What To Expect From The Dartmouth Food Festival 2023

Coastal Life
September 2023

Whether you are an expert foodie or just looking for a weekend to celebrate Devon’s best, you cannot miss this event! Voted as one of the top 10 food festivals in Britain, the Dartmouth Food Festival is back in 2023 with a bang. Here is what to expect from this landmark event…

WHEN AND WHERE

Mark the dates Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October in your calendar for this year’s festival. It is held in the cultural town of Dartmouth, on the banks of River Dart. Dartmouth’s streets become a vibrant hub of food, fun and entertainment filled with people from all around the country. And the beautiful views of the water make the perfect background as you enjoy what the festival has to offer. Don’t forget entry is free and you can even bring your furry friends along!

FOOD

We can’t start with anything but what the festival is known for: its excellent array of delicious food! Dartmouth Food Festival aims to exhibit the culinary genius in the South West. Many of the chefs, experts and exhibitors are from Devon. Some noteworthy Dartmouth restaurants that will be participating are The Seahorse and The Angel. Restaurants and cafes across Dartmouth are also offering specials across the three days and nights for visitors to explore.

As well as the local experts, there are chefs from across the country sharing their knowledge. There is a range of talks, masterclasses and Chef’s Demos that visitors can attend. If you aren’t a food expert though don’t worry! The festival always has events for those who aren’t as experienced.

Each year there are hands-on food workshops which are very popular. This year the focus is on pasta and sushi making. So, if you want to go home and impress the family with some new dishes, make sure to attend these!

If you aren’t interested in workshops and simply want to try enticing new foods, there is lots for you to do. There is a range of tasting sessions, focusing on cheese, tea and chocolate. And the Dartmouth streets are brimming with food stalls. The range of foods to buy for home or try on the spot is unlimited so you won’t run out of delectables to enjoy.

DRINKS

Almost as popular as the food is the exquisite drinks seminars and tastings. There is a range of wine seminars where you can enjoy fine wine and learn from the experts. Some wine seminar titles to look forward to this year are ‘The Art of Food & Wine Pairing’, ‘Cool Coastal Wines – voyage of discovery’ and ‘Venetian gems from the hillsides of Lake Garda, NW Italy’.

For those who don’t enjoy wine, there is a rum masterclass with Devon’s own Hattiers Rum. You can learn about their journey as a B Corp company and taste their award-winning rums. Salcombe Gin is also putting on a gin-tasting masterclass. Learn how gin is created whilst tasting their finest botanicals.

Dartmouth Food Festival will have a new Drinks Tank in 2023, at the Royal Castle Hotel, which is located right in the hustle and bustle of the festival. It’s the perfect place for a drinks break in between exploring the many stalls and markets.

WHERE TO STAY FOR DARTMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL

We have a variety of holiday properties in Dartmouth that are perfect stays for the festival weekend. Here are just a couple of the homes we have to offer.

THE SKERRIES

The Skerries is the perfect retreat after a day at Dartmouth Food Festival. With underfloor heating, an indoor fireplace and panoramic sea views. Enjoy ultimate relaxation in this spacious home that is a short drive or bus ride away from the festival.

It hosts four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plenty of room for a group of friends or family. The contemporary interiors paired with the expansive space give this home a light and airy feel. Ideal after a day in the lively festival streets.

EAST CORNWORTHY BARTON

Only a 15-minute drive from Dartmouth Food Festival is the gorgeous East Cornworthy Barton. A large barn conversion with rustic yet modern interiors, it’s a wonderful base for when you’re not roaming the festival. Filled with wooden beams and sunny skylights, you’ll feel right at home.

BOWDEN CROFT

If you are planning to attend with a smaller group, Bowden Croft is an ideal option. A period home with 2 bedrooms and stunning Georgian interiors. End your day in luxury as you take in the countryside views surrounding Bowden Croft. There is even a tennis court on the grounds if you have some leftover energy after the festival!