Visitors to Tiverton Pannier Market can enjoy ice cream served from an iconic, 70-year-old Citroen HY van this summer – after the historic town centre venue agreed an exciting link-up with three leading local companies.

‘Ice Cream Saturdays’ will launch on 5 June, when Willand-based Bonne Bouche brings its stylish, refurbished van named Margaux to the market.

The weekly series will also feature tasty treats from multi-award-winning Granny Gothards, based next door in Willand, and long-standing Exmoor favourite Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream.

Bonne Bouche, which has developed a big local following since its launch in 2019, will serve fun bubble waffles filled with ice cream and toppings such as Eton mess, minty choc chip and cookies and cream. The ice cream is made by new start-up Crosses Food on its family farm in Burlescombe, using fresh organic cow’s milk and ingredients from the local area.

Granny Gothards supplies chefs around the world with its wide range of luxurious artisan ice creams and sorbets, using fresh milk from Jersey and Friesian cows at Oak Park Dairy in Clyst Hydon and a plethora of local ingredients.

Last year the company was voted the UK’s Best Artisan Ice Cream and Sorbet Manufacturer at the LUX Food and Drink Awards and secured two accolades at the Food Drink Devon Awards.

The Granny Gothards ice cream will be served by Chill Out, a new Tiverton-based family business run by Rowena Stoneman, husband Paul and daughters Molly, 14, and Ava, 10, who will be accompanied by their classic 1972 Volkswagen Beetle GT.

Styles specialises in making luxury dairy ice cream on its traditional farm on the Exmoor hills, using fresh Jersey cow’s milk and the best natural ingredients. Recognised as one of the country’s top producers of home-made farmhouse ice cream, Styles will offer around 12 dairy and two vegan flavours from one of its modern vans.

Jim Bray, the new manager of Tiverton Pannier Market, said:

“We’re delighted to join forces with some of the biggest names in ice cream locally to offer a selection of tasty treats to visitors of all ages. We’re confident ‘Ice Cream Saturdays’ will be a popular addition to the market and town centre offering this summer.

“We’re also looking at several other ideas to boost the experience of visitors to the market, including street food, a mobile bar, live music and other family-friendly entertainment.”

‘Ice Cream Saturdays’ are due to continue throughout June and July, on a rota basis, and could be extended into August. To see the latest rota, follow the market on Facebook or visit www.tivertonmarket.com

The market is open from 8.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.