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Food & Drink Events

West Dorset is renowned for its local produce, and there is no better way to discover it than at an event dedicated to the delectable delights of the region.

 Kitchen Table Dorset

Join Mark Hix in the kitchen at Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis. Every month Mark will host an open cooking class where he will demonstrate his wonderful skills in the kitchen and cook four dishes as part of a four course lunch with wines to match each course. Classes accommodate up to 8 people, so take some friends and family along and enjoy a great day out. Bookings must be made in advance. The next demonstration is on the 10th May 2010.

Dorset Food  Week                                                                                                                                                                                                         

This county-wide event is a celebration of all things mouth wateringly, sensually, irresistibly Dorset! The week that gives us all a great excuse to focus on the fabulous food and drink that is produced within and from the landscape of our wonderful county.

Food tasting at the TICs

In celebration of Dorset Food Week Lyme Regis, Sherborne and Dorchester's Tourist Information Centres host some local food tasting events. What a great way to sample some local produce! Bridport TIC usually hold a Dorset Apple Cake competition which is free to enter. Have a look at the events listings for further info.

The World Stinging Nettle Eating Competition

This unusual competition is held at the Bottle Inn, Marshwood, and in 2008 was visited by comedian Rory McGrath filming for his new television show Rory & Paddy's Road of Sports. The 2009 competition took place on the 13th June and for the first time ever the competition had joint winners - Mel Lang from West Bay and Mike Hobbs from West Knighton. Both chomped their way through 48ft of stinging nettles! The 2010 event takes place on the 12th June.

Workshops & Demonstrations
TV chef Lesley Waters runs very popular masterclasses and demonstrations at her Cookery School in Evershot. At the end of each course, all are invited to sit down to a meal together and discover that the proof of the pudding truly is in the eating.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage HQ offers a series of courses, ranging from catching and cooking your meal, to tips on using home-grown fruit and vegetables in delicious seasonal recipes.

For more information please visit one of our Tourist Information Centres.