An evening of Japanese culture was on the cards for diners at one West Bay restaurant.

The first Hive Beach Company event was recently held at the Watch House Café in West Bay in partnership with the British Sake Association and the Hakugakusen Brewery.

A dozen diners were treated to a taster menu inspired by Japanese culture and an array of sakes – alcoholic drinks of Japanese origin made from fermented rice.

Explaining the sakes was Hitomi Kimura from Japan and president of the British Sake Association, Shirley Booth, who also lives in West Dorset.

The taster menu of Japanese-inspired food was specially created and prepared by Watch House chef Steve Bant to match the sakes, and was served to accompany the tastings. Steve demonstrated the dishes before each course, providing an interactive and fun evening.

Events co-ordinator Caz Richards said: “It was a fantastic evening and the Watch House looked amazing, dressed for the occasion.

“Feedback from the diners indicated that the evening was a huge hit, so we’ll definitely be repeating it in the future.

“The evening ended in spectacular fashion with the diners being served sparkling sake, which was accompanied by a magnificent mango sorbet with sake-infused coulis.”

The sake drinks were served by brewery owner Keiko Yamamoto and Fumiko Kikuchi.

In addition, diners were presented with some exquisite origami creations to take home as gifts that were made by Fumiko.