Last Wednesday, Claire’s Kitchen put up a pop-up restaurant in one of the Medieval barns at the Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre in Bossington. 50 guests enjoyed an owl display before sitting down for a Mediterranean fest of suckling pig cooked on the spit and paella.
Here are some photos taken on the night by James Alexander:
The Exmoor Food Fest has been sponsored by Arthur David.
Tourism set to take centre stage
The annual Exmoor Tourism Conference takes place on the 3 March 2016 at the Beach Hotel Minehead, with an impressive line-up of speakers covering a range of important topics.
The conference provides an ideal opportunity for everyone involved with tourism whether an attraction, accommodation business, retailer, activity provider, service industry – large or small. The invitation is equally extended to supporting organisations and community groups, to come together in preparation for the new visitor season. In addition to the conference, this year’s event incorporates the popular ‘Exmoor Exchange’ with over 25 trade stands booked (to date) to share information, gather literature and network with colleagues.
The conference starts at 11.15 am and will cover a range of important and exciting topics including:
Reviews and updates of the work of Exmoor Tourism to promote Exmoor, featuring newly appointed agency Greentraveller who will outline PR and marketing plans for the year and Elke Winzer, ET’s new Development Manager who will share thoughts on future opportunities.
Details of new and exciting ventures such as the Watchet Boat Museum, Lynton to Barnstaple Railway extension and the Steam Coast Trail.
Insights into a range of successful Exmoor businesses such as the West Somerset Railway and its 40th anniversary plans, the award-winning Cross Lane House boutique hotel, and South West Lakes Trust who’ve retained their Gold Green Tourism Business Award at iconic visitor attraction, Wimbleball Lake.
Partner updates from Exmoor National Park, Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership and Visit Somerset
Entry to the conference, and exchange, including buffet lunch and refreshments is only £15 for Exmoor Tourism members and £25 for non-members. Advanced booking is essential, and can be made online at http://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/trade/conference2016.
The Annual General Meeting takes place immediately before the conference at 10.30am and is open to all members of Exmoor Tourism.
Looking ahead to the day, Evelyn Stacey, Chairman of Exmoor Tourism, said “This promises to be an informative and useful day for everyone involved in Exmoor’s tourism industry which contributed a staggering £253m to the local economy in 2014. I hope that as many people as possible will join us as we share plans for the future – the whole community stands to benefit from the development of sustainable tourism.”
“Exmoor Tourism was formed a year ago by bringing together the former Exmoor Tourism Partnership and Exmoor Tourist Association into a single body. Since then we’ve achieved a huge amount. With new contractors joining us, including the appointment of Greentraveller as our marketing agency for the next 12 months, we’re confident that we will be able to deliver more for our members in the coming months and years.”
A limited number of trade stands are still available to be booked on a first come first served basis. A stand costs £35, to include one entrance to the conference and lunch. For further details contact Teresa Lovering at secretary@exmoor.com.
Award winning chefs from the Exmoor region are joining The Castle’s head chef on 28 January in Taunton to prepare a mouthwatering Taste of Exmoor menu. Tickets are limited, so early booking is very advisable:
Canapés & Fizz
Hospitality Students
(The Combe, West Somerset College, Minehead)
Starter
Olivier Certain (Clavelshay Barn, North Petherton)
Pays d’Oc, Laurent Miquel, Père et Fils, Grenache-Syrah
Slow Roasted Belly of Little Oak Farm Pork, Black Pudding & Quail Scotch Egg, Apple and Cider
Fish Course
Mark Dodson (Mason Arms, Knowstone)
Pan Fried Scallop with a Thai Style Salad, Rice Wine Dressing
Main Course
Liam Finnegan (The Castle Hotel, Taunton)
McHenry Hohnen, Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia
Roast Exmoor Venison Loin, Faggot, Red Cabbage,
Jerusalem Artichoke and Wild Mushrooms
Dessert
Paul & Donna Berry (The Swan, Bampton)
Lemon Cheesecake with Exmoor Wolf Gin, Tonic and Thyme Sorbet
Petit Fours and Breads
The Castle Hotel
Four course dinner: £75.00 per person
(including a glass of fizz & 2 glasses of wine)
Award winning Exmoor-based chefs are joining The Castle’s head chef Liam Finnegan to cook up a Taste of Exmoor menu as the launch of the 2016 Exmoor Food Fest which takes place all over Exmoor in February.
