Don’t Miss Out — Exciting New Events Are Here!
Be the first to book onto our festive workshops, mark your calendars for our Christmas EXTRAVAGANZAS, and get a sneak peek at our brand-new Autumn/Winter menus!
Johns on Tour!
Sunday 19th October | 10am – 3:30pm | Barnstaple Foodfest
Lauren, Georgia, Anthony and Sue are heading back to Barnstaple Foodfest, held inside Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market — a much-loved local landmark that’s recently undergone a stunning transformation. Now one of North Devon’s prime event venues, it’s the perfect setting to celebrate the very best in local food and drink.
We’ve got some delicious surprises lined up for you:
- Brand new seasonal and local cheeses for all the cheese lovers
- Freshly baked sausage rolls straight from our deli kitchen
- All your homemade deli favourites back by popular demand
This year, our local cheese lineup includes some real West Country stars:
- Cornish Yarg – A unique, semi-hard cow’s milk cheese wrapped in nettle leaves, giving it a delicate, creamy texture with a fresh, slightly tangy flavour.
- Sharpham Brie – Handcrafted on the Sharpham Estate beside the River Dart, this soft cheese offers a rich, buttery flavour and smooth, velvety finish that rivals the best French bries.
- Devon Blue – A firm yet creamy blue cheese made from local cow’s milk, known for its complex, mellow flavour and beautifully balanced tang.
And of course, we couldn’t forget the Gorgonzola — a Johns favourite we know you all adore.
Come celebrate local food, amazing producers, and a fantastic day out in Barnstaple’s newly rejuvenated market space.
Our First Christmas Sip ‘n’ Paint!
Wednesday 20th November | 6pm–8:15pm | £45
Get into the festive spirit with our very first Christmas Sip ‘n’ Paint, led by talented local artist Clare Willcocks.
We’re delighted to be working once again with Clare — we’ve had a long-standing relationship with her, and she has hosted dozens of successful workshops in our Instow store over the years. Her creative sessions have become a real customer favourite, bringing so many people together to enjoy art, great food, and good company.
This fun, relaxed evening is the perfect way to get into the festive mood. You’ll create two beautiful watercolour Christmas card designs and matching gift tags while Clare guides you step-by-step through techniques you’ll use again and again.
Enjoy:
- A glass of bubbly
- Delicious cheese and mezze boards from our deli kitchen
- Plus, 10% off in-store on the night for your Christmas shopping
You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase any of our deli favourites, including our Mediterranean and Italian ranges, along with a wide selection of local and artisan products.
And while you’re here, make sure to explore our huge Christmas range — from festive treats to seasonal gifts. But be quick — once our Christmas stock is gone, it’s gone! Don’t miss your chance to stock up early and make your celebrations extra special.
Spaces are limited — book today and unleash your inner artist.
The Best Wreath Workshops Around!
2nd, 4th and 9th December | 6pm–8:30pm | £59
Location: Johns of Instow
Join us and Heather from Church Park Flowers in Bideford for our 8th Annual Festive Wreath Workshop.
With Heather’s expert guidance, you’ll craft a stunning, large, natural Christmas wreath — handmade by you.
We’ll keep your glass topped up with bubbly and treat you to a feast of cheese and mezze boards.
Book today to support two fantastic local businesses this Christmas and create something truly special.
Spaces fill fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Save the Dates
Festive Food & Gift Extravaganza
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November | 10am–4pm | Instow
Meet your favourite local producers, enjoy tastings galore, and snap up exclusive savings for one weekend only.
Festive Shopping Events – 10% Off
Friday 14th November & Sunday 7th December | Appledore
Enjoy a cosy Christmas celebration, discover local spirits, cheeses, wines and gifts — all with 10% off.
Due to demand, we’ve added an extra date.
More events to come — keep your eyes peeled.
New Season, New Menus
Our cosy cafés are the perfect place to warm up this season.
Our chefs have been busy crafting new dishes inspired by the flavours of autumn and winter — hearty, homemade comfort food made with the best local ingredients.
Our Instow menu now features some exciting new breakfast dishes, including wild foraged mushrooms on toast and a new and improved West Country breakfast that celebrates the best of local produce.
Meanwhile, our Appledore menu has received a delicious update, introducing Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine — both new favourites that are already proving popular with our café regulars.
We’re also thrilled to be collaborating with some exceptional local producers who share our passion for quality and provenance:
- Cornish Farmhouse Bacon – A family-run producer known for their traditionally dry-cured bacon made from high-welfare Cornish pigs. Their bacon is cured slowly and naturally, delivering incredible flavour and texture.
- Hobbs House Bakery – An award-winning, fifth-generation family bakery famous for its artisan sourdough bread, made using time-honoured methods and a 65-year-old starter culture. Their loaves bring depth and character to every dish.
- Blakewell Fisheries Smoked Salmon – Sourced locally from North Devon, this premium smoked salmon is expertly cured and smoked on-site at Blakewell, offering a delicate, buttery texture and rich, balanced flavour.
Explore our new menus:
- Instow Menu
- Appledore Menu
Stay tuned — even more delicious additions are coming soon.