The Food Shop opening a huge success

The sun was shining and a brilliant day was had by all at the opening of the fantastic newly positioned and tripled in size ‘The Food Shop’ at The Shops at Dartington, on Saturday 15th March.  With live jazz music and local producers treating visitors to tastings including Blueberry Brothers, Bell & Loxton, South Devon Chilli Farm, Tom’s Pies and Partridge Farm, there was a real buzz around The Shops at Dartington.

Commenting on Saturday’s launch, Managing Director of The Shops at Dartington, Barbara King said: “We were delighted with the success of the official launch of ‘The Food Shop’ and to see such vast numbers of people visiting on its opening day.  We have received a hugely positive response and some fantastic feedback already, not only from visitors to The Shops at Dartington but also from many of our new and existing local producers and suppliers as well.”

The newly opened shop showcases the very best of produce from both the local region as well as the wider West Country.  Packed full of homemade cakes and puddings, artisan fresh breads, pastries and pies, premium locally sourced meats, regional ales, ciders and wines and tasty cheeses, there really is something to tempt everyone. 

Passionate about supporting Devon food and drink producers The Shops at Dartington holds a regular, popular food producers’ market, Love Food Dartington.  Supported by Food & Drink Devon the market is held on the last Sunday of selected months.  There are also Dartington’s two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, serving delicious, handmade dishes to try.  So, make sure you keep the date of the next market free - Sunday 30th March.

Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June sees the return of the much anticipated, free The Shops at Dartington Food Fair.  Now in its fourth year, with Taste of the West as one of the sponsors, it is gaining a name for itself in food lovers’ calendars far and wide.  With over 50 of the region’s best food and drink producers exhibiting including Tom’s Pies and the popular Ashridge cider bar, art and crafts stalls, entertainment from local bands and children’s activities including the new ‘Bake a Pasty Competition’, clay pot making and bookable adventures like the tree walk with Dynamic Adventures, there really is something for everyone.  Further information can be found at www.dartingtonfoodfair.org

The Shops at Dartington are owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust’s activities in Social Justice, Sustainability and the Arts.

As well as the exciting new food shop there’s a unique selection of shops to explore, making it a must visit destination for locals and tourists alike.  Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women’s and men’s fashion, kitchen and homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings, including upcycled and UK made furniture.

For further information about The Shops at Dartington please visit www.dartington.org or take a look at Eat UP! Dartington’s very own food blog bursting with producer stories, news, delicious recipes and fabulous competitions www.eatupdevon.com