The Chefs:
Mark Dodson
Mark and his wife Sarah took over the The Mason Arms in Knowstone in June 2005. In July 2006, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star which they still hold. Since then, Mark and his team have gone from strength to strength, receiving many awards and accolades, including Michelin Pub of the Year 2010.
Prior to moving to Exmoor, Mark spent twelve years as Head Chef of Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn in Bray.
Paul and Donna Berry
There aren’t many awards Paul and Donna haven’t won for their historic pub “The Swan” in Bampton. Best Trencherman’s Pub of the Year 2016, Visit Devon Pub of the Year Gold Award, and AA Gold Star Award are amongst the most recent accolades, recognising Paul’s and Donna’s passion for food and the use of local, seasonal produce.
Liam Finnegan
Liam Finnegan, who has been head chef at The Castle Hotel in Taunton for three years, grew up in Carlingford, Co Louth in Ireland from where he still sources their famous oysters. However, whenever possible, he uses local suppliers.
Liam’s career path took him through some fantastic restaurants such as The George Hotel on the Isle of White, The Bath Priory and Gidleigh Park where he worked for Micheal Cains, and The Nuremore Hotel (Ray McArdle). When asked about awards Liam counters that a full restaurant and happy customers are more important. “Of course accolades are brilliant, but anything we get, we receive and share as a team.”
Olivier Certain
Marseille-born Olivier moved to Somerset in 1998 following his Michelin star training in La Bonne Etape Chateau Arnoux and Les Roches in Le Lavandou. In 2006 he joined Woods in Dulverton as head chef where he achieved 2 rosettes and the accolade of Somerset Dining Pub of the Year 2008, 2010 and 2011. In 2009 in reached the finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition.
Olivier now heads the kitchen at Clavelshay Barn in North Petherton.
The Students
The Year 13 hospitality students from train at West Somerset College, Minehead under Chef Lecturers Paul Ruttledge (a former British Master Chef) and Werner Hartholt.
One Night. Four Chefs. A Taste of Exmoor.
Award winning chefs from the Exmoor region are joining The Castle’s head chef on 28 January in Taunton to prepare a mouthwatering Taste of Exmoor menu. Tickets are limited, so early booking is very advisable:
Canapés & Fizz
Hospitality Students
(The Combe, West Somerset College, Minehead)
Starter
Olivier Certain (Clavelshay Barn, North Petherton)
Pays d’Oc, Laurent Miquel, Père et Fils, Grenache-Syrah
Slow Roasted Belly of Little Oak Farm Pork, Black Pudding & Quail Scotch Egg, Apple and Cider
Fish Course
Mark Dodson (Mason Arms, Knowstone)
Pan Fried Scallop with a Thai Style Salad, Rice Wine Dressing
Main Course
Liam Finnegan (The Castle Hotel, Taunton)
McHenry Hohnen, Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia
Roast Exmoor Venison Loin, Faggot, Red Cabbage,
Jerusalem Artichoke and Wild Mushrooms
Dessert
Paul & Donna Berry (The Swan, Bampton)
Lemon Cheesecake with Exmoor Wolf Gin, Tonic and Thyme Sorbet
Petit Fours and Breads
The Castle Hotel
Four course dinner: £75.00 per person
(including a glass of fizz & 2 glasses of wine)
Award winning Exmoor-based chefs are joining The Castle’s head chef Liam Finnegan to cook up a Taste of Exmoor menu as the launch of the 2016 Exmoor Food Fest which takes place all over Exmoor in February.
The menu showcases the best the region has to offer. It is a celebration of local produce and local talent.
Elke Winzer, who is organising the Exmoor Food Fest as part of Exmoor4all, is delighted that so many outstanding chefs are bringing the best of Exmoor to Taunton.
