Within the food industry there are a few gold standards in which we all place our trust, including of course Michelin Stars, AA Rosettes & being recognised in the Trencherman’s Guide.
Among them is Taste of the West – a South West based organisation that promotes quality produce in the area. They are in fact the largest regional food group within the UK, so it is easy to see that far from being biased towards the eateries, farm shops, producers, and specialist retailers within its geographical areas, it is simply serving to highlight the best on offer throughout the region.
While the South West of England may not be world-renowned like Aberdeen for Angus, or Champagne for, well Champagne(!), we are incredibly proud to have received numerous gold and silver rewards from Taste of the West over the years because of the exceptional standard they hold themselves to. The high esteem with which the local food industry Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire & Gloucestershire consider their verdicts I testament to their value.
For one thing, to simply become a member you must actively demonstrate that you aim to source ingredients from the South West Region wherever possible and promote where the ingredients used have come from to all customers. These are things that we were fortunate to already be subscribed to as a business, as we uphold the principles of supporting other independent and local businesses as one of our own core values.
Some of the suppliers that are included in this long term commitment to investing in other local businesses are RD Johns, a catering butchers based on the banks of the river Teign, whose strapline is ‘a family heritage since 1970’. They are known for rearing their own cattle to ensure all standards are met to their own liking. Another is BDF Fresh Produce, who own and run our local greengrocers and who themselves source from other local suppliers, thereby continuing the chain of sustainability that Taste of the West so inherently promotes. Hawkridge Cheeses are based in Devon & still work with artisan suppliers despite their size, William’s free range eggs are from a Chagford farm not more than 15 miles away from us, and the bread we buy from Thomas’s Bakery in Bovey Tracey couldn’t be closer!
The work doesn’t stop there either and we continue to prioritise sourcing quality local produce, including some organic, gluten-free products, as well as from suppliers who promote eco-friendly in many instances. Ultimately, we continue to serve our customers nothing but the best that we can find, cooking it to perfection with our team of experts in the kitchen who are part of the House of Marbles family.
We know that our customers appreciate this community-based approach to cooking fantastic food and serving top-quality meals and refreshments to the highest standard possible because our customers often tell us so but we know that more can be done to shout about the work we are doing for those who have yet to discover us. In fact, we invite you to ask us about what will offer you the best that the South West has to offer the next time you visit us – our friendly staff are always happy to help point you in the direction of the best special of the day and talk you through our options so that you are fully informed about why we are so very proud to call ourselves Taste of the West members and award winners.
