienvenue à La Petite Bouchée, our multi-Award winning Restaurant and Private Events business. We are delighted to be taking part in the Exmoor Food Fest for the 4th year and will open our doors on 3rd February so that guests can enjoy a taste of France with an Exmoor provenance.

Originally opening in Sydnenham/Crystal Palace borders in South East London in our converted vintage Citroen HY Camper we were delighted to appear on Channel 4 Hidden Restaurants with Freddy Bird and Michel Roux Jnr and shortly after scooped the prestigious TIME OUT love London award.

La Petite Bouchée landed in Devon in 2017 and hit the ground running scooping 6 Taste of the West Gold awards in its time here as well as several other high profile awards. Our ethos is simple, flavour packed, no fuss meals where the key ingredient sings. We also have a zero waste policy which means that we’ll ask you for your food order in advance so we only ever order what we need each service.

This year we’re offering you a quintessential French Brasserie menu including all the restaurant favourites. There is lemon sole, Steak Frites and of course Crème Brûlée amongst other restaurant favourites. You can be assured as ever that our food is sourced locally and cooked from scratch.

We look forward to welcoming you all. The food fest sold out by the end of December last year and so we’d advise an early booking.

Exmoor Food Fest Deal: 2 courses £20.00/ 3 courses £25.00 4 courses £28.00

Available Friday and Saturday evening ( Bookings Only )

Reservations: http://www.lapetiteboucheebrasserie.co.uk/reservations

Quanticks House
19 The Square
Witheridge
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 8AE

Welcome to Croydon Hall

We’re excited to welcome Croydon Hall in Somerset to the 2023 Exmoor Food Fest!

Surrounded by beautiful Somerset countryside, the views from the restaurant at Croydon Hall are spectacular, the setting tranquil, the pace relaxed.

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.

Use promo code FOODFEST for discounted accommodation.

For restaurant and room bookings please visit www.croydonhall.co.uk or call 01984 642200

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

Social Media:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CroydonHall.Minehead/
Instagram – @croydonhall.minehead
TikTok – @croydonhall.minehead
Pinterest – @croydonhall