The food writer and chef on unfussy restaurant he really likes, an “incredible” off-grid smallholding and his favourite local chippie
EATING OUT
The Royal Standard
25 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF; www.theroyalstandardlymeregis.co.uk
“A good local pub in Lyme Regis. Simple food, local ingredients, and a classic space.” – Gill
Herbie’s Dino Bar
Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF; www.facebook.com/HerbiesDinoBar
“You can’t beat good fish and chips and this is our local.”
Brassica
3-4 The Square, Beaminster DT8 3AS; www.brassicarestaurant.co.uk
“This is an excellent restaurant nearby. It’s owned and run by a couple who moved from London a few years ago to open up a ‘really good restaurant’ that wasn’t necessarily concept-driven. There is a shop too selling beautiful things, and the food is unfussy but perfect.”
SWiM
Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JH; www.weswim.co.uk
“This restaurant is just about to be opened by some friends of ours. They already have a successful chain called Stable, which began in Bridport, and this is their latest venture. They always use local suppliers and don’t compromise on quality.”
River Cottage Canteen (pictured above)
Trinity Square, Axminster EX13 5AN; www.rivercottage.net/restaurants/axminster
“Obviously this place has to be in there. It’s so close and the food is always good. It’s also reassuring that you know where almost everything on your plate has come from.”
BUYING IN
Rousdon Village Bakery
Rousdon, Lyme Regis DT7 3XW; www.facebook.com/therousdonvillagebakery
“This tiny bakery at the top of our road makes really good sourdough and croissants. It was a sort of garage but now they have a café set up there. The bread is very good and lasts for days. This loaf we are eating is at least two days old and still delicious.” – Gill
Miller’s Farm Shop
Gammons Hill, Axminster EX13 7RA; www.millersfarmshop.com
“A great local farm shop, which also sells locally caught fish.”
Trill Farm Garden
Pudleylake Rd, Axminster EX13 8TU; www.trillfarm.co.uk/pages/trill-farm-garden
“This organic garden is fantastic, and they supply the River Cottage Canteen with some of their produce.”
Fivepenny Farm
Bridport DT6 6DF; www.fivepennycatering.com
“This is an incredible smallholding, completely off-grid. They make phenomenal goat’s cheese though only on a relatively small scale. I’m not sure they even sell it. They do wedding catering and events too.”
Image: Cool Places