11th October 2012

BEAMINSTER: Area gets a boost as eateries are given Taste of the West awards

The reputation of Beaminster as a go-to area for eating out was given a boost when two eateries picked up awards for their dining experience.

The New Inn at Stoke Abbott and the Beaminster Brasserie at the Bridgehouse in the town centre were picked out in this year’s Taste of the West South West Flavours awards.

They were among only five establishments in Dorset to be recognised in the restaurant category.

The New Inn won a gold award for the second year running to the delight of owner Luke Stevens.

He said: “I’m very, very happy to win this award – it’s great to have won it.

“The market is difficult as all pubs seem to be heading in the same direction so it’s important to get the fine details right.

“We place an emphasis on service, making sure everyone is as helpful as possible. Our chef [George Marsh] has added a lot to the menu too since he joined us from the Riverside Restaurant in West Bay.

We also grow our own vegetables which further impressed the judges.”

Mark Donovan – who co-owns the Beaminster Brasserie with his wife Joanna was equally pleased with his silver award.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to win this. There’s some tough competition so to get a silver is great news.

Part of our success is due to the way our head chef Stephen Pielesz likes to be a bit imaginative and is a little bit different to everyone else. We also offer diners a choice of eating areas in relaxed and unpretentious surroundings.”

Both owners acknowledged it has been a tough summer for Beaminster with the poor weather, tunnel closure and so-called “Olympic Effect” hitting trade.

Mr Stevens – who has owned the New Inn for two years – said: “Yes, it’s been a different year from others. But it just makes it more of a challenge. You just have to put in as much effort and care as you can.”

Eight years into his ownership of the Brasserie, Mr Donovan said: “No doubt the tunnel closure has made a difference to Beaminster but we’re just going to have to live with it for the foreseeable future until it’s reopened.

We have a very loyal core of customers here and have been very resilient. But it’s been difficult for the town. Beaminster deserves a bit of a boost and we’re really happy to be partly able to do something about that.”

BEAMINSTER: Area gets a boost as eateries are given Taste of the West awards

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