Bridge House Beaminster

With its seasonally changing menus offering produce such as Lulworth rose veal, Witchhampton snails Mapperton lamb and Lyme Bay hake the restaurant at the Bridge House Hotel is a real treat to visit.

Situated in the picturesque market town of Beaminster West Dorset the 700 year old Bridge House was once a home for priests and is now a country hotel full of relaxed luxurious character. It offers exceptionally good food aptly described as "fresh modern with a hint of France"

www.bridge-house.co.uk

Our party of four visited on a Friday night when in addition to the the a la carte menu a fish menu was also on offer.

As you can see my starter of Lyme Bay crab mayonnaise, brown meat pate, confit tomato and spiced avocado ice cream was delightful to look at and a brilliant combination of flavours and textures. The scallops with crispy pork belly were equally impressive.

Our main courses included generously sized whole fried local plaice served with crispy thin chips and seasonal vegetables and soft tender steak with enormous rings of hot crunchy onions and salad.

I chose roasted monkfish with salt and pepper chilli squid with risotto, fennel and pac choi which was excellent

The desert menu looked inviting as well but we were just too full

With its choice of restaurant, brassiere or outdoor dining the Bridge House is well worth a visit.

Beaminster is a charming town and with its church, museum and individual shops there is plenty to occupy you for an hour or so. Mapperton House with its valley gardens built of three levels is just a couple of miles away www.mapperton.com

It is only a short drive to the bustling town of Bridport and the popular coastal spots of West Bay, Burton Bradstock and Lyme Regis.