A few weeks ago I chatted with Christine Little -aka 'The Bull Hotel's Kitchen Mum'- who heads the kitchen team at breakfast. 

"Breakfast is the last thing a guest remembers when they leave the hotel, so it's really important to get it right".

Seems obvious, but it's not only guests who fill the morning tables so I was quite curious to find out why many locals start their Bridport day at a Bull Hotel table.   

When I visited, it was mid week and mid-April, I was surprised to find the hotel was full, a busy morning ahead. I arrived at 7.00am, half an hour before guests can order a full English or help themselves to home made jams and croissants. Christine was already in full swing, halving the tomatoes for roasting, chopping mushrooms and preparing a hollandaise sauce. 

Waitresses had just arrived and were busy preparing the breakfast buffet and getting ready to serve the early guests. Fresh fruits in a bowl, white napkins folded, the kitchen to restaurant door soon began to swing. I was trying to stay out of the way. Christine was busy with a bain-marie and minutes later, a freshly hand whisked hollandaise sauce was ready for the Eggs Benedict, a hit with many a guest and locals seeking a breakfast with a difference. 

It became pretty obvious once service started that no two guests wanted the same. Scrambled or poached eggs, tomatoes but no mushrooms, no sausages but crispy bacon; kippers seemed to be popular that day (maybe because they're locally smoked); there was even a discussion about Royale… nothing to do with cheese burgers in France or Quentin Tarentino. As Christine explained to the waitress, if there is a choice between with or without smoked salmon, then Royale is the one with. For most people, smoked salmon is for special occasions. At The Bull Hotel, Royale is on the breakfast menu every day. 

In between two door-swings I stepped into the restaurant, camera in hand. Guests were arriving for breakfast and stared somewhat suspiciously at the little woman trying to take pictures. Who likes a camera in their face on an empty stomach? I'm no paparazzi material so left the guests in peace and stood back. 

"Are you making a new brochure?" wondered a woman in walking boots and sensible clothes. 

"No, I'm doing a blog post on breakfast at The Bull" I replied.

"Oh…" slight quizzical look on her face. I suspect that like many people, she was not clear what a blog is. She walked away smiling, more interested in her bowl of freshly cooked warm porridge than in finding out more; and rightly so.  

Ali arrived with a tray of freshly baked croissants and pains au chocolat. 

"Good morning. I have your spelt bread when you're ready" she said to a woman in a red dress and high heels. 

"Thank you" replied the lady whilst helping herself to apple juice. 

"Would you like it now?" Ali asked. 

"Not yet, thanks, I'll have it a bit later" she replied. 

"No problem, just me ask when you're ready and I'll bring it over." Ali added with a smile before disappearing behind the swing door, answering the service bell. 

 

The Bull Hotel is conveniently located opposite a wonderful traditional bakery, Leakers. Although The Bull's bread is hand baked on site every day they call on Leakers if a guest has a wheat allergy. Leakers speciality breads are wonderful (I must admit a soft spot for their spelt bread!). The Bull Hotel's breakfast team start early as do Leakers, but if a guest has an allergy, it is best to contact the hotel in advance. 

At the weekend, a bottle of bubbly takes pride of place between the orange juice and the local apple juice from Allington, near Bridport. Talking of bubbly, the continental types who can't quite face meat or fish first thing in the morning aren't left out, much to this French blogger's delight! Dorset Cereals of course are the obvious choice since their cereals are second to none and they are, well, from Dorset. Christine's strawberry, raspberry and mixed berries jams are oh so tasty on a croissant or fresh toasts and they're rather good in Yeo Valley yoghurts too… 

Having seen Kitchen Mum and her breakfast team in action, the top produce being used and how busy the restaurant was when I visited, I can see why locals and guests alike enjoy starting their day at The Bull Hotel. 

Fancy a Royale? 

The cygnets in Abbotsbury near Bridport, West Dorset are a much awaited sight every year. As with everything else, baby swans are arriving early this year with the first broken egg spotted on 30th April. A 600-year-old legend tells us that early hatching promises an early Summer… 

Abbotsbury Swannery in West Dorset is the only site in the world where you can wander through a colony of Mute Swans. Beware though, this may be the best time of year to visit -if you want to marvel at little grey fluff balls- but remember, Mother Swan and Father Swan will not like it if you get too close to their nest. Fair enough really, they're used to humans wandering around but they are also very protective of their spouse and naturally, their babies. 

It is amazing how close to the nests we can get and with a bit of respect and a good dose of patience, photographers can have the time of their life. Into photography or not, everybody is bound to take home great memories. With around 600 swans, there are plenty of opportunities for wonderful sights very close to the paths. Twice a day (at noon and at 4pm) the swans are hand fed and children (or grown-ups!) are asked if they want to help. As you can imagine, many do and love it.  

When the Swannery was built by Benedictine Monks in the 1040's, the swans were farmed for their meat. Dorset banquets were a bit different in those days. Nowadays, Abbotsbury Swannery is a sanctuary under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates and is more likely to be used as a film set (Harry Potter) than a King's pantry. 

