The Donkey Sanctuary’s on-site restaurant ‘The Kitchen’ has been awarded a Taste of the West Gold Award for the fifth year in succession.
The venue at the sanctuary in Sidmouth picked up the Gold Award in the South West Café/Tearoom category, in the 2023 Taste of the West Awards.
The Kitchen prides itself on serving up fresh, local, seasonal produce daily, and is the perfect place to take sanctuary and soak in views of the Jurassic Coast and the sparkling sea beyond. Diners are also safe in the knowledge that every purchase helps the charity support donkeys and mules in need.
Lisa Keech, Front of House Manager at The Kitchen restaurant said: “Winning the Taste of West award for another year has been such an achievement for me and everyone here at The Donkey Sanctuary. A fitting reward for all the hard work we have put in.
“As a team we regularly pool ideas for new recipes to include fresh, in season and local dishes on our menus, take part in taste testing and give feedback to the chefs.
“We are honoured as a team to hold the gold spot again, and we look forward to continuing to provide excellent customer service and working alongside great local suppliers to bring our customers a delicious locally sourced menu.”
A spokesperson for Taste of the West said: “The Kitchen at The Donkey Sanctuary is a wonderful place for lunch. We will definitely return and perhaps try to get there earlier to try one of their breakfasts!”
Taste of the West has been championing food and drink producers and venues across the South West since 1991, and its annual awards scheme ensures that high standards are maintained.
Later this year, The Kitchen will once again feature as part of the Taste East Devon 2023 Food Festival. The 16-day event, held from 9 to 24 September, celebrates the incredible food and drink on offer across the region and includes award-winning venues, producers, restaurants and chefs from around East Devon.
Sowing with Donkeys takes place on Monday 18 September, between 3pm and 6pm, and includes a stroll around the heart of the Sidmouth sanctuary with one of the charity’s conservation team, followed by afternoon tea in The Kitchen.
The Kitchen is open daily from 9am - 5pm. Breakfast is served from 9am - 11am and lunch from 11.30am - 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Drinks snacks and cakes are available all day, every day.
For interviews, images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 01395 573124 or 07870 849563 (including out of hours) or send an email.
The Donkey Sanctuary is the world's largest equine welfare charity. Our vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We run 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to more than 7,000 donkeys and mules. Our hospital treats sick donkeys and trains vets both nationwide and worldwide. Our donkey-facilitated learning programme helps vulnerable children and adults develop life skills by connecting with donkeys on an emotional and physical level. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation, and those used in the production of meat and skin.
Please note that the name ‘The Donkey Sanctuary’ should not be abbreviated to ‘Donkey Sanctuary’, and the word ‘The’ should always appear with a capital ‘T’ as above.