Foodie Fun at launch of The Food Shop

South Devon is a hub of food and drink producers, enthusiasts and aficionados. It’s bursting at the seams with wonderful, local produce which offers the ultimate taste sensation. Reflecting this, the spectacular newly positioned and tripled in size ‘The Food Shop’ at The Shops at Dartington will officially launch on Saturday 15th March. The launch promises to be a fun packed, gastronomic day out for all the family with lively demonstrations, entertainers, live music and an opportunity to meet some of the producers and their products!

‘The Food Shop’ will provide inspiration whether planning a healthy, wholesome supper or looking to impress for a special occasion. Everything required will be under one roof making the food shopping experience an entirely different, much more pleasurable, one.

Commenting on the launch, Managing Director of The Shops at Dartington, Barbara King says: “We’ve been delighted to see a growing trend for buying local produce over the last few years. Our philosophy here has always been to support the region’s economy by sourcing wherever possible from the area.” Barbara continues: “It recently became clear to us here at Dartington that our existing food shop had outgrown itself. With the added benefit of being able to park right beside the new food shop, we are anticipating that it is going to be incredibly popular.”

Packed full of homemade cakes and puddings, artisan fresh breads, pastries and pies, premium locally sourced meats, regional ales, ciders and wines, tasty cheeses and tempting treats, this new food shop will showcase the very best of produce from both the local region as well as the wider West Country. On the official launch day, visitors will be treated to tastings from popular producers including Lyme Bay winery, Blueberry Brothers, Wonky Kitchen, South Devon Chilli Farm, Mrs G’s Ravishing Relishes, Tom’s Pies and Partridge Farm meats and many more.

Award winning local chef, Matt Buzzo from The Waterside Bistro in Totnes, says: “I live in Dartington and have always been a great fan of the shops here. As a board member of Food & Drink Devon sourcing local produce has always been of the highest importance to me. It will be fantastic to have ‘The Food Shop’ on my doorstep!”

Passionate about supporting Devon food and drink producers The Shops at Dartington holds a regular, popular food producers’ market, Love Food Dartington. Supported by Food & Drink Devon, and held on the last Sunday of every month, these bustling markets showcase a brilliant line up of local producers. There are also Dartington’s two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, serving delicious, handmade dishes to try. So, make sure you keep the date of the next market free - Sunday 30th March.

Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June sees the return of the much anticipated, free The Shops at Dartington Food Fair. Now in its fourth year, with Taste of the West as one of the sponsors, it is gaining a name for itself in food lovers’ calendars far and wide. With over 50 of the region’s best food and drink producers exhibiting including Tom’s Pies and the popular Ashridge cider bar, art and crafts stalls, entertainment from local bands and children’s activities including the new ‘Bake a Pasty Competition’, clay pot making and bookable adventures like the tree walk with Dynamic Adventures, there really is something for everyone. Further information can be found at (www.dartingtonfoodfair.org).

The Shops at Dartington are owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust’s activities in Social Justice, Sustainability and the Arts.

As well as the exciting new food shop there’s a unique selection of shops to explore, making it a must visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women’s and men’s fashion, kitchen and homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings, including upcycled and UK made furniture.

For further information about The Shops at Dartington please visit www.dartington.org or take a look at Eat UP! Dartington’s very own food blog bursting with producer stories, news, delicious recipes and fabulous competitions (www.eatupdevon.com).