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Dorset’s best food andsiders
handpicked by the in !
who know it best
CHEF
RECOMMENDS
This month:
Chef Alex Aitken
of The Jetty
Are there any up-and-coming restaurants in Dorset you would recommend?
I would say try The Plantation in Canford Cliffs. Darren, Joe and Scott all worked for
me at Le Poussin, Darren cooks exceptionally well and Joe is a great host.
Apart from yourself, who is the chef to watch out for in the area?
Victor Ferreira. Victor has worked for the Chewton Glen and myself at The Jetty. He
is the new Head Chef at The Kings Arms and The Bar in Christchurch. With his
Spanish influence we should see some great tapas, too.
What would constitute a dish that best says Dorset to you?
With so much coastline and my passion for fish, it would have to be crab. Whether
that would be a simple crab sandwich, or crab on toast, or Jetty crab croquettes that
even made Janet Street-Porter speechless!
Where's the table with your favourite view of Dorset?
The view from the window at The Jetty; yes, it’s my restaurant but I go in every day
and I never tire of the view. It is ever-changing with the seasons and the tides.
Where's your favourite farm shop?
Udder Farm shop in East Stour near Gillingham, it’s quite big but very good.
Which local food producer do most like to work with?
Dorset Charcuterie. Lee is as passionate about curing meat as I am and excels in his
trade. He also researches and supports small rare breed farmers.
Where's your favourite place for breakfast in Dorset?
It has to be the Valentine’s breakfast at The Jetty with my lovely wife.
How about your choice for a leisurely lunch?
The Grosvenor in Shaftesbury, take a walk up Golden Hill (from the Hovis advert)
then pop in for a leisurely lunch of local produce or a pizza from the wood-fired oven.
Where never fails for a Sunday lunch?
Sunday is all about the family, I love sharing and simple but excellent food. Try The
Pig on The Beach, or the Dorset border’s River Cottage Canteen for sharing platters.
How about for a special occasion in Dorset?
I know it’s my restaurant again, but it has to be The Jetty. We (myself and all the staff)
always go to The Jetty on those special occasions.
Where's your favourite place for coffee or tea in Dorset?
For a full afternoon tea, I really enjoy Summer Lodge in Evershot. For a simpler but
delicious tea, the Home Farm shop and tea room in Tarrant Gunville is excellent.
Fancy a pint? Where do you sup in Dorset?
Try the New Inn Cerne Abbas for great ales and really good food.
Where's your favourite place for a curry?
I lived in Singapore as a lad and so love Singapore-style Asian curries. I am afraid to
say, though, that I am yet to find anything authentic in Dorset. I go to London for a
great curry and dim sum.
Where would you go for a snack?
On my way down to The Jetty in Salcombe, I always stop at Felicity’s Farm Shop in
Morcombelake; great snacks, fresh coffee and a great view.
Where's your favourite place for a takeaway in Dorset?
Alexanders Fish and Chip Shop in Mudeford, but to really enjoy it you need a bottle
of champagne and go round to Mudeford Quay with the fishing boats and watch the
sunset - particularly in the summer months, the view is unbeatable.
Biog – Alex Aitken has over 30 years in the business
and is one of the most renowned and respected chefs
in the region. He began his career as a trawlerman
before running his own highly-acclaimed restaurant,
Le Poussin in Brockenhurst, which led to a Michelin
Star in 1995. He then developed the Lime Wood hotel
and is now Head Chef at The Jetty in Mudeford and
the Kings Arms in Christchurch.
The Details
The Plantation, Canford Cliffs, Dorset BH13 7JF – 01202 701531;
www.the-plantation.co.uk
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, New Forest, BH25
6QS - 01425 275341; www.chewtonglen.com
The Kings Arms, 18 Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23
1DT - 01202 588933; www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk
The Jetty, Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, 95 Mudeford,
Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3NT - 01202 400950;
www.thejetty.co.uk
The Udder Farm Shop, Manor Farm, East Stour, Gillingham
Dorset, SP8 5LQ - 01747 838899; www.theudderfarmshop.co.uk
Dorset Charcuterie, Bere Farm, Wareham Road, Lytchett
Minster, Dorset, BH16 6ER - 01202 625688;
www.dorsetcharcuterie.co.uk
The Grosvenor Arms, 7 High St, Shaftesbury SP7 8JA - 01747
850580; www.thegrosvenorarms.co.uk
The Pig On The Beach, Manor House, Manor Road, Studland,
Dorset BH19 3AU - 01929 450288; www.thepighotel.com
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, 9
Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset DT2 0JR - 01935 482000;
www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk
Home Farm shop, Home Farm, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford
Forum, Dorset DT11 8JW - 01258 830083;
www.homefarmshop.co.uk
New Inn Cerne Abbas, 14 Long Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset
DT2 7JF - 01300 341274; www.thenewinncerneabbas.co.uk
Felicity’s Farm Shop, Morcombelake, Dorset DT6 6DJ – 01297
480930; www.felicitysfarmshop.co.uk
Alexande