Dorset’s finest places to eat have made the final of a prestigious hospitality award.
The region's pubs, hotels and restaurants have learnt whether they have got into the final selection for this year's prestigious Trencherman’s Awards.
The Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth has been named a finalist, and in north Dorset The Clockspire in Sherborne has also made the list.
West Dorset is also well represented in this year’s awards with businesses from Lyme Regis, Burton Bradstock and West Bexington all making the cut.
The Trencherman’s Guide showcases the best of the best when it comes to places to eat and stay in the south west and the awards are voted for by tens of thousands of its readers.
In the category of 'Best Newcomer' seafood restaurant Catch at the Old Fish Market is hoping that by making it this far it helps to promote the sustainable seafood they offer in Weymouth's town centre.
Mike Naidoo, executive head chef at the Catch, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Trencherman’s Guide, it really showcases the best of the best in the south west.
"We’re very pleased with our Best Newcomer nomination and hope that it shows the amazing sustainable seafood available here in Weymouth at The Old Fish Market. We’d love it if our local community voted for us, as well as guests from further afield.”
The Clockspire in Sherborne is up for the 'Best Restaurant' award.
General Manager Massimiliano Manella has spent several years working in London's finest restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay's London House is now 'excited' to see how he and his team get on.
He said: “It’s testament to the skill, imagination and dedication of our kitchen and front of house teams that we’re in such prestigious company.
"We’re excited to discover the result, but simply being recognised is a fantastic achievement. The team love what they do, and they’ll continue to offer the same beautiful hospitality and magnificent food.”
Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar, in Lyme Regis, is up for two awards in the award for creativity and innovation as well as owner Harriet Mansell being nominated in the best chef category.
Harriet Mansell said: "The team at Lilac are absolutely delighted to have been nominated in two categories at this year's Trencherman's Awards.
"It really does mean a lot to be nominated by such a prestigious awarding body, so synonymous with quality and excellence."
Another Lyme Regis restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen, will be hoping to win the ‘Best Front of House Team’.
The owner of the popular eatery situated on the beach, Tom Robinson, is ‘excited’ to have made it this far and praised his staff for all their hard work.
In West Bexington, The Club House is in the running to claim the 'Best Bar Award'.
Ferenc ‘Fefe’ Kovacs, manager and sommelier at The Club House, was proud to have finally made it to the final after being shortlisted two years in a row without making the cut.
"It’s a huge achievement for us, two years we have been shortlisted.
"We always try to use local ingredients and improve the experience for our guest – we have introduced a lot of local things on our menu."
The Seaside Boarding House, in Burton Bradstock is also delighted to be up for the ‘Best Hotel Award’.
The Three Horseshoes Pub, also in Burton Bradstock, will be looking to claim the ‘Best Pub Award’.
An awards ceremony will be held at Bovey Castle on Dartmoor on Monday, April 29.
Finalists from Dorset:
Best Trencherman's Chef
Harriet Mansell, Lilac Restaurant & Wine Bar, Lyme Regis
Best Trencherman’s Restaurant
The Clockspire Restaurant and Bar, Sherborne
Best Trencherman’s Hotel
The Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock
Best Trencherman’s Pub
Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen, Burton Bradstock
Award for Creativity and Innovation
Lilac Restaurant & Wine Bar, Lyme Regis
Best Front of House Team
Tom’s Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis
Best Trencherman’s Newcomer
Catch at the Old Fish Market, Weymouth
Best Bar List
The Club House, West Bexington
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