Local Celebrity Chefs

Lesley Waters:

Born in London in 1960 and before becoming freelance, Lesley Waters, now aged 60yrs, worked at Pru Leith’s restaurant where she was promoted to senior chef and left with the position of Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine.  Lesley started in television in 1989, regularly appearing in ‘Ready,Steady,Cook‘, ‘Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook‘ and ‘Great Food Live’.

From her her home in Halstock, a stunningly renovated 18th Century Farm, where she lives with her husband Tim and their two children, Lesley runs her Cookery School teaching all the classes herself and using local ingredients.  Lesley is also author of several Cookery Books.

Michael Hix:

Drive just 7 miles to the coast and you’ll find Mark Hix’s Kitchen Table. Join Mark at his Charmouth home where he will demonstrate and cook a stunning array of dishes based on the best of the season’s ingredients. There will be plenty of time to steal tips from Mark as he creates a British seasonal feast in front of your eyes which is then served as part of a four-course lunch with wines to match each course.
Even closer in Corscombe, Mark has just opened at the Fox Inn.

Matt Follas:

Masterchef winner in 2009, Matt opened his first restaurant The Wild Garlic in the 16th century toll house on Beaminster’s main square. He then moved onto opening the Bramble Cafe & Deli in Poundbury, Dorchester with his wife Amanda in 2016. This was sold in August 2020.
Matt’s new venture in Sherborne, Dorset and at the time of publishing, is yet to be named.

 

Harriet Mansell:

Harriet opened her first restaurant, called Robin Wylde, which is in a former ceramics shop on Silver Street, Lyme Regis on October 28th 2020.  Her menu will feature foraged food and local products.
Harriet has worked around the world in renowned restaurants and Michelin star kitchens, including cooking for the Qatari Royal Family in the Seychelles and the Murdoch family in the Caribbean.
The restaurant will be able to seat 32 people, however due to social distancing restrictions it will initially operate with a reduced capacity of 20 covers.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall:

Hugh established River Cottage HQ in Dorset in 2004, and the operation is now based at Park Farm near Axminster in Devon. He has published numerous books, led several campaigns and activist shows as well as ‘mind the shop’ in Axminster.  “We will be doing all we can to help keep you well-fed and in touch with all the River Cottage activities both on and off-line. As ever, please do keep an eye on our social media where we will be regularly sharing recipes and information.”

 

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