THE inaugural Honiton Grub Club, which took place Friday 25 July at Mackarness Hall in Honiton, was a sell-out success seeing over 100 diners enjoy three courses prepared by Josh McDonald-Johnson.

Josh is a Michelin trained chef and owner of Pickle Shack, a creative catering and events company – utilising ingredients sourced from Honiton and the surrounding villages.

Josh estimates that over 80 per cent of the ingredients used on the evening were sourced from within a 25 mile radius of the venue meaning that not only did Honiton Grub Club support other local businesses and the rural economy but the food miles were kept to a minimum and therefore the environmental impact low. Josh explained “by using only the freshest ingredients and by having a set menu on the evening, waste is minimised and the quality of the food is maximised”.

Diners included The Mayor of Honiton, Cllr Peter Halse and his wife Mrs Halse. Mr Halse said “It has been a pleasure to see the local community come together in this way to celebrate the talented producers, suppliers and chefs in and around Honiton. I wish Josh the best of luck in his venture to bring top-quality food to the tables of local communities”.

Josh was equally as pleased with the outcome of the evening, stating “I’ve been blown away by how well received this event has been and the support that I have had in organising it. I am optimistic that the Honiton Grub Club will become a regular event on the Honiton town calendar!”

The next Honiton Grub Club will take place on Saturday 27 September in Mackarness Hall, Honiton. For more information and to book, please contact Josh on 07923 986 577.