Lyme Life Magazine - Summer 2019

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT Summer 2019

Lifeboat Week, Carnival & all the summer festivals Explore the history of Belmont House Don’t miss our biggest ever Eating Out section

CONTENTS

PAGES 4-5 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week A famous face will be opening this year’s packed programme of events for the RNLI

Sea, sun and a summer of fun

PAGES 6-7 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Seaside fun and games for the whole family, raising funds for local causes

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HE people of Lyme Regis are bracing themselves for another bumper summer season when thousands will descend on Dorset’s favourite resort.

It is often said that Lyme, with a winter population of around 3,500, punches far above its weight when it comes to vying for visitors looking for a typical seaside vacation, or just a day out beside the sea.

A quick thumb through the pages of this summer edition of the Lyme Life magazine adds weight to that argument - from now until the end of September Lyme will play host to many thousands of holidaymakers and day trippers with a plethora of events and activities which make the resort such a popular destination.

For the next few months this charismatic town and surrounding area casts off its out-of-season cloak of serenity and becomes the focal point for festivals and fun to welcome back hoards of those who think Lyme is a true paradise.

And Lyme’s burgeoning reputation as a foodies’ Shangri-La is featured in a comprehensive food and drink section to get those taste buds salivating.

Philip Evans Publisher Editor Francesca Evans

Published by Lyme Regis Media Ltd.

Words Francesca Evans, Philip Evans, Sophia Moseley

www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk 01297 442781

Photography Richard Austin Sales Executive Debbie Conibere

@LymeLifeMag /LymeOnlineUK /lymeonline

PAGE 8 Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy Learn about the courses on offer at Lyme’s world-renowned Boat Building Academy PAGE 9 Enjoy the Jurassic Coast from the water Why not try stand-up paddle boarding with Jurassic SUP & Fitness this summer?

PAGES 10-11 Belmont House Guest writer Sophia Moseley explores this architectural and literary legacy PAGES 12 Dorset Street Food Festival There will be something to suit all taste buds as this popular festival returns PAGE 15 Lyme Folk Weekend Live music will fill the streets of Lyme with some top names from the world of folk PAGE 21 Coastal Craft Collective Keep the kids busy with a variety of craft workshops on offer this summer PAGES 20-30 Eating Out Don’t miss our biggest ever Eating Out supplement, showing off best Lyme has to offer in food and drink PAGE 30 What’s On Get all the dates in your diary for events in and around Lyme Regis this summer

Lyme’s nearest hotel to the sea ◆ 17th century coaching inn just two minutes’ walk to the sea ◆ 33 bedrooms, some with sea views ◆ Indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and sauna ◆ Traditional bar with extensive menu and daily specials ◆ Comfortable lounge ◆ Fine dining in the Oak Room Restaurant open to non-residents

Telephone: 01297 445622 www.royallionhotel.com Photo by Richard Austin

LYME REGIS & CHARMOUTH

lifeboat week

July 27th - August 3rd 2019 A FAMOUS face from one of the country’s most beloved sitcoms will officially open Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week this summer.

John Challis, who played Boycie in ‘Only Fools and Horses’, will kick off the annual fundraising week in aid of the RNLI. The opening ceremony will be held at Lyme Regis lifeboat station, based at the historic Cobb harbour, at 1.30pm on Saturday, July 27th.

The event will be followed by a welcome display by Lyme Regis’ Atlantic 85 ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ lifeboat, and the crew hope to be joined

by Exmouth’s Shannon class lifeboat.

A packed programme of events will ensue in the following week, with one of the highlights set to be a visit from the Army’s Red Devils parachute display team, who will be landing on the sandy beach on Thursday, August 1st.

Many favourite events will be returning this year, including the popular bathtub race, the tug o’ war across the harbour mouth, the yard of ale competition outside the Cobb Arms and the illuminated boats.

Music to suit all tastes features heavily in this year’s programme, with performances scheduled from the Greenwich Youth Band, shanty singing groups The Chantry Buoys and Harbour Voices, popular local band DeltaTango7 and the Three Counties Swing Band.

There will also be plenty of sporting events, including the annual fun run. Golf enthusiasts can try their hand at the Hole in One competition off the North Wall and you can cheer on the lifeboat crew as they take on a side from Uplyme Football Club.

Family-friendly activities will keep the children busy all week, with the programme including sand sports, treasure hunts, pavement art and a teddy bear’s picnic.

The week will be topped off with a firework display, held jointly with Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week (see pages 6 & 7) on Satur-

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day, August 3rd.

For full details of all Lifeboat Week events, don’t forget to buy your programme, available in many local outlets including the RNLI shop on the Cobb or download a copy from the website w w w. l y m e r e g i s lifeboatweek.co.uk

AS the RNLI’s national drowning prevention campaign, ‘Respect the Water’, launches for 2019, the life-saving charity is urging the public to follow its potentially lifesaving advice if they find themselves in trouble in cold water: ● Fight your instinct to swim hard or thrash about – this can lead to breath-

ing in water and drowning

Instead, relax and FLOAT on your back, until you have regained control of your breathing

●

Steve Instance, RNLI Community Safety Partner and St Agnes shore crew volunteer, said: “No one should have to lose someone they love to drowning. Many of the tragic deaths at the coast can be avoided if people understand the risks and prepare themselves by practising the float technique.

“We’ve been contacted by people who say they recalled the float safety message while in serious trouble in the water, and that following the RNLI’s advice helped save their life. But we can’t get complacent, we all have a role in getting behind coastal safety education, investing in initiatives and sharing survival skills to help save lives from drowning.

“Knowing what to do if you fall into cold water can be the difference between life and death.

“The instinctive human reaction when you fall into cold water can cause panic and gasping for breath, increasing the chances of breathing in water.

Although it’s counter intuitive, the best immediate course of action is to fight your instinct and float on your back.”

For more advice on how to float visit respectthewater.com. If you see someone in danger in the water at the coast, fight your instinct to go in and try to rescue them yourself, instead call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

@LymeLifeMag

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Lyme Regis

REGATTA&CARNIVAL L

YME Regis Regatta & Carnival has been one of the most popular events on the local calendar for more than 70 years. Visiting families return to the town year after year especially for the event, and residents also love to join in with this busy week of seaside fun.

The Regatta & Carnival Committee has been busy working on this summer’s programme since last October, with a packed week of events set to take place from Saturday, August 3rd to Saturday, August 10th.

The events will raise funds for local good causes, with the Regatta & Carnival Committee last year giving away £14,250 in donations to 26 different groups - a record for just one year!

The week will kick off with a spectacular fireworks display, jointly organised with Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week (see pages 4 & 5). Other favourite events set to return include the torchlight procession, open air cinema in Lister Gardens and duck race.

On the water, the local sailing and gig rowing clubs will be hosting their annual regattas, while Lyme Splash will be holding a water polo championship off the harbour pontoons - it is the only sea water polo championship to be held in the UK and attracts teams from all over the country.

There will be plenty to keep the children entertained throughout the week, with the programme including many games and competitions, as well as the traditional sand sports and pavement art.

Local organisations such as Lyme Regis Majorettes and Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club will be entertaining audiences with displays and there will also be plenty of live music.

The busy week will be topped off with the grand carnival procession on the evening of Saturday, August 10th and residents, visitors, local businesses and organisations are encouraged to dress up and get into the carnival spirit!

Commenting on their plans for this year, a spokesperson for the Regatta & Carnival Committee said: “Every year the process seems to little harder with all the form-filling we have to do and we try very hard to keep our costs to a minimum. But our small committee is determined to help residents, businesses and holidaymakers enjoy your time here in Lyme during Regatta & Carnival Week.

“We are committed to supporting Lyme Regis as an environmentallyfriendly town and hope that you will use our recycling facilities next to the carnival kiosk as well as making use of our free water refills for your water bottles.

“Have a great week, come and see us and help us to help you enjoy our very special seaside town – Lyme Regis.”

For full details of all Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week events, don’t forget to buy your programme - see page 7.

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Regatta memories...

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Philip Evans shares his favourite memories from Regatta and Carnival days gone by

ROWING up in Lyme Regis, the highlight of our summer was always Regatta Day in August.

As a family we rarely went on holiday. Who needed holidays when we had the beach on our doorstep? We spent long summer days playing in the sea, shrimping on back beach or biddlenobbing off the Cobb.

The regatta in those days was just a one-day event, long before ‘carnival’ was added to its title and the celebrations extended to a week.

Regatta Day usually commenced with the crowning of the Regatta Queen (later to be changed to the Miss Lyme Regis contest), usually held in Cobb Gate car park and performed by a celebrity, often artists appearing in summer season at Weymouth Pavilion.

For the young men of the town, Regatta Day was a chance to let their hair down as members of Bumbles Circus, led by fisherman Lionel Hodder with Tom Gollop as a clown and Doug Clark the bear, who would climb every obstacle in his way, especially the lamp posts.

The young men would spend the day inside a ferocious looking dragon or wearing large carnival heads and, as you can imagine, there would be a number of stops in the local pubs to take refreshment. It was not for the faint hearted.

‘Bumble’, as Lionel Hodder was called, was dressed in top hat and tails and carried a distinctive galvanised bucket with wire mesh soldered to the top as a receptacle to collect money to help pay for the day’s attractions and then a tin bath to receive collections pushed around on sack trucks.

