A Celebration of Seafood: England’s Seafood FEAST 2023

England’s Seafood FEAST is set to return to the English Riviera in beautiful south Devon this autumn, from 29 September to 15 October. The two-week celebration of world-renowned local seafood will see the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay join forces to host a seafood feast like no other, giving visitors the chance to join the locals and experience some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed.  Highlights include everything from fine dining to street food and seafood celebration suppers to guest chef events. 

Taking place in an area which is renowned as England’s Seafood Coast, the 2023 FEAST is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. Expect a packed two-week-long programme of events, featuring local seafood, hosted by local eateries across the three towns. Visitors will be able to take their pick from seafood set menus and platters, tasting menus, crab-cracking masterclasses and guest chef events, and that’s just for starters. Meet the ‘Faces of the Feast’ and hear about their stories at sea, discover new fish species, be inspired by local talent and coastal artists, and give back to the ocean. Celebrate at events such as ‘Mussels and Music’, ‘Seafood and Sax’, and ‘SUP and Seafood at Sunrise’. 

A highlight of the FEAST, ‘7 Chefs from England's Seafood Coast’ will take place in Torquay on Saturday 30th September and Brixham on Saturday 7th October, 10am - 5pm. Guests are invited to enjoy 7 courses over 7 hours in 7 restaurants, with the ‘Trust the Chef’ menu announced on the day.  A truly ‘sea to plate’ experience, each dish will feature locally landed and caught fish and seafood paired with local artisan award-winning drinks. Tickets cost £130 per person and are available to buy from the English Riviera Visitor Information Centre (01803 211211). 

All of the events will feature seafood that has been landed and caught locally, so it’s as fresh as it can be, as well as locally produced beer, cider, wine and gin - the South West of England has a well-deserved reputation for local sourcing and passionate producers, and there are lots to discover. The FEAST dovetails with National Seafood Month and a continuation of British Food Fortnight, a celebration of the delicious food readily available across Britain as a result of the culinary renaissance that has swept the country in recent years.

The heart of the FEAST is Brixham Fish Market, where England’s biggest catch by value is landed; over 40 species of fish and shellfish are regularly sold at the daily auction. During the feast, tours of the market will take place on 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th October at 6am (booking essential). 

There is plenty more to enjoy. Listen to the sounds of the sea by local sea shanty singers, take a trip out to sea and feast on fish and chips, go fishing and learn how to cook the day’s catch, join a seashore foraging workshop or go wild sea swimming with local experts. 

Mitch Tonks, restaurateur and owner of Rockfish, said: “The world of seafood can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, we often stick to the things we know. Our Seafood Coast in England has the most amazing range of species caught and landed in our waters by our fishermen. The FEAST is a fantastic couple of weeks showcasing all of that, people can visit and try so many different things. It really is feasting; feasting on all the variety, going from place to place and trying something different, it’s like a seafood trail. I suggest getting your map out early and planning where to go and what to eat, time to feast!”

Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, said “South Devon has an abundance of fantastic produce and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better in the UK for local sourcing. It’s a pleasure to support the local coastline with England’s Seafood FEAST and I’m looking forward to being involved again this year.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “We are excited for the return of England's Seafood FEAST. Once again, the two-week-long event will showcase the fantastic local fish and shellfish landed on our doorstep and the passion and talent of our many local fishermen and chefs – the ‘Faces of the Feast’ - who are proud to represent the local businesses and eateries.”

Kelly Widley, Programme Coordinator of England’s Seafood FEAST, said: “Each year the FEAST goes from strength to strength, with more and more local businesses, chefs and individuals featuring in the programme. To date, the programme has 30 eateries listed to take part, including Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish and Simon Hulstone’s The Elephant, with many more to come. ”

Whether it’s for a day, a weekend or a week, visitors from further afield will be spoilt for choice of where to stay. Torbay boasts over 22 miles of coastline, harbours, coves and beaches for visitors to discover, with over 800 places to stay. The English Riviera offers all types of accommodation from campsites, holiday parks and self-catering accommodation to B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels. 

The English Riviera BID Company and Torbay Council are headline sponsors for this year’s England’s Seafood FEAST.

The full programme can be found on www.theseafoodfeast.co.uk – events are being added regularly, so keep checking back for more information and book direct with the local businesses taking part. For regular updates follow theseafoodfeast on Instagram and follow/like theseafoodfeast on Facebook.