Josie Gibson spoke earlier this year about one the programmes she works on that has seen her travel around the Westcountry trying and enjoying of the best food the region has to offer
Christopher Sharp Trendswatch Reporter
11:51, 27 Apr 2026Updated 11:53, 27 Apr 2026
Josie Gibson(Image: ITV)
Presenter Josie Gibson is one of the most recognisable faces on British television and has presented programmes such programmes as This Morning, How to Clean Up for Cash, and Josie’s Taste of the West Country.
Speaking about the third of those programmes, in which she travels around the region sampling local food, Josie said she discovered some “amazing” cuisine. The Bristolian revealed the show was inspired by ITV colleague Dermot O’Leary’s Taste of Ireland.
She told Woman magazine: “I’ve wanted to do ‘Taste of the West Country’ for ages because we’ve got so much amazing produce that comes out of my neck of the woods. So I asked my agent to ask ITV if I could do it. I thought, ‘I can’t let Dermot have all this fun!’”
Josie also spoke about the joy she experienced making the programme. In the interview, in which she also thanked the programme’s sponsor, she said their support made it possible and allowed them to showcase the region’s food.
She said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Rodda’s Clotted Cream, who sponsored the show, because they made it happen.
“We visited Gloucester, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall to showcase their amazing produce. Would you believe in a million years that some of the best oysters in the world come out of Somerset? And obviously the organic cider, the lobsters – everything.”
Josie Gibson(Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images)
Josie’s comments about Somerset’s food come after Harry’s Cider celebrated its 21st anniversary. Founded in 2005 by Harry and his son Toby, the business has also marked the first anniversary of its taproom and shop.
The latter two have been particularly crucial, proving a boon for increasing tourist numbers to the area.
Speaking about the ethos behind it, Harry said: “We wanted to create a space where people could slow down, enjoy great cider, and really connect with where it comes from. It’s about sharing not just the drink, but the whole story behind it.”
Alongside breweries, Somerset is also set to welcome the reopening of a local restaurant bringing a Mediterranean twist to its menu. HOLM is due to reopen at the start of next month on May 2.
Josie Gibson and Paul Ainsworth travels the West Country to showcase all the terrific, delicious local produce the region has to offer(Image: ITV/Josie’s Taste of the Westcountry)
Somerset Live reports that the restaurant has undergone some minor changes as part of its 2026 makeover, including a children’s sandpit and new garden furniture.
Speaking about the changes, the team said: “The terrace works just as well for a quiet morning coffee as it does for a long lunch or an afternoon pint.”
What sets this seasonal reopening apart is that, to mark the occasion, chef and founder Nicholas Balfe is set to host an informal garden party to set the tone for the summer ahead.
Meanwhile, Josie is set to return to the country’s screens in How to Clean Up for Cash at 7.30pm tonight (April 27) on ITV.
