Visit Our
Local Events & Markets
Whether you want to sample some fantastically famous local produce or discover something brand new made in Dorset, our wonderful food and drink businesses participate in events and markets throughout the year. Use this page to find the next opportunity or a wonderful local market to mooch around – always time well spent!
may
17may7:00 pm10:00 pmSpring Feast at Symondsbury Estate
Event Details
Join the fabulous folk at the Symondsbury Estate for a delightful evening celebrating the arrival of spring. Together with Chessie, the Grounded Chef, they are hosting a Spring Feast at their
Event Details
Join the fabulous folk at the Symondsbury Estate for a delightful evening celebrating the arrival of spring.
Together with Chessie, the Grounded Chef, they are hosting a Spring Feast at their charming townhouse – Allington Court.
Anticipate a 5-course menu filled with stunning seasonal delights and an atmosphere brimming with easy going conversations and connections.
Chessie, a therapist with a love for all things culinary, believes in the profound connection between people and the joyous power of food to help create this. Having recently settled in Bridport during the pandemic, she brings a fresh perspective on the importance of nurturing
social bonds.
Come share in this intimate gathering where delicious cuisine meets heart warming insights, all amidst the lively spirit of spring and beautiful setting of Allington Court.
MENU
– Welcome cocktail on arrival
– Seasonal pickles with dips
– Asparagus tart with orange salad
– Tagliatelle with cavolo Nero and beautiful local sheep’s milk cheese
– Porchetta on braised white beans with a salsa verde
– Raspberry and pistachio frangipane tart
Date– Friday 17 th May
Time – 7pm
Price – £55.00 per person
Location – Allington Court, Bridport
Book now: https://symondsburyestateshop.co.uk/collections/2024/products/spring-feast
Time
(Friday) 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Organizer
Symondsbury Estate
19may10:00 am4:00 pmAlresford Watercress Festival - Sunday 19 May 2024
Event Details
Welcome to the annual Free Food Festival in Alresford, Hampshire! This year marks the Festival’s 20th anniversary
Event Details
Welcome to the annual Free Food Festival in Alresford, Hampshire!
This year marks the Festival’s 20th anniversary and new for this year will be the chance for three local producers to talk about, and sample, their wares to a live audience at the Cookery Theatre alongside a line up of world class chefs who will be demonstrating in the cookery theatre.
This years list has been revealed and it’s headed up by 2023 Master Chef: The Professionals winner, Tom Hamblet. Come and see what Tom does with fresh peppery watercress! Tom will also be presenting the “Barters Best” award to the trader with the most awesome use of watercress.
Sharing the Cookery Theatre Stage with Tom will be Suki Pantal, founder of Suki’s Curries and Spices.
Passionate about bringing the rich tapestry of Indian flavours to curry enthusiasts, Suki is a culinary ambassador and storyteller of Indian culture through food. In 2022, she participated in The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver, on Channel 4, showcasing her exquisite Butter Chicken dish.
Suki’s debut cookbook – Garnish with Garam Masala – will be released in May – come and get a signed copy at the Festival and see how brilliantly watercress can be incorporated into curries.
Martin Dawkins aka The Rustic Chef will also be there. Having worked under Marcus Wareing and Alex Aitken he has over two decades in the kitchen and has earned three rosettes and even a nod from the Michelin guide. The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist. Martin sources ingredients with a low carbon footprint, supporting local producers in Hampshire.
Finally, perennial favourites, Andy Mackenzie and Phil Yeomans from Lainston House will be there. Andy is Executive chef for the Chef’s Academy Programme for the Exclusive Collection which is run from the 17th-century country house hotel, while Phil is executive chef there. Their double act on the Cookery stage is a popular attraction for many foodies and they never fail to surprise and delight with their interesting use of watercress in their dishes.
For more information and to keep up to date with other new attractions being added to the festival visit www.watercressfestival.org or follow their social media:
https://www.facebook.com/WatercressFestival
https://twitter.com/WatercressFest https://www.instagram.com/watercressfest/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjH1QX_TfbBEi7uFYS78BUA/featured
For recipes, visit www.watercress.co.uk and for information about the health benefits of watercress go to www.thewatercresscompany.com
Time
(Sunday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Alresford
19may10:00 am5:00 pmCelebrate 15 years of Langham Wine Estate!
Event Details
You are cordially invited to celebrate 15 years of the Langham Wine Estate! This spring marks fifteen years since we planted our
Event Details
You are cordially invited to celebrate 15 years of the Langham Wine Estate!
