Starting as a pop up and moving into a restaurant, Maiden Arch is an intimate dining experience with Chef Robert Bryant, serving the finest of modern British cuisine.
Living in this part of Devon, not only has some of the finest game, meats and fish around but also herbs, flowers and foragables. At Maiden Arch, we embrace our provincial ingredients and we are always finding ways to pay homage to our home. Robert explains his own cooking style as “classic flavour combinations, modern technique, with a few bits of magic inbetween whilst utilising the best of English produce” Maiden Arch By Robert Bryant, in Barnstaple town centre. Truly a Modern British Fine Dining experience.
Exmoor Food Fest offer:
Every Wednesday and Thursday we would love to welcome you to an exclusive evening of a 5 course tasting menu at £50 throughout the whole of February.
Newly opened in the height of the pandemic, The Old Bank is delighted to be taking part in their first Exmoor Food Fest this year.
Launched in May 2020, The Old Bank brings an exciting new dining experience to the heart of Lynton’s Old Town. Serving lunch between 12:00 – 14:30 and evening meals between 18:00 – 20:30 Wednesday through to Sunday.
The Old Bank aims to create a celebration of local and seasonal produce, run by a small team attracting top reviews for their exceptional food and service. Our freshly renovated restaurant has been thoughtfully designed to offer you a contemporary, intimate and memorable dining experience.
Proud and fortunate to have Matt – Head Chef, who is consistently impressing with both classic dishes and new delights. The Old Bank team looks forward to inviting you this February to participate in the 2022 Exmoor Food Fest.
Huge congratulations to THREE Exmoor restaurants who made it into the Top25 Gastropubs in the UK at today’s awards in Manchester!
The Pyne Arms, where the 2022 Exmoor Food Fest will launch this Wednesday, was awarded Rank 17!
The Masons Arms in Knowstone – Rank 22
The Swan, Bampton – Rank 25
We are excited that chefs from all three establishments will be cooking at the launch on Wednesday. (To our knowledge, the launch is sold out. However, if you want to go onto the waiting list, you can call The Pyne Arms on 01271 850055).
The White House is a family-owned Hotel and Restaurant located in the bustling Somerset village of Williton. The building, originally a farmhouse, was built approximately 300 years ago and is a Grade II listed building. It has 7 guest bedrooms in the main house and a further 5 in the Courtyard. These outside rooms were formally the stables and a dairy and if you venture to the back of the Courtyard you can see the original barn.
The restaurant is open to the public as well as hotel guests and has two resident chefs, Dainis and Arek.
Our 2 chefs, Dainis and Arek, are both directors and have been friends since they worked in the same kitchen in London in 2005.
Arek is from Poland and Dainis is Russian Latvian.
As well as Poland, Arek has worked in kitchens in London, Dubai, Oxford and Reading. He specialises in Asian and traditional British cuisine.
Dainis has also worked in London plus New York, Birmingham and Exeter. He specialises in European food, particularly French and Italian but has also been head chef of a traditional Indian restaurant.
At The White House we source our meat from Somerset Farmhouse butchers, our vegetables from Veggie Patch in Watchet and our eggs from Meadowsweet Farm. We grow a lot of our own herbs at The White House.
Our menus showcase the different skills of the chefs. They add their own splashes of exotic flavours and cooking styles to predominantly British dishes.
Exmoor Food Fest Deal: 2 courses for £20.00 / 3 courses for £24.00
STARTER
Soup of the Day
Served with crusty baguette
Chicken Livers
Served on sourdough bread with caramelized onions, pear and apple
Mussels
Cooked in a buttery white wine sauce and served with crusty baguette
Lamb Kofta (GF)
Served with cool tzatziki
Squid Fritter (GF)
MAIN
Venison Sausage Coil
Succulent venison sausage served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and a red wine gravy
Lamb Kofta
Lamb kofta topped with tzatziki and harissa chilli paste resting on a bed of naan bread and tabbouleh salad
Beef Stew (GF) Slow cooked tender beef stew served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. *Swap beef stew for our ratatouille and make it meat free*
Spinach & Chickpea Curry (GF, V, Vegan)
Spinach and chickpeas cooked in a chai-spiced tomato sauce. Served with fluffy rice.