Sailing races were staged throughout the day, with members of Beer Sailing Club coming over for the day. There were sand sports for the kids and a walking race for the over 60s which started and finished at the old Dolphin Inn in Mill Green, which became a duel every year between two local characters, Winkle Solway and Chaffey.

The day usually finished with a dance at the Woodmead Halls or the RAF Barracks on Monmouth Beach but, as kids, of course, we were not allowed to attend that.

This was considered to be a real Lyme day and those locals who were working away, especially those on National Service, would always try to get back to their home town for the celebrations.

A few years later when I was 18 I joined the Regatta Committee, by which time the event had been extended to three days (Thursday to Saturday) and a year later I became regatta secretary, succeeding Shaun Cregan, a post I held for ten years.

During this time we added a carnival procession to

LYME FOLK AUG 30 - SEPT 1 2019 @LymeLifeMag

the programme and made it a week-long event, building it into one of the biggest attractions of its kind along the south coast.

I was fortunate enough to build a team of about ten people who took a week’s holiday to help organise the event. Future mayor Ivor Curtis was the president and policeman Ken Meech chaired the committee with Jack Caddy as my assistant secretary. The treasurer was town clerk Harry Williams.

It was hard work but we had great fun and I have so many happy memories from those days.

Regular events included a donkey derby on Anning Road playing field; the torchlight procession, the brainchild of committee member John Fowler, which has been one of the big attractions in successive regatta and carnival weeks until this day; a round-the-houses beer drinking race sponsored

by Bass Charrington; and the pram derby, a firm favourite for many years until health and safety issues forced it off the programme.

The Regatta & Carnival was also the first organisation to bring the Red Arrows to Lyme, something of which I am really proud.

The Regatta Queen competition morphed into the Miss Lyme Regis contest, which was staged at the Woodroffe School. On one occasion we managed to get Sir Terry Wogan to compere the event. I obtained enough experience in compering these events and ended up being hired for similar occasions all over the country, including the National Carnival Queen contest at the Lyceum Ballroom in London’s West End. Miss Lyme Regis was crowned on the seafront by a number of celebrities over the years, including comedians Tommy Trinder, Billy Dainty, Hope and Keen and DJ ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton.

When publican John Rodd took over the running of the Marine Theatre we lost a venue for our main indoor events so we erected a revolutionary freestanding marquee on top of the Marine Parade shelters in which local character Johnny Solway acted as security and night watchman.

The one event that sticks out in my memory was the appearance of high diver Don Lindberg whose speciality was to climb a 100 foot ladder, set fire to himself and dive into a giant bucket of water on the beach. As you do.

Chairman Ken Meech was paranoid about the safety of this attraction, but it proved to be a huge success. Unfortunately, Mr Lindberg died the following year in Blackpool when he missed the bucket.

I look back on those days with great pride and the Regatta & Carnival has always been one of my favourite Lyme events.

Don’t forget to buy your Regatta & Carnival Week programme for full details of this year’s events, available at local outlets or to download from lymeregiscarnival.co.uk two OUTDOOR STAGES CEILIDH DANCES OPEN MIC STAGE WORKSHOPS TUNE & SONG SESSIONS MORRIS dancinG STREET FOOD CYDER BAR

JON BODEN • SAM SWEENEY NINEBARROW • ASKEW SISTERS

theatre tickets: 01297 442138 lymefolk.com

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LYME Regis Boat Building Academy delivers intensive and highly practical boat building and woodworking courses that run from two days to 40 weeks.

The flagship 40-week Boat Building course attracts people from all walks of life, from those wishing to change careers, to retirees, hobbyists and school leavers.

The diverse draw of the course means that no two classes are alike, with eighteen students joining from the UK and further afield; some from far as USA, New Zealand and across Europe. The course equips students with the vital skills essential to the marine industry, allowing for graduates to establish themselves as trained boat builders.

Alongside boat building, the academy teaches a wide array of woodworking

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courses, from a basic five-day introduction to the craft, all the way to, the 12-week Fine Woodworking course.

The woodworking courses are taught by accomplished furniture maker Mark Ripley. During their time on the course, students will make a dovetailed lidded box, a table and a cabinet. Towards the latter stage of the course, each student will design and make a personal project piece of their own specification.

Over the years these projects have ranged from a music stand, a toy chest, wooden bicycle, a deck chair and even a tennis racket.

With the skill level differing from each student, the longer courses are all taught at the same level regardless of experience. All that is asked for is enthusiasm, a willing attitude and a commitment to hard work.

For those wishing to have a taste of what’s on offer from the Academy, the two to five-day short courses cover a comprehensive array of boat building and woodworking skills, ranging from Wooden Boat Restoration, GRP Repairs, Furniture Making to ancillary skills such as Sail Making and Marquetry.

To see a full breakdown of all the courses taught at the Academy, go to www.boatbuildingacademy.com or contact the office on 01297 445545 or office@boatbuildingacademy.com

Enjoy the Jurassic Coast from the water this summer LOOKING to take up a new sport this summer?

Stand-up paddle boarding is the perfect way to improve your fitness while enjoying the tranquil waters of Lyme Bay and stunning scenery.

Esther Wyatt from Jurassic SUP & Fitness offers paddle boarding lessons and safaris for all, from complete beginners to the more advanced. Based in Charmouth, she regularly takes out families, including young children, and larger groups for stag and hen parties and other special events.

The bespoke sessions are tailored to suit each group and Esther can team up with other activity providers in the area to offer packages making the most of the Jurassic Coast, including yoga, hikes, fossil walks and more. She also offers personal fitness training.

One-to-one paddle boarding sessions are also available and have proved popular with those more nervous on the water, helping first-timers to overcome fears or acting as a form of therapy and stress relief.

Esther was “instantly hooked” after trying stand-up paddle boarding for the first time 15 years ago, and she regularly took her board out on the River Thames while working in the

events industry in London.

Although she trained people in her spare time, she never thought she could make a living out of paddle boarding. But after moving to Charmouth for a slower pace of life, and with the sport having grown in popularity in recent years, Esther has now been able to launch her own business sharing her skills with others.

“It’s amazing spending so much time outside on the water. It’s tranquil and peaceful and you get to enjoy the beautiful landscape away from the crowds,” she said.

“The sport is a lot more accessible now; it’s low-impact, environmentally-friendly and teaches you water safety.”

Esther is currently training for the Ironman 70.3 Weymouth, taking place in September, which includes a 1.2-mile swim, 100km on her bike and a half marathon run. She will be raising funds for the RNLI and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and can be sponsored online at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/esther-wyattironman For more details about Jurassic SUP & Fitness, visit jurassicsupfitness.com

Jurassic SUP & Fitness Ltd Charmouth & Lyme Regis Activities www.jurassicSUPfitness.com

jurassicsupfitness@gmail.com | +44 (0) 771 347 0000 @LymeLifeMag

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BELMONT HOUSE

an architectural and literary legacy

BY GUEST WRITER SOPHIA MOSELEY “…the feel of the house, almost gratitude…it has a kind of female feel…a bit of an old whore, with its splendid façade and all the mess that lies behind…”

Said John Fowles of Belmont House in ‘The Journals Vol. 2’ and whilst I can agree it has a splendid façade and when I visited it during the renovations, it certainly was in a mess, but ‘an old whore’? I prefer to think of this lovely property as a grand old lady of some breeding.

I recently returned to Belmont to see if the renovations carried out by the Landmark Trust had added to or detracted from her grandeur.

Lyme Regis has much reason to be grateful to John Fowles, having dined out on the success of the ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ for years and now anyone hoping to feed into his literary inspiration can sit in the very room where he put pen to paper.

For it is in the first floor sitting room where John wrote his famous novel and you

Sam Manning m: 07732 455370 t: 01297 631883 e: sam@th-room.co.uk 10

can sit and enjoy the exact same view overlooking the Cobb or step through the extra tall windows onto the balcony overlooking the harbour.

Many thought it was the observatory tower where John went to write; with his very British dry sense of humour he would collect the small toy dinosaurs from cereal packets and place them around the windows in the tower, making people think that’s where he worked.

But Belmont has its own story to tell starting in 1774 when Simon Bunter, a successful lawyer, wanted ‘to take the sea air’ so he built a seaside property on the hill overlooking Lyme Regis harbour and called it Bunter’s Castle. It was just 10 years later that Eleanor Coade’s uncle gave her the house.

Eleanor Coade (1733-1821) was a very successful businesswoman who owned the Coades’ Artificial Stone Manufactory in Lambeth.

One of her most popular schemes was turning plain buildings into more elaborate ones with classically designed porches and statues. Keystones above windows

RICHARD AUSTIN AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY

richardaustinimages.com

and doors were one of her greatest successes. Eleanor soon set about redesigning Bunter’s Castle, extending and turning it into something of a Coadestone show-house. She also changed the name to ‘Belmont House’.

Eleanor decorated the front with a swaggered frieze from one side to the other and the keystones above the windows and door are images of Neptune, Amphitrite and various sea creatures, in keeping with its nautical surrounds.

Very little is known about Eleanor, there are no portraits, pictures or photographs.

It is thought she was not a particularly attractive woman so disliked any imagery and the face on the door knocker is believed to be the closest we will get to seeing what she looked like!

