Local chef hosting Sunday pop ups at Sidwell Street Cafe in Exeter

Doucet head chef David Knapman will be at The Sidwell Street Cafe in Exeter for three lunches this winter cooking a menu inspired by local produce and local recipes.

After growing up in Devon, David has spent 15 years working in some of the world’s top restaurants, including six years at The Fat Duck and most recently two years in France at the 3-Michelin star Maison Lameloise.

David and the Doucet team will be serving a 3-course lunch menu priced at £35 on Sunday 20 November, Sunday 4 December and Sunday 18 December.

To accompany the food there will be a drinks list of local ciders and beers, wines from near and far, along with some delicious soft options.

Featured in the first lunch on 20 November will be a re-imagining of the Exeter Pudding, a dish invented by Victorian celebrity chef Alexis Soyer for The Royal Agricultural Society’s Grand Dinner held in Exeter on 18 July 1850.

Back then the elaborate dessert – which amongst other things included sherry, rum, blackcurrants, ratafia biscuits and a custard of breadcrumbs – was such a success that, according to the Illustrated London News, ‘all the matrons of the ancient city were striving to obtain the recipe’.

David said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Exeter and The Sidwell Street Cafe. We have some fantastic produce and producers in and around Exeter and we’re really looking forward to featuring some of our favourites over the coming weeks.

"Re-visiting historical recipes is great fun although in this case it’s definitely going to be quite a challenge – Alexis Soyer was a real showman and didn’t like to do anything by halves!”

For further details, including sample menus, and to book a table, please visit the Doucet website www.doucet.co.uk.