Fish Cakes
Our homemade fish cakes, served on a bed of fresh salad with tartare sauce
Pork Belly (GF)
Crispy pork belly served with roasted vegetables and potatoes and topped with a butternut squash and truffle puree. Served with local cider gravy
Chicken Milanese
Chicken breast coated in our special house panko breadcrumb mix. Served with fries
Seafood Linguini
Our seafood mix served with linguini pasta all coated in a chilli and tomato sauce
Wild Mushroom Risotto (GF)
Risotto rice delicately cooked with tomatoes, wild mushrooms and tarragon. Finished with a drizzle of truffle oil
Lemon and Thyme Chicken Risotto (GF)
Lemon and thyme roasted chicken breast served on a bed of creamy mushroom, asparagus and cherry tomato risotto
Dessert
Crème Brûlée (GF)
Homemade Crème Brûlée with caramelised sugar topping
Nutty Crumble
Our homemade fruit crumble has a crunchy, nutty topping and is served with custard, cream or ice-cream
Ice-cream Sundae
A mixture of ice-creams topped with Oreo crumbs, brownie chunks, marshmallows, chocolate sauce and wafers
Warm Chocolate Brownie
Served with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Served with toffee sauce and vanilla ice-cream
Selection of Sorbets
3 scoops of your choice of Sorbets
Cheese Board
A selection of local cheeses served with grapes, celery, apple and walnut Add a glass of port for £2.95
2014. I’d been in Magazine Publishing for 25 years, and the last recession, in the late 00s, left many of my colleagues at Director level redundant, including me. This happened to coincide with me having a horrific accident and breaking my arm very badly. Three operations later, a huge amounts of physio and a large dollop of stubbornness meant I got my arm back, well 80%. Once I had taken a bit of time out and recalibrated, oh and got married, It was my step daughter that suggested I should cook professionally. Three months after that we launched La Petite Bouchée
Have you always been passionate about cooking?
Absolutely, since I was able to stand on a chair and watch my Mama. She was the most superb cook and dazzled our palates from the get go. She taught me about creating flavours using fresh ingredients. It’s something I have carried with me all my life and now in my job.
What keeps you passionate about cooking?
Living here on the edge of Exmoor means we have the most incredible array of fresh ingredients at our disposal. Meat, fish and shellfish at our disposal together with fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs. I love exploring new ingredients and putting my twist on classic dishes.
When did you start La Petite Bouchée?
La Petite Bouchée launched in August 2014, We’d converted our 50 year old vintage Citroen camper into a mini restaurant, after the first 6 months we had seating for a further 30 and regularly did big events in Sydenham Wells Park, South East London, which was home for 2 and a half years. We arrived here in Witheridge in February and on May 5th opened La Petite Bouchée version 2 in what used to be the games room in our home. That’s almost 5 years ( including 2 lockdowns ago).
Do you have a particular style of cooking?
If we were to have a style I guess it would be French with a Devon twist. Classic French brasserie dishes made with the best local ingredients Devon has to offer.
Do you have a favourite dish at La Petite Bouchée and why?
I love cooking fish and shellfish the most. I think the spectacle of a two or three tier Fruit de Mer is hard to beat. From steaming the shellfish in our house stock, cooling it, preparing it for the platters, shucking the oysters, cracking the claws , making the various sauces and accompaniments and seeing the look on peoples faces when they are presented with the end result.
What one ingredient couldn’t you live without?
Salt, in moderation of course. It can elevate a dish to a new level.
Do you have any exciting future plans?
