Our partnership with eat:Festivals continues with our first-time bursary recipients trading at Honiton Gate to Plate. The series of food festivals throughout the West Country organised by eat:Festivals are always so popular, and are an amazing showcase for our regional food and drink producers.

Providing a bursary to first time traders, it was inspiring to welcome The Devon Fishmonger, The Lentilist, Fat Dad’s Kitchen, and Katie’s Fudge to our class of ’22.

Here in the West Country we are surrounded by talented producers, many of whom are taking their first steps into the world of trading. eat:Festivals offer local food and drink traders an incredible platform through their programme of award-winning events, and for first-time traders the Thatchers  bursary marks the start of many exciting adventures.

 

The Lentilist

The Lentilist is a plant-based street food stall specialising in vegan food. They cater for special dietary requirements as well as offering gluten free options. Where possible they aim to be a sustainable brand by using biodegradable packaging and offering canned water/soft drinks to promote recycling.

“I’m really excited to be accepted for the Thatchers bursary through eat:Festivals. As a fledgling business any help is greatly appreciated and invaluable to me as I start my new venture.” Nathan

 

Fat Dad’s Kitchen

Fat Dad’s Kitchen’s uniquely converted American School Bus is the face of something far deeper than a Commercial Enterprise – Fat Dads Kitchen & Community Kitchen aims to create a focal point – a safe space – to enjoy an incredible meal, prepared and cooked with love – and to know that everything they do they aim to pay forward. They want to make a difference to their  local community.

“The opportunity to elevate our brand, not only as a Commercial venture but also our Community Interest Company, will hopefully provide the platform to build and grow our business in what has been a very difficult and challenging time, is exceptionally humbling.  

“Our ethos is very much to “pay it forward” and to provide a platform to help tackle food insecurity and raise awareness for the most vulnerable in our City. For Thatchers to provide such a platform is outstanding.”

Paul

 

 

Katie’s Fudge.

Katie’s Fudge was started during lockdown when Cath found focussing on something completely different was positively therapeutic! She uses locally sourced raw ingredients (wherever possible) and makes each batch in a small, traditional copper based pan  stirring constantly by hand to produce a delicious homemade fudge. It’s cut by hand and beautifully wrapped in compostable packaging.

“Katie’s Fudge is thrilled to be given the opportunity of a Thatchers Bursary! Our’s is a family business, all hands on deck – which sounds very much like Thatchers ethos, and I’m confident they can help us grow!”  Cath

 

 

The Devon Fishmonger

Scott works for his family business in Honiton, and bringing his stall to Honiton Gate to Plate was his first venture at an event.

“It’s so nice to see that small independent businesses are being given a chance to show what we can do.” Scott