The arrival of The Lost Kitchen to run the café at Tiverton Pannier Market could help to “raise the bar” and “stimulate a resurgence” of the historic venue, says manager Jim Bray.

The Lost Kitchen, based at Chettiscombe, on the outskirts of Tiverton, has been one of the most talked-about restaurants in Mid Devon and beyond since its opening in 2020.

Its glowing reputation has been built around quality, local, seasonal, wood-fired food, coupled with high levels of customer service and a glorious setting.

It is now extending its operations with the launch of Lost at the Market, a pop-up café that will open alongside general markets every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (8.30am to 4pm).

The café plans to offer tea, coffee, cakes, tasty little breakfasts cooked in the pan, sweet and savoury pastries, soups, slow-cooked meats, wraps, seasonal salad mezze boxes and ice cream.

The café area will have a new look, with the addition of attractive wooden decor and tables inside and out to match the rustic feel of the restaurant.

There will be an official opening at the all-new Tiverton Farmers Market on Saturday 2 April.

Mr Bray said:

“Our advert said we were looking for a quality café operator who was as eager as us to breathe new life into the market and the town centre – and The Lost Kitchen fits the bill perfectly.

“It is hard to think of anyone better placed to help us build on recent successes and take the market forward, bearing in mind their excellent reputation, innovative outlook and focus on quality, local, home-made, ethically-sourced products.

“The expansion of their bakery operation will also be a massive plus, giving the market an in-house stall selling a selection of sourdough breads and pastry products.

“I’m confident The Lost Kitchen will help us to raise the bar more generally, bring in new customers and traders and stimulate a resurgence of the market over the coming weeks and months.”

The Lost Kitchen fended off strong competition from other quality food outlets to secure the café licence.

George Aykroyd, general manager, said:

“We have shown we can transform a site and deliver an experience – and we’re keen to mirror that at the market.

“We’re passionate about connecting food, the environment and people, with a focus on supporting and celebrating local growers and producers and minimising food miles.

“We’re looking forward to bringing something new and interesting – contrasting and complementing the variety already available nearby – and the opportunity to attract more people and maximise the potential of the market and the town centre.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

The café plans to adapt and expand its menu over time, with the possibility of serving its home-made Perdu beer and Wylde cider and bringing in its mobile pizza and smoker ovens from the restaurant for special occasions.

For more details, visit http://lostatthemarket.co.uk.