Well yes, we are intending to produce a Festival TOGO menu this year. We recognise not everyone wants to dine out and so we’ll be putting together a Restaurant TOGO style box for people to still enjoy the festival. Our Restaurant TOGO boxes have been very popular throughout the pandemic. We provide you with all the fresh ingredients you need. Fully prepped and ready to pop in the oven or cook on the hob. We’ll be sending out cooking instructions and we’ll be running a competition for the most well presented meal during the Exmoor Food Fest.
Secondly, we’re going to launch MANGETOUT, our new bi-monthly supper club for the consummate foodie. Presenting food from different corners of the world exclusively at different locations for an exclusive amount of diners. We’ll be announcing our first location shortly.
Are you looking forward to Exmoor Food Fest?
We sure are. It’s one of the first things we signed up for when we arrived in Devon. We missed last year because of Covid and so we’re especially looking forward to meeting lots of foodie festival goers again this year.
Literally risen from the ashes after a fire destroyed the original building dating back to the 15th century in January 2017, the Farmers Arms in Coggins Lane in Combe Florey is now a busy traditional pub with a modern twist where great pride is taken in serving outstanding food.
Head Chef Ben Routley and his team pride themselves on utilising the best of what’s fresh and in season, from Beechridge Farm duck to local seafoods from the North Devon coast for their daily changing menus.
“We take beautiful local ingredients and use classic cooking skills to show them off as they deserve”, explains Ben.
A charcoal fired Josper oven in the kitchen is used for producing the most succulent steaks and fish dishes. Even the charcoal is produced by the Farmers Arms.
A Covid safe garden of thatch-covered tables with heaters for when the weather turns cold and an outside tiki-style bar provide a fabulous atmosphere. The popular wood fired pizza oven is in operation on Friday evenings and all day Saturdays.
The Farmers Arms is well-known for the variety of real ales and exclusively local ciders as well as an exciting range of lagers and craft beers. The wine list is also extensive.
A firm Exmoor Food Fest favourite, the Farmers Arms have played host to several foodie events such as the “Celebration of Beef” a few years ago when four guest chefs joined the Farmers Arms’ head chef to produce five courses involving beef – including the dessert.
Exmoor Food Fest Deal:
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 2 courses for £20.00 / 3 courses for £25.00
The Farmers Arms Combe Florey Taunton Somerset TA4 3HZ
The award-winning Hartnoll Hotel is nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park in the delightful Exe Valley in Devon. With stunning decor, sumptuous fabrics, plenty of space to relax, eat and drink and exemplary customer service, it is the perfect place to relax with friends and family or meet with colleagues.
The Hotel is set in beautiful landscaped gardens surrounded by glorious Devon countryside, only minutes from Junction 27 of the M5 – perfectly located for exploring the West Country, Somerset, Devon and Exmoor.
The Hartnoll Hotel’s owner, Claire Carter, has painstakingly restored and refurbished this beautiful country house hotel, transforming it into a luxury, boutique-style hotel offering both elegance and comfort. The attention to detail has been key to the successful transformation from the stunning décor with sumptuous fabrics to a wonderful open log fire.
We have a beautiful award winning conservatory restaurant overlooking our beautiful gardens which is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas and Dinner. Or if you would like to taste something different we shall be opening our new RiverView Restaurant on 4th February 2022 only open Friday and Saturday evenings to experience and indulge in our fine dining tasting menu.
Braised Shin of Devon Beef, Confit Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, Red Wine Jus
(C,D,SD)
Ginger Bread Crème Brulee with Caramelised Oranges
(E,D)
Dark Chocolate Tart with Chocolate Soil and Cappuccino Ice Cream
(D,E,G)
Selection of Home Made Ice Creams & Sorbets
(Chocolate, Honeycomb or Vanilla Ice Cream or Blackcurrant, Lemon or Mango Sorbet)
(D,G,E,SD)
A discretionary 10% service charge is added to the bill which is equally shared between the staff.
