BRIDPORT: New pub opens in Bridport

The pub, formerly The Royal Oak, has been taken over by experienced landlords Brian and Gloria Dodge and has created 20 new jobs in the town.

Brian and Gloria had previously lived in Bridport for 18 years and have spent over 25 years running pubs, including The Poet Laureatte in Dorchester. Their son Elliott will manage The Market House.

The pub will offer food all day, including a cavery from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as a range of Palmers Cask ales and wines.

New features to the building include a courtyard offering al fresco dining and an informal dining area for private parties.

The menu is freshly prepared to order, using locally sourced ingredients, by qualified head chef Lindsay Merton. Lindsay focuses on traditional food and is known for her homemade pies.

New landlady Gloria Dodge said: “We always said that we would come back to Bridport one day but it had to be the right place. And this is. It’s the complete package.

“Bridport’s got it all. We don’t need to go anywhere else. It’s Dorset’s top award-winning food town and we’re going to showcase that. We’re proud to be part of the Bridport community.

“We’re all determined to make the most of it. We can’t wait to start serving all the people locally that we already know and we’re looking forward to making many new friends.

“I want The Market House to be known and loved as somewhere that people always get genuine West Dorset hospitality and excellent local food and drink.”

PICTURE: Palmers head brewer Darren Batten with new manager Elliot Dodge and landlords Brian and Gloria Dodge

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