Local Produce

An abundance of fresh air, clean seas and a wonderfully mild climate are the secret ingredients that make Scillonian fare utterly delicious. So a visit to Scilly wouldn’t be complete without sampling everything from the freshest lobster and the most tender island-reared beef to wonderful home-grown vegetables and melt-in-the mouth ice-creams - not to mention treating yourself to a bunch of daffs or narcissi that have grown in the sheltered fields and mild climate of the islands.

Buying local not only adds a delicious dimension to your stay on Scilly; it is also an important way to ensure a more sustainable lifestyle for the islands’ farming communities. As you explore, you’ll come across many local delicacies at cafes, restaurants and general stores, plus many farm stalls on roadsides and pathways.

Much of Scilly’s best produce is showcased in the Local Produce Market that takes place on St Mary’s (usually at Holgate’s Green, or in the Town Hall if it’s raining!) throughout the summer season. It usually happens on the first Thursday of each month in the summer season, and on selected days in the off season, but keep an eye out on local notice boards for timings.

Another good chance to sample all the islands have to offer comes during one weekend in September at the Tresco and Bryher Food Festival. Stalls and tastings take place morning, noon and night, plus special meals at various local eateries, making it a must for foodies.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roast Tresco beef at The New Inn
• The freshest seafood from the islands’ many fishermen
• White, rose and red wine from St Martin’s Vineyard
• Locally caught fish and chips at Adam’s Fish and Chips on St Martin’s
• Catch of the day at the High Tide Seafood Restaurant on St Martin’s
• The twice-yearly real ale festival at The New Inn, Tresco
• Delicious home-made dairy products, including ice-cream, clotted cream, butter, milk and yoghurt, from Troytown Farm on St Agnes
• Delicious organic fruit and vegetables grown on St Martins by Scilly Organics
• Bread, pasties and pies from St Martin’s Bakery
• Mouth-watering fudge in a host of flavours from Veronica Farm on Bryher
• Great beer from the wittily named producer Ales of Scilly
• Hand-made confectionary flavoured with essential oils from Little Island Chocolate Company on St Agnes
• Narcissi and pinks from Churchtown Farm, St Martin’s