What is hard is to choose a favourite sight. Empty nests (never for long) give us a chance to observe the colours and size of the eggs or even babies left on their own for a little while. More often than not, cygnets are with a parent. Depending on their age, they'll be near their shelled siblings under the parent's soft belly and the more adventurous might find themselves on top of Mum in the fully feathered nest of her wings.

How the cygnets don't get crushed when the parent turns the eggs around in the nest or simply moves around is quite amazing considering their size. Older babies (or the less tired ones) follow their parents to learn how to paddle or feed themselves and as with most feathered animals look like they've always known how it works, just about. 

In this sea of cygnets there are a few ugly ducklings too. Baby coots may not be as obviously cute;  black and tiny compared to the 'stars of the show' they seem to go unnoticed by most visitors but they are definitely worth looking out for. So if you're planning a visit to West Dorset (staying at The Bull Hotel in Bridport of course!) in May or June, we do recommend you spend a few hours looking out for the cutest cygnet or the most handsome swan (or the less obvious…). Whatever your choice, you won't find anything like it in the world. See you soon. 

For a little series of posts on "Behind the Scenes at the Bull Hotel in Bridport", I was asked to start my snooping around with Christine Little, Breakfast Chef extraordinaire and many other things. I was warned that Christine is a bit shy and not that keen on cameras. When I heard the hotel was full, I feared a bit of a challenge was on my hands… staying out of her way whilst getting Christine to talk to me could be a tall order that had nothing to do with scrambled eggs or kippers… 

Christine knows a thing or two about the Bull Hotel's kitchen. She's worked here for twenty-two years. Yes 22! This probably goes a long way to explain why everybody calls her 'Kitchen Mum' but that's not the only reason, far from it. Despite being camera shy, Christine is a very warm person who takes time to listen -whilst poaching eggs or washing the dishes. Over the years, waiters and sous-chefs have told her about their love life, their worries or their dreams and she still gets visits from staff who have long moved on, popping in to have a chat with their 'second Mum'. 

"Is it possible to have scrambled eggs with mushrooms and tomatoes?" asks a new waitress. "Of course" replies Christine. "Table Four wanted mushrooms not tomatoes" says the waitress. "No problem" says Christine as she plates a fresh breakfast for Table Four. I worry I was distracting her. "Sorry, my fault" adds the waitress. Phew, not mine. 

When I get to the Bull Hotel at 7am Christine has already been here for half an hour and will be here until 4pm. Yes it starts with breakfast but she also makes the bread and the jams, does all the washing up, bakes the cakes, then more washing up; and a few scones. As for her chocolate brownies, well, they're not just for breakfast… And still, she finds time to listen. 

I am quite curious to know what the Bull was like before Richard and Nikki Cooper took it over. Christine used to be the Hotel's Cook (I'd call her Chef but she'd say "Oh no, I'm not a Chef, I wasn't trained properly" I'd reply… 22 years in the trade must count for something). "It was very different in the old days" she says with a smile. As with many pubs and hotels up and down the country, it was very much a local affair where everybody knew everybody, sat in the same armchair every evening putting the world to right until it was time to walk home. Upstairs there were twenty-two rooms. Nowadays, the bedrooms and bathrooms are larger and more luxurious, guests come from far and wide but locals still come in for breakfast. They just don't stick to the same seats. 

Whilst we chat -and stop when orders come in- about breakfast, children, washing-up and jams, I just marvel at the woman. There is no stress in her kitchen, sausages and bacon go under the grill, kippers follow, hollandaise sauce gets whisked by hand, eggs are poached or scrambled like there is no tomorrow, early service gets washed up, cakes are sliced and sprinkled with icing sugar, orders are acknowledged, bell for service goes… 

Breakfast is served. I'll be off home to write this up, sitting at my computer. Christine will stay on her feet, from the stove to the sink, washing up an endless pile of cups, plates, pans and cutlery. Once breakfast is over, lunch is on its way. I can't help but wonder. How on earth do they cope when she's on holiday? 

Next week, I'll tell you more about breakfast at the Bull Hotel Bridport, Royale chat and spelt bread included.  

Family time is just around the corner with Easter Holiday only a few days away.  What will our early Easter bring after a warm and dry winter? It's hard to tell of course but the bluebells have started so Spring will definitely be in the air! For our friends and visitors here are a few ideas for keeping our lovely children occupied and grown ups reasonably sane… 

There's no family Easter without an egg hunt and we are spoilt for choice in West Dorset. The Millennium Green in Bridport will have the town's Easter classic. But if you fancy something on a larger and grander scale, it will be hard to beat an egg hunt in Forde Abbey. The amazing grounds are a wonderful setting for little ones to collect chocolate treasures. The family can then enjoy a walk around the gardens as well as a tour of the house. (08-09/04) 

Did we say hard to beat? Well, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens also offer a Giant egg Hunt in fantastic surroundings. Face painting and other children's activities are on offer to keep the little ones really busy and help them digest their cream eggs. (06/04-09/04) Of course you could visit both gardens if you don't mind hyper chocolaty children! 

