Taste Bud Treats
Savouring the local flavours of Dorset through the words and illustrations of Becca Perl.
Dorsetshire Sauce by From Dorset With Love
Did you know that here in Dorset we have our very own version of Worcestershire sauce? And unlike the traditional recipe, Dorsetshire sauce doesn’t contain anchovies so is suitable for vegan diets. Use it to elevate your cheese on toast, give your stews an umami snog and boost your Bloody Mary into the stratosphere.
Champagne afternoon tea at Cork and Lobster
The best thing about buying someone a voucher for champagne afternoon tea (£35 per person) is that you get to go with them… hopefully. The pastry chef at Cork and Lobster at Southbourne Crossroads makes the best finger sandwiches, scones and cakes you’ve ever tasted, plus pork and apricot sausage rolls, lobster croustade and macarons.
Smoked and Chilli gift set by Dorset Sea Salt Co.
Dorset Sea Salt Co. Salt is hand harvested from Chesil Beach. The texture and flavour is unbeatable, plus there are no additives or anti-caking agents. The online shop is full of great ideas for keen cooks, such as this gift set containing one natural flavour salt, one oak-smoked and one chilli.
Crisps and wine matching by Dorset Local Wine School
Maria from Dorset Local Wine School organises loads of wine tastings and events throughout the year, but this is the one that always sells out the fastest. The vegan-friendly event takes place in Southbourne and features six carefully selected wines and accompanying crisps. Think posh crisps, not Wotsits!
A tour of Conker Distillery
Do you know someone who’d love a peek into the inner workings of Conker Distillery in Southbourne? For £25 per person, you’ll hear Conker’s start-up success story, learn how they create their award-winning spirits, and enjoy a guided tasting with the Head Distiller. Tours are on Fridays between 2.30-4pm and you can book a date online or purchase a gift voucher.
Adopt a nut tree from Lightfoot’s Farm
Adopting a local tree means you’ll be doing your bit for sustainable agriculture and supporting nut farming right here on our doorstep. For £40, Peter from Lightfoot’s Farm in Sway will plant, protect and care for a cobnut, walnut or sweet chestnut tree and send you 500g of nuts during the next harvest.
Boscanova coffee scrub soap bar by Primal Suds
For fans of Bad Hand Coffee Roasters, you can now drink your coffee and wash with it at the same time. Named after everyone’s favourite Boscombe institution, this solid soap bar is handmade using only natural, vegan ingredients to exfoliate the skin: Bad Hand Coffee, coconut oil and shea butter.
Biscuit decorating kit from Biscuits by Sarah B
Other hand-iced biscuit brands have the tendency to look phenomenal but taste like cardboard. Sarah B – an actual biscuit wizard – has nailed both. She makes exquisite personalised biscuits and runs classes and parties. Her DIY cookie kits contain everything you need to get started – biscuits, tools, ready-made icing, decorations and instructions.
Cheese hamper from Parlourmentary
This is the perfect gift for someone whose love language is cheese. The hampers from Parlourmentary in Southbourne start at £35 and contain a selection of the finest cheeses, plus crackers from The Fine Cheese Co. And local chutney. The independent shop also stocks cured meats and provisions from producers across Britain and Europe.
