Food and drink lovers in Teignbridge can savour the prospect of a brighter future following the news that a new association has been formed to promote the district's quality produce.
South Devon Food and Drink will follow closely the model set by the highly successful South Hams Food and Drink Association, whose efforts in the past decade have made the area a 'must do' gourmet destination. Work has been going on behind the scenes for months to get to the group off the ground and now Teignbridge Council has said it will back the initiative for the first year. The £50 membership, available to all producers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and others who promote the area's best food and drink, will help produce a new handy guide making it easy for customers to find quality produce. Other benefits of membership will be regular food and drink exhibitions, shows and possibly joint marketing. Helga Stephenson, proprietor of the award-winning Teignmouth restaurant that sources most of its ingredients close to home, The Owl and The Pussycat, welcomed the group's formation. 'This is exactly what we need to raise the profile of the area's fantastic produce,' she said. 'When we first set up here last year we asked if there was something like the South Hams group and were disappointed to find out there wasn't. 'The Owl and The Pussycat will certainly be signing up.' Others are now being encouraged to join the group as strength of numbers is the key. For more information, contact Helen Lynch on 01647 252529 during office hours or email her via [email protected]">[email protected].