To keep away from sugar for the day but remain on the Jurassic Coast on Easter Monday (09/04/2012) you could head to Lyme Regis and have a bit of fun with a duck race helping local charities in the process. It will leave plenty of time to have fun splashing on the beach.

If you're a keen gardener, the end of the holiday (15/04/2012) has an event you will not want to miss. Charity Specialist Plant Fair at Mapperton House and Gardens is becoming more popular every year. With over 30 stalls of specialist nurseries from the South and West of England the Fair also offers entry to Mapperton Gardens. The Special Entry Price (£3) also includes a donation to the Dorchester Social Stroke Club. 

Over the Bank Holiday Weekend (06-09/04/2012) art lovers can visit the studios of 15 established and award-winning artists in Bridport's Art and Vintage Quarter St Michael's. It's always a good time to see what artists at St Michael's Studios have been working on during the winter ahead of Dorset Arts Week in May.

You can't visit West Dorset and keep away from either food or drink. The Bull Hotel will have its fresh Spring menu and the Stable will keep its classic pizzas so enjoyed by Bridport's locals and our guests. If you fancy unique beers from Micro Breweries and local ciders mixed with some local entertainment then 'The Three Brewers Beer Festival' in Lyme Regis is on the 31st of March. Sounds like a good start to the holiday really. A bit of Uplyme Morris followed by Swingtime and COAST?, a festival favourite, will provide the background music and a hog roast will ensure you don't go hungry. Tickets are £5 and include a free commemorative beer glass (while stocks last!). 

For something a bit different but with a definite Dorset coast feel, you could visit West Bay's harbour in the evening and hear all about pirates and smuggling. The 'blood n' Plumber' tour will meet outside the George Pub in West Bay at 7.15pm on 04/04/2012 (lasts one hour, adult £5, child £2). 

Looks like Easter will go too quickly again. We hope you have a great time wherever you are and look forward to welcoming you at the Bull Hotel soon. 

It's that time of year when children of all ages need to remember to organise a special day for their mum… Mother's Day is always a busy day for the Bull Hotel's team. 18 March 2012 is no different and tables are booking fast for our famous Sunday lunch. This year, we have also decided that not all families are large so parties of four can book at The Stable too. No need to miss out if you'd rather enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great value pizza and cider. Mum can have wine if she'd rather, surely she won't be driving!  

Now that lunch is sorted, how about organising a whole day for Mum? You can pick and choose all sorts of things depending on what she likes. A big long walk (or a small chilled one) on the beach in West Bay, West Bexington or Eype will only cost a few pounds for parking. If you're a National Trust member, you can park in Burton Bradstock or Cogden and it won't cost anything. If Mum doesn't mind a proper walk, hills and all, walking up to Golden Cap and discovering our wonderful Jurassic Coast is a great way to enjoy amazing views over Portland and Chesil Beach. 

If your mother is into golf, she will love a round at Bridport and West Dorset's Golf Club, Dorset's oldest golf course. Situated on a cliff top, it has outstanding views over the sea but also towards Pilsdon Pen and Lewesdon Hill, Dorset's highest points. It can be windy by the sea mind, so whatever Mum's level, the course is a nice challenge. 

It's safe to say that most mothers love flowers. A bunch of roses or daffodils is always welcome but a visit to a subtropical garden en famille will make for a great memory. Abbotsbury's gardens in Spring are generally full of colour with magnolias and camellias in full bloom. This year should be no exception as the weather has been so kind to us. We hope it stays that way! 

And if Mum is into Art, Sladers Yard in West Bay have put on a great exhibition that is well worth visiting. Vanessa Bowman's happy and contemporary paintings, Geoffrey Robinson naive domestic still-lifes, Marzia Colonna's textured collages and wonderful sculptures and Yvonne Morton's tactile textiles would make amazing presents for very lucky Mums… 

Whatever you decide you do for your mother on her special day, whether a fun and friendly pizza at The Stables, a fantastic Sunday lunch or a weekend at The Bull in Bridport or a simple walk on the beach, we just want to wish all Mums everywhere a wonderful day.  

Mother's Day: 18 March 2012

The Stable Bridport and Weymouth 

Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club 

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens 

Slader's Yard Gallery, West Bay  

Of all the 'Out and About' days around Bridport the Bull Hotel has to offer, a Creative Day with artist Veronica Hudson was definitely top of my list. For Office Manager Billy, who does not think she has an 'arty' bone in her body, it was more of a big unknown territory. So did we both enjoy our Art day in West Dorset? 

"Is there anything specific you want to do?" asked Veronica. No. "Do you mind getting your clothes dirty?" No. "Would you like a coffee?" Yes. Once our priorities were settled, Veronica put the coffee on the stove and some willow in a metal tin to make some fresh charcoal. 

Our first task was to experiment with the charcoal to discover the different marks it can make. Veronica, who also teaches children, reckons kids are very good at that, I can see why. Spreading the dust in exaggerated arm movements was somewhat a liberating way to cover large parts of our paper. Twiddling a charcoal stick was a concentrated effort and a surprising way to get fine black abstract marks and surprises. Pressing on small bits of black stuff gave us different degrees of darkness. The rubber brought light back or gave us some white lines, turning into an unexpected tool.   