“The launch at the renown Castle in Taunton brings some of the amazing Exmoor chefs together who all take part in the Exmoor Food Fest which takes place all over Exmoor in February. It is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the high standard of Exmoor restaurants some of which are hidden gems,” explained Elke.
Liam Finnegan commented: “We are excited to host the launch of the Exmoor Food Fest. It is a great opportunity for us chefs to work together and create a stunning menu.”
Award winning chefs Mark Dodson, Paul and Donna Berry and Olivier Certain are joined by the hospitality students of the West Somerset College training restaurant The Combe in Minehead. The students will prepare the selection of canapés which will open then night’s food celebration with a glass of fizz.
The Chefs:
Mark Dodson
Mark and his wife Sarah took over the The Mason Arms in Knowstone in June 2005. In July 2006, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star which they still hold. Since then, Mark and his team have gone from strength to strength, receiving many awards and accolades, including Michelin Pub of the Year 2010.
Prior to moving to Exmoor, Mark spent twelve years as Head Chef of Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn in Bray.
Paul and Donna Berry
There aren’t many awards Paul and Donna haven’t won for their historic pub “The Swan” in Bampton. Best Trencherman’s Pub of the Year 2016, Visit Devon Pub of the Year Gold Award, and AA Gold Star Award are amongst the most recent accolades, recognising Paul’s and Donna’s passion for food and the use of local, seasonal produce.
Liam Finnegan
Liam Finnegan, who has been head chef at The Castle Hotel in Taunton for three years, grew up in Carlingford, Co Louth in Ireland from where he still sources their famous oysters. However, whenever possible, he uses local suppliers.
Liam’s career path took him through some fantastic restaurants such as The George Hotel on the Isle of White, The Bath Priory and Gidleigh Park where he worked for Micheal Cains, and The Nuremore Hotel (Ray McArdle). When asked about awards Liam counters that a full restaurant and happy customers are more important. “Of course accolades are brilliant, but anything we get, we receive and share as a team.”
Olivier Certain
Marseille-born Olivier moved to Somerset in 1998 following his Michelin star training in La Bonne Etape Chateau Arnoux and Les Roches in Le Lavandou. In 2006 he joined Woods in Dulverton as head chef where he achieved 2 rosettes and the accolade of Somerset Dining Pub of the Year 2008, 2010 and 2011. In 2009 in reached the finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition.
Olivier now heads the kitchen at Clavelshay Barn in North Petherton.
The Students
The Year 13 hospitality students from train at West Somerset College, Minehead under Chef Lecturers Paul Ruttledge (a former British Master Chef) and Werner Hartholt.
Award winning chefs from the region are joining The Castle’s head chef on 28 January in Taunton to prepare a mouthwatering Taste of Exmoor menu. Tickets are limited, so early booking is very advisable:
Canapés & Fizz
Hospitality Students
(The Combe, West Somerset College, Minehead)
Starter
Olivier Certain (Clavelshay Barn, North Petherton)
Slow Roasted Belly of Little Oak Farm Pork, Black Pudding & Quail Scotch Egg, Apple and Cider
Fish Course
Mark Dodson (Mason Arms, Knowstone)
Pan Fried Scallop with a Thai Style Salad, Rice Wine Dressing
Main Course
The Castle Hotel, Taunton
Roast Exmoor Venison Loin, Faggot, Red Cabbage,
Jerusalem Artichoke and Wild Mushrooms
Dessert
Paul & Donna Berry (The Swan, Bampton)
Lemon Cheesecake with Exmoor Wolf Gin, Tonic and Thyme Sorbet
Petit Fours and Breads
The Castle Hotel
Four course dinner: £75.00 per person
(including a glass of fizz & 2 glasses of wine)
Award winning Exmoor-based chefs are joining The Castle’s head chef Liam Finnegan to cook up a Taste of Exmoor menu as the launch of the 2016 Exmoor Food Fest which takes place all over Exmoor in February.
The menu showcases the best the region has to offer. It is a celebration of local produce and local talent.
Elke Winzer, who is organising the Exmoor Food Fest as part of Exmoor4all, is delighted that so many outstanding chefs are bringing the best of Exmoor to Taunton.
