If you are looking for a fun and delicious way to explore the South West of England, you should definitely check out the various county shows that take place here during the year. They are not only a showcase of the best of rural culture and tradition, but also a feast for your senses. You will find a wide range of local food and drink products, made with passion and care by the people who know them best.
This year I had the opportunity to visit three shows in three different counties: the Devon County Show at Westpoint, Exeter; the Royal Bath & West Show in Shipton Mallet; and the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge.
Each show was massive, with hundreds of stalls, exhibits, and attractions. There was something for everyone: animals, crafts, entertainment, and of course, food and drink. I was blown away by the variety and quality of what was on offer. From freshly baked breads and pastries, to artisan cheeses and charcuterie, chocolate and ice cream, to craft ciders and beers. There was something to suit every taste and budget.
But what really made the shows special for me was the chance to chat with some of the award-winning producers who make these amazing products. They were so friendly and enthusiastic, and happy to share their stories and tips. These are my standouts from each show:
At the Devon County Show, I met Andy from The Exmoor Feasting Company, who make beautiful grazing boxes and platters with locally sourced ingredients. They won a bronze medal for best food and drink stand at the show, and I can see why. They have a range of options for different occasions and dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, or cheese lovers. I had their venison sausage roll and it was delicious: flaky pastry and succulent meat. The kids loved their caramelised onion sausage roll too. Their cheesesticks also looked amazing as did their sweet treats like the paste de nata. They are perfect for sharing with friends or family, or enjoying on your own.
At the Royal Bath & West Show, I met Rob and Chris from Hullabaloos Lemonade, who make natural still lemonade with no fizz and no baddies! They use real fruit juice, never from concentrate, and come in a variety of flavours, such as original, raspberry, lime and mint, elderflower, citrus, and ginger beer. They are a family-run business based in Somerset. It turned out that Rob & Chris are also musical, and they entertained everyone by rocking it as the Hullabaloosers in the Pilton Tent.
At the Royal Cornwall Show, I was invited into the Tregothnan tea tent. They produce the first and only tea grown in England. They have been growing tea since 1999, using their own estate and partner growers across the country. They have a range of teas to suit different tastes, from black tea to green tea to herbal infusions. I decided to have a cream tea that included their deliciously delicate classic English tea, along with Rodda’s clotted cream and Boddingtons Berries strawberry jam. It was a delightful treat that showcased the best of Cornish produce.
I wish I could write about each of the amazing producers I met at the county shows, but I’d be writing all day!
A highlight for me was being able to see the journey behind the products. As consumers we don’t always think of everything that goes into what we eat and drink, and it is an eye opener to see a little bit of the agricultural side of things. The animals (very buffed, polished, and shorn for the show!), the feed, medication and equipment needed to look after them, the machinery to toil the land, and the sheer costs involved along the way. They say ‘you get what you pay for’, and it is definitely worth it to get the best in animal welfare, land management and sustainability. It is wonderful to see trends change and that even though there are cost of living considerations, more and more people want to know that what they eat has been tended to with care from beginning to end. The best of that was available for all to see at these county shows.
I had a blast at the county shows this year, and I can’t wait to go again next year. If you’re looking for a fun day out with delicious food and drink, you should definitely check them out next year too. You won’t regret it!