Before we knew it, our hands were covered in black and there was no reason to fear the blank paper or the brittle burnt willow. It was time to move on to the important business of observing. Based on the hills of Higher Eype, near Bridport this wooden studio has amazing views. We chose our spot in front of the window overlooking the Chesil and Portland, with the Jurassic Coast and the West Dorset hills as foreground. 

"What I'd like you do is to use the charcoal powder and get a feel for what you see, where is the light, where are the blocks of dark, just make marks on your paper to start with". Veronica shows us what she means and as always with professionals teaching their trade, makes it look easy. A big part of the day is to do away with your preconceptions; forget holding a pencil as if your life depends on it or reproduce what you see in minute detail. It's about relaxing, using your arm not just your hand, trusting your eyes and above everything else, having fun. 

Still playing with black and white, we observed the coastline again armed with brushes and inks diluted to different levels. Lunch came along in no time and the little terrace in front of the studio was a perfect spot to eat, chat about children as mothers do and admire the view in between mouthfuls of Veronica's delicious homemade soup and delightfully crusty bread from local artisan bakers Leakers. 

Now for colour. Billy loves colourful and vibrant paintings. Block printing is something I've always wanted to try. This was the day when both of us were going to have a go at producing something we'd never done before. Unlike the messy, lose and slightly random morning play, block printing is more methodical and precise. Veronica, who often teaches families staying at the Bull Hotel, loves seeing people's reaction when they see the finished print. From accountants to architects, CEO's to designers everybody gets something that shows their way of thinking and is therefore unique. It can be as simple or intricate as you choose and have one, two or more colours. Creating texture gives it a different feel and what you use to make the marks on the glass is entirely up to your imagination. 

We tried different techniques, played with a few colours, listened to Veronica's advice (or not in my case when faced with a print that felt flat and boring. Yes I regretted ignoring her). Still, I'm quite pleased with my prints. Most of all, I was really impressed with Billy's first attempt at being an artist for the day. For a woman who thinks she can't draw, she loved every minute from charcoal making to block printing. Her family was really impressed with her final print and I hope it ends up on their wall at home. 

Veronica's relaxed tuition really brought the best out of both of us. Billy forgot her fears, I experimented with things I'd never done before. Not once did I think about my failed Art A Level…  I know my kids would love to spend a day experimenting with shades and colours and an Art Day with Veronica would be a fantastic family day or one of those business colleague bonding days. Once in the studio on Higher Eype, you float above the outside world and are totally immersed in discovering, experimenting and forgetting those preconceptions that give you mental blocks. Billy proves you don't have to be 'artistic' to have a great day being creative.  

Electric bikes… could this be the best way to discover the hills and villages around Bridport? There's only one way to find out.. 

When I told my friend Luxury Liz I was going for a cycle ride, she choked on her Sauvignon Blanc. Our monthly 'Moules Frites for a tenner at the Bull' with the girls was taking an unexpected turn. "You? Cycling?" she laughed. Yes, Out Loud. She and her husband Frugal Frank are the sporty type and they've seen me in action on their yearly Spring Walk. 

I swallowed my pride, smiled (or maybe grimaced) and a high pitched voice came out of my mouth: "Yes… but it's electric bikes" which still didn't wipe the smile off her face. Did she know that I had visions of a moped type vehicle I wonder. In fact, I had no idea what to expect when Martin from Marshwood Trails invited me to join him and an eclectic group of guinea pigs on one of his first organised electric bike rides around West Dorset. 

We all met in Whitchurch Canonicorum. Whilst I was catching up with Chatty Pauline and Horsy Trish, Martin was making sure all the electric bikes were ready and safe; as well as having fully charged batteries. We put our safety helmets on (except Trish who refused, opting instead for her trusty riding hat), giggled at how attractive we all were and finally got to the serious business of hitting the road. 

First, a quick briefing on how to use the bikes: 'if you get tired you can get three levels of help from the battery' is pretty much all you need to know, so long as you know how to use gears. Does it make it easier when the lanes are up and down affairs? Yes. What's the point of a pretend bike some may say? Let's put is this way: discovering West Dorset's landscape by car is indeed possible, but you will miss much. Narrow lanes galore, concentration on the next bend is necessary and parking near tracks is seldom an option. 

Cycling around Bridport's and Beaminster's villages is the only way to take that bridle path that leads to the tiny stone farm you spotted in the distance. A bike ride is one of the very few chances to come across a roe deer close by. Cars and motorbikes are too noisy, horses are great but few of us own one (some of us can't even ride), walking of course is a fantastic way to take it all in but distances covered are never going to be as great for the same amount of time. 'Proper cycling' if you are fit and fancy a work-out is unbeatable.    

But I must say that electric bikes are, as far as I am concerned, the way forward. It is like a bike so you do get some exercise. My cycling mad friend Jolly Judy begs to differ as I'm sure most hardcore cyclists will. Reality for most of us though is: not that fit, a bit impatient, too many things to do and never enough time. Cycling around the vales is slow enough to appreciate the flowers in the field or the buds in the tree but fast enough that you will get to the pub by lunchtime and have covered some good distance, if you want to. 

