Dartmouth Food Festival sponsors Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to announce they have teamed up with fellow sponsors Riverford Organics and Mitch Tonks' award-winning RockFish restaurant to offer a fabulous prize to win a short break to the 2011 Dartmouth Food Festival.
The lucky winner of this competition will win a holiday voucher worth £500 for a short break during the 2011 Festival, plus a free organic “Holiday Box” from local Riverford distributors Jane & Martin Emmett, delivered to their chosen property, and a meal for four at the fabulous family fish restaurant, RockFish (terms & conditions apply*). The winner will be able to enjoy a relaxing break away and sample the culinary delights of this popular Food Festival, which is fast becoming one of the most anticipated events in the region's calendar.
The three day celebration is scheduled from 21st-23rd October 2011 and looks set to be just as exciting and successful as last year. From fresh fish caught off the Start Bay coastline to prime meat reared on Devon's lush fields, locally made chilli chocolate from South Devon Chilli Farm to delicious Riverford organic vegetables grown close by, the area offers some of the finest food in the country. The festival provides the perfect opportunity for local companies to showcase their fantastic produce, and includes demonstrations from local celebrity chefs including Mitch Tonks and Jane Baxter of Riverford Field Kitchen. For more information about the festival visit www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com.
Coast & Country Cottages is a family run South Devon based agency, offering over 425 luxury self catering holiday properties, exclusively in Salcombe, Dartmouth and the surrounding South Hams coast and countryside. For information about accommodation over the 2011 Dartmouth Food Festival visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773.
To enter the competition simply send your name, address, telephone number and email address to Dartmouth Food Festival Competition: marketing@coastandcountry.co.uk or send a postcard to Dartmouth Food Festival Competition, Marketing Team, Coast & Country Cottages, Hannaford's Landing, Island Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8FE. The first person to be drawn will win this fabulous prize. Closing date for entries is 31st July 2011.
*Terms and Conditions: The prize includes a Coast & Country Cottages holiday voucher worth £500, to be used in full or part payment towards a three night short break or longer holiday at a Coast & Country Cottages property (subject to availability and not in conjunction with any other offer) in Dartmouth during the 2011 Dartmouth Food Festival (21–23 October). Prize includes a Riverford Organic Holiday Box and meal for four people at RockFish (excluding drinks) during the Festival. Prize is non transferable and there is no cash alternative.
7 Dart Marina, Dartmouth (sleeps 4)
Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to announce that 7 Dart Marina is now available to book with the agency for Summer 2011. Indeed this stylish apartment is the 11th property in Coast & Country Cottages' Dart Marina collection, making the agency the perfect place to come when choosing luxury self catering holiday accommodation in Dartmouth.
7 Dart Marina is a stunning first floor luxury apartment with stunning views of the River Dart, which are best enjoyed from the wonderful internal balcony. The apartment has a chic, contemporary finish, with sumptuous furnishings and a stunning, state of the art kitchen. Guests to this beautiful property can enjoy the boutique hotel experience, with the flexibility and freedom of a large, stylish holiday apartment.
The exclusive Dart Marina development is situated in an extremely desirable spot on the edge of the picturesque River Dart and within a short walk of Dartmouth's boutique shops, award winning restaurants and art galleries. The Blue Flag awarded beach Blackpool Sands is a 10 minute drive away, whilst the stunning South Devon Coast Path is also easily accessible .
The apartment is perfectly situated for families or couples alike, with prices starting from £1735 this Summer. For more information visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk/cottage-details/7DART or call 01803 839 499.
Yesterday it was reported £7m of European money is being invested in cycle paths in the South West. This excellent news means cyclists will soon have a fabulous choice about where to go in the region, with a much more extensive network of cycle paths to explore . Over the coming two years it is estimated that people will be able to use about 1,000 miles of cycle routes, by connecting them together.
The news of the investment in the region is fantastic, both for locals and visitors alike. Indeed it is hoped that the move should bring even more tourism trade to this already popular holiday destination. The project is expected to be completed in August 2013 and is being run by Cycle West, the organisation behind the scheme. The South West is a beautiful area, with some hidden gems, including the South Hams, the Southernmost tip of Devon. What better way to explore this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, than by cycling? Enjoy the fresh air, whilst experiencing the scenery and wildlife found in this unspoilt area. Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly, family activity.
Coast & Country Cottages offer over 425 luxury holiday properties exclusively in Salcombe, Dartmouth and the surrounding South Hams coast and countryside. Book a holiday in this fantastic area, and explore the surrounding beauty spots with your bicycle, including Dartmoor National Park and the fantastic South Devon coastline.
