Outstanding Chef Noel Corston Brings His Culinary Expertise To The Table



Devon is currently bursting with enterprise and growth, with a wealth of artisan producers, specialist independent food and drink businesses and top chefs.  One of the chefs making waves, both in the county and way beyond, is North Devon's Noel Corston.  Noel, who is the chef owner of the multi award-winning NoelCorston@EX34 in Woolacombe, has just joined the board of Food & Drink Devon.

Commenting on Noel joining the board, chairman Michael Smith says: “It's such an exciting time for Food & Drink Devon and the county in general.  We are becoming more and more renowned for the food and drink we are both producing and cooking here, which is amongst the best in the world.”  Michael continues: “Noel is a major asset to have join the team.  His skill in the kitchen is quite remarkable and he has an undisputable knowledge and understanding of food.” 

Noel adds: “I was delighted to have been invited to join the board of such an impressive organisation which is so dedicated in its pursuit to celebrate and shout about all that is so great about this county.”  He continues: “I am particularly passionate about North Devon, due to my location, and the serious innovation which is taking place here within food and drink.  One of my personal areas of focus is sustainable gastronomy and this fits perfectly within the ethos of Food & Drink Devon.”

At NoelCorston@EX34 there is one fixed tasting menu on offer which is built around the seasons, reflecting the immediate environment.  Guests can either dine at their Chef's Counter which accommodates six, or in the dining room which seats just ten people.  The restaurant has been named 'Best Restaurant' in the Devon Life Food & Drink Awards (2014), Food & Drink Devon Awards (2013 and 2012) and the North Devon Food & Drink Awards (2011).

Food & Drink Devon is the county's only dedicated membership organisation supporting quality, provenance, sustainability and trading across the food and drink sector.  There are over 250 Devon-based members, including cookery schools, hotels, speciality retailers and farmers markets. 

The Food & Drink Devon board, a high profile group of talent from across the sector, includes Gabriel David, managing director of Luscombe Drinks, Barbara King, managing director of The Shops at Dartington, Chris Jones who is the general manager at Exeter Golf and Country Club and Mark Bury, director of Eversfield Organic.  All the board members contribute their time and expertise to the organisation on a voluntary basis, as well as being fully paid up members themselves. 

Amongst other ventures, Food & Drink Devon has also recently partnered up with Visit Devon, the tourism website for the county that gets a phenomenal 250,000+ visits a year.  There's a fresh hunger and a thirst for great quality Devon-made food and drink, and food tourism is a massive part of the economy.

Redesigned for 2015, 60,000 copies of the reinvigorated 'Love the Flavour' annual guidebooks will be distributed this summer with the July issue of Devon Life magazine and by members across the county.  With the guides also available in the Exeter Corporate Aviation VIP lounge, as well as in the First Class lounge at Paddington Station, Food & Drink Devon is getting its message directly to the core of the target market as they travel to the region.  These trusty guides are a 'go to' reference book for industry experts.  In addition 5000 copies will be distributed with taste buds magazine to foodie outlets across Devon. 
Another recent development is a new partnership with West Country FOODLOVER.  The magazine and website reach more than 110,000 food lovers a year and will further position Devon as the country's most exciting region for food and drink.

Food & Drink Devon recently co-hosted The Shops at Dartington Food Fair and will be present at Plymouth's Flavour Fest in August (14th – 16th August 2015).  

The organisation also holds its prestigious annual Food & Drink Devon Awards, the ceremony of which is set to take place on Monday 5th Octoberat the Exeter Golf & Country Club. 


2015 is going to be an influential year for Devon's food and drink sector.  To join the journey, please visit www.lovetheflavour.co.uk and follow @lovetheflavour on Twitter.

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