Gold-standard dining among the donkeys 

For the fourth year in a row, The Donkey Sanctuary’s on-site restaurant ‘The Kitchen’ has been awarded a Taste of the West Gold Award. 

The venue at the sanctuary in Sidmouth picked up the Gold Awardin the café/tearoom category in the 2022 Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards. 

The judges looked at a number of categories, including the quality of service and food, use of local ingredients and value for money, and in each The Kitchen received high praise. 

Their report noted: “The cafe offers fresh food, full of flavour and using lots of locally sourced ingredients. A relaxing, calm atmosphere which reflects the nature of where you are. 

“They are clearly committed to supporting local producers and it’s a lovely space for families and visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary to visit.”  

Since its extensive refurbishment in 2017, The Kitchen has become a favoured destination in its own right. The venue overlooks the sanctuary’s resident donkeys grazing in the fields, with stunning unparalleled views down the Weston valley to the sea beyond. 

Chris Morris, Head Chef at The Kitchen, said: "We are immensely proud of retaining our Gold Award this year. It feels like a real team effort and shows the dedication and attention to detail from all staff within The Kitchen.  

“We are of course very fortunate to have such an array of amazing products and passionate producers on our doorstep in Devon, which makes our jobs far easier. Our ethos has always been to work sustainably and seasonally, and allow nature be the star of the show.” 

Taste of the West has been championing food and drink producers and venues across the South West since 1991, and its annual awards scheme ensures that high standards are maintained. 

Later this year, The Kitchen will once again feature in the Taste East Devon 2022 Food Festival. The 16-day event in September celebrates the incredible food and drink on offer across the region and includes award-winning venues, producers, restaurants and chefs from around East Devon. 

The Kitchen is open daily from 9am - 5pm. Breakfast is served from 9am - 11am and lunch from 11.30am - 3pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the new Brunch menu is available from 9am - 3pm, while drinks, snacks and cakes are available all day every day.  

For more information, please visit The Donkey Sanctuary’s website:https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth/eat-here/the-kitchen