Supporting Acts 

When Eliot Seabourn-Wren and his partner Michael Rebeiro bought The Carlton Hotel in 2015, they were determined to create a business for themselves, but also one that would help boost North Devon’s local economy. They consulted the local council’s strategy and focussed on designing an offering to meet local needs, as well as increase visitor numbers. 

A large part of the strategy was to engage in the community and bring a collaborative approach to business. Eliot says: “There is an old proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. I think the same thing applies to running a business. It’s so much easier if you work together with others to provide an offer that is stronger than if you were to work alone.” 

This is one of the reasons that Eliot sources so much of his food from suppliers in the area. “At The Carlton, we are extremely fortunate to have an excellent choice of specialist, quality suppliers on our doorstep,” says Eliot. “Each one has been selected by us for their suitability, produce, quality, service and other factors like sustainability.”

It was also important for Eliot to reduce food miles, which sourcing locally has allowed the hotel to do. “A total of 85% of our fresh produce spend comes from suppliers within 30 miles of the hotel,” he says. 

Eliot sources fish and seafood from The Devon And Cornwall Fish Co, also based in Ilfracombe. Director, Nathan Townsend, says: “We are in a fantastic position here on the North Devon coast with access to an abundance of high-quality fish and seafood. Because the fish is caught right here and landed by the day boats, we can get it delivered to our local clients within minutes of it leaving the harbour. That means we can ensure the very freshest fish and seafood every time.“

Nathan shares Eliot’s desire to keep food miles to an absolute minimum. “For us, working with other local businesses to supply them with British fish and seafood is extremely important. Not only are we helping to keep money in the local economy, but we are also helping our clients to reduce their carbon footprint as the produce hardly has to travel at all before it reaches them.”