THE first-ever Wiveliscombe Restaurant Festival "set tastebuds alight", drawing food enthusiasts from near and far to the charming West Somerset town.

Curated by MasterChef judge and Telegraph restaurant critic William Sitwell, the event, held on Friday 2 August, showcased Wiveliscombe's vibrant culinary scene.

Following the festival, Mr Sitwell said: "The Wiveliscombe Restaurant Festival was a huge success and truly exceeded all of our expectations.

"The enthusiasm and support from both the local community and diners has been incredible.

"This event has showcased the fabulous hospitality Wiveliscombe has to offer and has firmly established the town as a must-visit Somerset destination for food lovers."

The festival kicked off at the town hall with drinks and appetisers from “Taste of India”.

Attendees then embarked on a culinary tour of the town, visiting “The White Hart” for its classic grill menu, “Zekki” for exotic sharing plates, and “The Bear” for traditional pub fare.

The event concluded back at the Town Hall with a delightful offering from “Phoenix Kitchen” and guests enjoyed an evening of "culinary delights" accompanied by unlimited pours of rosé, red, and white wine, in specially commissioned keepsake glasses.

William Sitwell’s next event is a midsummer grill at Sitwell Supper Club by former MasterChef champion Drhuv Baker on August 16. Full details can be found at www.williamsitwell.com/supperclub.

Plans are already underway for a Christmas food safari as well as next year's festival, with the aim of further celebrations of Wiveliscombe's culinary delights.