Following her death, the house was tenanted by various people then in 1883 bought by a prominent Dorset GP, Doctor Richard Banga, who extended the house adding two wings, a conservatory and polygonal observatory tower with winding gear to rotate the roof.

During the first half of the 20th century it had various tenants until John and Elizabeth Fowles bought Belmont House for £18,000 in 1968 by which time the Victorian extensions had been ruined by shoddy renovations.

John was an enthusiastic botanist, entomologist, naturalist and local historian and he loved the solitude of Belmont.

Another half century later when John and Sarah decided it was time to move on, their greatest worry was that Belmont would be converted into flats or a care home; John wanted it to keep its literary bond so he contacted several organisations including America’s Stamford School and the Arvon Foundation, but it was obvious the house needed a substantial amount of investment which put people off.

EXAMPLES of Coade Stone are used throughout Belmont House, both inside and outside

When John died in 2005, Sarah continued their effort to protect Belmont and finally approached the Landmark Trust who bought it in 2007.

The trust had a difficult choice with a limited budget as Belmont deteriorated, a decision was made that was unpopular with many including John’s widow Sarah as they restored its Georgian character removing the alterations and additions from the past 250 years including the large Victorian extension, but they did decide to make John’s writing room the centre piece of the project.

The trust team uncovered the outer walls of Bunter’s Castle and interesting as this was, these have been covered over and the area is now a pretty hallway leading onto the back garden.

One of the downstairs reception rooms where they have restored the original fireplace has been converted into a bedroom to accommodate extra guests but at least the dining room with its twin doors either side of the arch (one of them is false just to give it a balanced look) has been retained. One of these doors had simply been papered over by one of the residents!

With the help of original plans, they mapped out the old building so they could unpick what had been done, working out where walls and doors had been removed. One of the few rooms that has never moved is the kitchen which could explain why it has a very warm and welcoming feel to it.

THE late author John Fowles bought Belmont House in 1968

But the trust’s real aim was to restore the origins of the building, recreating the Coadestone flagship house, albeit with the Victorian observatory tower in the garden that has had its winding mechanism restored and a telescope fitted; but they also wanted to uphold the literary legacy of John Fowles.

Outside, the garden has been split in half with the top section being laid to lawn then below and beyond an arc of trees is a ‘managed wilderness’ that I am sure John would have enjoyed.

But Belmont has to earn its keep and is now a self-catering property that can accommodate up to eight guests and is open all year round. The stable block was turned into a small exhibition detailing the story of the house. They are always on the lookout for volunteers to help keep it open.

But in recognition of its literary heritage, Belmont hosts twice yearly creative writing study weeks for students from the Creative Writing Department at the University of East Anglia and other educational organisations can apply to stay “It is a beautiful June evening, I shall walk down the hill to the bottom of my steep plot, past the cream-white furbelows, bee-loud and brave against an azure sea, of the acacias…”

Taken from ‘Wormholes’ by John Fowles. Beautiful as it is, I can’t help but feel Belmont has been a little sanitised to appeal to all, removing the quirky eclectic nature of the house that captivated John, perhaps a few dinosaurs here and there might add a touch of that Fowles humour.

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

07720 985775

63a Silver Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HR

@LymeLifeMag

THE garden at Belmont features a unique Victorian observatory tower with a hatch and revolving roof

Jewellery, gifts & interiors 33 Coombe Street 01297 444817 open 10am-5pm daily Find us on Instagram @coombestreetgallery

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EXCITING news for lovers of street food - between July 12th and 14th Street Food Warehouse will roll into Langmoor Gardens, Lyme Regis, for the second year of Dorset Street Food Festival.

The festival will feature a whole host of creative and unique street food vendors, with sister company, Pop Up Bar Hire, in tow to keep glasses full for the entire weekend. Whether it’s an ice cold pint of craft beer or a zesty mojito, Pop Up Bar Hire have got it covered.

There are wholesome vendors aplenty arriving in Dorset for this foodie extravaganza; go big or go home with The Dog House who will bring the ultimate loaded hot dogs to Dorset, followed closely by the carb-ilicious Little Grub Hut and his delicious dirty fries.

If you’re after a sweet treat, you’ve hit the jackpot with Twirly Bakes and their whirly, delicious cakes and Extreme Chocolate who are stocked to the heavens with mouthwatering, gooey brownies.

There’s also amply opportunity to take things international; West Country Dim Sum will be serving up Chinese dim sum deliciousness, take a trip to Morocco with Street Food South West, Little Somboon Kitchen take you to Thailand, but you can always keep it local with Furzeleigh Down Dairy

and their homemade ice cream.

Street Food Warehouse have set out to ensure that everyone can enjoy the food at their festivals, with various vendors catering for those with gluten and dairy intolerances, plus vegans, veggies and carnivores alike.

If that wasn’t enough to tickle your taste buds, Street Food Warehouse have gone the extra mile to add a little extra heat to their events this year with a sponsorship from the UK’s number one hot pepper sauce, Encona.

A family friendly event to be enjoyed by all, Dorset Street Food Festival is certainly not to be missed.

So, if sampling quality food and drink by the seaside whilst basking in glorious sunshine sounds right up your ‘street,’ register for your free tickets today via the website www.dorsetstreetfoodfestival.co.uk

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BALLET THE Lyme School of Ballet was set up by Jill Chase in 1976 to provide dance training to all - an ethos that has certainly continued under the leadership of Freya Lovett, who took over as principal last July.

Miss Freya is an experienced and highly-qualified ballet dancer, having studied the art since she was four years old. She started assisting Mrs Chase in teaching classes when she was 16 and, having now taken over as principal, she continues to improve her skills studying for the Royal Academy of Dance’s BA (Hons) Dance Education degree.

Miss Freya has expanded the number of classes offered by Lyme School of Ballet, with students now ranging from just 18 months in the pre-school class to 83 years in the Silver Swans group for over 50s.

No experience or ballet training is required to join.

Some students simply enjoy dancing as a hobby or

TAXI

to improve fitness, while others hope to pursue it more professionally and take regular exams.

The pupils - particularly younger members - also regularly take part in community events such as pantomimes and concerts, and recently impressed audiences at the Marine Theatre’s 125th anniversary revue show.

Commenting on her appointment as principal, Miss Freya said: “I love it so much I can’t believe I didn’t start doing it earlier. I get to do much more choreography and staging and it’s lovely to see the children performing and having fun.

“I must thank Jill Chase; what she has done for this school I can only hope to take forward. Her ballet for all ethos is extremely important.”

To find out more about the Lyme School of Ballet visit lymeschoolofballet.com

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THIS summer sees the return of the ever popular Lyme Folk Weekend, back for its eighth year and with a programme that once again puts the event at the forefront of folk events in the South West.

With a star-studded programme in the Marine Theatre and a whole host of free events all around the town, the 2019 edition looks like the perfect way to round of the summer season in Lyme Regis.

The free outdoor music, dancing and other events all make the festival a great way to spend the weekend in Lyme, and this year there will be even more going on, with an additional outdoor venue at Theatre Square, complementing the main Seafront Stage.

For fans of great music, though, the Marine Theatre is the place to spend the evenings.

Opening night at the theatre on Friday, August 30th brings a welcome return to Lyme for Jon Boden for the first time since the inaugural festival in 2013.

Jon has become the standout performer of his generation of traditional folk artists, but one whose repertoire extends far beyond the boundaries of the genre. He brought the curtain down on the very first Lyme Folk Weekend seven years ago in spectacular style alongside fellow Bellowhead member John Spiers, and returns this summer as a critically acclaimed solo artist. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of the finest and most influential folk performers of his generation.

Also on the bill for opening night are the wonderful Askew Sisters, who delighted Marine Theatre audiences at the spring fundraiser, Lyme Folk Revisited. Emily and Hazel Askew rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breathtaking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences. Alongside this, both women are also skilled multi-instrumentalists and expert players of dance music, using fiddles, melodeons, concertina and cello in their innate drive to bring old dance music to life.

By popular demand, the festival’s patrons will be bringing their unique 'Ninebarrow & Friends' show to Lyme Folk Weekend once again - this time with a whole new bunch of friends. Joining Jon and Jay for the Saturday night show will be award-winning contemporary folk duo Tinderbox, featuring Dublin born singer-songwriter Monique Houraghan and UK guitarist/songwriter Dan Tucker.

With five studio albums and one live album under their belts, Tinderbox have amassed an impressive catalogue of self- penned music, and have opened for high-profile acts including Joan Armatrading, 10cc, John Renbourn, Chris Difford and Hazel O’Connor amongst many others.

Also on stage will be Wiltshire-based singer-songwriter Ben Cipolla, whose naturally languid and confident vocal style combines with his intoxicating guitar technique, as heard on BBC Introducing Sessions and Clare Teal’s Radio 2 show.

Completing a unique line-up for this one-off concert will be Will Finn and Rosie Calvert,

a folk- and traditionally- inspired duo from the North East of England. Their debut album, ‘Beneath This Place’, was released in 2018, and their genre-defying live performances are truly unforgettable.

Closing the festival on Sunday September 1 will be one of the folk scene's most talkedabout musicians. Sam Sweeney is a veteran of the mighty Bellowhead’s domination of British folk for 10 years, artistic director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, founder member of the acclaimed instrumental trio Leveret, and a superb instrumentalist who was named BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year in 2015.

