New field kitchen is finalist in tourism awards

Coldharbour Farm Field Kitchen in Ottery St Mary has been named a finalist in the Devon Tourism Awards just six months after opening.

As finalists in the Casual Dining category, which recognises ‘businesses within the tourism industry that offer food, beverage and service innovation and excellence’, the field kitchen is guaranteed to bring home a trophy, either gold, silver or bronze.

Andrea Broadhurst and Beth Ashfield, owners of the cafe which only opened its doors in June, say they are 'over the moon' with the accolade.

Andrea said: “We worked so hard to get the Field Kitchen up and running ready for the summer, and to make sure it was something really very special.

“As well as our local customers, we’re delighted to have attracted many tourists visiting the area, including those staying at local accommodation including our neighbours at Mazzard Farm Cottages – which is also a worthy finalist at the awards, in the Sustainable and Ethical Tourism category.”

With Beth at the helm in the kitchen, Coldharbour Field Kitchen’s menu has changed and developed with the seasons, from the popular tapas served in summer to themed weekend dining events, and warming Sunday roasts through the winter. The café has also won a deserved reputation for serving a huge range of locally produced artisan spirits and locally sourced wines.

One element of Coldharbour Field Kitchen that is difficult to beat are the views across Ottery St Mary and East Hill, with the summer and early autumn sunsets attracting many al fresco diners. The cafe was built to acheive high eco credentials, including solar panels and

Beth said: “It’s been a labour of love for both of us and we’re delighted with all the positive feedback we’ve had, it really does make it all worthwhile. A huge and heartfelt thank you to all our customers.

“We have lots of ideas bubbling around for 2023, so there will be plenty more good reasons to visit us next year!”

Coldharbour Field Kitchen and Farm Shop will be closed during January and opening again in February. Beth, Andrea and the team will find out how they got on in the awards at the ceremony in Plymouth on February 2.