The BlueFish Cafe, Chiswell, Portland

Just a quick one here, I had to give this place a mention, after ending up there accidentally recently.
Although primarily a fish restaurant, the BlueFish Cafe in Portland does do lovely home cooked vegetarian dishes. These are not on the menu, but it says to ask for vegetarian options, and I guess these are seasonal dishes that vary depending on what's available. There were two very tasty sounding options, and I had a butternut squash risotto that was absolutely the tastiest risotto I have ever eaten! The accompanying salad was a little flat - just a bowl of leaves with no dressing, but the main dish was just delicious.

The cafe has a nice quirky feel about it, interesting decor with unmatching old silver cutlery and an assortment of aged wooden tables and chairs. The fairy lights, gentle background music and polite and friendly staff give it a comfortable and easy-going atmosphere.

Contact details:
http://thebluefishrestaurant.com/
The Bluefish Café & Restaurant,
Chiswell, Portland, Dorset DT5 1AN

Tel: 01305 822991
email: info@thebluefishrestaurant.com

Star rating: ***
(star rating out of 5 is the opinion of the Dorset Vegetarian, based on quality of food, choice for vegetarians, and quality of the restaurant in general)

The George Inn, Chideock, West Dorset

The George in Chideock is a traditional thatched pub, run by friendly and dedicated landlords Emma and Steve. Both previously worked at River Cottage, bringing with them the ethos of using good quality, homegrown or local food.

While much of the menu is based on locally produced meat or fresh local fish, vegetarians do have a reasonable choice with a permanent maincourse offering of vegetarian linguini served with pesto and goat's cheese, as well as a seasonal special which might be something like a seasonal vegetable gratin or stuffed local mushrooms.

Thursday nights are pizza night at the George, offering wood-fired pizzas with toppings of your choice, all freshly cooked in their outdoor oven. Sunday lunches also offer a vegetarian alternative of spinach and tomato lasagne.

A friendly welcome is always assured at the pub, there is regular live music, occasional quiz nights, and a good atmosphere, with cosy tables by the fireside during the winter, as well as a quieter dining room for more formal dinners. Booking is recommended, especially during the holiday season.

Contact details: http://georgeinnchideock.co.uk/

Tel: 01297 489419

Star rating: ****

NB: the star rating is the opinion of “The Dorset Vegetarian”, with a maximum score of 5 stars, and is based on quality of food, choice for vegetarians and overall impression.

Down House Farm garden cafe

I'm going to start with a review of the delightful garden cafe at Down House Farm in Lower Eype, near Bridport in Dorset.

Set on the edge of Eype Down, and just a short walk from the coast path, this cafe is a haven for walkers, and provides a quiet retreat for those who wish to escape the town. It also offers the best selection of vegetarian dishes that I have found in the area.

At least half of the main courses on the menu are suitable for vegetarians, are home cooked to order, and most of the ingredients used are sourced either from the farm, or obtained locally if possible. The farm, and the surrounding Golden Cap Estate, is owned by the National Trust, and run by dedicated tenants who specialise in organic produce.

On my recent visit (July 2012) I had a mediterranean vegetable frittata served with salad, while my companion had a greek salad. Both were prepared beautifully, and my frittata was delicious. We could tell it was all freshly made with good quality fresh ingredients. Main courses averaged at around £10.

The setting is very beautiful but, with most of the seating outdoors, is best visited on a nice sunny day. Although not open for evening meals they do still take orders for dinner up to 6 pm.

Contact details: www.downhousefarm.org, tel: 01308 421232

Star rating: *****

NB: the star rating is the opinion of “The Dorset Vegetarian”, with a maximum score of 5 stars, and is based on quality of food, choice for vegetarians and overall impression.

A vegetarian's guide to eating out in West Dorset

West Dorset is full of food producers, farmers, foodies and restaurants, but I still seem to have trouble finding places that offer a good choice of vegetarian food. There are lots of good restaurants dedicated to fresh fish, or local produce, but the chefs often seem reluctant to offer more than one or two token veggie dishes.

I am making it my mission to try out what's on offer from the various restaurants and pubs in the West Dorset area, and to compile a list of the best places to eat out for the discerning vegetarian.

Alongside this ongoing quest I shall be posting monthly seasonal vegetarian recipes.


Watch this space!