The recent centenary of the end of the First Word War has thrown the spotlight on to his brilliant new project, The Unfinished Violin. The show centres on a fiddle Sam came across in a shop in Oxford - made but never assembled by one Richard Howard of Leeds in 1915.

The shop owner had bought it an auction, in pieces, in an old manila envelope, and put it together. Sam set about digging into its history, and uncovered the fateful tale of Richard Howard, a music hall performer who was called up in 1916 and who lost his life in the Battle of Messines on 7th June 1917. It’s the instrument Sam plays in the show and has used for several albums and countless gigs.

Sam, along with a four-piece band, tell the tale of the Unfinished Violin through a wonderfully emotional collection of tunes including many which echo back to the First World War and the fiddle's origins.

Lyme Folk Weekend 2019 runs from Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st.

Tickets for the Marine Theatre shows are available from the Lyme Folk Weekend website at www.lymefolk.com, or from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138.

THE SOUTH WEST’S ORIGINAL ROCKIN’ BARBER SHOP 40 SILVER STREET, LYME REGIS

sandymanchopshop.com | 07401 796 637 @LymeLifeMag

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Time to Relax AROMANTIQUE

AROMANTIQUE’S Studio is located within the artisan business community at the ambient Town Mill, conveniently situated at the heart of Lyme Regis, next to the River Lim, and just moments from the sea front with it’s beautiful views of the sea and Jurassic coastline.

Aromatherapy combines the tactile medium of touch, through massage, with the use of essential oils to engender a state of deep relaxation that potentially serves to enhance a sense of peace and wellbeing within the recipient, while at the same time improving their immunological homeostasis.

Essential oils provide wonderful antidotes to the hustle bustle of modern life.

Their qualities are numerous. Protective, restorative, and adaptogenic, they are powerful antimicrobial and skin healing agents, they positively influence mood and emotion, and produce beautiful scents and perfumes: a lovely way to rebalance body, mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy treatment sessions usually last for up to 90 minutes (including consultation time). To find out more and to book an appointment visit www.aromantique.co.uk or telephone 07419 777 451.

Heather discovered essential oils in the early 1970s when she worked for Robert Tisserand, then later taught at the University of Salford, where she was programme lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice degree. She has run her own practice, Aromantique, for more than 25 years.

Heathers book, ‘Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation’, is listed as a best selling recent release by USA publishers, Inner Traditions, and is available to purchase from most online and high street book outlets. You will find copies at Serendip, located in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, where you can also order copies of the book (next day delivery). Heather’s next book, ‘Essential Oils for the Whole Body’, will be published on November 5th 2019.

Would you like to learn more about essential oils and how the effectively and safely apply them? Heather is running a series of workshops over the next few months.

Each workshop explores a different dynamic, such as how essential oils are derived within the plant, how scent influences mood and emotion, how to create effective and interesting blends, and more. These workshops also combine to create a complete aromatherapy training course; the choice is yours, you can study as much or as little as you need, according to your own requirement.

To find out more, visit the website www.aromantique.co.uk, phone 07419 777 451, or email heather@aromantique.co.uk

IN HARMONY BASED in Silver Street, In Harmony Beauty Salon was completely refurbished before opening in winter 2017, creating a tranquil oasis where clients can get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The space is clean, calm and relaxing, with two private treatment rooms complete with glittering wallpaper, and a nail bar offering Shellac and Jessica polish manicures.

In Harmony recently welcomed Lucy, a nail technician to the team. Lucy has a passion for all things nails and has created some amazing designs for clients’ nails, receiving lovely feedback.

In Harmony offers a range of beauty treatments, including 16 types of facials using the British botanical range Elemis, as well as 100 per cent natural, vegan-friendly face and body treatments with award-winning local brand Lovegrove Essentials.

Massage and holistics are also popular, with a range of 13 different massage oils and treatments including the latest celebrity favourite, the Lava Shell massage.

Manager Lisa Galvani also offers makeup services using the award-winning, natural mineral-based makeup brand Jane Iredale, including group or individual makeup lessons, bridal and special occasion makeup, and has recently been featured in the Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding magazines.

In Harmony also offers a mobile service including massage, facials and nail treatments.

For full details or to book an appointment, call 01297 445138, visit the website www.inharmonylymeregis.co.uk or find In Harmony on Facebook.

www.inharmonylymeregis.co.uk 01297 445138 57 Silver Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3HR OPEN:

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Monday 11-3 ● Tuesday 9.30-5 ● Wednesday 9.30-5 Thursday 9.30-7 ● Friday 9.30-5 ● Saturday 9.30-3 ● Sunday Closed

IN his celebratory 20th year of River Cottage, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall throws open the farm gates for a very special River Cottage Festival.

The renowned annual event, held at River Cottage HQ at Park Farm, near Lyme Regis, over the August Bank Holiday weekend, promises to be a brilliant mix of food, live music and special guests.

The predominant themes of the weekend’s discussions and presentations are perennials for Hugh and River Cottage; conservation, sustainability and wellbeing.

Joining Hugh on stage will be TV presenter Anita Rani, Hugh’s co-presenter in the new BBC1 series ‘War On Plastic’, due to air shortly.

Another TV favourite, Steph McGovern will also be appearing, talking with Hugh about health and well-being, and the new series on

that subject that she and Hugh are filming over the summer. Joining them to address the issue of how we can all look after ourselves better will be Giles Yeo, geneticist, author and BBC presenter, also seen recently on ‘Hugh’s Fat Fight’.

Food is central to life at River Cottage so a highlight of the event will be the food demonstrations at The Fire Pit, hosted by River Cottage author and tutor, Steven Lamb. He will be welcoming food writer Valentine Warner, chef and food writer Claire Thomson and River Café’s Joe Trivelli amongst others.

River Cottage contributor favourites John Wright, Rachel de Thample and Naomi Devlin will be leading a full schedule of masterclasses around cocktail making, fermentation, foraging and gut health.

Festival-goers can opt for a Long Table Lunch in the 18th century threshing barn, with a two-course menu of dishes made using fresh, homegrown ingredients from the kitchen garden.

River Cottage street food will join forces with local producers including Thali Café, Good Game and Assembelly.

There will also be a fully-licensed bar serving local ciders, craft beers and organic wines, and the unmissable River Cottage Cocktail Bar. Evening Feasts Over Fire are led by guest chefs, including Welsh Persian chef Leyli Joon & Co and the team from Roth Bar & Grill.

The Festival Gigs are back by popular demand and

organisers are thrilled to announce two headlining DJ sets; Belle & Sebastian’s Richard Colburn and Happy Monday’s Bez. The curated list of diverse talent including Honeyfeet, The Luck and Rum Buffalo, makes it the most exciting lineup yet, stretching from lunchtime to after dark.

To make this anniversary extra memorable, the River Cottage team is introducing a new element to the event, an ethical fashion panel featuring Georgina Wilson-Powell, founder of Pebble magazine, who will be in discussion with famed British designer Alice Temperley and Maria Chenoweth, CEO of Traid.

Kids under 16 can attend for free and there is plenty to keep them occupied.

The Little Theatre space features Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre, puppet making workshops, circus performance and skills, storytelling and musical sessions.

Elsewhere they can get stuck in to bushcraft, felting, art, forest skills, woodcraft and headdress making.

There will be an array of workshops for the grown-ups too, venturing into artisan crafts like willow making, watercolour botanicals, paper art and pottery.

This year, to reflect the River Cottage emphasis on well-being, the Calm Corner offers massage, reiki treatments, yoga classes and family yoga sessions.

With a friendly relaxed atmosphere, the whole family is welcome to stay for the weekend of August 24 and 25. The grounds are open to campers, either to bring their own tent or to enjoy a ‘glamping’ experience by booking a stay in a luxury bell tent. Arrive on the Friday for an exclusive campers’ party with food, drink and live music to kick off the weekend.

Visitors can choose from a variety of tickets including weekend, daytime or luxury camping, all available from the River Cottage website www.rivercottage.net/festival

THE CRÊPE ERIE

67 Broad Street Ly Lyme Regis • 012 297 445774

@LymeLifeMag

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BASED in Seaton, just along the coast from Lyme Regis, Coastal Craft Collective sells a wide range of quality, handmade products on behalf of over 50 local artists and offers art and craft workshops for adults and children throughout the year.

There’s always a warm welcome and lots to see in the shop. The handcrafted products on offer include jewellery, art, candles, soaps, ceramics, bunting, glass art, conserves, fudge, mosaics, gifts, cards and coastal creations. There are also craft kits - ideal rainy day activities!

Behind the shop there’s a spacious creative area where talented artists run friendly, good value workshops. They include driftwood creations, hand and machine sewing, decopatch, silk painting, jewellery making, art journaling, sculpture, weaving, mosaics, wet and needle felting, painting mandalas, metal embossing, printing, bookbinding and paint pouring.

Linda Doughty, moved to Lyme Regis in May 2016 and opened the business a year later.

She said: “Our aim is to celebrate local creativity. We offer quality, locally handmade goods and our craft workshops encourage people to relax, enjoy themselves and learn new skills.

