Looe is a thriving coastal town in South East Cornwall and was recently named amongst the best value destination for staycations. It is also famous for its recent starring role in the BBC series “Beyond Paradise”. A BBC crime drama where it is the main filming location for the lead characters’ fictitious hometown of Shipton Abbot. News has it there will be a return to Shipton Abbot, aka Looe Town for a Christmas special and second series of Beyond Paradise.
Looe is now delighted to announce the return of the Looe Food Festival in 2023, to be held on Buller Quay, Looe, from 10.30am, on Sunday 10th September. It is an exciting moment bringing back Looe Food Festival which will include a day of cookery demonstrations from talented local chefs from Looe and surrounding areas. This free-to-enter event is possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of two local businesses, Cornish Collection Ltd and Tregoad/Waterside Holiday Group, who have played an instrumental part in helping to bring back ‘Looe Food Festival 2023’.
Helena Jaycock is the Director of Operations at Cornish Collection Ltd. They are afamily business with over 30 years’ experience and the only, local, family run, self-catering agency approved by VisitEngland that provide cosy cottages, waterfront apartments and stunning houses in Looe. Helena said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Looe Food Festival 2023! It is a fabulous opportunity for our many talented chefs and brilliant local suppliers to showcase what they do. We look forward to being a part of what is certain to be a great day out for both locals and holidaymakers.”
Joining Cornish Collection Ltd. as joint headline sponsor, Matt Way, General Manager of Tregoad Holiday Park, that offer a range of holiday homes, from luxury static caravans to traditional cottages, said;” As part of Tregoad’s community promise, we are excited to sponsor the return of Looe food festival which will celebrate this unique Cornish working fishing towns diverse food offering.”
Peter Gorton award winning chef and a Fellow of The Masterchef of Great Britain, a Business Hospitality Chef Consultant and previously a Director of Food Drink Devon, will be joining on centre stage Looe’s finest Chefs from many restaurants and hotels including award-winning chef Ben Palmer, who runs the Michelin star restaurant The Sardine Factory on West Looe. Ben said:” I think Looe has the potential to be a great foodie destination as we hold some of the best ingredients in the world in and around our waters. What a great way to showcase this by bringing back Looe Food Fest 2023, I shall see you there!”
Peter Gorton will compere the Food Show, working closely with all 9 chefs’ during their cookery demonstrations which will start from 11.00am. Peter will also deliver an entertaining and captivating cookery demonstration himself.
Ben Palmer has worked tirelessly to bring together a spectacular line up of chefs, who will be showcasing their skills by presenting some exciting food demonstrations, sharing their ‘tips of the trade’ and showing how to cook some delicious dishes using local produce supplied by Quayside Fresh, a traditional farm shop and Simply Fish, who supply top quality fish from Looe’s day boat fishing fleet.
Amongst the strong line up of Chefs’, Ian Trevaskis, head chef at The Little Barn, said: “As the former owner of Gravy in Truro and having worked with renowned chefs like Simon Stallard at the Hidden Hut, my passion for cooking is inspired by some of the industry’s best, including Tom Kerridge, Simon Rogan, and Clare Smyth. My style of cooking is a modern take on British cuisine, with a strong focus on sustainability. I firmly believe in using locally sourced ingredients and suppliers to create dishes that showcase the very best of Cornwall’s produce.”
As well as cookery demonstrations, there will be an area where traders will be showcasing the best regional produce and products and joining them will be Cornish Orchards renowned for their fruity apple juices and range of ciders, including traditional heritage scrumpy. Looe’s own award-winning hand made great tasting Gin and spirits produced by Copperfish Distillery will also be showcasing the best of Cornwall.
Tony Spreadborough, from Quayside Fresh said: “The Looe Food Festival is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of local produce, culinary talent, and community spirit. The festival provides an opportunity for local producers to showcase their goods, for chefs to demonstrate their skills and for visitors to enjoy a range of delicious and unique food experiences. As well as providing a platform for food education and encouraging healthy eating habits. Bringing back the Looe Food Festival would be a positive step towards supporting local businesses, promoting regional culture, and creating a memorable experience for both residents and visitors alike.”
Visitors will be able to relax and enjoy some fantastic live music and be captivated by the well-known Wreckers, whose harmonised tones have raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI. We are also honoured to have Russell Sinclair joining us, a Blues and Roots based singer and songwriter.
Looe Town Council’s Business Development Officer, Lucy George-Foster said;” It is good to see so many businesses in the town working collaboratively to bring back such a popular show that not only the local community can participate in but will be a great family day out for visitors to the town. It is a great accolade to Looe, and we would like to thank, The Old Sail Loft Restaurant, The Sardine Factory, Portbyhan Hotel, Quayside Fresh, Route2Events, Copper Fish Gin, Looe Harbour Commissioners, Camera lighting & video, Cornish Orchard and the many other businesses who have worked behind the scenes to bring back this fabulous show.”
There are still spaces for traders at this year’s Looe Food Festival on the 10th of September 2023. Don’t miss out on your chance to exhibit at the food event of the summer! For more information contact
– Lucy George-Foster M: 0787 293 5893
Looe Town Council T: 01503 262255 E: enquiries@looetowncouncil.gov.uk
+44 (0)1503 262071
