Tag: Exmoor Food Fest

Exmoor Food Fest 2016: Meet Arthur David

Somerset based wholesale food company Arthur David is once again sponsoring the Exmoor Food Fest which will take place across Exmoor in February 2016.  Without the generous support it would be impossible to run the Food Fest.

History2Many people will know Arthur David the business, as it has operated in and around the South West for the past 53 years, but many may not know the story of the man behind the name.

Arthur is a born & bred Somerset man who started his working life in the Farming industry. He moved to Bristol to marry Diana and joined her family in the fresh produce business.

He soon realised that Fruit & Veg was the life for him and branched out on his own starting Arthur David & Co.

After several years operating from central Bristol, Arthur was missing the countryside12241672_958453700890645_497843768859712263_n and decided to get back to his rural roots and moved out in to the beautiful Chew Valley.

The business was by then well established and the light Blue A.David vans became famous around the area. It is now quite often said that you cannot go 10 minutes in Bristol without seeing one of our brightly liveried vans.

Arthur is by definition a true entrepreneur and always looked for the next product or service he could offer to his customers. Indeed Arthur was the very first person in the region to offer Prepared Vegetables and put significant investment in to a state of the art preparation plant at Bishop Sutton.

Over the years we have seen many different fresh produce suppliers come and go, but Arthur has always held the strong core value of exceptional customer service dear to his heart and has weaved this mentality throughout the business.

Next GenThe business is run today by Arthur’s eldest son Phil who has an even greater desire to see the business his father started flourish. Phil has also inherited the natural “Branson like” entrepreneurial mind-set and continues to innovate to ensure the business is offering its customers just what they require. This has been evident in recent years with the introduction of an extensive Fine Foods product range enabling our clients to place their order right up until 11pm for next day delivery. Never wanting to be second best, Phil has ensured that the business operates at the very highest standards, so things like BRC A grade accreditation, finding the very best team and a fleet of impressive chilled vehicles are a pre-requisite.

PrintThe business has been known for many years as A. David & Co. Ltd but very recently the directors decided to alter the name to Arthur David, Food with Service Ltd. This is a great mix of the traditional and the new and will serve as a legacy to the great work that Arthur started all those years ago.

Phil knows that great people deliver great service so has built a strong team to ensure Arthur David stays at the forefront of the industry. Jon Evans who is today joint MD with Phil also has an unerring passion for Customer Service and believes in their mantra of “Leave it with us” so much; he has it tattooed on his arm!

So all in all the company has a rich history and still remains one of the most important players in the buoyant and exciting Bristol Food scene.

If you are looking for advice, innovation or just great service give us a call, and……………

“LEAVE IT WITH US”

If you are looking for a local supplier of fresh fruit and veg, then give Arthur David a call on 08444 120 555. You can follow them on Twitter @ADavidandCo and find them on Facebook.

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Exmoor Markets at the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre

We have teamed up with the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre in Allerford for a number of events in 2016.

banner__014_med-2On 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

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The latest from Exmoor4all: 16 November 2015

PHoTO OF THE WEEK


This photo of a majestic stag by Liz Mitchell was the most popular on our Facebook page last week.

Greetings from Exmoor

Even though we are well into November now, the weather is still very mild here on Exmoor. Last week’s storms and heavy rainfalls have given way to autumnal sunshine while I’m typing this.

Thank you to all the traders who have been in touch so far with regard to our Exmoor Markets. We are going to get back to you as soon as possible – hopefully we have a full list of venues and dates by the end of this week.  If you know of or own a venue where you would like to host an Exmoor Market, please get in touch with us.

If you are looking for unique presents which are not available on the Highstreet, then our limited edition Exmoor4all calendar might be something for you.  We will also shortly be launching tickets for our celebrity charity ball in February as well as a number of “pop-up restaurant” events which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Fest in February 2016.
We are currently working on an eCommerce website where you will be able to order canvasses of the calendar images.  A portfolio with photographs by some of our Exmoor4all contributors is being built. You will also be able to book activities and events directly through us.  All websites will be accessible via www.exmoor4all.com

We are very lucky to live in this part of the world, and we hope that, wherever you are reading this newsletter, you are well and safe.

The Exmoor4all calendar costs £7.50 plus p&p. You can order it online on our website – click here

The Exmoor4all calendar costs £7.50 plus p&p.
You can order it online on our website – click here

For our 2016 Exmoor Food Fest we have teamed up with Claire Lynch of Claire’s Kitchen for a number of fun events. These include pop-up restaurants in rather unusual locations.
On 10 February 2016 we will be in a barn on the grounds of the Exmoor Falconry in Allerford.  Join us for an Owl Display followed by a delicious meal.
Two weeks later it’s time to visit the Exmoor Pony Whisperer, Dawn Westcott, at her farm at Holt Ball in Luccombe.  Dawn has recently published a book about Exmoor Ponies and was seen a few days ago on ITV This Morning.  Following a talk about Exmoor Ponies we will sit down and eat a fabulous meal.