“As well as the specific subject workshops, we offer weekly drop-in crafting sessions where anyone can try a choice of activities with no need to book.”

Weekly Drop-In Sessions Craft Club: Tuesdays 10.30am to 1pm and Thursdays 1pm to 3.30pm After School Craft Club (term time): Thursdays 4pm to 5.30pm Patchwork Club: Fridays 10.30am to 1pm

July Workshops 1/7 Adults’ Beach Combing 3/7 Envelope Cushion Covers 6/7 Children’s Sewing Club Paint a Mandala 8/7 INKantation: ink drawing 9/7 Intro to Wet Felting 10/7 Learn to Sew Bunting 11/7 Long Stitch Bookbinding 12/7 Quirky Pincushions 13/7 Felt Floral Wreaths 14/7 Sew a Sewing Tidy 15/7 Art Journaling Modern Calligraphy 16/7 Lino Printing 18/7 Adults’ Mixed Media 22/7 Practical INKantation 22/7 Peg Loom Weaving 23/7 Sea Glass Creations 25/7 Driftwood Creations

D rop i c r af t s es n si thr ough ons th sum m e r e hol id ay s !

Summer Holiday Workshops From 26/7, drop-in crafting between 9.30am and 3.30pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 27/7 Peg Loom Weaving 28/7 Intro to Pyrography Mini Ceramic Bunting 29/7 Long Stitch Bookbinding 31/7 Children’s Mixed Media Children’s Treasure Maps 5/8 Family Beach Combing 7&8/8 Mosaics 10/8 Punch Needle Wall Art 14/8 Children’s Paper Making 28/8 Children’s Paint Pouring Full details of the workshops at coastalcraftcollective.co.uk Book online, call 01297 691362 or call into the shop!

10 Marine Place, Seaton EX12 2QL

Web: coastalcraftcollective.co.uk Tel: 01297 691362 Email: hello@coastalcraftcollective.co.uk 18

EATING OUT Beach House Café J

UST a stone’s throw from the glorious sandy beach and the picturesque Cobb area of the town, the Beach House Café is the last traditional seaside café in Lyme – but with a culinary twist.

Offering the best in traditional English food alongside an extensive menu from around the world, this popular seafront location is the perfect place for a pit stop at any time of day.

The Beach House Café last season celebrated its 20th anniversary, having been nurtured by the mother and daughter team of Audrey and Katie Vellacott.

Alongside its popular full English breakfasts, including the ever-popular ‘full monty’, the Beach House Café is building a reputation for Middle Eastern alternatives, with the shakshuka proving particularly popular. Well-travelled Katie introduced shakshuka to the menu having been inspired by the time she spent in Israel.

Originally a Tunisian dish but popular in Israel, shakshuka consists of an egg poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, served in a frying pan with feta and coriander with a baguette on the side - perfect for sharing.

And this year Katie has introduced five healthy alternative shakshukas - Greek (spinach and feta), Moroccan (Merguez sausage and pistachio), Egyptian (fava bean, spinach and tahini), Lebanese (halloumi and aubergine) and Japanese (tofu and mushroom). There also a vegan option.

Shakshuka parties for ten (see photo below) have become particularly popular with locals and visitors alike, and the alternative breakfast menu has also become a favourite with groups of fishermen and divers and other local groups taking advantage of the Beach Cafe’s early morning opening.

For the less adventurous, there’s also a full menu to suit all tastes with daily lunch specials and Katie’s delicious homemade cakes. especially the Tunisian Orange cake, are also a firm favourite with the customers.

AUDREY and Katie Vellacott - looking forward to another busy summer season

Try our famous SHAKSHUKA

In the Middle East Shakshuka is synonomous with breakfast or brunch.A traditional dish of poached eggs braised in our homemade spicy tomato and pepper sauce, topped with feta and corianders and served with pitta or baguette.

Choose from CLASSIC GREEK - Spinach and Feta MOROCCAN - Merguez Sausage & Pistachio EGYPTIAN - Fava Bean, Spinach and Tahini LEBANESE - Halloumi & Aubergine JAPANESE - Tofu & Mushroom VEGAN Middle Eastern Breakfast - Falafel, hummus, salad & pitta Spinach Kibbeh & Eggs Ful Medames - Food of the Pharaohs Halloumi & Fried Eggs, Harira Soup, Halloumi Fries & Chilli Sauce Also serving

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BREAKFASTS, MAIN MEALS AND LUNCH SPECIALS, BAGUETTES, SANDWICHES CHILDREN’S MEALS JACKET POTATOES, MEDITERRANEAN WRAPS, SOUP, SALADS, CREAM TEAS AND DESSERTS Seating outside the cafe and in our beach garden area

Beach House Cafe 24 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF 01297 445923

24 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis 01297 445923

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EATING OUT Black Dog Tea Room The Monmouth Table

E

SCAPE the hustle and bustle of the town centre and enjoy a hearty homecooked meal at Uplyme’s hidden gem, the Black Dog Tea Room, where customers come back time and time again for owner Rod and Sonia’s generous homemade fayre and loose leaf tea.

The Black Dog Tea Room is dog-friendly so a walk up the River Lim with your furry friend can end with a lovely cup of tea and a cake, snack or a filling lunch with Rod and Sonia serving up generous helpings, all lovingly made by hand and excellently presented.

Nearly everything is made on the premises - bread, rolls, cakes and scones - and they use locally-sourced produce where possible. The bacon for the Somerset brie and bacon rolls comes from Colyton Butchers, the eggs used in the roasted pepper, mushroom and cherry tomato quiche are free range and come from just up the road, and the toast used in Rod's Rustic Rarebit is made on site using flour hand-milled at the Town Mill in Lyme Regis.

With need for more space, Rod and Sonia have built a summerhouse as an extension to the light and airy tea room, with the idea that it can be hired out for meetings or private lunches. It looks out over the landscaped garden, where you can also enjoy lunch on those warmer days, and has a lovely view of the Lym Valley.

The Black Dog Tea Room is on Lyme Road heading towards Lyme Regis and is open every day except Wednesdays, when Rod and Sonia can instead be found walking their two dogs, Martha and Jorge, along the east beach towards Charmouth, Martha chasing the seagulls and Jorge meeting new friends to play with, and Rod and Sonia enjoying the walk and sea air.

Lyme Road, Uplyme 01297 444063 | blackdogtearoom.co.uk

T

HE Monmouth Table is a pop up dining project, born on the pebbles of Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis, by Annie Coplestone and Carlotta Paolieri.

Our aim is to bring seasonal and honest food in and around the Jurassic Coast.

Our menu changes daily depending on availability (and some surprises!) from our local organic growers and fisherman.

Photos by Matt Austin Hosted at The Pop Up Kitchen, 32 Broad Street on Friday and Saturday nights, our fish tapas menu is on the move to other venues during the week.

Annie started her cooking career exactly in this area, working at River Cottage at the age of 19 and moving later to the River Café in Hammersmith. She then headed to Barcelona, before returning to the UK to work at Moro in London. She brings back to her hometown her passion for locally sourced quality produce and fresh Mediterranean flavours.

SAMPLE MENU Olive 3 / Bread 2.8 Smoked haddock brandade, polenta 4 Muhammara dip, radishes 5 Plaice, orange, fennel, pink peppercorn 9 Hake, butter beans, chilli butter 8 Crab rice 8 Scallops, slow-cooked peas 12 Mackerel, paprika, lemon 8 Tomato panzanella 6 Beetroots, walnuts, parsley 6 Chard, anchovies, garlic 6 Tortilla, spring onions 5 Patatas bravas 5 Chocolate pudding, clotted cream 7 Godminster cheddar, chutney 7

Carlotta worked in the hospitality business for the past 10 years in London which opened a door of fine dining standards in food and service. After travelling and moving back to the UK, she met Annie and they decided to put into practice their common experience and interest in food.

We are a small independent business and as such aim to support other local businesses by buying as much as we can nearby.

Our small kitchen also pushes us to be as close to zero-waste as possible which is guarantee of freshness, but it also means that not everything may be available all night on the menu so and get it while it’s hot!

The Monmouth Table can currently be found at The Pop Up Kitchen at 32 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, every Friday and Saturday, and at Soulshine Cafe at 76 South Street, Bridport, every Thursday. For further details visit www.themonmouthtable.co.uk or to book call 07425 969 079 or email bookings@themonmouthtable.co.uk.

Search for The Monmouth Table on Facebook and Instagram.

Pop Up Kitchen, 32 Broad Street, Lyme Regis 07425 969 079 | themonmouthtable.co.uk @LymeLifeMag

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EATING OUT The Harbour Inn S ITTING on the veranda as the sun goes down, sipping a chilled Chablis with the sea lapping over the sandy beach just a few steps away, you could be in any trendy bar in some exotic holiday location.

But this is the Harbour Inn in Lyme Regis - trendy in its own right with a plethora of new eating out venues opening in recent times - where owners Sue Steward and Mark Oldfield are celebrating their 15th year in the resort and whose reputation has done much to establish Lyme as a must-go-to food destination.

Sue and her staff have been giving Lyme’s most popular seafront restaurant and bar a refreshed look.

Adding a very special touch, the bar and restaurant walls are adorned with an array of spectacular mixed media works and paintings by Sue’s artist daughter, Julie Oldfield.

