Topsham’s Food Festival

As an avid foodie, I always have my eye on summer street food, markets and festivals –  and with nothing to do until graduation, this hot Saturday in June called for a trip to Topsham’s Food Festival, where this year’s theme was all things fire and spice.

Having never visited Topsham before, we weren’t sure what to expect – but a quick google beforehand told of a full-packed day – an artisan food market, bar, live chef demonstrations and a food trail around the local restaurants and bars.

Just a short 15 minute drive from Exeter, Topsham has a quaint but thriving high street with independent shops alongside Michelin star dining (The Salutation Inn) and traditional butchers’ and country cheese stores.

Keen to try the food trail, we first poked our noses inside No.3 – a sophisticated cocktail bar with a chic old-world feel along Fore Street.

In line with the festival theme, No. 3 bartenders served up a Menta Picante cocktail (£8.50 with 10% festival discount) – a well-balanced tequila and chilli number with a summery hit of fresh mint (with the chillies kindly tailored to our preferred level of heat).

In terms of curry, would you like the cocktail heat level at a korma, madras or vindaloo??

Our timing in Topsham wasn’t the best – once we left No.3 we realised the majority of places on the food trail were closing – so instead we followed the crowds heading to the Quay where the street-food stalls were firing up the grills for business.

The Quay had a lovely selection on offer – from Caribbean and cheesy delights (including raclettes – those internet-famous melting wheels of cheese scraped onto sauteed potatoes) to live chef demonstrations from Darts Farm.

A stall that particularly took our fancy (being carnivores, of course) was Good Game – a foodie company devoted to locally sourced meat. Having sampled some of their delicious chorizo and salamis earlier, we knew we were in for a treat.

I opted for the wild pork and venison burger (£7 with cheese) and Matt went for the Devon steak burger (£7 with bacon).

Fresh off the grill, we helped ourselves to fresh salad, pickles and sauces. While the staff were clearly stressed under the high demand, the flavours and quality did not disappoint.

After watching some of the fierce chilli-eating competition, Matt and I spent the rest of our time sat by the water’s edge and watched the boats drift by as a brilliant end to a lovely foodie day.

For a small quayside town, Topsham certainly puts on an impressive day of food and entertainment, bringing visitors and locals together into this warm community.