Prepare to feast at Tavistock Eat Festival

Tavistock is poised to welcome a much-anticipated food festival on Sunday, April 21 which is expected to attract a significant influx of attendees. 

The event, known for its celebration of local culinary talent, is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to various local businesses. 

Running from 10am to 4pm on Sunday (April 21) around Duke Street and Bedford Square, visitors can expect to enjoy a variety of delicious local produce. 

This marks the first year that Eat Festivals has come to Tavistock, with the festival having run around the South West since its inception in 2012.

A spokesperson for the food festival said "We are over the moon to be delivering eat:Tavistock, sponsored by Flapjackery. We have worked together since Flapjackery's beginning and it is great to be given this opportunity to deliver a festival in their home town. We have a brilliant line-up of producers - over 60 including farmers' market favourites and street food. Plus music, entertainers and laid-back Sunday vibes"

Locals attending the event can look forward to a diverse culinary experience, featuring an extensive selection of offerings.

 From flavourful rums to artisanal cheeses, deli specialties, and fresh seafood, there's a variety of options to cater to different tastes. 

Attendees can enjoy the savoury flavours of Thai cuisine, traditional pies, Cornish pasties, and the smoky goodness of pit barbecue and smokehouse dishes. 

Classic hot dogs will also be available, plus so much more. 

On their website, Eat Festival said: "Our food & drink festivals are free to attend, family-friendly, accessible and held in a town centre. We aim to celebrate the great local producers surrounding the festival town by putting on a cracking one-day festival that is low cost for them to attend - meaning that money goes straight back into local businesses; well publicised; good fun; well run and with lots of variety. eat:Festivals is a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to connect communities with the productive landscape that surrounds them, which is good for local business, food producers and for families."

The festivals aim to bring a great range of producers and products into the town on the day of the festival. 

Mostly based within 30 miles of each town, with a few exceptional and hard to find products from further afield. 

Along this, there will be a hands-on cook school, workshops, livestock, tractors and lots of entertainment and competitions. 

The Moorlander caught up with some of the local food participants who expressed their excitement at being part of the festival.

Lucho Bakes:

Founded by Luciano Soto Rodriguez, Lucho Bakes has quickly become a staple in Venn Valley Winery, Landkey since its inception on April 1, 2023. 

Specialising in sourdough baked goods crafted from organic ingredients, with local wholemeal flour sourced from Chittlehampton's The Waterers' Working Horses.

"We are the only sourdough bakery you can find on the day being part of the market," Luciano shared. 

Known for their quality and popularity among followers, attendees flock early to their stall to secure their favourite treats. 

With 11 wholesalers across North Devon and Torridge, plans for expansion include additional wholesalers, a shop, preorder system, delivery boxes, and sourdough baking classes. 

Torview Wines:

Torview Wines, established in 2007 by Tim Gorwan, emerged from the ashes of Foot and Mouth, transforming a "dirty farm" into a thriving vineyard and winery. 

Inspired by New Zealand's vineyard practices, Tim's expertise, gained from a decade in prominent vineyards and training with the University of California, fuelled the venture's success. 

Today, Torview Wines fills 14,000 bottles annually, specialising in fruity red wines and traditional method sparkling wines, alongside rose and white varieties. 

Additionally, they manage six vineyards across Devon and Cornwall.

He said: “At EAT Tavistock, attendees can taste our bone-dry wines, renowned for classic fruit flavours like strawberry and plum.”

Devon Cove:

Devon Cove, situated overlooking Hope Cove, boasts an impressive array of award-winning Cove Vodka and Liqueurs crafted from King Edward potatoes sourced from their family farm. 

With over five decades of experience cultivating quality Devon potatoes, the distillery has mastered the art of creating a smooth and opulent vodka that encapsulates the essence of the region. As they gear up for the upcoming EAT Festival, visitors can anticipate sampling a selection of their renowned products, including Cove Vodka, Liqueurs, and Oak-aged Cove Rum. 

They have said despite the challenges facing small businesses, Devon Cove remains resilient, grateful for their place within Devon's thriving food and drink sector. Embracing the opportunity to share their exceptional creations, they invite all to indulge in the taste of Devon's finest produce.