The Swan, Bampton: Open for bookings!

Voted Best Trencherman’s Pub 2016 and now winners of Visit Devon Pub of The Year Gold Award…

The Swan, which is an AA Four Star Inn and the oldest pub in Bampton, has scooped a plethora of awards for its food including being voted Best Trencherman’s Pub 2016. It has two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence as well.

Last year the pub was named (March, 2016) as a Highly Commended winner in the national tourist board VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2016. This Award places The Swan in the top five businesses for excellence in the pub category in England.

It is set in the idyllic, historic, market town of Bampton, which still boasts a vibrant high street with a traditional butcher, baker and greengrocers. The area is hugely popular with ramblers and cyclists alike. 

The team has a passion for food and embraces the use of produce from the area to create some real pub classics, as well as some more modern English dishes.

The Swan’s menu is created from fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourced from nearby, on a daily basis by chef patrons Paul and Donna Berry and their talented team.

Donna said: “We try to keep our dishes simple, yet bursting with flavours and imagination. Our kitchen produces everything we serve here at the pub.

“We are dedicated to using all the local or regional produce available to us, needless to say we are so lucky living here in the Westcountry, we have local farmers supplying us with their beef, pork and lamb and the fishing communities providing us with the freshest cod for our classic cod and chips.”

This traditional country pub with a modern twist was originally lodgings to accommodate the masons and other craftsmen who were hired in 1450 to enlarge St Michael’s church, which is just behind the pub.

To add to all its awards, it has recently been renovated to a high standard with a new solid oak bar giving it a contemporary yet traditional feel.

The original fireplace and bread oven dating back to the fifteenth century were kept and now include a wood-burning stove, which guests can sit by in comfortable easy chairs. 

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, there is a focus on Westcountry beers and real ales. There is also an extensive selection of wines from around the world.

Paul and Donna look forward to welcoming you to The Swan…

2 courses for £12.50 / 3 courses for £17.50

The Exmoor Food Fest deal is available:
Lunch & Dinner:  Wednesday & Thursdays
(Excluding Valentine’s Day)

The Swan
Station Road
Bampton, Devon EX16 9NG
Telephone 01398 332248
Email:  info@theswan.co
Website:  www.theswan.co

Book now: An Evening with Michael Caines at Kentisbury Grange

On 6 February, Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines will be joining up with Head Chef James Mason for a gourmet six course taster menu featuring three delicious dishes from each chef at his restaurant The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange.

Reservations including dinner and paired wines are just £110 per person.

Alternatively, why not make a night of it and stay in one of our elegant suites from just £395 per couple?

Places are limited, if you would like to make a reservation
please call 01271 882 295 or email reception@kentisburygrange.com.

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Can’t make the dinner? Then check out the Kentisbury Grange#ExFF18 offer here.

Chambers Bistro, Minehead: Open for Bookings!

 

 

Head Chef Steven Hadley welcomes you to Chambers in Minehead.

Steven’s first taste of kitchen life was when he was given the job as a kitchen assistant at the Northfield Hotel in Minehead at the age of 15, where he worked and gained experience, happily for a number of years.

In 2009 Steven embarked on a two year Hospitality Diploma Course as the first year group at the brand new resources unit at West Somerset College. On leaving with a Triple Distinction he was awarded a place at the University of West London (UWL) being classically trained in Fine Dining and Management.

During his time at University, Steven was able to work with many great Chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and assisting the Roux Brothers during a heat of the Roux Scholarship.

Valuable experience was gained working at The Ritz Hotel, The Savoy Hotel and the Castle Hotel in Taunton, as well as cooking for the Queen at one of her Golden Jubilee celebrations, and Prime Minister David Cameron at the Curry Awards.

On leaving University, his first job was at Lower Slaughter Manor in the Cotswolds, before returning to Minehead and assisting with setting up of the Fine Dining restaurant at the Beach Hotel.

At the Age of 25, Steven has now owned his first restaurant ‘Chambers’ for two years.

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The Exmoor Food Fest Deal is available for dinners on every Friday and Saturday evening. Groups can be accommodated on other evenings  as by arrangement.

2 courses for £15 or 3 for £17.50 every Friday and Saturday.

6 The Avenue
Minehead
Somerset TA24 5UQ

Tel. 01643 704225

Facebook: /chambersminehead

 

Zest, South Molton: Open for bookings!

