MENU dorset issue 22 MENU22..dorset pdf issue 22. | Page 15

NEWS
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The Foo
Appetising news, people and events
Rock and Knoll
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ne of Dorset’s favourite hotels – Knoll House – has had
a makeover and is now opening its brand new bistro to
non-residents for the first time.
So you don’t need to stay to appreciate the heritage
of a hotel that has welcomed generations of British
holidaymakers and a fair few famous guests since the
1930s. Both Vivien Leigh and Roald Dahl have been on the
register and on April 18, 1944, Sir Winston Churchill, King
George VI and General Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed a
spot of lunch in its dining room after witnessing the D-Day
rehearsals on Studland Beach.
Knoll House’s most regular famous visitor though was Enid
Blyton who would visit up to four times a year in the 1950s
and 60s. Her favourite room was number 40, and she always
ate at table three which looked out over the sea to Old Harry
Rocks. The hotel’s bucolic location provided inspiration for
her Famous Five’s adventures while nearby Studland village
was apparently the basis for Noddy’s Toytown.
Equally as inspiring for food lovers today, the new bistro
will showcase well-loved English dishes brought up to
date with a twist or two and by using local ingredients.
Afternoon Tea features a selection of imported coffee and
teas, plus jams and chutneys from Lily’s Produce.
Tracy Tennant, General Manager at Knoll House, said:
“We are always pleased to see so many familiar faces
returning to the hotel each year to enjoy their holidays.
Several of our staff have been here for over 30 years and
have had the pleasure of seeing our guests grow up and
bring their own families. Now having the opportunity to
introduce Knoll House to local residents who have not
experienced our hospitality before makes it even better.
With our new Bistro there really is something for everyone
at Knoll House.”
Located on the Isle of Purbeck, under a mile from The
Pig on the Beach, Knoll House features 71 bedrooms, a
spa, heated outdoor pool, tennis court and pitch and putt
golf course. It started life in the early 1900s as a summer
residence for the aristocratic Bankes family before being
turned into a hotel in 1931. Go to www.knollhouse.
co.uk to find out more.
www.menu-dorset.co.uk
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