England’s second Seafood Feast returns to the English Riviera, south Devon, from 20 September to 6 October giving visitors the chance to dine on some of the best seafood in the world exactly where it’s landed.
Part of the wider Seafood Coast initiative which promotes restaurants, fishing and maritime experiences around England’s entire coastline to international visitors, the Seafood Feast is a two-week long extravaganza of seafood set menus, taster platters, crab-cracking masterclasses, chef events and more across the English Riviera – Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
At the heart of the Feast is Brixham Fish Market, the location for the most valuable catch in England, boasting 40 species of fish and shellfish for sale at its daily auction. For die-hard seafood fans, daily tours of the market will kick off from 6am.
Award-winning chef Mitch Tonks, owner of restaurant micro-chain Rockfish, is passionate about encouraging others to enjoy seafood: “The world of seafood can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, we often stick to the things we know. Our Seafood Coast in England has the most amazing range of species caught and landed in our waters by our fishermen.
“The Feast is a really fantastic couple of weeks showcasing all of that, people can visit and try so many different things. It really is feasting; feasting on all the variety, going from place to place and trying something different, it’s like a seafood trail. I suggest getting your map out early and planning where to go and what to eat, time to feast!”
The southwest of England has a well-deserved reputation for local sourcing and passionate producers; aside from the local catch of the day, visitors can sample local beer, cider, wine or gin while dining. The Feast also dovetails with British Food Fortnight, a celebration of the delicious food readily available across Britain.
“The Seafood Feast is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding quality of fish and seafood in our local waters,” says Samantha Richardson, director of the National Coastal Tourism Academy which promotes the Seafood Coast within its England’s Coast brand.
“As the British love-affair with local food and drink continues to grip the nation, England’s Seafood Coast showcases the very best of locally-caught seafood to an international audience.
“Our research shows many international visitors know very little about our coastline or the wealth of excellent restaurants around the coast, so events like the Seafood Feast are perfect for increasing awareness and demonstrating we offer far more than excellent fish and chips!”
For a lucky few Feast visitors, there’s the chance to dine on lobster at Agatha Christie’s holiday home Greenaway House on the River Dart but there’s also the option of crossing the Tor Bay on a heritage sailing trawler, join a fish cooking class, a foraging workshop and much more.
