Several west Dorset businesses have been nominated for the next round of a regional award.

The Food Reader Awards has shown off the best independent food and drink businesses from across the south west for almost 10 years.

After more than 55,000 votes in the first round, businesses to make the second round of voting include several on our doorstep. 

Following this set of voting, the finalists will be announced on Thursday, April 6, before the winners will be crowned at a supper and awards ceremony at Nancarrow Farm in Cornwall on Monday, May 15.

Some 16 Dorset businesses find themselves nominated within 13 categories for the annual awards. 

Among the nominees include Mark Hix, of the Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis, who is up for the best chef category. 

Two Bridport businesses will battle it out in the best cocktail bar category as both Dark Bear and Dorshi from the town received nominations.

Meanwhile, Beaminster restaurant Brassica is vying to become the best restaurant.

There are three Dorset businesses nominated in the best indie retailer section with Ammonite Fine Foods, Lyme Regis, Dorset Meat Company and Rise Market and Bakery, Bridport vying for a place in the final. 

The award winners will be decided as a result of the volume of votes, with one vote allocated per category. 

You can submit your vote by visiting Food Reader Awards 2023 website and clicking the vote now button before filling out the form. 

A list of the Dorset-based nominees is available below, for the full list of nominations from across the south-west visit: https://food-mag.co.uk/features/food-reader-awards-2023/

Best Chef:

  • Mark Hix – The Oyster & Fish House

Best Restaurant:

  • Brassica, Beaminster

Best Hotel: 

  • The Ollerod, Beaminster
  • The Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock

Best Cocktail Bar:

  • Dark Bear, Bridport
  • Dorshi, Bridport

Best Cafe:

  • Soulshine, Bridport
  • The Whole Hog Lyme Bay, Lyme Regis

Best Dining Pub:

  • The Elm Tree Inn, Langton Herring

Best Food Product:

  • River Cottage ketchups

Best Drink Product:

  • Bride Valley Dorset Crémant

Best Indie Retailer:

  • Ammonite Fine Foods, Lyme Regis
  • Dorset Meat Company
  • Rise Market & Bakery, Bridport

Best Farm Shop:

  • Washingpool Farm, Bridport

Sustainability Champion:

  • Catch at the Old Fish Market, Weymouth