I love the idea of being able to stop at that gap in the hedge I would normally drive past and start thinking "Please give me a lay-by" a wish seldom granted. I can peak in the field and spot details normally ignored, slowly. Is that a buzzard in the tree? I could only dream of bridle paths that lead to undiscovered territory with a normal bike but with a bit of help from my new friend "Sneaky Battery", a new chunk of West Dorset has just opened up. 

I have a feeling that Marshwood Trails' Electric Bike Rides will be a hit. It was all news to me that these things even existed but all the guinea pigs who discovered Marshwood, Pilsdon and Shave Cross at a new pace on a fresh February day came back with a big smile on their faces. I can't wait to tell Luxury Liz at our next girlie 'Moules Frites' at the Bull.     

Guests at the Bull Hotel in Bridport have been enjoying massages in their own room for the last year. This lucky blog writer had to have a hands on experience… How else could I tell you about total relaxation in Bel's hands at the Bull Hotel? 

Imagine a couple of days away from the worries of work, a hotel room with glamorous wallpaper, a seriously comfortable bed and Neal's Yard toiletries in the bathroom. That's great already but better still, how about a real treat, a massage in the comfort of your own room? 

At this point I must admit that deep-tissue or therapeutic massage does not normally come into my life. Tempting idea as it is, I never seem to fit it into my busy working mother schedule. So I wondered how this would all work. Is the massage on the bed, do I have to strip in front of a stranger, will I get cold, will my knotted shoulder scream with pain? 

Simply put, no on all counts. Bel brings her massage table, towels and blankets and before we get to the serious business of relaxing, she asks a few questions to make sure there are no allergies, injuries or anything she should know about. She explains how it works. Most clients like a deep tissue massage, some prefer an Indian Head Massage although this often also end up as a full body massage at the guest's request. She will hold a towel whilst I strip down to my pants, lie down with my face in the funny little hole that lets me breathe, my body will be covered by towels and the magic will start. 

And magic it was. Bel's hands were incredibly warm -wonderful in itself in a cold January spell- and she meticulously worked on all these muscles that don't do enough exercise, get knotted by too many hours in front of a computer and never seem to be allowed to relax. What a treat. My shoulders did not scream, they were thankful for the attention as was the rest of my body, uncovered bit by bit depending on where Bel was massaging, from the tip of my head to the sole of my feet. No I didn't have a towel on my head but I did have a mini Indian Head massage and apart from coming out with my hair looking like I'd struggled with northerly winds, I did forget I was there to write this. 

Bel uses an apricot base oil (alternative to almond, good if you have a nut allergy) to avoid friction so on top of a relaxed body, my winter skin was soft, nourished and happier than it's been in a long time. Bel suggests a hot bath with salt for the evening, plenty of water as soon as I get home. I just wish I could have had a lie down on that bed, a soak in that bath and stayed in that zone Bel had taken me to. Yes I know, consider myself lucky I had this massage in the first place. 

It does make me think though, many of us never manage to fit these 'me' time in and what best place than your own room whilst on holiday. I can see why Bel's massages have been popular at The Bull... just a little tempting thought for your next visit. 

Bel Silcox has Diplomas in Swedish Massage, Remedial Massage, Anatomy and Physiology as well as Complete Bodyworker. She is a member of the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists. 

The Stable on the Quay in Weymouth opened last night with a party to celebrate the new venue. As can be expected the cider was flowing and slices of pizza were being served around the room. As at The Stable in Bridport, we're talking thin crust, stone baked, proper pizzas with Dorset produce as toppings from smoked ham to marinated lamb, blue vinney to smoked mackerel. 

There's also Dorset pies and salads and of course the famous hazelnut chocolate and mascarpone pizza. Not so Dorset maybe but a favourite with the kids (and the chocoholics of all ages). 

But what about the party? It was great to see so many people there, from the ones who worked hard to make the new venue such a great space, to the Harbour Masters who are the downstairs neighbours (you can't miss the big "Harbour Master" sign on the red brick building), new friends and old friends from along the way. 

Where the original Stable in Bridport is very much a stable with chunky rustic tables and a really warm atmosphere, The Stable on the Quay is totally in keeping with its more industrial heritage. Big long oak tables are still a feature but there is mild steel for the legs reflecting the steel pillars that hold huge wooden beams. Rex Johnson, who studied at Parnham with renowned furniture maker John Makepeace, clearly enjoyed the challenge of designing something different from his last Stable project in Bridport. 

Martin Chaplin was in charge -along with co-owner Andy Briggs- of turning the warehouse into a cider bar and pizza place that people would enjoy visiting. It's not just about food and drink you know, it's very much about the details. Co-owner Nikki Cooper is into vintage furniture, look out for her quirky mirror by the back wall near the bar. The light fittings are vintage of an industrial recycling kind yet the modern light bulbs above the bar are worth a little peek. The walls are bare bricks that have seen some action but the brand new framed blackboards shouting their menu are modern and beautifully hand written by artist Jemma Thomson. Look out for the wifi sign too, it looks like it's been there longer than wifi has existed without looking out of place. 