“The launch at the renown Castle in Taunton brings some of the amazing Exmoor chefs together who all take part in the Exmoor Food Fest which takes place all over Exmoor in February. It is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the high standard of Exmoor restaurants some of which are hidden gems,” explained Elke.
Liam Finnegan commented: “We are excited to host the launch of the Exmoor Food Fest. It is a great opportunity for us chefs to work together and create a stunning menu.”
Award winning chefs Mark Dodson, Paul and Donna Berry and Olivier Certain are joined by the hospitality students of the West Somerset College training restaurant The Combe in Minehead. The students will prepare the selection of canapés which will open then night’s food celebration with a glass of fizz.
The Chefs:
Mark Dodson
Mark and his wife Sarah took over the The Mason Arms in Knowstone in June 2005. In July 2006, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star which they still hold. Since then, Mark and his team have gone from strength to strength, receiving many awards and accolades, including Michelin Pub of the Year 2010.
Prior to moving to Exmoor, Mark spent twelve years as Head Chef of Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn in Bray.
Paul and Donna Berry
There aren’t many awards Paul and Donna haven’t won for their historic pub “The Swan” in Bampton. Best Trencherman’s Pub of the Year 2016, Visit Devon Pub of the Year Gold Award, and AA Gold Star Award are amongst the most recent accolades, recognising Paul’s and Donna’s passion for food and the use of local, seasonal produce.
Liam Finnegan
Liam Finnegan, who has been head chef at The Castle Hotel in Taunton for three years, grew up in Carlingford, Co Louth in Ireland from where he still sources their famous oysters. However, whenever possible, he uses local suppliers.
Liam’s career path took him through some fantastic restaurants such as The George Hotel on the Isle of White, The Bath Priory and Gidleigh Park where he worked for Micheal Cains, and The Nuremore Hotel (Ray McArdle). When asked about awards Liam counters that a full restaurant and happy customers are more important. “Of course accolades are brilliant, but anything we get, we receive and share as a team.”
Olivier Certain
Marseille-born Olivier moved to Somerset in 1998 following his Michelin star training in La Bonne Etape Chateau Arnoux and Les Roches in Le Lavandou. In 2006 he joined Woods in Dulverton as head chef where he achieved 2 rosettes and the accolade of Somerset Dining Pub of the Year 2008, 2010 and 2011. In 2009 in reached the finals of the South West Chef of the Year competition.
Olivier now heads the kitchen at Clavelshay Barn in North Petherton.
The Students
The Year 13 hospitality students from train at West Somerset College, Minehead under Chef Lecturers Paul Ruttledge (a former British Master Chef) and Werner Hartholt.
We have been busy…
The Exmoor Food Fest preparations are gathering pace. We have just signed off a campaign on The Breeze starting on 4 January 2016 to shout out about a month long celebration of the best our region has to offer.
Participating restaurants will be offering two courses for £10.00/ three courses for £15.00, and we are finalising exciting events which include gin tasting, oyster and champagne feasts, evenings with local authors, dining experiences in unusual locations and so much more.
The Dunster Food Festival, which is taking over the whole of Dunster at the end of February, is going to be foodie heaven.
Fingers crossed we will be able to give you all the details about the Gourmet Trains which will be run by West Somerset Railway in February – all we can say at the moment is that award winning chefs will be cooking on these trains.
The website www.exmoorfoodfest.com will be updated regularly – please keep checking it out for the latest information.
The Exmoor Food Fest (or Exmoor4all for that matter) does not receive any official funding. Without the generous help from Arthur David – Food with Service we would not be able to run this food festival.
Thank you all for your ongoing support!
PS You can subscribe to our newsletter here – that way you will not miss out on any updates.
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Here are some of our upcoming events:
£30.00 per person (incl. two course dinner)
The Beatles and The Stones – The two bands that have defined popular music were often pitted against one another during the Sixties.
Richard Havers, who has written extensively about both bands and worked for them on various projects, delves into their enduring appeal and unravels some of the mystery as to what makes them so timeless. With music and photographs.
Tickets are available from The Culbone: Call 01643 862259
Exmoor on a Plate: Oysters & Champage
More details coming soon…. It will be a great opportunity to taste Porlock Oysters. Make sure you don’t miss out and book your place now.
