• 'Devon Drinks', showcasing the county's fabulous drinks producers, officially launches on the 3rd April at The Shops at Dartington
• 'The Food Shop' celebrates its 1st birthday
• New for 2015, The Shops at Dartington's Easter Fair (Friday 3rd – Monday 6th April)
• Date for the diary: Celebrating its fifth birthday, The Shops at Dartington Food Fair (Sunday 24th – Monday 25th May, 10am – 5pm)

Devon's bursting with passionate, artisan drinks' producers, whether they be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.  To celebrate this, The Shops at Dartington is opening a new shop devoted entirely to Devon produced Drinks.  Aptly named 'Devon Drinks', this stunning new outlet, located in the historic apple store at The Shops at Dartington, will officially launch at the Easter Fair on the 3rd April.  Brimming with the region's finest wines, ales, beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks, it's guaranteed to become a one-stop shop for all drinks enthusiasts.

Stocking a vast selection of local producers from the South Hams including Sharpham wine, DAPPA, Ashridge Cider and many other local ciders,  Hunter's Brewery and Dartmoor Brewery, Luscombe Drinks and The Shops at Dartington's very own two organic ciders, 'Devon Drinks' will also welcome producers from further afield in the county.  Handpicked producers chosen to fly the Devon flag include Lyme Bay Winery, Pebblebed, Lily Farm and Old Walls as well as many, many more.  To celebrate the opening, 'Devon Drinks' will be offering customers a handmade Dartington Crystal cider glass (RRP £16) free with the purchase of a four pack of The Shops at Dartington cider. The newly launched shop will be open Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm and Sundays 10am - 5pm.

A weekend of family enjoyment for all, The Shops at Dartington's delightful Easter Fair (Friday 3rd – Monday 6th April) includes the opportunity to meet Devon producers in 'The Food Shop', live music, craft demonstrations, a bouncy castle, an exciting Easter hamper prize draw and an Easter Egg Hunt (Sunday 12am – 2pm) with a life-sized bunny!  Live music is certain to get visitors in a jolly mood with a selection of genre's and styles including acoustic Devon trio, Wildwood Kin on the Saturday, Men Behaving Tradly vintage strolling jazz band on Easter Sunday and The High Society Jazz Band on Easter Monday. What could be better than enjoying a glass of cider from newly opened 'Devon Drinks', whilst appreciating live music in the beautiful courtyard setting of The Shops at Dartington?

During the entire Easter break the spectacular, 'The Food Shop' will be celebrating its first birthday with food tastings from Devon producers taking place daily.  Packed to the seams with wonderful, local produce from Devon producers, 'The Food Shop' has had a hugely successful year, boasting bumper sales over the Christmas period.  To honor this special occasion, there will be a wonderful series of tastings on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, giving visitors a chance to meet producers.  Ticklemore Cheese will be tempting taste buds on the Saturday between 11am - 3pm, Sunday will see two delicious tastings with Lyme BayWinery, 12pm - 3pm and Bay Tree, 11am - 3pm, whilst on Easter Monday an assortment of producers including Bell & Loxton, Sampford Courtenay, Tom's Pies and Portlebay Popcorn will be visiting the shop. 

Commenting on the launch of 'Devon Drinks' and popularity of 'The Food Shop', managing director of The Shops at Dartington, Barbara King says: “We have been delighted to see the growth of 'The Food Shop' and thrilled with how well it has been received by our visitors.”  Barbara continues: “Following its enormous success it's become apparent that our customers are not only demanding locally produced and sourced food products but drinks as well.  We are therefore confident 'Devon Drinks' is going to address these demands whilst helping to support our region's passionate drinks producers.”

The Shops at Dartington are 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.

As well as the exciting new 'Devon Drinks' there's a unique selection of shops to explore, making it a must visit destination for locals and tourists alike.  Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's fashion, kitchen and homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings, including upcycled and UK made furniture.  The Shops at Dartington has also recently launched a new website, www.shopsatdartington.co.uk where you can buy a carefully chosen 'edited' selection of 'best picks' from their 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 further information about The Shops at Dartington please visit www.dartington.org.

ENDS -

Notes to editor:

1. Barbara King, managing director of The Shops at Dartington sits on Food & Drink Devon's board of directors.  Founded with the aim of representing like-minded businesses dedicated to producing food and drink of the very highest quality, Food & Drink Devon works tirelessly to increase the county's profile, as well as championing its producers. 

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