Fancy staying the night in one of our luxury hotel rooms? Get a special Exmoor Food Fest 15% discount and free upgrade to the next available Superior Room.
Booking direct only and mention Exmoor Food Fest. Rooms subject to availability
Stepping into a countryside canvas you have to explore, our unique pub is not one to ignore. The Idyllic marriage between 15th century values with a modernistic splash of panache, we are the perfect escapism for a spontaneous dash.
The best in the West – whether you’re staying in our hotel, experiencing our fine dining or visiting some of our natures treasures, our stay & scenic combination is captivating in all seasons & weathers.
Quite simply the best pub in Somerset, this famous stop off, breakaway or staycation is sweeping the nation with its array of fine dining, unrivalled atmosphere & chic interiors.
If it’s good enough for Johnny Depp, Rowan Atkinson & Peter Andre, then it’s good enough for us. That’s right, all the way from the red carpet to our rustic doors, this star studded cast were lured in by Somerset’s gorgeous views & authentic countryside food.
With a pinch of stardust & ripe with talent, it’s our devoted & skilled chefs who play a starring role in ensuring every meal is served with fine dining appeal for a Hollywood look! For your cameo appearance, pop on by for a festive feast, a seasonal occasion or ‘just because’.
With great food, great service, and hikes that support any type of attire (even a Jimmy Choo) stumble upon a well deserved break, palate pleasing tastes & a revolving lens of stunning views.
Exmoor Food Fest deal:
Available lunchtimes 12:00 – 15:00 throughout February 2022
2 courses £17.50 – 3 Courses £22
Starters
Somerset Pork Scotch Egg with Cider Apple Ketchup DF Foraged Wild mushrooms on Toasted Sourdough GF* River Exe Mussels Steamed in Exmoor Gold Ale GF*
Mains
Trio of Venison Sausages & Mash, Braised Red Cabbage & Onion Jus GF North Devon Seafood Broth, Croute & Red Pepper Rouille GF* West Country Goats Cheese & Beetroot Risotto with a Walnut, Mint & Rocket Salad GF V (available vegan without cheese)
Welcome to the Antidote Restaurant. Superb Modern British Food, Hand selected Wines and a sophisticated place in which to enjoy with friends. We also have Boutique Accommodation! Two Modern Ensuite Rooms and a fully equipped Boutique Loft Style Holiday Apartment.
Intimate Dining and Exceptional Food. Using Fresh Local and in Season ingredients you will experience some of the best food in Ilfracombe from this pretty little restaurant. Thoughtful service always with a smile and Wines to Match every plate. Menus full of flavour and personality.
The Martlet Inn in Langford Budville is a quintessential country dining pub complete with a beautiful flag-stone floor, roaring log burner and is fast earning a reputation for it’s locally sourced food specialising is sea-food and game.
The pub was given a new lease of life after the first lockdown when it was taken over by Jon & Millie Coward (also of The Bear in Wiveliscombe and the Lamb & Flag, Blagdon Hill). The focus is very much on those elusive qualities that make a good pub a great one – you’ll receive and warm and friendly welcome along with professional and attentive service. A bustling ambience, helped along by the many locals who pop in for a pint or two, provides the perfect back-drop to your visit. There is a choice of dining areas – from the beautiful glass dining room to a cosy table by the fire.
The kitchen is headed up by local chef Matt Dean who, along with his team, puts together seasonal menus always with a nod to the abundance of glorious produce on our doorstep including some of the plentiful game and sea-food that our area has to offer.
We’re delighted to be part of the Exmoor Food Festival 2022 and have a special menu running from Mondays to Saturday’s starting on Monday 31st January and running until Monday 28th February – to book please phone 01823 401330 and quote Exmoor Food Festival. We are also excited to be running a Taste of Exmoor meal on Thursday 17th February, details TBC.
The Martlet Inn, Langford Budville, Wellington, TA21 0QZ
Exmoor Food Fest 