 

Zest is a modern, Mediterranean inspired restaurant in the heart of South Molton, open every day and six evenings a week (closed Sunday evening).  Expect delicious food and drink in contemporary and cosy surroundings.  Hungry?  We’ve got it covered!  Drop in throughout the day for a spot of breakfast, homemade cake or a delicious sandwich, or choose something from our specials board which is available all day and evening.  Our evening menu and regularly changing specials include Mediterranean inspired dishes, perfect pizza cooked in our traditional pizza oven, tapas and tapas platters to share as well as some traditional favourites.  Thirsty?  Take a seat in the window and admire our great view of the square with one of our delicious coffees or perch at our beautiful bar with a carefully selected wine, beer or a delicious cocktail.  You will be looked after by our friendly, helpful and professional team.

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Exmoor Food Fest Voucher holders must book in advance (Please!)  And if possible, tell us which menu they would like, although not essential.

2 courses for £10 #1:
Pizza & Pudding
Margherita, Bosca or Tonno pizza
Raspberry cheesecake brownie, lemon crunch, creme brulee, ice cream with amaretti biscuits or sorbet
Any lunch Mon-Sat
Any evening Mon-Sat

2 courses for £10 #2:
Pasta & Pudding
Pasta special from our specials board
Raspberry cheesecake brownie, lemon crunch, creme brulee, ice cream with amaretti biscuits or sorbet
Any lunch Mon-Sat
Any evening Mon-Sat

2 courses for £10 #3:
Soup & Salad  (our soups are always vegetarian and almost always gluten free)
Soup and a main course salad from our specials board
Or
Salad & Sweet
A main course salad from our specials board and raspberry cheesecake brownie, lemon crunch, creme brulee, ice cream with amaretti biscuits or sorbet
Any lunch Mon-Sat

2 courses for £15.00:

Tapas Taster
Beer drinkers platter or Wine drinkers platter per person
Raspberry cheesecake brownie, lemon crunch, Creme brulee, Ice cream with amaretti biscuits or sorbet
Any evening

3 courses for £15:
Olives & garlic bread
Choice of
Meatballs & chips
Aubergine guvec & homemade bread
Any pizza
Pasta special
Any salad special
Raspberry cheesecake brownie, lemon crunch, creme brulee, ice cream with amaretti biscuits or sorbet
Any evening Mon-Sat

 

La Petite Bouchée: Open for bookings!

 

 

Welcome to La Petite Bouchée!

We started life in our four-seater restaurant housed in the back of our 1971 Citroen HY Camper Van in leafy South East London. Literally the most unique French Brasserie in the UK.  Since launching in August 2014 we have built a fantastic brand capturing the hearts and appetites of diners. We are proud of our awards haul to date which include the  Time Out #LoveLondonAwards winning best restaurant in Sydenham and since relocating to beautiful rural Devon earlier this year, a much coveted Gold Award in the Taste of The West Awards in the best restaurant category.  We were also a finalist in the Devon Life Food & Drink Awards 2017 and runner up in the Best Bistro Category in the Food and Drink Devon Awards. 

Our philosophy is simple. Create the perfect ambience, add fabulous food and a glass of fizz and  you’ve got an experience you won’t forget.  Our name translated literally means the ‘small mouthful’ but there is nothing small about La Petite Bouchée.  With only 20 covers we may be small, however, the flavours are big and bold and are accompanied with a wine list to match.

 All of our ingredients are locally sourced, responsibly sustained and where possible homegrown and within a 25 mile radius of our North Devon base. Our menu changes each month to reflect the seasons and caters for all. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of French heaven in Devon. 

Exmoor Food Fest Deal: £17.50 / £20.00
available Fridays and Saturdays evening (booking essential)

Quanticks House
19 The Square
Witheridge
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 8AE

Tel:  01884 860 654

(T) lapetitrboucheeHY

Website:                 www.lapetiteboucheebrasserie.co.uk

Facebook:

Twitter:                  @lapetiteboucheeHY

The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange – Open for bookings!

 

 

The Coach House by Michael Caines, is a culinary experience that will change the way you think about restaurant dining.

