WEST Devon will be showcasing its growing reputation as a food-lovers? paradise with local businesses offering a menu of delights in the two weeks leading up to the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival next month. The borough?s Food Heaven Fortnight, which runs from Saturday 14 to Sunday 29 July, will be bringing an even wider range of special offers and events following last year?s hugely successful inaugural fortnight. West Devon Borough Council is joining forces with the festival organisers to promote local firms and their produce for the fortnight. The festival takes place on the weekend of July 28 and 29 under a huge marquee at Bedford Car Park. Food Heaven Fortnight will see more than 35 varied and mouth-watering special offers, including meal deals, free drinks with an evening meal, two-for-one cream teas, food tastings, dessert offers and many more discounts and deals. In addition, special events lined up include: l A trip on the Dartmoor Railway with complimentary wine and a discount on your lunch. l Morning coffee and cream teas with a guided tour around a restored 15th Century Ale House. l A tasting session with one of the best local cheese makers. l Cider press and orchard guided tours ? and free samples. l A beer festival with curry, steak, BBQ and live music evenings. l A food quiz with ?foodie? prizes. l Guided farm walks for all the family, an open garden, an art exhibition. l Meal and music evenings at historic Morwellham Quay. Food Heaven Fortnight spans the borough, from Exbourne to Buckland Abbey, and from Lifton to Chagford. Many of the venues can be reached by public transport, and a a lovely meal can be combined with a walk along a stretch of the West Devon Way or a cycle ride on the Granite Way. Last year more than 600 people enjoyed the deals on offer at some 30 business premises. West Devon Mayor Cllr Dennis Bater said :?Events such as the festival and the food heaven trail just prove what a centre of food excellence the borough has become. ?This is a marvellous time of year to show what West Devon has to offer both for visitors and residents. I hope that as many people as possible take up the special deals which really are great value.? Jeffrey Stackhouse, chairman of the food and drink festival, said: ?Once again West Devon Borough Council is demonstrating its ongoing support for the festival with the superbly organised food trail. It represents a great lead in to the festival which follows, on Saturday and Sunday July 28 and 29. Our thanks to West Devon for their generous support.? The West Devon Food Heaven leaflet is now available from Tourist Information Centres, Okehampton and Tavistock Farmers? Markets and borough council offices.
