Patrons

Mitch Tonks – Patron

Since the 1970s, Dartmouth has been known as a destination for food and generous hospitality. The pioneer of this was perhaps Joyce Molyneux and her famed restaurant, the Carved Angel. Today there are people, including chefs, who may not be familiar with her work, but many modern restaurants aspire to what the Carved Angel was, a restaurant that runs around the seasons, where produce is the star and simplicity is all. Joyce’s cooking and welcome was from the heart; she had a deep understanding of how to eat and how to treat people and I feel that spirit still remains in Dartmouth today.

I remember magical family holidays in Dartmouth. The endless days on the beach would always end up at the door of a warm, dimly lit restaurant where we would enjoy our dinner. Mum and Dad would drink and we would get back late, meandering through the small winding streets to our holiday cottage. I recall no two nights being the same as there were that many restaurants and pubs to choose from. Of course time changes a place and restaurants come and go, but one thing that hasn’t changed is Dartmouth’s beautiful backdrop, its strong community and the spirit of hospitality that runs through our town.

The food festival was conceived by a number of enthusiastic local supporters and business owners. I recall that very first event which was held in the Market Square. It was that early enthusiasm to break bread and celebrate food with the town that has led to the festival becoming the UK’s leading food event. The festival today is run by committed volunteers and supported by local businesses and

some of the biggest names in food who come to contribute by cooking, taking part in debates or just joining in the celebrations. It really is still a community event, just a lot bigger! In Dartmouth we love to throw our doors open, and this book celebrates the cooks, chefs, people and producers who are at the very heart of what the festival is all about.

Susy Atkins – Festival Ambassador

The first time I took part in the festival was in 2010 when I co-hosted a discussion with the wonderful food writer Diana Henry in a marquee. I was hooked from then on and haven’t missed DFF since! I organised the wine seminars for several years at Browns Hotel and have hosted many wine tastings myself, now at the Dart Yacht Club. What brings me back year after year is the huge, wonderful enthusiasm of every single person there, from the top chefs, led of course by Mitch Tonks, to the food and drinks producers, the expert writers, educators and communicators and, of course, all involved in the organisation. Not to mention the visitors who always seem to have such a good time! It’s the best food festival in the land.

Orlando Murrin – Festival Ambassador

I’ve been to food festivals from Adelaide to Alberta, and I can say hand on heart that Dartmouth is my favourite. There’s so much to love about it that it’s hard to know where to start. I remember my very first festival – one of the sunny ones – and my amazement at the beauty of the setting. There’s simply nowhere like it – clustered round the harbour, against a backdrop of glittering estuary and a soundtrack of jingling halyards. Even when it’s raining – that happens too – there’s a party atmosphere, with food lovers and families (and their dogs) out for the day, tasting, shopping and simply having fun.

I wish the festival – and the warm, dedicated team behind it – a joyous 20th anniversary. Long may you remain a highlight of the UK’s foodie calendar, and a treat to look forward to every October.