A TASTE OF NORTH DEVON: TOP FOOD AND DRINK TREATS, EVENTS AND PLACES TO EAT
Has there ever been a better time to visit North Devon for food lovers? With cracking seafood, craft booze and so many artisan producers, we doubt it. Add brewery tours, farmers markets and various brilliant Devon food festivals and you have one of the finest foodie breaks anywhere in the UK! Here are six must try (or must taste?) experiences and places to visit on our recommended list:
BEER TASTING & CRAFT BREWERIES IN NORTH DEVON
Do you love real ales and craft beers? If so, there are a couple of sites well worth visiting in the North. Small but perfectly formed, the Madrigal Brewery produce some real local gems that will satisfy both the traditionalist (try Monkey’s Fist “North Devon Old Ale”) and the fan of new world beers (North Coast Voodoo IPA is a must!). Their shop is open most days till 2:30 pm.
Should you need a bit of an alibi to get your craft beer fix though, The Big Sheep is another great option, where you will find the Country Life Brewery. Dads can have a quiet tipple while the kids enjoy the many play areas at this major attraction. And with various lip-smacking real ales on offer, it would be rude not to try a pint, or perhaps even leave with a keg of the good stuff if you’re really taken!
Don’t forget, we always stock a great range of local ales and ciders here at the Rising Sun too…
QUINCE HONEY FARM AND BEE WORLD
Like to see exactly how your food is produced? Bee World is a unique attraction in South Molton that not only gives visitors an intimate look at honey production, but the chance to have a go at being a bee keeper! There is also an onsite café and shop, selling the most delicious organic Devon honey, straight from the hive. All in all, it’s a refreshingly different day out that all ages will enjoy. Find more details, opening times and directions at www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk
DELICIOUS LOCAL SEAFOOD IN LYNMOUTH
What trip to the West Country would be complete without something fresh from the sea? Here at the Rising Sun, we pride ourselves as one of the best seafood restaurants in North Devon. Our menu always features fresh specials, depending on what’s seasonal and tasty, but our advice is to be adventurous! After all, how often do you get to eat caught-on-the-day Devon crab, fresh bass or perhaps even local scallops with black pudding (above)? See our restaurant page for further information or call us direct to book a table (01598 753223).
LOCAL FOOD MARKETS IN NORTH DEVON
A bustling local market is always a good place to taste and browse local food to your heart’s content, not to mention picking up some treats and gifts for friends and family. On the first Saturday of each month, Lynton Farmers Market serves up a feast of local fare, right on our doorstep (you might well find some of our chefs’ favourite producers!). There are various other places to buy fine food and drink too though, from the Barnstaple Pannier Market, to regular markets in Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and South Molton (click here for days and times).
CLASSIC SCRUMPY AND CIDER VINEGAR, STRAIGHT FROM THE ORCHARDS AT OSTLERS
There were once literally hundreds of types of cider apple in Devon and the Westcountry as a whole, but sadly our traditional orchards have steadily declined over the decades. This is what makes Ostlers Cider Mill such a welcome presence in North Devon. Excellent traditional cider is just part of the story too, as they also produce award-winning cider vinegars and chutneys. A huge amount of TLC goes into all their produce- and boy can you taste it! You can meet the producers for yourself at seasonal events or pick up their products from selected stockists (see ostlerscidermill.co.uk) .
LYN FOOD FEST
Of course, the other great way to get an authentic taste of North Devon is to attend one of the various annual food and drink events. Our local feast is the brilliant Lyn Food Fest, which promises to be another great event in 2017 (Sunday 24th September). Expect plenty of independent producers offering their best, from the North Devon coast to the hills of Exmoor, with fabulous seafood, dairy produce, pies, craft drinks and much more! See the Lyn Food Fest Facebook Page for exhibitors, opening times and directions.
STAY AT THE RISING SUN: ONE OF THE BEST FOODIE HOTELS IN DEVON!
If you love great food and drink, The Rising Sun makes the ideal base for your next break. Not only are we one of the best places to eat in North Devon (ranked number one in Lynmouth by Trip Advisor), but perfectly located to explore the glorious surrounding coast and countryside. Keep an eye on our offers section and Facebook page for the latest news, deals and delicious dishes from our chefs. Bon appetit!