The country’s most exciting celebration of seafood is returning to the English Riviera, South Devon, this autumn. Shaping up to be a feast for all the senses, England’s Seafood FEAST (29th September – 15th October) will see an incredible array of experiences and special menus at over 30 eateries. Seafood lovers will be able to visit the world-renowned Brixham Fish Market and also meet the inspiring Faces of the FEAST spearheading it all.
Alongside a whole host of exclusive events, the English Riviera’s best independent eateries will showcase an array of seafood set menus, platters and tasting menus available throughout the two week celebration.
Meet the Faces of the FEAST at Exclusive Events
On select dates during the FEAST (4th, 5th, 11th, 12th October), Brixham Fish Market will open its doors for early morning tours, providing an exclusive glimpse into the landing site of England’s biggest catch. Over 40 species of fish and shellfish are regularly sold at the daily online auction and the behind-the-scenes experience offers an exciting insight into the seafood industry before a seafood breakfast at Rockfish overlooking the harbour.
There’s an opportunity to Meet the Maker (12th October) with Simon Hulstone from The Elephant and Frazer Pugh from The Hand Picked Scallop Co. Simon will be cooking up a delicious feast featuring hand dived scallops from the local waters of Torbay, while Frazer will immerse guests in an engaging discussion about what life is like at sea and his passion for protecting the local waters.
Meet another maker at an Exclusive Celebration Seafood Supper at Sandridge Barton (29th September). Tour the winery whilst sipping a glass of sparkling wine and sampling local oysters before being served a special 5-course tasting menu (with optional wine flight) showcasing local independent fisherman Keith’s best catches.
Catch and Cook at Cary Arms (6th October) – spend the day fishing from the pier on Babbacombe Beach, before heading back to the inn to enjoy your catch, cooked by the chef.
Art enthusiasts can meet local artist Becky Bettesworth at Hampton by Hilton Hotel (13th October), indulging in a coastal afternoon tea while she shares her inspiring journey and what fuels her creativity as an artist by the sea.
Meet Matt Newbury, author of Wild Swimming Walks (Torbay, Dartmoor and South Devon and Cornwall editions) for a Seafood Feast Dip and Dine at Cantina (3rd October). The evening will include inspirational talks and short films, all swimming-related, and a delicious bowl of warming seafood chowder.
The Guardhouse Cafe on Berry Head Nature Reserve is teaming up with local bird expert and illustrator, Mike Langman, for a ‘Seabirds and Seafood’ Guided Walk and Breakfast (10th October). As participants venture along the clifftops, they can expect to spot the first returning winter flock of guillemots and keep their eyes peeled for kittiwakes, skuas and shearwaters. They may even catch the occasional sighting of dolphins and porpoises, while the lucky few may see splashes of huge Atlantic bluefin tuna further out to sea. A scallop benedict will be served on return to the award-winning cafe.
Delivering fun for all the family in Goodrington, Seafest (30th September) is a one-day celebration of the sea and the remarkable coastline. Highlights include theatre performances, live music, entertainers, watersport taster sessions, a beach clean, family beach activities, art workshops, escapology, short films, mermaids, a wash-away art gallery, treasure hunts and a Parade of the Sea that everyone can join in. Later that day, Loluli’s will be hosting a ‘Fish Over Fire Takeover’ at Otto, on Torquay harbourside, combining amazing local seafood with a theatrical display of fire.
Mitch Tonks, restaurateur and owner of Rockfish, says: “The world of seafood can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, we often stick to the things we know. Our Seafood Coast in England has the most amazing range of species caught and landed in our waters by our fishermen. FEAST is a fantastic couple of weeks showcasing all of that, people can visit and try so many different things. It really is feasting; feasting on all the variety, going from place to place and trying something different, it’s like a seafood trail. Get your map out early and plan where to go and what to eat, it’s time to feast!”
Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, says: “South Devon has an abundance of fantastic produce and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better in the UK for local sourcing. It’s a pleasure to support the local coastline with England’s Seafood FEAST and I’m looking forward to being involved again this year.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, says: “England’s Seafood FEAST is an occasion for both locals and visitors to the area to fully immerse themselves in a true celebration of our locally caught and landed seafood. It’s an opportunity to taste the exquisite flavour of dishes cooked by local chefs while breathing in the fresh sea air and admiring the natural beauty of our stunning coastal region.”
The FEAST, taking place in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, promises visitors a unique experience featuring the world-renowned local seafood that the region is famous for. The towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay have joined forces providing the chance to dine like a local and taste some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed.
Book your tickets now, with participating businesses, to avoid disappointment. Some events, like 7 Chefs from England’s Seafood Coast in Brixham and Torquay, sold out within days of being announced. Exciting events are being added regularly to the programme so keep checking back for more information. In the coming weeks, watch out for a Seafood Feast with a talk from British Marine Biologist, Monty Halls, at The Thatched Tavern, English Riviera meets French Riviera at La Petite Maison, heritage talks about withy pot making through the generations and displays by Sarah Ready at The Prince William and more…
England’s Seafood FEAST is brought to you by English Riviera BID Company and kindly sponsored by Torbay Council and Henderson Seafood.
The full programme can be found on www.theseafoodfeast.co.uk. For regular updates follow theseafoodfeast on Instagram and follow/like theseafoodfeast on Facebook.
Main image: Frazer Pugh, director of The Handpicked Scallop Company, and Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant.