How does your typical day start and finish in the Field Kitchen? I am normally thinking about the days menu in the car on my way to work , a cup of tea on arrival and then we go through what we are going to cook that morning for Lunch. The central meat dish of the day and how it is cooked generally dictates how we cook the accompanying veg. Then it's a question of getting down to it. At the end of a shift, its a case of checking stock, ordering and doing a handover to the evening if there are customers in that night. Then off home to Kingsbridge to pick up my son, David.
Following the success of the Riverford Farm Cook Book, we understand you have a new book out this year, tell us about your inspiration behind it? The new book is set out monthly with some easy recipes and a field kitchen style menu. Most of the recipes are from my own experiences in the last few years and the veg on the farm. My trips to Puglia feature heavily, as do donated recipes from friends like Mitch Tonks and the Riverford Cooks.
What is your favourite recipe from the new book? It has to be the creamed corn recipe; this delicious way of cooking corn is based on a classic recipe from Sean Moran who cooks at his restaurant at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
What is your favourite vegetable grown in the UK? Globe Artichokes every time! I know that they are not a traditional British vegetable but as we grow so many at Riverford, they can be included. Having said that, to prepare this veg for 60–70 people is incredibly time consuming, so I occasionally take a load home and prep them in front of the TV! Great served with broad beans, prosciutto and mint.
What is the most popular desert served in the restaurant? Definitely Sticky Toffee Pudding; our recipe is based on Joyce Molyneux's version from the Carved Angel in Dartmouth. We have put a Christmas version in the new book, which has been doctored slightly with the addition of prunes and loads of brandy.
What is your favourite dish for a family Sunday lunch? A traditional roast – in particular a really good roast chicken with tarragon, a good stuffing and gravy.
You started in Dartmouth, before moving on to London and then travelling around the world, why did you choose to return to the South Hams? After coming back to the UK with a baby, I visited friends in Dittisham and realised that this was the area that I wanted to be and bring up my son. Getting the job at Riverford made the move possible and we haven't looked back. Where is your 'hidden gem' in this beautiful area? I do love Lannacombe beach. It is sometimes difficult to park there but it is such a lovely beach and worth the effort.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given? If you want a career in cooking, choose very carefully where and who you work for, as this is your training. It shapes you and influences you in the future
For those with a flare for creativity and a love of crafts, Dartmouth Art & Craft Weekend is taking place this Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th June 2011 between 10am and 4pm. 22 artists, potters, jewellers and other craft workers will be displaying their talents in Royal Avenue Gardens in Dartmouth. This fantastic event is in aid of Children's Hospice South West, who are currently providing specialist care for 400 terminally ill children and their families in the region. With many more children needing care, the 8th Dartmouth Art Weekend is an excellent opportunity to raise more money for the charity.
Come along to this enjoyable event and watch the artists while they work. Pick up to special gifts for loved ones, or a treat for yourself! There will also be some special art activities for children, plus teas, homemade cakes and snacks will be provided by Children's Hospice volunteers.
The Environment Agency has reported that 97% of UK beaches meet minimum EU cleanliness standards. Indeed, in the report released yesterday, out of 30 European countries the UK was ranked ninth on cleanliness levels - higher than the popular Summer holiday destinations of Spain, France and Italy. It begs the question… why head abroad for your Summer holiday when you can enjoy exceptional quality beaches right here in the UK?
The picturesque South Hams, the Southernmost tip of Devon, is home to some of the top beaches in the country. With three internationally recognised Blue Flag awarded beaches in the area including Salcombe's South Sands Beach, Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth, and Bigbury-On-Sea, plus numerous sandy coves, the South Hams has a beach for every pursuit. There are even several dog friendly beaches, perfect for a game of Fetch! From sailing to swimming, sun bathing to sandcastle building, South Devon is the perfect holiday destination for water enthusiasts, sun seekers and families enjoying traditional activities including rock pooling and beach cricket.
Coast & Country Cottages have a fantastic range of luxury self catering properties within a short walk or drive of the seaside and the stunning South Devon Coast Path. Whether you are looking for a luxury apartment with sea views, a contemporary coastal property or an elegant country house, Coast & Country Cottages can help. Simply visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773 today.
WIN A £250 COAST & COUNTRY COTTAGES HOLIDAY VOUCHER
Coast & Country Cottages are looking for a winning photograph, capturing the true spirit of the South Hams, to be featured in our 2012 brochure. The competition is open to all our customers and new enquirers, with the winner receiving a £250* holiday voucher towards their next break with Coast & Country Cottages. For those of you still to take your snaps, here are some top tips on taking good photos from the international award winning photographer and head judge of the competition, Martyn Norsworthy:
- Think about the time of day you are taking your photographs. Mornings or evenings are the best time of the day to take good shots. During the height of the afternoon, sometimes the sun light can mean the images lack colour and definition.
- It is important to consider the composition of the photograph. For example, if you are taking photographs of the sea, the horizon should always be level – water should never slope!
