Seafood festival organisers say octopus is increasingly on the menu
Torbay's seafood celebration says chefs are getting creative after the biggest octopus bloom in 75 years
Following a surge in octopus across parts of the South Devon and Cornish coastline, today we're reporting on how it's changing the meals restaurants here are serving.
Last month the Marine Biological Association suggested the largest octopus surge in 75 years could be here to stay - with local fishers saying it's adding to their profits.
Kerry Widely, from the Torbay-based 'England Seafood Feast' festival which takes place this Autumn, says octopus is increasingly springing up on menus at the event.
"We're finding because we've got a lot more octopus in our waters it's a lot more available so the price is cheaper," she said.
She reflected: "Obviously the waters are changing and we are finding that shellfish has spiked in price. The chefs are being a lot more creative with things like octopus and people are being a bit more adventourous.
"People do need to start changing and experimenting a little more - and I'm finding that the chefs are really coming up with quirky and different ways to cook it.
"We do land, in Brixham, over 40 species of seafood and most of our fish is actually exported.
"What I love about the festival is that during this time people are a bit more experimental."
What is the England's Seafood FEAST?
Restaurants, cafés, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will create exclusive menus and tasting experiences celebrating locally landed seafood to shine a spotlight on the acclaimed seafood hotspot of the UK from Monday 21 September to Sunday 04 October.
From harbourside dining and chef-led tasting menu experiences to seafood safaris and locally landed specialities, England's Seafood FEAST invites everyone 'to discover the destination's exceptional hospitality and coastal charm'.
Kelly Widley, Seafood FEAST Programme Curator, added: “England's Seafood FEAST provides a fantastic platform to showcase our restaurants, support local businesses, encourage visitors to extend their stays and reinforce the destination's reputation as England's Seafood Coast.
More details can be found here