Before acquiring The Harbour, after moving to the West Country from Derbyshire in the 1990s, Sue bought the Honiton Wine Bar, which was run by son Mark, as well as taking over the Awliscombe Inn. The Harbour was a pretty tired seaside pub when they took it over in 2004 and, over the years, they have extended the

premises, adding a restaurant, maximising the attractive veranda and securing a sitting out area on the beach which is literally just a few steps from the bar.

Sue and Mark soon recognised that their position so close to the sea was their greatest asset and set about building their restaurant trade, gaining a reputation over the years for good quality cuisine at reasonable prices, using local ingredients, especially fresh fish right off the harbour trawlers.

That reputation is still as strong today despite the increase in competition from new food outlets in Lyme in recent years.

For many, The Harbour is still the favoured location for celebrating big occasions and events and some of their dishes, especially Sue’s very own fish pie, have near iconic status.

Separate lunchtime and evening a la carte menus are available with chief chef Darrol Moss and his kitchen staff - Andy Bensen, Ben Jones and Cameron Moss preparing daily specials using local produce where possible.

Occasional music nights at The Harbour are always popular with its close proximity to the beach and the bar is a regular haunt for the seafaring fraternity, including the unofficial watering hole for Lyme Regis Gig Club.

Special menus are also prepared for

specific events such as Valentine’s Day and Burns’ Night but Sue and her staff consider those who just want to take in the seaside atmosphere and enjoy a drink on the veranda, or in the sitting out area, just as important as those enjoying their meals in the restaurant.

Sue said: “We have a loyal clientele but we are conscious that there is increasing competition in the hospitality trade in Lyme Regis and to celebrate our 15th year in the town we have redecorated the bar and restaurant as the summer approaches, together with new seasonal dishes.

23 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis 01297 442299 | harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk

Family-run business serving home-cooked food using quality local produce Enjoy lunch or dinner in our restaurant, private beach area or veranda overlooking the bay

To book call 01297 442299 harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk

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“We are really grateful for the support we have received from the people of Lyme and we look forward to serving them and our visitors for many years to come.”

Sue paid tribute to her staff, around 36 of whom are employed during the season, and also the creativity and skill of her chefs led by Darrol Moss.

The Harbour Inn is open seven days a week 10.30am until late with food being served 12noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm.

It is always advisable to book, especially for bigger parties, by calling 01297 442299.

EATING OUT The Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant

O

NLY a two-minute walk from the main street or a short, road-free walk through the gardens from the beach and its vibrant promenade, the Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant with its grandstand view across Lyme Bay is a hidden gem - an oasis of tranquillity.

With friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, the Alex is open to all every day.

Pop in for a morning coffee, where you can kick back on a lounger on the deck and enjoy views over the Cobb as the boats begin their day, or why not invite family and friends along for lunch on the garden terrace, where the sea spans out in front of you?

A cocktail overlooking the harbour at sundown is a must, it really doesn’t get much better and it’s a great place for watching the world go by below.

The Ammonite - set in the wonderful new light and airy orangery, with wide bifold doors opening onto the lawns - is perfect for that Alex trademark; afternoon tea, again available every day or if you feel like pushing it up a notch, go for the full afternoon tea with all the bells and whistles (requires 24 hours notice). The Ammonite is also the perfect summer setting for dinner on balmy summer evenings, offering great choice with its brasserie style dishes.

The Alexandra Dining Room, set with views out across the cliffs to Chesil Beach and beyond, is where you can really go to town. The Local Tasting Experience Menu has six courses and is a real foodies heaven!

garden, the tower is a delightfully romantic spot for weddings and other special occasions, such as a private anniversary dinner for two by candle light.

Owner Kathryn Haskins, together with manager Fiona and the team, love to keep the offering at the Alex interesting. Many one-off and regular open-to-all events occur throughout the year, such as their Taittinger Champagne dinner, classical recitals and monthly film and supper nights, which are held in the hotel’s restored chapel.

The chapel is also available to hire for weddings, meetings, local societies, etc and the hotel will consider no hire charge for local charities.

Great for a day with friends is perhaps a walk along the cliffs followed by lunch and topped off with a relaxing treatment in the Alex’s open-to-all spa treatment room, offering treatments such as aromatherapy, hot stones, Swedish massage and more.

Of course, if you’d like to stay a night or two, the hotel has 24 individually designed bedrooms, many of them with fabulous views of the sea and Jurassic Coast.

The rooms are decorated in a classic English style with a contemporary twist with the best room in the house ‘The Countess’, named after the Countess Dowager Poulett who built the house in 1735, having a marble bathroom with double basins, luxurious walk-in shower and bath with TV.

So whether it’s a quick bite or a full-on dining experience you’re looking for, the Alex has it in abundance. As a gold Taste of the West award winner, the hotel is a real supporter of the ‘local and seasonal’ ethos, and adheres to the traffic light system used by the Marine Conservation Society.

Public rooms are again sympathetic to a building with such heritage and to its seaside location, cleverly mixing antiques with the modern - think stripped floorboards and soft furnishings with tones of blues and soft greens, add to that just the right amount of colour to throw in a wow factor and you have what is the Alex!

Another secret of the Alex, which yet again enjoys fabulous views over the Cobb harbour, is its private lookout tower.

Tucked away in a hidden corner of the

The Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant is open daily, for reservations or more information call 01297 442010 www.hotelalexandra.co.uk

Pound Street, Lyme Regis 01297 442010 | hotelalexandra.co.uk

Enjoy our oasis with fabulous views over Lyme Bay, award-winning food and service Open every day for Breakfast, Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner & Cocktails

Pound Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3HZ | 01297 442010 | hotelalexandra.co.uk @LymeLifeMag

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EATING OUT The Royal Standard

J

UST a few steps from Lyme’s sandy beach, you’ll struggle to find a better location than The Royal Standard to enjoy a relaxed pint and homecooked fayre this summer.

favourites and using ingredients from local suppliers wherever possible.

These include Complete Meats of Axminster, local fishermen and Daveys Locker of West Bay.

The traditional Palmers Brewery pub and restaurant has a large beer garden - a sun trap in the summer months, with views towards the beach and famous Cobb harbour.

Alongside traditional dishes and an extensive selection of seafood, including fresh, local whole crabs and lobsters, head chef Akis brings a touch of his Greek heritage to the menu, as well as vegetarian specials and a children’s menu.

Along with the pool bar and restaurant - offering wheelchair access throughout and welcoming children and dogs there’s plenty of space for everyone, whether you’re popping in for a quick pint or a large family meal.

Long-standing landlords Steve and Jane Souter-Phillips handed over the business to their daughter Rachael and son-in-law Akis Maravelis last year. The young couple will offer you a warm welcome, along with their team of friendly and efficient staff.

You’ll find a full range of Palmers Brewery’s award-winning ales behind the bar, accredited with a Cask Marque Award to show excellence in cellar management and ale quality.

The Royal Standard is open for lunches and dinner, offering generous, unpretentious quality. The pub specialises in simple country cooking with traditional

The Royal Standard has a full programme of live music and DJs scheduled for the summer months, as follows: ● Saturday, July 27th - Rockaoke (karaoke with the band Random 45’s) ● Wednesday, July 31st - The Seatrees ● Saturday, August 3rd - Skalatans ● Wednesday, August 7th - 80s and 90s DJ Night ● Saturday, August 10th - Mad Jeff’s Reggae Night ● Saturday, August 17th - Man Down ● Saturday, August 24th - The Vinyl Monkeys ● Saturday, August 31st - Fat Marrow Blues Band ● Sunday, September 1st - DJ Kathy & her vinyls ● Saturday, September 7th DeltaTango7 All from 9pm til late!

25 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis 01297 442637 | theroyalstandardlymeregis.co.uk ● ● ● ● ●

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EATING OUT The Fisherman’s Wife Penny Black Café

P

ENNY Black Cafe is situated in what was once the town's mail sorting room.

Tucked behind the Post Office on Broad Street, this vintage-inspired tearoom and courtyard garden is named after the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

The friendly family-run eatery is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm, serving breakfasts, light lunches, cakes and bakes, cream teas, fresh soup and delicious homemade special dishes.

Using wholesome, locally sourced ingredients, meals are made from scratch on the premises, and owners Ben and Nicky are happy to make tweaks to suit different diets.

Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available, including soya versions of the cafe's wide range of popular milkshakes, and new on the menu this spring, yummy vegan and vegetarian breakfasts.

Pop in for a freshly brewed cuppa and a warm and friendly welcome, and you're sure to want to come back time and time again.

N

O seaside resort is complete without fish and chips and there is certainly no lacking in places where you can buy England’s signature dish in Lyme Regis. One of the most popular in Lyme is The Fisherman’s Wife, situated just a few steps from the resort’s famous Cobb harbour.

For first-time visitors to Lyme, buying their fish and chips and then sitting on the Cobb to eat them and watching all the boating activity in the harbour is very often the highlight of their stay.

On TripAdvisor, The Fisherman’s Wife has an 86 per cent rating for very good or excellent and a number of reviews refer to it as serving “the best fish and chips in Lyme”.

But The Fisherman’s Wife is no run-of-the-mill fish and chip shop, only using fresh, local and sustainable fish. Alongside traditional cod and chips, fish cakes and burgers, one of its best sellers is hand-dived Lyme Bay scallops served with garlic butter.