- Foregrounds should be interesting and lead you into the picture – maybe get people involved in the photograph in order to truly capture the fun of holidaying in the South Hams.
- Get out and about and explore the area. My advice is take a camera with you at all times. Also don't think about setting your photographs up to much – the spontaneous snaps are often the best.
- A good idea is to take photos documenting a family day out. That way you have a lovely record of your day out in the South Hams, and you might just take a gem good enough to enter! Remember the more images you take the more choice you will have when deciding which photo to enter.
- The most important thing to remember is photography should be fun. This stunning area provides many opportunities for fantastic photographs. Whether you are photographing stunning landscapes or the children playing on the beach, remember to enjoy yourself, and you will produce great photos!
The deadline for entries is 30th July 2011. Just send your high resolution image on a CD, along with the location, your name and address, email and telephone number to Photography Competition, Marketing Team, Coast & Country Cottages, Hannaford's Landing, Island Street, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8FE, or email it to photography@coastandcountry.co.uk
*Terms & Conditions: Prize is a £250 holiday voucher and is valid for any property subject to availability, booked before 31st December 2011 and taken before 30th June 2012, excluding school holidays. This offer cannot be used with any other offer or discount. There is no cash alternative.
Father's Day is this Sunday, 19th June, meaning time is running out to organise a present! If you are looking for an extra special gift for your Dad this year, why not book him a holiday in beautiful South Devon with Coast & Country Cottages.
If you are unsure about which property your Dad would prefer, why not order him some holiday vouchers to spend on a break at a time convenient to him. Let him choose his perfect accommodation from the fantastic selection of over 425 luxury self catering holiday homes, including elegant country houses, luxury waterside apartments, stunning converted barns, stylish seaside homes, and spacious 'chocolate box' cottages. Whether you prefer Salcombe, Dartmouth or the surrounding coast and countryside, there is a property to suit all tastes, budgets and requirements. Enjoy the spectacular scenery walking on the South Devon Coast Path, relax on one of the unspoilt sandy beaches in the Summer sunshine or try a delicious locally made ice cream.
With some fantastic savings at the moment, you could always book a last minute short break or week away to celebrate with your Dad this Sunday. For more information visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773.
Martins Cottage, near Bigbury (sleeps 6)
£100 off the week commencing 17th June, at this spacious property with a fantastic enclosed garden. Situated in the beautiful South Hams countryside, the cottage has various baby facilities available, including a travel cot, high chair and books and toys, making it the perfect base for a family with children. Bring your dog along on holiday too – Martins Cottage is pet friendly! This VisitBritain Four Star cottage is within easy reach of the Blue Flag awarded Bigbury beach. Now just £775, under £19 per person per night, based on 6 sharing.
Book a June break in South Devon with Coast & Country Cottages, and make the most of excellent savings on selected luxury self catering properties.
4 Bolberry Court, Bolberry, near Salcombe (sleeps 10)
This VisitBritain Five Star awarded barn conversion offers spacious accommodation of the highest standard and is the perfect base for a family or group of friends, looking to holiday in the beautiful South Hams countryside. The picturesque sailing town of Salcombe, with its beaches, restaurants and quayside is within a few minutes drive, and the stunning South Devon Coast Path is a short walk away. The week commencing 24th June is now just £1000, under £15 per person per night, based on 10 sharing.
This year Salcombe's Island Cruising Club (ICC) is celebrating its 60th birthday. The organisation offers a range of adult's and children's RYA dinghy sailing courses and summer camps, teaching groups of all ages and abilities the joys of sailing! Salcombe is a fantastic place for water enthusiasts, and with the ICC's reputation for quality teaching, this is the perfect organisation to learn those all important sailing skills with. The ICC has been a RYA Training Centre since the scheme's inception, and provides courses to cater for all groups… there is even a Mini-Sailors group for 5-7 year olds, tailor-made for young children, to give them a taste of the water. The ICC's individual set up means the whole family can be on different courses at the same time and relax together in between sailing sessions.
For those with youngsters who want to learn more about sailing, the ICC has expanded and now runs dinghy sailing for local children, in the form of the YSC (Youth Sailing Club). In the past year alone, over 150 local children got on the water at extremely reasonable rates as part of the YSC. This fantastic club is a great way for children to first experience sailing in a fun and safe environment, and it can lead them through the Youth Stages of the RYA scheme at a steady rate of progression. There are currently plans to organise an Adult Sailing Club to match the YSC, with a similar format – so if you're interested, you can email your details to zoe@icc-salcombe.co.uk or telephone 01548 844300. Please quote 'Coast & Country Cottages.'
If you are looking for a sailing, yachting or power boating courses whilst you are on holiday in the South Hams, the picturesque town of Salcombe is the perfect place. For more information about activities to enjoy during your stay, visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk or call 01548 843773.