The Taste of Dorset: Local Food and Drink at the Alexandra in Lyme Regis

Just a short walk from the vibrant seaside town of Lyme Regis, the Alexandra offers a place of comfort away from the busy summer crowds. Alongside the spectacular cliffside views and the elegantly appointed rooms, our hotel is renowned for its delicious, locally-sourced food and drink.

As you’d expect from a world-famous coastal town, at the heart of each menu at the Alexandra is a passion for bringing the flavours of the sea to your plate. Whether it’s breakfast, dinner or a traditional afternoon tea, we take pride in using local producers from the West Country and adhering to sustainable fishing practices. From a beautifully cooked pavé of salmon or monkfish tails to fresh kipper or haddock, you can be sure the fish has been caught ethically in local waters.

A celebration of local and seasonal flavours

At the Alexandra, our aim is to turn every mealtime into a celebration. Our talented chefs meticulously handpick the finest local and seasonal ingredients to craft exquisite dishes in our kitchen. Situated in the heart of Dorset, where the natural environment around us provides an abundance of fresh produce, our chefs deliver an authentic taste of the region in every creation.

We’ve long fostered strong partnerships with local farms and skilled artisan producers from around the West Country, allowing us to offer a dining experience where every bite tells its own culinary story.

Local suppliers: Trill Farm Garden

We’re dedicated in our support of local suppliers who share our ethos of quality and sustainability. Trill Farm Garden, which provides our wonderful fresh vegetables, use only organic growing practices; a commitment which saw Ashley Wheeler and Kate Norman, who’ve been running Trill Farm Garden since 2010,  win the Young Organic Growers of the Year Award in 2021. Whether it’s the asparagus found in our delicious home-cooked risotto or the beetroot that makes our pan-fried salmon dishes sing, you can rely on the fresh produce supplied by Trill Farm to make each mouthful one to remember.

Discover local wines

To enhance your dining experience, we have curated a well-balanced selection of wines. Indeed, it’s not just our food in which we take great pride using local suppliers. Here are some of the wineries and vineyards we rely on to create our exceptional wine list, all located within a short distance from the hotel.

Castlewood Vineyard

Castlewood Vineyard, nestled on a picturesque south-facing hillside overlooking the river Axe in Devon, was first established in 2006. The vineyard predominantly features Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, comprising three-quarters of the estate. These classic varietals play a vital role in crafting Castlewood's vintage sparkling wines, renowned for their exceptional quality.

Furleigh Estate

Furleigh Estate, located in the Dorset countryside near the Jurassic Coast, produces world-class still and sparkling wines. Located on 85 acres of vineyard, lakes, and grazing land surrounded by woodland, this picturesque winery benefits from the fertile soil enriched by ancient remains of prehistoric dinosaurs. With meticulous care and attention, Furleigh Estate cultivates Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, and Rondo grapes to craft their delicious wines. 

Lyme Bay Winery

Lyme Bay Winery, the home of LBW Drinks, is a haven for passionate individuals dedicated to creating delectable and award-winning English wines, fruit wines, ciders, meads, liqueurs, and spirits. Working in the scenic Axe Valley in Devon, this small and devoted drinks company combines their expertise in flavours, ingredients, and winemaking to produce exceptional traditional beverages.

Bride Valley

Bride Valley is the realisation of the sadly passed Steven Spurrier's lifelong passion for wine and his 50-year journey in the wine trade. Set on the fine south-facing slopes of Dorset, this exceptional winery thrives on clear chalky soil, which shares the same geological basin as Champagne. These unique conditions provide the perfect foundation for crafting exquisite English Sparkling Wine.

Craft small batch rum with a local twist

The Alexandra proudly sources its rum from Black Venn Distillery, a distinguished local supplier known for their exceptional craft. Black Venn's award-winning dark rum is meticulously crafted in small batches, ensuring utmost attention to detail. Distilled twice from 100% pure molasses, this rum showcases the artistry and expertise of their distilling process.

One of the key factors that contribute to the remarkable taste of Black Venn's rum is the high-quality water sourced from their surrounding environment. This pristine water imparts a fantastic flavour to the rum, complementing its character and depth.

At an impressive 50% ABV, this dark rum unveils a delightful blend of flavours, including notes of caramel, coffee, and a subtle hint of vanilla. Whether enjoyed neat or with a single small cube of ice, it promises a rich and complex taste experience.

Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea

There’s no greater pleasure on a long, hot summer’s day than finding a comfortable spot in our garden and enjoying a freshly baked scone loaded with local Dorset clotted cream and jam. An English afternoon tea at the Alexandra is a traditional affair that showcases all the culinary delights of the region and flavours from the East. Featuring a selection of dainty, handmade sandwiches, scones served with fresh Dorset clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of cakes, accompanied by a choice of Indian or Ceylon tea. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Lyme Regis.

Join us for a culinary journey

When you visit the Alexandra in Lyme Regis, you embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the richness of local and seasonal flavours. Our commitment to sustainability and our passion for delivering exceptional food and drink experiences ensure that every bite and sip is an unforgettable one. To avoid disappointment, booking is essential at the restaurant, so please do get in touch if you're planning a visit. For the true Lyme Regis experience, why not book a room at the Alexandra this summer and savour all the culinary delights of the region.