THOSE of us who live in Dorset and Somerset are so lucky. Not only do we live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country – relatively unspoiled, too – but we live in part of the richest food regions. The south west is justly famed for its traditional local produce – apples,…
“BEECH leaves, that yellow the noon-time, Float past like specks in the eye; I set every tree in my June time, And now they obscure the sky …” … wrote Thomas Hardy in his poem, Beech Leaves. Join folk singers and actors Tim Laycock and Alastair Braidwood at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Sunday, 15th November,…
SOMERSET-based, certified organic cheesemaker Feltham’s Farm is producing its first organic cheese hamper for Christmas, bringing together some of the UK’s finest organic artisan cheeses and accompaniments to celebrate nature-friendly festive food and the farmers and makers behind it. Curated by Marcus Fergusson and Penny Nagle of Feltham’s Farm, founders of the Organic Cheesemakers’ Network,…
ONE year on from the rescue and relaunch of Taste of the West as a Community Interest Company (CIC), its founding directors have presented their vision for the future of the regional food group, alongside a much-extended range of member benefits for food and drink businesses across the South West. Harnessing the collective experience of…
EVERY year more people look out for those little black stickers with one, two or three gold stars – Great Taste Awards from the Dorset-based Guild of Fine Food. This year’s West Country results include 27 products gaining the top three-star status, and a finalist from the region for the overall national Golden Fork awards….
THE King and Queen visited Blandford Forum on Thursday 16th July, to see the newly restored Corn Exchange and meet representatives of various cultural and charity groups, including Dorset Opera Festival and Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre. The Lighthouse team, led by chief executive Elspeth McBain and creative engagement manager Martha Earley, were among representatives of…
SHAFTESBURY independent bookshop The Kitchen Table, which specialises exclusively in food writing, has been named the official bookshop partner for the British Library’s Food Season, which runs to 2nd July and is one of the UK’s leading festivals dedicated to food, culture and storytelling, now in its eighth year. Approached directly by the British Library,…
FROME celebrates the 25th anniversary of its multi-arts festival this year – and the festival opens on 3rd July, just two days after the funeral of Martin Bax, the actor, former town and district councillor and mayor, who became one of Frome’s most loved and valued citizens. A former actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Martin…
A GOUDA-style extra mature goat’s cheese made by Killeen Farmhouse Cheese in Co Galway, Ireland, was named Supreme Champion at the 10th annual Artisan Cheese Awards, which were held in Melton Mowbray. There were a record breaking 643 entries into Britain and Ireland’s largest cheese competition, and the coveted top trophy was presented during an…
A NEW Shaftesbury Food Festival organising committee had plenty to celebrate as this year’s weekend celebration attracted more than 12,000 visitors to enjoy Dorset food, drink, culture and community, with a programme that ranged from the famous Gold Hill cheese race to MasterChef winner demos and a new food trail. This was the most ambitious…