They also offer a large range of gluten free options.

The Fisherman’s Wife is run by husband and wife Anthony Shuttleworth and Rachel Forsey, who are very keen fundraisers for a number of charities, especially the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, their premises being just a stone’s throw from the lifeboat station.

Their children Kieran, 12, Harry, 6, and four-year-old Bella also support the cause by handing out scallop shells for a donation for the RNLI, raising £650 over the past year.

The Cobb, Lyme Regis facebook.com/fishermansswife

37 Broad Street, Lyme Regis (behind the post office)

Fresh and Local Fish Hand Dived Lyme Bay Scallops Gluten Free Options

@LymeLifeMag

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EATING OUT Coffee & Cake

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AVING taken ownership of the West Fish Shop last year, Hollie Webster and Dan Colquhoun have now expanded their seafront empire, opening Coffee & Cake in the neighbouring Old Bonded Stores.

Tucked away in the historic former Bonded Warehouse on Marine Parade, and only a few steps from the Cobb, Coffee & Cake is the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy refreshment after a walk on the beach.

Having taken over ownership of the Wet Fish Shop just over a year ago, Dan and Hollie couldn’t resist the opportunity when the neighbouring café became available.

Coffee & Cake opened in June and has been wellsupported by many regular customers of the former café, as well as some new visitors.

The tearoom serves up a wide selection of cakes, including gluten free and vegan options, and almost all are homemade by Hollie and her grandmother.

There’s also cream teas and selection of hot and cold drinks, or if you’re looking for something more substantial, the menu offers sandwiches - including the popular crab sandwiches - and seafood dishes using fresh, local fish from the West Fish Shop.

Customers can eat in the historic tearooms or takeaway and enjoy their refreshments on the beach.

Coffee & Cake is currently open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, although opening hours may be extended during the summer holidays.

To find out more, follow Coffee & Cake on Facebook and Instagram.

The Old Bonded Stores, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis 01297 599348 | facebook.com/coffeeandcakelyme

LYME’S NEW TEAROOM NOW OPEN ON MARINE PARADE

Serving light lunches, local seafood, homemade cakes, cream teas & hot drinks to eat in or takeaway Old Bonded Stores, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF | 01297 599348 26

EATING OUT The Pilot Boat

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OLLOWING a near £2million investment by the owners, Palmers Brewery of Bridport, The Pilot Boat, one of Lyme’s traditional public houses, has been transformed into one of the most popular and expansive eating-out venues in the area.

With a 100-seat air-conditioned restaurant, spacious bar and attractive terrace, the new-look Pilot Boat has just celebrated its first anniversary, having already established a reputation as a must-visit destination for those looking for a little bit more than run-of-the-mill pub grub and lively entertainment.

The Pilot Boat is being run as a family business by licensees Robin and Angela Collyns with son Ben as general manager.

Robin and Angela are highly experienced in the hospitality trade, having trained with Berni Inns in the 1980s and having managed a number of successful pubs and restaurants in the past.

Reflecting on their first year at the Pilot, Robin said they were “delighted” with the support they had received, especially from local people who were regulars of the old-style pub and had been slightly sceptical about the extent of the refurbishment.

He said: “The new Pilot is very different from the old one but we hope we have retained some of the values and traditions that made it one of Lyme’s most popular pubs over the years.

We have listened to what local people want and have tried to create a community venue as well as a great place to eat and have a drink. We are very grateful for the support we HAPPY BIRTHDAY PILOT BOAT - Robin, Angela and Ben Collyns and their staff celebrate their first anhave received from the local as and we look forward. to serv- niversary ing them in the future.” of the variety and quality of these dishes.

Boat Burger with relish and skinny fries, £14; Cajun Not long after opening, Robin introduced a weekly quiz night Chicken Burger, £14; Plant Burger with with a £100 jackpot, proving to be very popular with the lo- The Pilot opens at 8am seven days a week for trabrioche/vegan bun, vegan cheese and skinny fries, cals, as well as allowing the bar area to be used for a craft ditional breakfasts and has also recently intro£14. market on Sunday mornings and a venue for other local duced American-style breakfasts with a choice of juice, three fried eggs, three rashers of bacon and Shellfish: Six crevettes with lemon mayo and events. three hash browns or a stack of American panbread, £15; Half Pint of Prawns, £10; Dressed Crab, Robin’s team has also organised a programme of music cakes, two rashers of crispy bacon and maple with lemon and bread, £14; Smoked Salmon with nights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays featuring many syrup with unlimited coffee or tea, all for £10. lemon mayo and bread, £10; seafood platter - shellof the most popular bands and acts in the area, including on prawns, mackerel pate, mixed crab meat, house acts Grace (Gillan) & Jake and Adam Sweet on alter- Here are some examples from the current daily a la carte menu: smoked salmon, lemon mayo and bread, £14. nate Wednesday evenings, with guests bands on Fridays, alongside special bar promotions. For those looking for a Nibbles: Charmouth bakery mini-loaf with oil, salter There is also a selection of pizzas priced from £10 more relaxed atmosphere, the Pilot is also staging classic butter or vegan spread, £6; olives, £4.50; toasted to £14 and side orders. music nights on a Sunday. seeds and beans, £4.50; garlic pizza bread with There is a separate sweet menu and an extensive Adding in the bar areas and the terrace, the Pilot has more added cheese or vegan cheese, £6. range of beers, spirits, wines and cocktails availthan 180 covers which makes it one of the biggest eating- Starters: Tomato and Red Pepper Gazpacho, £7; able. out venues for many miles and there have been times, es- Dorset Blue Vinney Cheesecake, £7; Salt and Peppecially during the summer, when every seat has been taken. per Squid with pickled pear and walnut salad, The Pilot Boat also offers an excellent night’s sleep £7/£12; Vegan Bowl, £9/£16; Carcuterie Board, to those wishing to explore the area, with three luxThe California-style service has proved popular but Robin is £9/£16; Dorset Smoked Mackerel Pate, £8; Moules ury boutique rooms with spectacular views over keen to stress that daily specials are always available and in cider, bacon and cream with bread, £12/£18.

Lyme Bay. local, fresh produce is always sourced where possible.

Vegan and vegetarian dishes are very much a part of the Salads: Pilot Boat Salad with mixed leaves, sunmenu with head chef John Long, a vegan himself, very proud dried tomato, olives, croutons, red onion and house dressing, £7/£12; Sundried Tomato and Mozzarella, £8, £14; Courgette, Cauliflower and Mint Chilli, £7/£14; add Cajun Chicken or Crayfish Tails, £4.

Mains: Courgette, Melon and Olive Tagliatelle, £12; Grilled Cornish Hake with crushed new potatoes, Trio of Traditional Old English or Vegetarian Sausages with creamed mash potatoes, seasonal greens and onion gravy, £15; Palmers’ Battered Cod with thick cut chips, crushed peas and tartare sauce, £15; Sweet Potato & Coconut Curry, £17; Cioppino, fish of the day in a spicy tomato broth with bread, £16; Crab Tagliatelle with fresh local crab, chilli, ginger, lemon and coriander, £17; Roasted Belly Pork with fennel salad, thick cut chips and salsa verde.

Grills: West Country 8oz steak with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and thick cut chips, £24; Pilot

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis 01297 443157 | thepilotboat.co.uk @LymeLifeMag

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EATING OUT The Royal Lion Hotel

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A dining out special

by Philip Evans

HEN I first started out as a reporter, at the tender age of 17, local newspapers covered virtually every event that took place. And in those days that meant attending every annual dinner and dance which necessitated me having to buy my first dinner jacket whilst still a teenager, which all my mates thought was a bit odd.

I also took ballroom dancing lessons so I didn’t look totally out of place as the evenings wore on – and that was looked upon as even odder by my pals. One of them always referred to me with much glee as “twinkle toes”. He still does sometimes. It’s surprising we’re still friends 50 years later.

In Lyme Regis such events were invariably held at the Royal Lion which was really the social centre of the town. These were the days when the Lion was run by Bob Dunne, a much respected licensee who also ran the Volunteer Arms just up the road.

Rarely a Saturday night passed during the winter when there wasn’t some sort of function at the Lion, with the dinner being served upstairs in the hotel restaurant and ballroom. All the men wore Penguin suits and the ladies were in ballgowns.

Quaintly, the ticket always informed you that there would be “carriages at 1am”.

Never did see those carriages.

The Lion was also the most popular venue for weddings and if I remember correctly there was a Hampshire motor club that came to Lyme every year for a weekend to hold their annual bash at Lyme’s premier hotel.

Virtually every organisation in town held a dinner-dance, including the Rotary Club, Round Table, Freemasons, Sailing Club, Chamber of Trade and Skittles League, the latter being a male-only event, so no dancing afterwards but the scene of quite a few punch-ups. There was one classic occasion when two brothers went to fight and knocked over the grandfather clock in the bar.

I can remember the late Mike Leeming being the chief chef at the Lion, to be followed many years later by his son, Jon, now cheffing at The Volunteer, and our favourite barman was Jim Hayball. Jim only took the barman’s job to help out but ended up staying 40 years. His son, Brian, also became a publican/hotelier, at one time running the Mariners Hotel and the Rock Point Inn with his wife Julie before retiring to Lanzarote.

