Food and drink are an important part of life on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. With fresh fish, meat and vegetables in plentiful supply, we like to celebrate our gastronomic delights with a variety of food and drink festivals throughout the year.

Food for Thought

Food and drink events in Torquay showcase the very best in local produce. The bustling Torquay Food and Arts Festivals take place through the town centre, and combine flavours from the South West with live demonstrations from chefs in the Cookery Theatre and an array of unique Devon arts and crafts. Food and drink producers from across the region invite you taste, try and buy their delicious produce. Torquay also hosts a number of continental street markets when you can enjoy the flavours of France.

Fish Stocks

In September, Brixham celebrates its fishing heritage with Fishstock; a vibrant seafood and music festival with live kitchens where the region’s best chefs prepare and serve some of the UK’s finest fish. If you prefer something a little more out of the ordinary, Paignton Zoo holds a mini food festival in February, featuring local foods that are ethical, Fairtrade or palm-oil free.

The Babbacombe Festival combines traditional Westcountry food (and excellent fish and chips) with entertainment, while nearby St Marychurch hosts Italian markets from time to time.

And as for drink – you can’t beat the annual Occombe Beer Festival in June – sample the goods from Paignton-based Bays Brewery as well as local cider and Pimms, and enjoy live music.