A masterpiece of contemporary rustic design and innovative yet classic cuisine, the celebrated restaurant was awarded three AA Rosettes in 2017 and Taste Of The South West in the South West Tourism Awards 2015.

This 17th century former coaching house, now a Michael Caines restaurant, incorporates a stunning walnut and marble bar with an oak staircase, handmade artisan furniture and stylish décor to create a glamorous yet intimate dining space.

Situated in the grounds of Kentisbury Grange Hotel and surrounded by gently rolling fields, the restaurant is in a truly remarkable location and open all year round for Lunch, Dinner and Afternoon Tea.

The menus at The Coach House by Michael Caines have been carefully designed to reflect the seasonality of fresh, local produce. Chef is more than happy to cater for any special dietary requirements – please let us know at time of booking so that we can prepare something for you.

2 courses for £15.00 / 3 courses for £20.00:

Monday – Thursday lunch

Tel: +44 (0) 1271 882 295

Kentisbury, Barnstaple. North Devon, EX31 4NL

Twitter:              @KGCoachHouse
Facebook:         /KentisburyGrange
Email:                 reception@kentisburygrange.com
Website:             www.kentisburygrange.co.uk

 

22 Feb: Barista Experience at Miles Tea & Coffee

Miles Tea & Coffee are offering a new ‘Barista Experience’ at their factory in Somerset.

The first class will take place on Thursday 22nd  February as part of the Exmoor Food Fest. Miles’ barista expert has a wealth of experience from working in Italy for many years, and he is a member of the Speciality Coffee Association Europe (SCAE).

The class will last 3 hours during which attendees will learn to distinguish the subtle differences between coffee beans, master the perfect cup of coffee and see some creative latte art. 

Previous knowledge of coffee is not a requirement, but a passion for coffee is a must!

Places are limited, to book, email info@djmiles.co.uk.  The first course has an introductory price of £33 per person. Location will either be our Minehead or Porlock site, start time to be 9:30.

Can’t make it? Why not join our monthly roastery tours on the last Thursday of the month, pre-book only, check online for more details or email info@djmiles.co.uk.

Miles Tea and Coffee is a family run business established in 1888. The West Somerset based business creates quality tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Following a recent rebrand Miles are promoting the West Country by partnering with local communities, West Country businesses, and sponsorship. Miles products are available in Tesco, Asda, Morrisions, Sainsburys, the Co-op and many other stores.

Tasting Dinner at The Beach Hotel: 7 Chefs for 7 Courses

Join us on 2 February 2018 for an amazing Tasting Dinner at The Beach Hotel in Minehead to celebrate the first weekend of the 4th Exmoor Food Fest!

Amuse bouche by The Beach Hotel apprentices 

Starter by Steven Hadley 

Goats cheese mousse, caramelised walnuts, beetroots, apple & Thyme bread

Vegetable course by  Kate Gardiner

Crostini of grilled polenta, porcini Mushrooms & Taleggio

Meat course by Sam Salway

Duo of Exmoor lamb, noisette, served pink (sous vide,) braised shoulder, red cabbage puree, roasted celeriac and parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, baked potato cake.

Fish course by Werner Hartholt

Soy marinated seabass with crispy lobster.

Dessert course by Andrew Richards

Chocolate and hazelnut parfait, hazelnut crumble, chocolate soil, coffee mouse and milk sorbet.

Petit Fours by Connor Bazley. Beach Hotel Apprentice.

£45.00 per person

Book 4 tickets or more:
£42.00 per person

BUY NOW

Calling all restaurants, pubs & tearooms: Register for the 2018 Exmoor Food Fest

The 2018 Exmoor Food Fest is going to be even bigger and better than our previous festivals. Once again, we will be celebrating the best that our region has to offer all through February.

We are now calling all food related businesses – restaurants, pubs, tea rooms – to sign up to be part of the 2018 Exmoor Food Fest and offer amazing Exmoor Food Fest deals* to their customers.

 

We are also looking for local producers who would like to take part in our “Taste Exmoor at The Beach Hotel” event in Minehead on 3 and 4 February 2018.  It is going to be a fun weekend with cook-offs, bake-offs, presentations and workshops, and of course a food & drink fair. You can sign up here.

Do you have any further questions? Then please don’t hesitate to ask. Just send us an email, and we’ll get back to you asap.

(*) We will explain this all in great detail when you sign up!