Market Street Cafe launches with a bang in Newton Abbot

On Wednesday, after two months of hard graft, hours of training, hot kitchens, refurbishment, a few tears, and laughter in abundance, we officially launched the Market Street Café in Newton Abbot. 

In case you haven’t heard as yet, we’ve been working with our friends at Young Devon to produce a menu for their brand new café, while training up the young trainees to produce and deliver delicious, ethically sourced dishes. They are working towards an apprenticeship as part of their progression to become great chefs.

To celebrate this fantastic achievement, we invited Devon’s movers and shakers along to raise a glass with us and tell us what they think about the new menu.

The bubbly was flowing, while our trainees Jade, James and Martyn produced knock-out food in the kitchen lead by Chef Tutor Adrian Andrews and apprentice Alby Miller. With such prestigious guests, the pressure was on – but the dishes were met with outstanding feedback.

Former MP and supporter of Young Devon, Anne-Marie Morris opened the evening with kind words to praise the venture and wished the trainees and business every success.

Tim Tod, Chief Executive of Young Devon said ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with River Cottage to enable us to provide some fantastic opportunities for young people in the area.’

‘This is a really exciting way for us to develop the work we already do to support young people into training, education and employment, with collaboration and support from a great locally based business and I look forward to watching the project unfold.’

Chris Griffin, Head of Partnerships and Education said, “In addition to providing transferrable skills for the trainees, we’re looking forward to creating a foodie destination in Newton Abbot. Our River Cottage chefs are currently working on an irresistible menu using the best of Devon’s local, seasonal produce.”

Chris then presented Jade, James and Martyn with Hugh's Light & Easy cookery book with a personal signed message from Hugh to wish them all the best of luck on their foodie journey.

And we all know that a launch isn’t official until the ribbon is cut – so we gathered together, while trainee Jade did the honours. This called for more bubbly, as the guests ate their way through menu that was offered to them by the trainees.

A very enjoyable evening with positive comments and well wishes for Market Street Café!

Market Street Cafe is open to the public every Wednesday 10am - 3pm, from Wednesday 29 April.