Call 01643 862259 (The Culbone)
“Barn Food” with Claire’s Kitchen
An amazing meal in very unusual surroundings, that’s Claire’s Kitchen’s pop-up restaurant in one of the medieval barns at the Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre in Allerford on 10 February. Tickets are selling fast – don’t leave it too late. Click here to book your place.
Photo of the Week
Early November morning. Photo by Bob Cowlard.
This is going to be the grand final of the Exmoor Food Fest 2016:
We will be taking over the whole of Dunster, with local producers, street food traders, crafters and artists in various locations such as the Tithe Barn, the Yarn Market, Memorial Hall and Dunster Castle.
There will also be cooking demonstrations and much, much more…
Are you a producer or an artist? Do own a local business? Would you like to take part? Then get in touch:
The Exmoor Food Fest is sponsored by
Tales by the Fire: An Evening with Richard Havers
21 January 2016, 7pm at The Culbone
“It’s all Rock’n Roll: The Beatles and The Stones”
£30.00 per person
(incl. two-course menu and canapés on arrival)
The Beatles and The Stones – The two bands that have defined popular music were often pitted against one another during the Sixties.
Richard Havers, who has written extensively about both bands and worked for them on various projects, delves into their enduring appeal and unravels some of the mystery as to what makes them so timeless. With music and photographs.
Canapés
Butternut squash and baby spinach fritters
with cucumber and turmeric yoghurt
Home cured salmon gravadlax bilinis with lemon jelly and dill
Smoked venison loin crostini with fresh horseradish and cress
Mains
Devon red beef shin stew with smoked bacon, kale colcannon and truffle oil
Pan fried sea trout fillet with purple sprouting, brown shrimps, crushed new potatoes and lemon dill butter
Stuffed butternut squash with wild mushroom, Devon blue, hazelnut and baby leafs and parsnip crisps
Desserts
Somerset apple and ginger crumble with stem ginger ice cream
Sticky toffee pudding with Devon clotted cream and toffee sauce
Styles ice cream selection
Richard Havers
Writer and jazz producer Richard Havers
Richard spent twenty years working in the airline industry before deciding to pursue his passion for music. He worked advertising, writing and producing over 2,000 ads and jingles. He has written and produced in-flight radio shows, launched Turkey’s first commercial radio station, and produced concerts for artists that includes, Paul McCartney, The Beach Boys, Chicago and America.
His books about music include, Bill Wyman’s Blues Odyssey, which won the Blues Foundation’s Award For Literature in 2002. Richard wrote, co-directed and produced the Peabody Award nominated TV series based upon the book. He has co-authored Rolling with the Stones (2003), and The Stones – A History in Cartoons (2006) with Bill Wyman and written The Stones in the Park (2009) about the band’s pivotal 1969 concert, as well as The Rolling Stones – In The Beginning (2006) a book by Danish photographer, Bent Rej. He compiled and edited Rolling Stones 50, the band’s official anniversary book in 2012. His other music related titles include, My Take (2006), Gary Barlow’s autobiography, Bowie, Bolan & The Brooklyn Boy (2007), legendary record producer Tony Visconti’s autobiography, Woodstock – 3 days of peace and music (2009), Jazz – The Golden Era (2008), Blues – The Golden Era, (2008) Rock ‘n’ Roll – The Golden Era (2008), The Beatles – The Days of Their Lives (2010), and Read’s Musical Recitor (2004). His biography, Sinatra (2004), according to Marella Fostrup on BBC Radio 4, “Stands out as one of the best books ever written about Frank Sinatra.
His most recent books are Verve – The Sound of America, the 2013 book on the American record label. Uncompromising Expression, that tells the story of 75 years of Blue Note Records was published in November 2014.
His other books include Here Is The News, about the BBC in World War II, Treasure Island, Airline Confidential, Pop!, When Football was Football (nominated for illustrated Sports Book of the Year 2008), Dreamboats & Petticoats – Music & Life in Pre Beatles Britain, Titanic – History As It Happened, When Britain Went To War, Better Late Than Never, Len Goodman’s autobiography, Len Goodman’s Lost London (2013) and Len Goodman’s Dancing Round Britain (2014). He has also co-written As Much As I Can (2010) – The life of film and stage director, Peter Glenville.
