FOOD critic and television MasterChef judge William Sitwell is hosting a new restaurant festival in Wiveliscombe which launches on Friday (August 2).

The first ever ‘Rest Fest’ offers guests an opportunity to dine in the best of Wiveliscombe’s food and drink venues.

Mr Sitwell will take them on a food safari across the town to try dishes ranging from sizzling prawns with sofrito at Zekki, to mini-fish cakes in the White Hart, paella at The Bear, and pavlovas from Phoenix Kitchen, together with unlimited wine.

He said: “Wiveliscombe has some seriously good places to eat and guests will have the opportunity to dine at them all in one night.

“You will get a chance to sample the sharing plates at Zekki, locally sourced food of the White Hart, paella and more at The Bear, and some delicious desserts of the Phoenix Kitchen.

“Guests will be given a bespoke and keepsake glass for their rosé, white, and red wine, and will have the chance to sample the five new beers being brewed on the premises at The Bear.”

Taking part is Zekki, run by Cypriot chef Tim Zekki, The White Hart, which prides itself on traditional British food, The Bear, known as ‘a seriously proper British pub’, Taste of India, the town’s much-loved curry house, and Phoenix Kitchen, a diminutive wholefood, deli, and takeaway.

Guests will meet at Wiveliscombe Town Hall at 6 pm for welcome drinks and snacks from Taste of India, and introductory speeches before being escorted in groups to the town’s dining venues.

Only a limited number of £80 tickets are available, which include multiple courses, wines, and beer. 

More information and tickets are available by visiting the festival website here.

Mr Sitwell also runs a supper club at his home, a converted cow shed near Wiveliscombe.