This spring marks fifteen years since we planted our vineyard at Crawthorne Farm near Dorchester. Please join us on Sunday 19th May as we celebrate with great food, free vineyard and winery tours and music. |
As well as our full range of wines, we’ll be serving old and rare bottles by the glass alongside freshly cooked pizzas and salads from the Langham Vineyard Cafe. |
The gates will open at 10am, with tractor tours of the vineyard running throughout the day – no bookings required. |
Time
(Sunday) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location
Langham Wine Estate
Crawthorne Farm. Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7NG
Event Details
A family focused weekend of fun at Abbotsbury Swannery, nestled on the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast. Includes food, drink and artisan craft
Event Details
A family focused weekend of fun at Abbotsbury Swannery, nestled on the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast.
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Includes food, drink and artisan craft stalls provided by Dorset Food & Drink.
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Swannery Rangers Art and Craft Stalls (prints, greeting cards & photography)
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Static Engine Display
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Swan Maze
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Pedal Go-Karts
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Nature and Eco activities
Time
25 (Saturday) 10:00 am - 26 (Sunday) 4:00 pm
Location
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery New Barn Rd, Abbotsbury DT3 4IG
june
No Events
july
No Events
august
03aug10:00 am3:00 pmDorset Food & Arts Festival Market 2024
Event Details
The Dorset Food and Arts Festival is back on the menu, and ready to champion the best of Dorset and showcase a great line
Event Details
It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for a wide selection of delicious products and artisan crafts.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
The Great Field
1 Peverell Ave E, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3RH
september
No Events
october
No Events
november
09nov(nov 9)10:00 am10(nov 10)3:00 pmDorset Food & Drink Winter Fair at Athelhampton
Event Details
Feast mode activated! The Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair is back at Athelhampton House for 2024! We’re making our lists and checking them twice to make sure we’ve got all
Event Details
Feast mode activated!
The Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair is back at Athelhampton House for 2024!
We’re making our lists and checking them twice to make sure we’ve got all the ingredients for a cracking line up of Dorset food, drink, artists, and makers, to bring you a weekend of festive shopping and gift inspirations.
Come rain or shine, we’ll be pleased to welcome you. Plenty of parking and most of the stalls are under cover in the event marquee.
Join us on:
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th November from 10am – 3pm at Athelhampton House as we bring you a superb mix of local producers and makers.
Follow the AA road signs, and you’ll be sure to find us at this beautiful Dorset Tudor Manor House.
It’s a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget your camera!
Book via the Athelhampton website and take advantage of early bird tickets! Sat 9th Nov or Sun 10 Nov.
This way it gives us a better idea of how many people are coming, so our lovely stallholders have enough goodies for you.
Some tickets will be available on the gate over the weekend, but this is not guaranteed.
What to expect
Shopping small is BIG for local businesses, where you can discover unique gifts. So whether it’s local cheese, funky craft ales, seasonal treats, chocolate, wine, or something made by talented artisans -there are plenty of stocking fillers, so you can shop small or large depending on your budget.
Plus, it’s a great way to support your local producers and makers – many with multi award winning products! Keep it local, and get to know the people who make, bake, brew, cook, farm, fish, sew, grow, craft, and create lovely things.
Festive tipples include wine, cider, beer, spirits, cocktails, ginger-based cordials, and liqueurs. Hot food, cheese, game, locally reared fresh meat, chocolate, coffee beans, tableware, honey, handmade soaps, preserves, chutney.
Spicy sauces, pies, biscuits, mince pies, artisan jewellery, glass art, local photography, art cards, paintings, charcuterie, cakes, Christmas puds, chef knife sets, artisan bread, traditional Dorset bakes, oils and spices, and our festive coffee bars.
The main part of the Christmas Fair is held inside a festive marquee, and whilst we’re brimming with seasonal cheer and excitement, we understand that mobility can be a concern. The marquee layout may pose some challenges for mobility scooters and wheelchairs – its a carpeted surface covering the grass. But we’re here to lend a helping hand where we can.
Rest assured, we are committed to making this event as inclusive as possible, with accessible routes and assistance, to ensure everyone can enjoy attending.
Most stall holders accept card payments, but Wi-Fi can sometimes be a bit slow, and we don’t want you to miss a purchase, so cash is always welcomed!
Athelhampton House Café will be selling snacks and hot drinks. The House will be closed for full viewing during this event, but you will still be able to go inside to enjoy the Great Chamber.
However, some of the Garden will be open, so you’ll be able to explore and enjoy the late autumn and early winter colours.
Last admissions 2.30pm.
It’ll be great to see you!
We’ll confirm our festive line up a bit nearer the date, so secure your spot now and be part of a magical weekend filled with gourmet delights, unique crafts, and festive inspirations.
Time
9 (Saturday) 10:00 am - 10 (Sunday) 3:00 pm
december
No Events
january
No Events
february
No Events
march
No Events
april
No Events