Fall down the rabbit hole and enter a world of miniature marmalade pots, oversized chocolate coins and other magical and mysterious treats at the free to enter The Shops at Dartington Food Fair (24th – 25th May 2015).  

Just 145 years younger than the famed Alice in Wonderland, this enchanting weekend will celebrate this spell binding tale whilst taking all on a mouth-watering journey of its own.  In its fifth year, the Food Fair celebrates the best of Devon's incredible array of both delicious and innovative food and drink and pays homage to Alice's furry friend with children's 'rabbit' face painting, biscuit icing, a Mad Hatters' tea party and the chance to meet a real white rabbit.  There'll also be a bouncy castle, Totnes Rare Breeds and birds of prey for the children to meet as well as much, much more.

Held in association with the dynamic Food & Drink Devon there will be forty food and drink producers present. 'Eat Me', 'Drink Me' and 'Open Me' will cry out from the stalls as the wonderful aromas tempt and entice all.  New for 2015, this foodie extravaganza will be launched by renowned chef, Jane Baxter, who will host a delicious pop-up supper on Saturday 23rd in The Shops at Dartington's beautiful courtyard.  To book your place, visit www.dartingtonfoodfair.org.

Other foodie delights taking place over the two days include a workshop with Ben Palmer, chef patron at The Greedy Goose andexecutive chef at the appropriately Alice in Wonderland inspired Glazebrook House Hotel.  Ben will be conducting a captivating session on the Monday (1pm - 2pm), one of five workshops which will be taking place daily over the long weekend.  The Glazebrook House Hotel, South Brent is one of the many wonderful local places, which also includes Dartington Hall, to stay during this popular bank holiday weekend. 

Other enthralling sessions guaranteed to draw in the crowds on the Sunday include regular wine expert on BBC1's 'Saturday Kitchen', Susy Atkins, who will be teaming up with Manna from Devon Cooking School to educate all on food and wine pairing, last year's MasterChef semi-finalist, Michael Sanders, foraging with Rachel Lambert and back by popular demand with this 'crab cracking' workshop, Alan Steer.  Whilst on the Monday there'll be a porridge competition with Transition Town Totnes, a culinary workshop with Dartington Hall's very own, Anuj Thakur, BBQ recipes with TV chef, Mal Harradine and bake and decorate a cake competitions (under and over 16 categories).

Commenting on the activities planned, managing director of The Shops at Dartington, Barbara King says: “This year's Food Fair is going to be even bigger and better than ever before.  As we're hugely family friendly it seemed entirely right and fitting to tie our fifth anniversary in with the celebrations for Alice in Wonderland's 150th anniversary.”  Barbara continues: “We are also delighted to have the continued support, and association, with Food & Drink Devon.  Like us here at The Shops at Dartington, Food & Drink Devon works tirelessly to promote both the county and its producers.”

Dartington has a unique selection of shops to explore during your visit.  Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's fashion, homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings and relax in the two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, which serve delicious, handmade dishes. 

For further information on The Shops at Dartington Food Fair visit www.dartington.org/shops and, whilst online, also have a look at www.shopsatdartington.co.uk where you can buy a carefully chosen 'edited' selection of 'best picks' from The Shops at Dartington's 14 spectacular on-site shops.  With home delivery and convenient 'click and collect' services available, it's now easier than ever before to browse and purchase from The Shops at Dartington's stunning collections.  For up to date news and offers follow @Shopdartington on Twitter and 'Like' on Facebook.

The Shops at Dartington is owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust's activities in Social Justice, Sustainability and the Arts. 

ENDS -

For further information, photography or an interview with Barbara King please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing - hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;

Tel: 01548 550 429; Mobile: 07887 474 104; Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds; @RawSW