FOOD lovers will be able to enjoy the best of Exmoor as the prestigious Exmoor Food Festival returns.

Now in its third year, the food festival is a keen fixture on any foodies map.

Originally the idea of Exmoor chef Andrew Dixon, the event is now organised by Elke Winzer who is also behind Exmoor4all (an online platform for all things Exmoor, including an online shop) and the Exmoor Markets which take place regularly at Tesco’s Minehead and other locations around Exmoor.

The Dunster Food Festival will be the grand finale on the Exmoor Food Fest on the last weekend in February.

Following on from last year's success, Elke has been busy coming up with new ways to showcase the best of Exmoor - chefs and food alike.

The food festival offers diners the chance to sample food from some of the best restaurants across Exmoor at a special rate.

"We really want to promote all the wonderful food, produce and chefs in Exmoor," explains Elke.

"Exmoor is home to many outstanding local products such as Porlock Oysters and Exmoor Caviar.

"The Exmoor Food Fest helps local businesses in the hospitality sector to show off their skills.

"The festival deal of two courses for £10 tempts many people into restaurants at a time of year when business tends to be slow."

The Exmoor Food Festival runs from February 1 until February 28 at selected restaurants and for the first time this year at some tea rooms and village shops too, who have been keen to get involved.

Participating restaurants will offer two courses for £10 or three courses for £15.

So what else is new for this year?

Elke adds: "As well as the food festival, we are also holding the very first Taste of Exmoor Awards which will take place at Butlins in March.

"Customers will be able to vote online for their best dining experience at the restaurants taking part in the food festival, so we're looking forward to that.

"I've also been working with West Somerset chef Claire Lynch on a new concept - secret location dining.

"We're hoping to get the first one underway in April and it will see diners pay for a ticket and then meet say at Minehead Train Station before being taken off to a secret location to enjoy a meal at locations where you wouldn't normally be able to.

"It's a pretty harmless adventure but I think pretty exciting."

A usual, the festival will be kicked off at a delicious launch event.

This year it takes place at the Luttrell Arms Hotel in Dunster on Thursday, January 26.

Head chef Barrie Tucker will lead a glittering array of award-winning chefs with a stunning menu.

Tickets are like the proverbial gold dust for this one-off dining event showcasing the best of Exmoor's food and drink in the award winning Psalter’s Restaurant.

All are invited to attend the evening, which will feature a seven course menu with welcome cocktails for £60.

Tickets are available from The Luttrell Arms Hotel on 01643 821555 or visit luttrellarms.co.uk For more information on the Exmoor Food Festival, visit exmoorfoodfest.com