TENSION is mounting in West Devon as judges are due to make their final decision in a competition to find the best food town in the south west. Judges visited Tavistock last Thursday. The panel of experts was first welcomed at the Bedford Hotel before being taken to various locations. They saw the pannier market before going on to visit Kelly College and the organic Hele Farm at Gulworthy. The judges then sampled products at a farmers? market stall before enjoying lunch at the Horn of Plenty. Accompanying the judges on their tour was chairman of Tavistock Forward, John Taylor. It was this group which submitted the town?s entry in the competition and which has spearheaded the EatWise, Eat Local campaign. As a result of the judges? visit Tavistock is now in the finals. It now has to beat Bridport which is a fellow category finalist. The judging panel had been welcomed by the mayor of West Devon, Cllr Jayne Hill who felt that Tavistock had made a favourable impression on the visitors. ?The message comes across loud and clear that Tavistock not only sells wonderful local produce, but that local produce is used so very widely, from eating establishments to residential homes and schools ? the list is endless.? At The Horn of Plenty at Gulworthy the judges were met by regular Tavistock Farmers? Market member Hogs Bottom, Alex Polizzi of Hotel Endsleigh, Ann Voss Bark of the Arundell Arms, master chef Peter Gorton and West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox. The results from the competition will be announced in Exeter on March 30.