His articles have appeared in The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Goldmine and Record Collector; he also appears regularly on radio and occasionally on TV, usually talking about music. He has produced box sets Universal Music, including, 100 Years of the Blues, as well as Satchmo: Louis Armstrong – Ambassador of Jazz (10 CD box set and 200 page illustrated biography), Ella – The Voice of Jazz, Verve – The Sound of America, Blue Note’s Uncompromising Expression and a 10 CD career retrospective of Nat King Cole in 2015. He has written numerous sleeve notes and books to accompany album and DVD releases, including many for The Rolling Stones and in 2015 wrote the historical notes for The Beatles 1+ DVD rand CD reissue. He is Universal Music’s jazz consultant and Editor-in-Chief of Universal Music’s online music marketing site – udiscovermusic.com
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Tickets are available from The Culbone – Please call 01643 862259
Join us for an evening with a difference, a one-off experience, which involves a stunning, albeit unusual location, an owl display and, of course, fabulous Mediterranean food prepared by Claire’s Kitchen. It will be a night to remember!
Booking is absolutely essential.
Date: Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Time: 19:00
Venue: A barn at the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre, Allerford TA24 8HJ
Dress Code: Please wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes (layers are a good idea!)
The barn will be heated, but we strongly recommend that you bring a blanket, just in case. It is winter, after all!
Ticket*: £ 32.00 plus P&P
Menu:
Canapés
Roasted red peppers and anchovy salad on roasted garlic toasts
Chorizo tortilla with allioli
Sharing Starters
Pea soup with a crispy serrano ham crouton and basil oil
Gambas pil pil (sizzling gambas prawns)
Piquillo rellenos de queso de cabra (goats cheese stuffed piquillo peppers)
Sharing Mains
Suckling pig cooked whole on a spit with a mediterranean herb and garlic marinate
Red pepper and halloni paella on a rich Sofrito base
Chorizo with tomato butter beans, parsley and Claire’s Kitchen Lynch cider
Poor man’s potatoes cooked with the suckling pig with onions, rosemary and garlic
Dessert
Almond cake with Crema Catalina ice cream, custard caramel and a cherry compote
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Claire Lynch of Claire’s Kitchen will be assisted by hospitality students from West Somerset College’s hospitality department.
All dietary requirements can be catered for if advised prior to the event.
Please contact us if you need any advise about allergens.
Vegetarians catered for.
Cash bar.
* Tickets will be posted at the beginning of December 2015 in time for Christmas
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The Exmoor Food Fest takes place all over Exmoor during February 2016. Participating restaurants will offer 2 courses for £10.00/ 3 courses for £15.00 during that time. We are also organising and promoting a number of events which aim at highlighting the best Exmoor has to offer. For full details please go to www.exmoorfoodfest.com (we are constantly updating the website)
Exmoor Food Fest is sponsored by Arthur David and supported by Somerset Life and Devon Life magazines.
We have teamed up with the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre in Allerford for a number of events in 2016.
On 10 February 2016, there will be a pop-up restaurant with Claire’s Kitchen at one of the barns. Guests will have the opportunity to watch an owl display before sitting down for a mediterranean dinner which will include paella and suckling pig on a spit. We are still working on the finer details, but will post the menu and everything else you’ll need to know for a fab and unusual evening as soon as possible. Tickets will be limited and will have to be purchased in advance. You might like to bear this in mind for a Christmas present!
During 2016 we are going to run three Exmoor Markets at the Centre:
Sunday, 13 March 2016 (free entry to the Centre; £5.00 per person for the owl display show)
Sunday, 12 June 2016 (normal admission)
Sunday, 16 October 2016 (free entry to the Centre; £5.00 per person for the owl display show)
If you are a trader (food, street food, arts, craft…), then please email us at exmoor4all@gmail.com, contact us via the link below or download the registration form here: Exmoor Market Reg Form – Falconry
Exmoor 4 all 