Get your tastebuds ready for the most delicious date in the North Devon calendar

There are only a few days to go before the most delicious event of the year returns to Barnstaple Pannier Market.

Now in it’s 12th year, the annual North Devon FOODfest, organised by Barnstaple Town Centre Management, with support from North Devon Council, takes place on Sunday 20 October. The event showcases the very best food and drink businesses from across North Devon.

Hosts Seth Conway and Dez Turland, from Brend Hotels, will be joined by five of the most talented head chefs currently working in the region:

• Mark Dodson, chef patron of the Michelin starred Masons Arms, Knowstone
• Tommy Browning, head chef at Lewtrenchard Manor, Okehampton
• Jamie Coleman, head chef at The Beach at Bude
• James Checkley,  head chef at The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange and winner of Best Dish in the South West Chef of the Year Awards 2018
• James Mason, director and head chef at New Coast Events

The chefs will be live on stage in the market during the course of the day to demonstrate their talents, provide cooking tips and answer questions from the audience. Also joining the 2019 line up for the first time is Bar 62 with their Ready Steady Cocktails show.

Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, says: “With more than 80 exhibitors showcasing some of North Devon’s finest food and drink, this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever. This is an amazing event which draws food lovers from miles around to watch top chefs in action and enjoy the fantastic, fun atmosphere. It’s certainly one not to miss.”

Barnstaple Town Centre Manager, Hannah Harrington, said: “FOODfest is one of the highlights of our year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the market again. Our friends from Plastic Free North Devon will be joining us and bringing virtual reality headsets, which enable you to see an underwater view of plastic pollution in our oceans. This year we are also debuting an exciting new cocktail making masterclass with Bar 62, so get your cocktail shakers at the ready!”

Claire Moodie from Plastic Free North Devon says “Come and visit our information booth at FOODfest to experience our Virtual Reality Ocean Explorer headset, which helps people discover the importance of the ocean, and appreciate its inhabitants, so that they can learn to protect it. Please remember to bring your own containers and reusable bags to FOODfest and take your recycling home with you to dispose of responsibly.” 

FOODfest runs from 10am to 3.30pm, with free entry to the Pannier Market. Thanks to sponsors Rangemoors, Ashgrove Kitchens, Brend Hotels and Barnstaple Town Centre Management.