Once you've spotted the big "Harber Master" sign on the large red building, you'll be welcomed by Jemma's sign on the ground floor, letting you choose between the lift or the apple and pears… (cockney slang for stairs). Up to you how you get to the second floor. It's worth checking out the third floor too. The view from the little round table by the bay window over the harbour is fantastic night and day. 

So if you love a good pizza, want to try a new cider or two and happen to be in Weymouth, go and visit The Stable on the Quay. Co-owner Richard Cooper probably won't be there with his microphone to welcome you as he was at last night's party but that's probably a good thing...  

We hope to see you soon in Weymouth at the Stable on the Quay.

It's always exciting and challenging to plan February Half term and 2012 is no exception. From beautiful flower displays to good old fashioned records (of the music kind), craft workshops to literary or fossil walks, there's plenty to choose from in and around Bridport. 

Traditionally February sees the end of winter with snowdrops showing their delicate faces. Forde Abbey offers snowdrop weekends for the whole of February but who knows what other flowers will have appeared by then? The grounds are stunning so whatever happens, it will be worth a stroll. 

Music lovers of a certain age will have fond memories of records. Vinyl Saturday Bridport on 18 February 2012 will be a chance to hunt for that elusive recording you've been meaning to get hold of. And yes, there are CD's too. Held in two venues in the town centre, Bridport also has a great independent music shop for new CD's, Bridport Music, music stalls on the weekly market as well as several second hand and Vintage shops. 

If you prefer art of the visual kind, there are plenty of possibilities too. Artist Veronica Hudson runs workshops in painting, drawing, African pottery for all abilities from her Higher Eype Studio with its stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Veronica has been inspiring our guests for several years now so we can highly recommend her. For a therapeutic day making felt inspired by our wonderful West Dorset landscape, you can join a course at Highway Farm on 11 February 2012. 

Bridport is home to a large number of established artists. Landscape painter Kit Glaisyer's St Michael's studio in Bridport's Art and Vintage Quarter will be open both Saturdays 11th and 18th. Bridport Arts Centre's Allsop Gallery has an great exhibition running until the 18th February: 'Drawing; the visual representation of thought'. Artist and curator David Brooke lets us not only admire an eclectic collection of drawings from 16 talented artists, he also enables us to have a glimpse into the artists' mind and process with several sketchbooks on display. A very worthwhile exhibition. 

Inspiration can also come in the form of John Fowles and his French Lieutenant's Woman or Jane Austen. Literary Lyme Guided walks can take you to the sites mentioned by the authors and bring it all to life. They also offer an undercliff walk along the Unesco World Heritage Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis to Seaton. 

The Jurassic Coast is of course famous for its fossils and pioneer fossil hunter Mary Anning. Lyme Regis museum offers walks of old Lyme as Mary knew them as well as family fun day on Wednesday 15 February: 'Meet the Ecosaurs' based on the eponymous book is a free art workshop for children 5 to 10 years to  create their own jurassic timeline with artist Alison Bowskill. 

The Jurassic Coast is filled with treasures but it also needs preservation and respect.  The best way to find real fossils is to join Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre's fossil hunting walk on the 14th of February (and many other dates during the year). 

So as they say, there really is something for everyone. Sporty types can walk, ramble or cycle. Paths abound and the air is clean. Talking of clean air, we'll leave you with a short video of Bridport by Night by a talented young man who has fallen in love… with Bridport. 

See you in February. 

Stephen Banks' Bridport by Night video on YouTube

One of the first things that Bull Manager Billy asked me to do for the Bull Blog was to talk to Leon. Thing is, it's easy for a boutique hotel to talk about great food. But what about 'behind the scenes'? Boring stuff like recycling… Come and meet Leon and his team of Bridport volunteers. They are anything but boring. 

Tucked away on the St Michael's trading estate, between the artists and the antique dealers is Bridport TLC. Oh yes, Tender Loving Care. Very apt for a Community Project that does so much more than collect recycling from the Bull Hotel and many Bridport businesses. The reality of recycling is that we all want to do it but for a business it can be difficult to get all the staff to understand the importance of sorting things. That's where Leon came in and explained to us all in his enthusiastic manner what Bridport TLC do. It's so much easier to be responsible when it's made easy for us. 

Bridport TLC started as a Community Biodiesel project set up by Leon Edwards and Tess Dickson. They collected local waste cooking oil and turned it into clean fuel, then went on to set up a Bicycle repair and recycling workshop and now collect waste from local businesses to help them meet the Government's 'Business Waste Directive"; among other things.  

The recycling hub is a hive of busy bees. I wouldn't call Leon the Queen bee, he'll never talk to me again, but he and Tess are very much the drivers that keep the project going; as with all similar ventures in times of financial cuts, it's not an easy task. I'm told the boss is in fact General, the ginger cat that makes sure rodents keep away from the vast amount of potential food. 