West Country Food and Farm Tours will be running a number of tours to Exmoor farms in cooperation with the Luttrell Arms in Dunster and The Culbone near Porlock. Dates to be announced very sooon!

These are just a few events to take place during February 2016.  We are currently finalising the list of restaurants offering 2 courses for £10/ 3 courses for £15 during the Exmoor Food Fest across Exmoor.

If you have a venue or an idea how to get involved, please get in touch! Just email us at exmoor4all@gmail.com.

A big thank you to our head sponsor Arthur David without whom the Exmoor Food Fest would not be possible.
All restaurants and events will be listed on the Exmoor Food Fest website.

Coming up:
6 December 2015:       Exmoor Christmas Market at Kentisbury Grange
February 2016:            Exmoor Food Fest all over Exmoor
10 February 2016:       Pop-up Restaurant at the Exmoor Owl Centre, Allerford
27/28 February 2016:  Dunster Food Festival

We are waiting to confirm the dates for “Exmoor Stars”, our Celebrity Charity Ball, as well as a number of other pop-up restaurants at various barns on Exmoor which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Fest in February 2016.

In 2016 we are launching Exmoor Markets – events at a number of locations across Exmoor featuring local produce and crafts.  We are currently working on a website while finalising the dates and venues.
If you are a local food producer or know of someone who makes arts and crafts
or sells home made food products, please send us an email to exmoor4all@gmail.com.
Exmoor Markets coming up:
06 December 2015            Exmoor Christmas Market at Kentisbury Grange
27&28 February 2016:      Exmoor Market at the Dunster Food Festival
10 March 2016:                  Exmoor Market at the Exmoor Falconry, Allerford
12 June 2016:                     Exmoor Market at the Exmoor Falconry, Allerford
16 October 2016:              Exmoor Market at the Exmoor Falconry, Allerford

***  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTACTED US SO FAR –
WE WILL BE IN TOUCH SHORTLY ***

The latest from Exmoor4all

Only 45 sleeps….

Even though it is only the beginning of November, television commercials and displays in shops are beginning to remind us that – whether we like it or not – Christmas is coming.

If you are looking for unique presents which are not available on the Highstreet, then our limited edition Exmoor4all calendar might be something for you. We will also shortly be launching tickets for our celebrity charity ball in February as well as a number of “pop-up restaurant” events which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Festival in February 2016.

The Exmoor4all calendar costs £7.50 plus p&p.
You can order it online on our website – click here

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We are delighted that Thomas Carr from the Olive Room in Ilfracombe and Michelin starred Mark Dodson, Mason Arms Knowstone, are joining the Exmoor Food Fest again in February 2016.
A big thank you to our head sponsor Arthur David without whom the Exmoor Food Fest would not be possible.
All restaurants will be listed on the Exmoor Food Fest website.

Exmoor Food Fest #food #foodies #finedining #festival #Exmoor #FebruaryEnjoy 2 courses for £10.00/ 3 courses for 15.00 at participating restaurants across Exmoor

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Dates for the Diary

Coming up:
6 December 2015: Exmoor Christmas Market at Kentisbury Grange
February 2016: Exmoor Food Fest all over Exmoor
10 February 2016: Pop-up Restaurant at the Exmoor Owl Centre, Allerford
27/28 February 2016: Dunster Food Festival

We are waiting to confirm the dates for “Exmoor Stars”, our Celebrity Charity Ball, as well as a number of other pop-up restaurants at various barns on Exmoor which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Fest in February 2016.

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Exmoor Markets (1)

In 2016 we are launching Exmoor Markets – events at a number of locations across Exmoor featuring local produce and crafts. We are currently working on a website while finalising the dates and venues.

If you are a local food producer or know of someone who makes arts and crafts or sells home made food products, please send us an email to exmoor4all@gmail.com.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

IMG_4857

Robbers Bridge near Oare, Somerset
Photo by Stephen Ring

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If you would like to keep up-to-date with the latest Exmoor4all projects and events,
you can subscribe to the Exmoor4all newsletter.

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Exmoor Food Fest has launched!

The Exmoor Food Fest was launched with great success on Wednesday, 28 January, at The Combe, the training restaurant at the Skills & Enterprise Centre (West Somerset College, Minehead) when Michelin star chefs Mark Dodson, Thomas Carr , Andrew Dixon and  Richard Boggie cooked an amazing five course dinner with the Combe’s hospitality students for invited guests.

Richard Boggie was in charge of the Amuse Bouche , Mackerel ceviche, wasabi and Exmoor Caviar, which set the tone for an amazing feast. The former Combe student who left the College two years ago, is now Chef de Partie at the renowned Bath Priory.

