Local producers, restaurateurs and businesses in Looe and south east Cornwall have come together to hold a month-long gastro-extravaganza in the region from 11 November to 11 December 2005.

The first of its kind in the region, Taste South East Cornwall, is being backed by Bateman Financial Management and Cornwall Taste of the West, and also supported by South East Cornwall Tourism Association, a British Hospitality Association (BHA) member.

Organisers aim to establish the area as a fine dining destination for both visitors and locals by putting together an extensive programme of events for each day of the month-long initiative, including special menus at some of the region’s best restaurants, cooking demonstrations and workshops.

The Festival Web Site, www.taste-southeastcornwall.co.uk has all the latest information and facilities to post comments and suggestions. Visitors to the website can also request an email update on events, which are being added daily.

“The more local involvement, the more successful Taste South East Cornwall will be,” said Nick Love, secretary of the South East Cornwall Tourism Association.

“We’ve already got a lot of local business support, but we’re still keen to hear from any South East Cornwall enterprises interested in getting involved and reaping the benefits of this exciting initiative.”

To get involved or for further information email [email protected] or phone Nick Barclay of Barclay House Hotel and Restaurant on +44 (0)1503 262929; Andrew Treleaven of Treleaven’s Luxury Cornish Ice Cream on +44 (0)1503 220969; Richard McGeown of Couch’s Restaurant on +44 (0)1503 272554; Angie Coombs on +44 (0)1579 349363; or Nick Love of Trawlers on the Quay on +44 (0)1503 263593