The Lion continued as a Bass Charrington house after Bob Dunn’s retirement.

The next door New Inn was acquired and run as the Long Bar, managed by the late Bert Cable, and later turned into rooms.

There was a number of managers who came and went before the Lion was sold

in the 1970s to Uplyme butcher Bob Irish and his wife Margaret and their friend Jack Cross. I remember going to the auction in Crewkerne as there was much conjecture over who was going to buy it and was gobsmacked with how much it went for. I can’t remember the exact sum but it was certainly in six figures, a princely sum in those days.

Bob, Margaret and Jack were popular mine hosts and rebuilt what was a dwindling hotel and bar trade and also built an indoor bowls facility at the back.

In the 1980s the hotel was acquired by Brian and Judy Sineisi who invested heavily in the building, turning the bowls area into a swimming pool and adding bedrooms at the back with views over the old town.

The current owner, Miss Lesley Stone, acquired the Royal Lion in 2002, having gained extensive experience in the hotel trade running establishments in Bournemouth, Southampton and the New Forest. Since then she has invested significantly in improving facilities at the hotel, refurbishing the 33 bedrooms on a number of occasions in the last 17 years.

Miss Stone has also been a huge supporter of local events and organisations in the town and is keen to maintain the Lion’s reputation as the principal locations for the town’s big social occasions.

Fine reputation for food After many years of improvements, the Royal Lion is probably more successful than it has ever been. The bar has a fine reputation for its food and the ground floor Monmouth Room is well used by residents and locals who want a more quiet and leisurely atmosphere.

The upstairs restaurant, now the Oak Room, is still the dining room for guests but is available for non-residents, weddings and family celebrations and dinnerdances with a menu fitting a hotel of this standard. Oak beams, wood panelling and an open fire help to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

Next year Lyme Regis Musical Theatre (formerly the operatic society) has chosen the Oak Room as the venue for their 100th anniversary dinner with some members attending having their wedding reception at the Lion many years ago. It promises to be a sparkling occasion.

To sample the delights of the Lion’s blend of classic and modern cuisine, masterminded by head chef David Burns, Miss Stone invited my wife and I and two friends, Danny and Jo Hopkins, to dine in the Oak Room. We had spent the early evening listening to a 32-piece Norwegian big band at the Marine Theatre, part of the Jazz Jurassica weekend, so it turned out to be a delightful bank holiday treat.

The Oak Room operates just as you would expect in an hotel with the Lion’s reputation – crisp white tablecloths, silver

60 Broad Street, Lyme Regis 01297 445622 | royallionhotel.com

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service and smartly dressed waiting staff for whom nothing was too much trouble. The presence of resident pianist Chris Magarth playing throughout the evening added a touch of old-world class to the evening.

I’m a sucker for soup and chose to start with a piping hot bowl of cream of leek and potato with croutons. Jackie and Jo chose the wine poached pear with crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts and honey mustard dressing whilst Danny selected Lyme Bay scallops with beetroot and horseradish puree, pickled cucumber and strawberry vinaigrette. We were all pleased with our first course choice.

For mains, I plumped for the corn fed breast of chicken with an unusual accompaniment – sage and onion bread and butter pudding with aubergine fritters in a white wine a chive velouté. It was the first time I’ve had bread and butter pudding as a first course, but it was delicious if not a bit filling, but very unusual. I’m not great fan of aubergine but served as a fritter it was an unexpected but delightful touch.

Jackie and Jo both ordered the grilled fillet of salmon with samphire, roasted new potatoes and saffron in a tomato concasse cream which looked very appetising.

Danny chose the oven baked rump of lamb, sautéed spring greens in a rosemary and redcurrant jus. Again no complaints all round.

The vegetarian option on the menu was an asparagus and minted pea risotto and for the less adventurous pan fried ribeye steak was available with cherry tomatoes, field mushroom and hand-cut chips in a peppercorn sauce.

There were five options on the sweet menu but all four of us could not resist the mandarin and stem ginger tart with passionfruit sorbet. None of us were disappointed.

For the record, the other sweets were sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and

vanilla ice-cream, lemon posset with berry compote and homemade shortbread, fresh fruit salad and a section of Dorset cheeses with quince jelly, celery and grapes, followed by tea or coffee with homemade petit fours.

The Lion has a well-stocked and varied cellar and Danny picked out a very acceptable South African red Stollenbosh which accompanied our meal very well.

Price-wise, our choices were well within the expectation of an up-market hotel, particularly taking into consideration the standard of service. The starters were priced between £6 and £9, main courses £17 to £20 pounds and desserts £6 and £8.

Non-residents can also enjoy a full English breakfast in The Oak Room and there is an extensive bar menu downstairs with daily specials. If you are looking to dine out to celebrate a special occasion, or would just like to nudge the clock back a bit, the Oak Room at the Royal Lion will do you proud. You may even want to dress up.

EATING OUT Amid Giants & Idols

LAR RESORT SET’S MOST POPU Spring 2019 GUIDE TO DOR THE ULTIMATE

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es to Movie magic com ing film Ann Lyme for Mar y all the Your guide to spring festivals Fill up with our ial Eating Out spec

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UCKED away on Silver Street in Lyme Regis is much-loved coffee house, Amid Giants & Idols, open daily for coffee, teas, homemade cakes, sandwiches home-cooked soups, served with locally baked artisan sourdough bread.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT

December 2018

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Working with artisan roasters from across the South West, Amid Giants & Idols always has a variety of different coffees on offer, including its own house blend Coast.

Comfy seating, board games, magazines and newspapers make for a relaxed atmosphere at this pet and family friendly coffee house.

While you are there, check out the range of coffee and tea-making accessories and equipment, bespoke hampers and freshly roasted coffees and fine teas.

59 Silver Street, Lyme Regis 01297 443791 | amidgiantsandidols.co.uk

Your ultimate guide to Christmas shopping in Lyme Regis Fill up on our Festive Food & Drink Special WIN A CHRISTMAS HAMPER WORTH £100!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULA R RESORT

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Explore Lyme’s foodie scene with our Eating Out section Celebrating 200 years of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ PLUS we’ve got Lyme’s summer festivals covere d!

RESORT POPULAR 2018 T’S MOST September TO DORSE TE GUIDE THE ULTIMA

59 Silver St, Lyme Regis DT7 3HR up Pick your

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Don’t miss our next issues, out in September and December 2019 Get your business noticed!

To advertise with the Lyme Life Magazine, call Debbie on 01297 306152 or email debbie@lymeonline.co.uk

info@amidgiantsandidols.co.uk

01297 443791

@LymeLifeMag

r Health, elf with ou Treat yours llbeing special We Beauty & th WWI embers wi rations rem e Lym commemo centenary r seven up on ou PLUS: Fill g Out feature page Eatin

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What’s on...

DON’T MISS A THING IN AND AROUND LYME THIS SUMMER!

JULY 6th Charmouth Challenge Eight-mile fell run and fun run taking in some of the finest coastal scenery in the South West, starting at Charmouth Primary School, 10am Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival A selection of locally-made sausages and cider, plus a programme of live music and other attractions at Lyme Regis Football Club, from 2pm JULY 12th Music for a Summer Evening The Lyme Light Singers perform in aid of Uplyme Community Sponsorship Fund at Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 7.30pm.

JULY 12th - 14th Dorset Street Food Festival Hosted by Street Food Warehouse, there will be something to suit all taste buds at this festival in Lister Gardens (see pages 12 & 19)

JULY 13th Uplyme Summer Show & Country Fayre Traditional horticultural show plus entertainment and attractions, including a family dog show at the King George V playing field, Uplyme, from 1pm JULY 24th Admiral Sir George Somers Commemoration Parade Commemorating the former Mayor of Lyme Regis who founded the British colony on Bermuda in 1609, with visitors from Lyme’s twin town of St George’s Bermuda.

Don’t miss Lyme Regis Town Band’s weekly ‘Music by the Sea’ concerts, every Tuesday throughout summer on Marine Parade, 8pm

JULY 27th AUGUST 3rd Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week An action-packed week of fundraising events and thrilling displays to raise funds for the RNLI (see pages 4 & 5)

AUGUST 3rd - 10th Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week A busy week of special events, regattas, and competitions for the all the family, raising funds for local good causes (see pages 6 & 7) AUGUST 10th Charmouth Gardeners Show A traditional horticultural show with entries displayed in both St Andrew's Community Hall and Charmouth Village Hall from 1pm

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AUGUST 30th SEPTEMBER 1st Lyme Folk Weekend Annual folk festival with live music events throughout the weekend in venues across the town (see pages 7 & 15) SEPTEMBER 7th - 8th Food Rocks Chef Mark Hix MBE returns with his annual food festival, bringing top names of culinary world to Lyme Regis and raising funds for the RNLI and Fisherman’s Mission

Look out for weekly live music and DJs at Lyme Regis pubs, a varied programme at the Marine Theatre and regular exhibitions and activities at the Town Mill and Lyme Regis Museum!

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA 01297 443157 Open at 8am for breakfast

Summertime, and the living is easy ... on our spacious terrace ... open 8am to 9pm Dogs welcome

All day dining in our 100-seater, air conditioned restaurant Seasonal Specials always available Live music every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday (PM)

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