It’s been a tough few years and we can all do with a bit of cheering up. And the return of a month-long celebration of our region’s best hospitality will do just that
From February 1 you can eat your way across Exmoor (and a little bit beyond). Participating restaurants will be offering set menus at an excellent price throughout February. It’s also worth looking out for tasting dinners and other foodie events during that time.
From country pubs to Michelin recommended restaurants, the event will again showcase some of the best food the area has to offer. Many venues also have deals on accommodation during the Exmoor Food Fest. What better excuse to spend a few days away from it all, with good food to boot.
The Exmoor White Horse Inn in Exford is a much beloved country pub and hotel, right at the centre of Exmoor. From here walks up on the moor, through wooden combs and along bubbling streams beckon all year round. While the Exmoor Food Fest is primarily about amazing local food, it would be a sin not to taste at least one of the 200 single malt whiskys available at the White Horse.
Another country pub on Exmoor is The Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross, Exmoor’s highest village. The famous Snowdrop Valley is not far away from there, with regular shuttles running throughout the month from across the road down into the stunning valley.
The Royal Oak Inn in Withypool returns to the Exmoor Food Fest for the third time - for over 300 years this inn has been renowned for comfortable rooms and delicious food. Dogs are very welcome at the Royal Oak Inn and even have their own menu.
Two exciting venues will be joining the Exmoor Food Fest for the very first time in 2023: The Royal Oak Inn in Luxborough and Croydon Hall in Rodhuish.
The Royal Oak Inn in Luxborough has been at the heart of the pretty village of Luxborough for over 600 years, nestled behind Croydon Hill only six miles out of Dunster. To this day it retains most of the building's original features. Inside you’ll find the original flagstone and cobblestone flooring, coupled with rugged stone walls and open beams – giving the inn unrivalled character and charm.
Croydon Hall in Rodhuish is a boutique country house hotel and restaurant set in five acres of glorious English countryside. iT has A wonderfully colourful and eclectic history - just what you’d expect from a building that’s been standing for more than 1,000 years.
This year also sees the return of some firm favourites in Devon as well as a few exciting newcomers.
The Kings Arms in Georgeham joins the Exmoor Food Fest for the third time. On the menu will be classic pub dishes which have been lovingly re-imagined, alongside more traditional restaurant dishes. All of this can be enjoyed in a relaxed and welcoming environment where the whole family is welcome. The Kings Arms received a silver award in the Food Drink Devon Awards 2021.
Another returning favourite is La Petite Bouchée in Witheridge. The French-style restaurant landed in Devon in 2017 and hit the ground running, scooping six Taste of the West gold awards as well as several other high profile accolades. Their ethos focuses on simple, flavour packed, no fuss meals where the key ingredient sings. They also have a zero waste policy; customers are asked to place their food order in advance so the restaurant only buys in the ingredients needed for each service. This year, La Petite Bouchée will offer a quintessential French brasserie menu including all the restaurant favourites.
The Hartnoll Hotel in Holford near Tiverton is joining this year’s festival yet again, as is The Antidote restaurant in Ilfracombe, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its quality, good value cooking. Michelin praised its ‘well-judged dishes with plenty of flavour’.
A newcomer this year is the Seacliff Restaurant at Sandy Cove Hotel near Combe Martin. Its cliffside location with spectacular views adds to the dining experience which is modern British with a focus on local seafood. Recently Michelin-listed, it has 3 AA rosettes and the kitchen is led by executive chef Ciro Beales.
The Exmoor Food Fest is an industry-led event. Chefs prompted the start of it in 2015 and not only is it a great opportunity for locals and visitors to explore new restaurants and venues, it also helps the hospitality sector to survive.
You will find the complete list of restaurants on the Exmoor Food Fest website exmoorfoodfest.com