Mark Dodson, whose restaurant Masons Arms in Knowstone holds one Michelin star, followed with a starter of tuna on Chinese cabbage.   Thomas Carr,former headchef at Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant and now owner of The Olive Room in Ilfracombe, followed with Exmoor rump of beef, tongue and Jacobs ladder pie, 
 herb dumpling, ginger carrot and, for the vegetarian guests, truffle and potato terrine, crispy free range hens egg and 
 pickled mushroom dressing .

Guests were then treated to a pre-dessert by Richard Boggie, set Tonka bean cream, apple caramel and cider, followed by Andrew Dixon’s (The Cafe at Porlock Weir) apple tart tatin
.

“Great students, great food, great evening”, commented Mark Dodson on Twitter.

Hollie Borland, reporter for the Somerset County Gazette tweeted “What an amazing evening put on @The_Combe_Mhead by #WestSomCol students too for the #ExmoorFoodFest launch #poshnosh”.

Martin Hesp, editor-at-large for the Western Morning News, tweeted “Been to amazing launch of #ExmoorFoodFest tonight – thanks students of #WestSomersetCollege and chef tutors.”  This was seconded by Somerset Life editor Charlotte Skidmore who also tweeted “What amazing food at the launch of #ExmoorFoodFest”.

It was a brilliant experience for the hospitality students who all enjoyed working with these top chefs. One student tweeted to the chefs “Thank you for tonight in the kitchen. Amazing experience in there to watch what you all do!”

The Masons Arms, The Olive Room , The Cafe at Porlock Weir and The Combe all take part in the Exmoor Food Fest during February, offering the deal of 2 courses for £10.00/ 3 courses for £15.00.  Please check on their pages on what days this offer is available.

To see some of the photos Clayton Jane took at the launch, please pop over to exmoorfoodfest.com

 

 

Media Release: Exmoor Food Fest celebrates local food & venues during February 2015

 

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Exmoor.– The first Exmoor Food Fest will come to Exmoor in February 2015, celebrating everything Exmoor has to offer.
For a whole month, outstanding restaurants across the region will be offering 2 courses for £10.00 and 3 courses for £15.00 to give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to sample dishes prepared with excellent local produce.

Customers will be able to pick up vouchers for the Exmoor Food Fest “Tenner Deal” at participating restaurants or download them online. As an extra incentive to visit as many of the restaurants as possible, customers will receive a passport which will be stamped every time they order an “Exmoor Food Fest Deal”. Once the passport is full it will be entered into a draw for a Taste of Exmoor hamper.

The Exmoor Food Fest will be launched on 28 January 2015 at The Combe, a training restaurant based at the Skills and Enterprise Centre in the grounds of West Somerset College Minehead. Local chefs Mark Dodson (Masons Arms Knowstone), Thomas Carr (The Olive Room, Ilfracombe), Andrew Dixon (The Cafe Porlock Weir) and former student Richard Boggie (now Chef de Partie at Bath Priory) will be cooking a five-course-menu with the hospitality students for invited guests.

The grand finale of the Exmoor Food Fest is taking place at Minehead Harbour on 28 February in conjunction with the first Family Angling Day. Street Food Traders will give the harbour a village feel, inviting people to stroll around the harbour, watch the anglers and taste delicious food. A local produce and craft fair will take place at The Beach Hotel in Minehead where chefs like Mark Dodson will do cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Other venues along the seafront will also join in the celebration. Street artists and entertainment complete the recipe for a great family day out.

Andrew Dixon, owner and Chef at The Café at Porlock Weir, came up with the idea of the Exmoor Food Fest to promote the many outstanding food venues across the region.
“Exmoor has so much to offer, but February tends to be a very quiet time for us. The ‘Tenner Deal’ is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase what we can do while making it affordable for our customers,” explained Andrew.

Kentisbury Grange is one of the Devon-based venues taking part in the Exmoor Food Fest, where renowned Chef Michael Caines MBE has recently become involved.
“We are delighted to join this promotion of local food and Exmoor as a region,” commented Peter Farquhar, General Manager. “Michael’s involvement is very exciting as it will enable us to move to a whole new level in all aspects of our hospitality offering.’

The Exmoor Food Fest is organised and run by Exmoor4all, an internet platform based on sharing photos and stories of Exmoor with people all over the world as well as providing a network for local businesses. Andrew Dixon, who now is also a tutor at The Combe, and Werner Hartholt, the Combe’s Chef Lecturer, are co-organisers and technical consultants for the Exmoor Food Fest.

A total of 15 restaurants will take part in the first Exmoor Food Fest. A list is available on www.exmoorfoodfest.com, complete with contact details and days when the special Exmoor Food Fest deal is available.

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Exmoor Food Fest 2015

Here is a quick overview of what the first Exmoor Food Fest has to offer!  We are still working on the final touches – fingers crossed we’ll be able to give you a full list of participating restaurants and events across Exmoor by the end of this week.

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