Food glorious food at the 10th Exeter Food and Drink Festival
Following a buzzing VIP launch party and the first of three After Dark sessions - complete with a cookery demonstration from Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, guest appearance from Devon-based actress Caroline Quentin and an amazing set from Devon singer songwriter Adam Isaac - the sun shone down on the first full day of the 10th Anniversary Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. The ale and cider were flowing in abundance, the food was bountiful and the people were welcoming. All in all there was a great buzz going on and for once the weather did not spoil the festivities, having said that it does seem that the Festival has historically been pretting lucky in the weather stakes.
It was lovely to catch up with old friends and discover some new ones, but the real stars of the show were of course to be found in a mind-boggling array of sumptuous goodies from local producers. From savoury treats such as giant pretzels and jumbo cheese straws, to the delicate cupcake creations of accomplished baker Kate Shirazi and the fabulous fudge from the Wonky Kitchen and Roly's Fudge. Of a more substantial nature were the pies and pasties of Tom's Pies and Pieminster Pies among others, and there was an overwhelming sense that everyone was there to shout about the sheer brilliance of Devon's produce.
If you love food, then you'll find something to tantalise your taste buds at the Festival whether you are partial to a savoury, sweet, spicy or sizzling treat. If you are not hungry when you go into the Festival, just pause at one of the exciting cookery demonstration presented by some of the country's top chefs to get your mouth watering. Do take the time to have a good browse around the stalls and talk to the producers about where they are based, as you will hear some fascinating stories and unique produce that wouldn't look out of place in the Food Halls of Harrods.
City Centre Manager John Harvey spoke to The Exeter Daily and expressed his passion for fresh local produce. He said "I can't tell you how excited I am about the start of Exeter's Food and Drink Festival. I am really looking forward to visiting over the next few days and sampling what the Festival has to offer."
"It will attract people from across the region into our vibrant and growing City and we hope that people will also take the time to explore the City's other areas afterwards. For example, did you know that the street food market in the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be there every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until the rest of the year. It has already been hugely successful and we are hoping to build on that success."
Working our way down Rougemont Gardens from Northernhay Place, the first sight to behold was a litter of 12 of the most gorgeous little piglets from Kenniford Farm, which visitors were invited to guess the total weight of the litter and their mother combined.
After we could bear our growling tummies no longer, we were drawn to the Higher Hacknell Farm stand, where they were cooking real steak burgers. However, the options in the courtyard of the Exeter Castle are equally tantalising. Once nourished, we were making our way through the food halls, sampling here and there and taking it all in until we met a lively scarecrow who convinced us to take part in voting for the favourite allotment competition.
Then we made our way down to the slightly chillier end of the Park to browse the Unique Boutique, which is well worth a visit. Of particular note were exquisite 'Little Birds' dolls by Norma Walton, and pretty as a picture Vintage Rose tea cosies and all manner of vintage loveliness.
After all that talking, we decided that it would be rude not to sample the Real Food Store's award-winning cream tea and we were not disappointed. Clearly the judges have very discerning tastes.
If you are attending with children there are plenty of activities to keep the little ones occupied, from simply galloping around the park, giggling at the piglets, to cooking under supervision in the Darts Farm Teepees or creating cardboard food to cook in the 'Aga' at Exeter Scapstore in the Little Cooks area.
There are still two full days left of the Festival and mostly the weather is supposed to be dry if not sunny all the time, so I urge you to go and sample, savour and snap up the wonderful produce of Devon and let us know what you thought.
