North Devon's best restaurant, pub, cafe, producer and traditional fish and chip shop were announced at FoodFest on Sunday. Winners joined Michael Caines MBE on stage to accept their awards, to cheers of delight from the crowds.

The awards, sponsored by Farm and Cottage Holidays, take place each year to celebrate the finest food and drink establishments in North Devon, as voted for by the public.

This year there were over 2000 entries across the 6 categories and 200 businesses nominated during a month of public voting. Independent Food Industry judges conducted ‘secret shopper' visits to the shortlisted businesses before making the final decision as to winners.

Winner
Best Restaurant

Noel Corston
The Courtyard Restaurant
Woolacombe

Winner
Best Pub

Mark Dodson
The Masons Arms
Knowstone

Winner
Best Cafe

Alison Partridge
Tea on the Green
Westward Ho!

Winner
Best Producer / Retailer

Liz Kirby
Lizzy's Larder
Milton Damerel
Nr Holsworthy

Winner
Best Traditional
Fish and Chip Shop

Graylings
Fremington
nr Barnstaple

Winner
Super Service

Dan 'The Fish Man' Garnett
Clovelly Fish

Exhibitors at North Devon's fourth annual Foodfest hailed this year's event the best ever for footfall and trade.

Visitors came in their thousands to the event, which took place at Barnstaple's Historic Pannier Market last Sunday.

Laura Holt, spokesperson for Foodfest organisers North Devon+ said "We're thrilled that the event was once again a huge success. FoodFest really puts North Devon on the map for outstanding local food and drink."

Foodfest regularly draws huge crowds. This year was no exception as Laura explains "a combination of reputation, celebrity endorsement and great weather drew over 8000 visitors to Barnstaple Town Centre on Sunday boosting trade not only for the exhibitors but for the town's retailers too."

Foodfest is part of an ongoing regional campaign to support local food and drink producers which has been initiated by the North Devon+ tourism partnership. www.northdevonplus.co.uk

Launched 2008 with European funding via the Leader4 food and drink project this year was the first without European assistance. Funding was instead provided by North Devon Council and private sector sponsors Mole Valley Farmers and BID Barnstaple.

Julie Edwards, Marketing & Communications Manager at Mole Valley Farmers said "FoodFest is a fantastic celebration of the diversity and quality of our local produce and an event that brings together North Devon's finest food and drink suppliers and producers, an ethos that's at the heart of Mole Valley Farmers. " In kind support was supplied by Brend Hotels, Food Magazine, Petroc and Catertech.

Dane Stanley is on the board of BID Barnstaple, a business led scheme that invests collectively to improve the local trading environment. Dane says "Bid Barnstaple contributed £2000 towards Foodfest this year. We're thrilled that the event drew thousands of people into the town centre and businesses throughout Barnstaple benefited as a result".

Michael Caines MBE of Gidleigh Park was one of five top chefs that drew huge crowds as he performed on the demonstration stage. Michael said "This event is amazing, not only is North Devon one of the most beautiful and outstanding parts of the South West its home to a wonderful array of food producers, chefs and restaurants."

Joining Micheal Caines on stage was award winning chef Dez Turland of Brend Hotel Group. "Brend Hotel Group has been proud supporters of North Devon Foodfest from day 1. We believe in the continued support of local farmers, fishermen, and producers, and it's fantastic to see how Foodfest has grown over the years. My goal is to share knowledge of cooking and local producers and it was great to take the chef stage up to new level with renowned chefs Michael Caines and Chris Tanner of South Devon joining us. FoodFest is all about celebrating local food, the best local producers and working together to promote Devon's larder."

Many exhibitors sold out completely with business brisk from early on. Jenny Stone of Matsamnay Meals was exhibiting at FoodFest for the third year running. She said "North Devon FoodFest always brings us lots of new customers. This year we introduced a range of seasonal soups alongside our existing range of handmade pies and ready meals. We sold out of pies by lunchtime."