East Devon street food markets to celebrate 50th event

Organisers of the Eats Boutique pop up street food markets in East Devon will be celebrating their 50th event next week. 

The Sidmouth Eats Boutique market on Friday, September 9 will be the 50th Eats Boutique event, with markets now also regularly held in Seaton and Axminster. 

Event Creator Eleanor Carr is thrilled to have reached this milestone, having created the events series as a self confessed "bit of an experiment". 

"I never meant to start a business, I just wanted to create an inclusive food event so that we could eat global food in my local town," she said. 

"We had a bit of a rocky start with some local opposition to the concept, but fortunately the community won out and we had our first event in July 2015." 

The pop up street food markets each run monthly in Seaton, Sidmouth and Axminster throughout the summer, bringing street food, a social conscience and a community party to the table. These events offer an opportunity to try global cuisine in an affordable way, in beautiful locations. 

As the events have evolved, Eleanor has realised the value that ripples into our communities from her events. She says the simple gesture of sharing food, a ritual as old as time, is the bedrock of a community. 

"Through food we build relationships with the people around us and build bridges across cultures," she added.

"A market is the perfect way to synchronise the community spirit of the shared dining experience with the local food economy. 

"The Eats Boutique markets have flourished, creating employment, partnerships and confidence in the assets of our region. 

"Community leaders are also recognising the importance of a diverse and vibrant event calendar in our East Devon towns." 

The last Sidmouth Eats Boutique of the year will mark an Eats Boutique milestone on Friday, September 9 and will be showcasing the region's food and drink scene as part of the Taste East Devon festival. 

This is a unique 16-day festival that celebrates the food and drink offerings of the region. View the full programme of events at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk 

At Sidmouth Eats Boutique there will be celebrations aplenty. In honour of her participation in Taste East Devon, Eleanor has created a new cocktail called the Anne Rattenbury, which will be available at a pop-up pub at the event. 

The market will be championing the local food and drink produce that features on various menus, and there's even the chance to win your round at the pop-up pub. 

Live music will come from local musicians The Seagrass Trio and Peter Buxton. 

"To have reached 50 events is a milestone I'm so proud of," added Eleanor. 

"I started the events with £400 and dream. The people who come have literally embraced them, they own them and inspire me to keep going. 

"To create something and have it received so warmly is the greatest privilege. What a fabulous way to draw 2022 to a close". 

Sidmouth Eats Boutique is free to enter and takes place on Friday, September 9 from 4pm-9pm on the lawn of Kennaway House. 

For more information on future events in Sidmouth, Seaton and Axminster, visit www.uniqueboutiqueevents.co.uk