Speciality Foods...

Food is food is food.  And that’s all there is to it.

If you believe that, read no more, because this page won’t interest you in the slightest - or will it?

When you’re on holiday you want to see the sights, enjoy the activities and taste the foods that make the place you’re visiting unique.  In fact you’ll often find yourself doing all three whether you set out to do so or not.  And the more we immerse ourselves in the culture and scenery of an area, the more we learn about it and how one has influenced the other.

We now take for granted the impact that the growth in foreign travel had on Britain’s eating and drinking habits, from olives, wine and continental cheeses to croissants and artisan-baked breads. All mostly unheard of and un-tasted by the Brits of yesteryear but now popular items on many shopping lists, even if only for treats.

But what about holidays closer to home? There are now a growing number of outlets and eateries catering for those who want to try foods from different places, some specialise in foods from abroad, some in foods from their own locality or own farm. But some of the best dabble in a bit of both! Walk down any of the high streets and back streets of Dorset’s main towns towns and larger villages and you’re likely to come across shops, pubs, restaurants or cafés offering some local speciality or other.

Dorset has a proud and rich history in producing good quality, tasty food, and a growing number of farmers are making the most of it. And why wouldn’t they!

In recent years, when times have been tough, especially for smaller farms, farmers have increasingly diversified into on farm shops and cafés. These are a world away from the major chain eateries. Each is unique and has its own special selection of foods on the menu and its own unique character.

For the visitor, farm shops and cafés can be great places to buy everyday provisions, special treats and even gifts to take home. But they also offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about local foods in the places that they were produced.

The big downside to all this localness is that unless you happen to be passing, you may not know where any of these little gems of Dorset food are to be found.

Fear not! On these pages, we’ll be looking to develop a list of the local farm shops and what they have to offer. Give them a go. You’ll be amazed at what you discover!
Dorset has a proud and rich history in producing good quality, tasty food, and a growing number of farmers are making the most of it. And why wouldn’t they!....​"