The ground floor is filled with cardboard and plastic (among other things) waiting to be taken to a larger local recycling centre in one go. Volunteers collect, sort, bale and have a laugh. More importantly, they do a very worthwhile job. An important part of Bridport TLC is to help people with learning difficulties or who may have chosen the wrong path at some point in their life to integrate into society by volunteering to do a job the Community needs. What would we all do if nobody took that thankless task on board? 

Waste not want not comes to mind when you have a look around Bridport TLC's Scrapstore. What to do with all this stuff they collect? Tess is an Arts Project Worker whose work can be seen at the Carnival. Weekly meetings ensure that people with learning difficulties can come and create some wonderful recycled bags, decoupage boxes or covered picture frames. 

The Scrapstore is open to the public (you have to become a member) and is an Alladin's cave for crafts people who want to pick up some weird and wonderful bits of material, plastic tubes or cones, ribbons and of course rope and nets… What you'll find very much depends on what has been collected. Sure gets the imagination going. 

Bridport TLC recently opened the Scrapstore Outlet where items made by the volunteers are sold to help fund the project. Fancy a funky bag made from milk cartons for £5? A craft pack for 99p? A colourful lego bag that doubles up as a play mat for £10? What will be there when you next visit will very much depend on what has turned up on the van or has been donated. No doubt Tess and her team will think of something fun and worthwhile and sell it at a very reasonable price.   

I really enjoyed meeting Leon, Tess and their teams. I came out with a feeling of hope. In our days where teachers can't touch small kids, people who are different struggle to integrate and funds to help such projects are dwindling, I saw smiles and hugs, heard laughter and banter and witnessed something that seems far too scarce. Nurturing and empowering for the benefit of us all. I'm very glad Billy asked me to meet them all.

For more information on the Scrapstore opening times and Bridport TLC 

We all know about cider. It's the South West's gold nectar. Our cider house The Stable is famous for its selection of unique ciders, from single variety specials to organic local brews. But do you know about Apple Wassailing? If you do, you'll know it's a great excuse for a party. If you don't, let us tell you a little about this ancient tradition that has nothing to do with boats, the Olympics or 2012! 

West Dorset does not have as many orchards as it used to, which is a shame. Having said that, Bridport has an orchard right bang in the middle of town thanks to a Community Initiative that saved a field from development and raises awareness of Dorset's rich orchard heritage. 

This Sunday at 3pm, the Community Orchard in Bridport will have a Wassailing event which if nothing else, sounds like a very good excuse for a glass of delicious Dorset Nectar cider. (if you can't go, you can try it at The Stable next time you visit!). There is a lot more to it though. 

Banging on trees, making loud noises, singing, a glass of warm apple juice or cider by the fire is what it's all about. But there is reason to what may appear like a bit of madness and a good excuse for a party. 

Whilst the apple trees look sleepy, the codling moths are lurking behind the bark, ready to go up the tree and into the apples in the Summer. Suddenly, banging on the tree to frighten them away makes sense. Although imagining evil spirits makes for a better story. Traditionally, guns were shot to really make a point but the Community Orchard being in the middle of town, Wassailing in Bridport is all about children (and adults) making a racket with drums, tambourines or whistles and having lots of fun. 

Another important part of the Wassailing ceremony is an offering of cider to the good spirits. Take some bread, dip in cider -what else?- and throw up in the branches. That should keep the sparrows happy. Grateful of such a heady night, they may hang around a while and eat the bugs that we'd rather not have around the orchard.

It all sounds rather pagan and may be ritualistic but it makes sense that in the days when farm labourers were paid in cider and landowners depended on their crop for their income, such events were anchored in the calendar. We're glad they're coming back to Bridport, inspiring our artists (see Kate Lynch's Musicians at the Wassail above and on our previous post) and giving us an excuse for a get together.  

There is no Wassailing without Morris Dancers and the Monkton Wyld Morris Dancers will be performing. And finally, there has to be some merry singing. We thought you'd like to memorise the words of one of the Wassail so you can join in like a local. Here goes:    

Wassail the Silver Apple

Chorus:

Wassail, wassail, may the coming year

Peace and plenty bring to all who wassail here.

Drink to the bud and the blossom

Drink to the root of the tree

Drink to the fruit of the summer

Wassail let cider run free.

Chorus

Wassail the silver shilling

Wassal the silver moon

Wassail the silver apple

Drink, hail the sign of the sun

Chorus

We'll drink to that! A Dorset Nectar cider or one of the many great ciders on offer at The Stable! 

Wassail at the Bridport Community Orchard, Sunday 15th January 2012, 3pm 

Happy New Year! 2012 promises to be such a great -and busy- year… on top of Bridport's established food, literary and quirky events, 'Spirit of Bridport' has been created to celebrate the 2012 Cultural Olympiad during the year, culminating with a three-week Festival of Culture in the Summer.

From 11 to 27 August 2012 'Spirit of Bridport' will bring together our heritage and our present. Bridport will be filled with art, theatre, music, sport and all manner of fun and entertainment for all.

