THE organisers of Tavistock's annual food festival this week announced that they are to partner with well-known West Devon hotel The Arundell Arms for all of their 2010 food festivals.

Chairman Jeffrey Stackhouse said the partnership was a major development, as the Arundell's head chef, Steve Pigeon, would be organising and managing all the festival cookery demonstration programmes this coming year.

Mr Stackhouse said: 'He holds the rare privilege of being elected as one of only 80 Masterchefs in Great Britain.

'Before joining the Arundell Arms 14 years ago, Steve worked at the Imperial Hotel Torquay and the King's Arms gastropub in Otterton.'

Mr Stackhouse said Steve described his cooking style as 'modern British with a hint of French cuisine, always using fresh seasonal and local produce.'

'Clearly he will bring a high degree of professionalism into one of the most popular events in our festival programmes,' said Mr Stackhouse.

'The Arundell Arm's decision to become our partner is a major coup and reflects the quality and success of our past festivals. The Arundell Arms itself enjoys a reputation locally, nationally and internationally as a centre of culinary and fishing excellence,' he said.

Mr Stackhouse said the new partnership was particularly important as two large festivals and up to five smaller food events were being planned for this year — the first being held at Buckland Abbey during the first weekend in May.

'Our second major food event will take place in late summer, once we have found a replacement for Morwellham Quay which proved so successful as a festival venue last year,' said Mr Stackhouse.

The smaller food events will take place on Bedford Square, in Tavistock.

Subject to finalising plans with Tavistock Town Council, these are scheduled to take place in April, June, August, October and December 2010.