Local produce is all around you in West Dorset and what could be better than stopping off in one of the many village tea rooms for a traditional Dorset cream tea or slice of Dorset Apple Cake.
Some of our most famed producers include Moores Dorset Biscuits in Morecombelake, Palmers Brewers and Forest Products in Bridport, Dorchester Chocolates and Abbotsbury Oysters. Nearby Purbeck Ice Creams and liquers from Lyme Bay Winery are also well worth looking out for.
Fish and shellfish are abundant along our World Heritage coastline, get to the shops and market stalls early to get the best of the mornings catch. Alternatively, treat yourself to a fresh seafood supper on the picturesque harbours at Lyme Regis or West Bay.
There's a wide selection of local produce available from the numerous and often organic farms throughout West Dorset. Local farmers' markets are also well worth a visit. Here you can sample tasty treats as well as chat with the producers. Stock up on ingredients for your picnic basket, fridge and larder, and enjoy a true taste of the region. Dorchester - Regular market every Wednesday, Farmers' Markets 1st Saturday in the month at Poundbury and Bridport - Regular market every Wednesday and Saturday, Farmers' Market 2nd Saturday in the month
Direct From Dorset - We are members of this initiative which recognises food and drink products which have been grown, reared or produced in Dorset from a majority of Dorset ingredients. Many of these products have their roots in West Dorset - look out for the logo to find products that meet this criteria. We stock a variety of local produce in our shops and where possible we try to use locally sourced ingredients for our meals served at Highlands End.
It was 1998 when Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall moved into the original River Cottage in Dorset, to start growing and rearing some of his own food which had a successful TV series. 'River Cottage' has since moved on, and has grown and developed, but continues to stand for the same principles: self-sufficiency, food integrity, and the consumption of local, seasonal produce. River Cottage has a Local Produce Store in Axminster, which sells a wide selection of food.
Situated in the beautiful Dorset countryside not far from the famous Jurassic Coast, on the outskirts of Bridport, Washingpool Farm sits on the end of a sand belt, which runs from Somerset to the sea. Consequently the free draining soil is perfect for growing vegetables, salads and soft fruit. They have a very popular farm shop and restaurant.
We stock a variety of local produce in our shops from the companies listed below;