Foodies will have their tastebuds and nostrils tickled with pop-up cafes and restaurants, Ready Steady Cook events and of course the local pubs and restaurants (including the Bull Hotel and The Stable cider house!) offering their fantastic menus with local produce.

Art lovers will have a chance to meet local artists and check-out their work at 'Bridport Open Studios' during August bank holiday. With more than 200 artists in the area, the art on display is very varied, from established painters to newcomers, pottery makers, textile artists, sculptors, photographers… All tastes and pockets.

The Melplash Agricultural Show and the Carnival are also a yearly event in Bridport's diary loved by locals. But 'Spirit of Bridport' has more in store for 2012. The  newly refurbished Town Hall and the Museum (free entry) will celebrate the town's rope and net making history. The Bridport Art Centre and the Electric Palace will offer a mini film festival, inspirational sports speakers, comedy nights and exhibitions by internationally recognised photographers.

Bridport is also home to a national theatrical puppet-making workshop at the Lyric Theatre, home of the Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company. They will offer a pupping making extravaganza for young children and families, great fun.

No festival is complete without music. Many pubs have live music during the year (including the monthly Hayloft Sessions above The Stable cider house) but during the festival there won't be an evening without a band, a singer, a musician or a DJ playing their sounds somewhere in town. There might be a bit of busking Sidmouth-style and a song-writing competition with Billy Bragg.

Since all this has originally been inspired by the 2012 Sailing Olympics in Weymouth, sport has not been forgotten. Bridport Gig Rowing Club -who are doing really well at national level we're proud to say- are organising gig boat regattas In West Bay and there will be fencing and bowling as well.

When we said busy for 2012, we meant it! Organisations and community groups all over town are getting together to give Bridport's people and their visiting friends a year to remember.

We very much look forward to welcoming you at The Bull Hotel and The Stable in Bridport and we wish you a very happy and fun 2012, wherever you are…

See you soon.

Images credit: Fra Newbury's Spirit of Bridport: Ensign IT Services. Gig Rowing: Bridport Gig Rowing Club  

For up to date information on the Spirit of Bridport 

It's hard to believe that it's ten years since the Dorset and East Devon coast around Bridport was designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The Jurassic Coast is celebrating its tenth birthday this month! Of course, the main reason it is a World Heritage Site is that it is way older than that… 185 million years of our Earth's history are recorded in its rocks. 

Bridport is a Gateway Town to the Jurassic Coast and is ideally situated. To the east lies the younger part of the coast - Cretaceous, only 100 million years old - with the famous Old Harry Rocks, striking white chalk stacks, carved by the sea. To the west, the Triassic period (250 million years old) can be seen between Orcombe Point in Exmouth and Lyme Regis where the Jurassic period starts. 

So here we are… perfectly positioned in the middle of a most amazing coastline! England's only Natural World Heritage Site might be bursting with fossils in its old rocks, it is also bursting with energy. "Creative Coast 2012" is a very exciting collaboration that brings together the arts with natural science to create eight ambitious projects along the Coast. 

Closest to Bridport, the Jurassic Coast Earth Festival (4 May - 9 September 2012) will provide Lyme Regis with its own international airport of a kind… Onboard will enable us to travel the Jurassic Coast through space and time in a totally carbon neutral way. Augmented reality and multi-media will be used to take us back in time and across the globe to other World Heritage Sites. The experience promises to be technologically pioneering, multi-sensory and entertaining. Its aim is to also help us reflect on global environmental issues and what better place to do this than a World Heritage Site? It certainly sounds like something West Dorset has never seen and we can't wait to have a go!

We'll have to tell you about the others projects another time because there are just too many for one post. But we've heard of a life size dinosaur roaming along the coast, dance, photography, music, stone carving… oh, and in case you've forgotten, we've got the Olympics and Paralympics for sailing in Weymouth as well! We're just a little bit excited! We hope you join us for some fun in 2012. See you next year. 

The Bridport Christmas Light Festival this week kicked off the festive season to a great start. It was wonderful to see our town busy and lit up, shops open late and everybody out having a nice time. The Bull's mulled cider went down a treat with our guests and friends (I loved the aniseed after taste!). 

Christmas spirit was all over Bridport from the Electric Palace to the WI and even the Museum was open with the local National Trust van out in force to help celebrate the Jurassic Coast's tenth anniversary of being a World Heritage Site. But we'll tell you about that later. 

Today it's all about Christmas! Joy Reeves has decked our halls with earthy decorations; we love her clever use of vintage milk bottles, rosehips and pine cones, they blend in beautifully with the Bull hotel's decor. 

Now… if you missed our mulled cider last night, fear not, it's served all day over the festive season. Come and try it! And if you fancy a change from Christmas at home this year, why not come and spend time with us? 

Sing along to carols in the Hayloft above the Stable Cider House on Christmas eve, have your breakfast and an amazing lunch cooked for you whilst you concentrate on opening presents, going off for a wonder along the Jurassic Coast and enjoying a glass of champagne (or two)… 

Christmas time at the Bull Hotel in Bridport is very relaxed… log fires, great food and Bridport's unique atmosphere. We wish a very merry Christmas and hope to welcome you over the festive season. See you soon…