A Chef’s Guide to Lyme Regis

Often referred to as ‘the pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is one of Britain’s most quintessential seaside towns – with a stellar food scene to match. Both its beachfront and its cobbled streets are filled with lovely eateries, from bayside pubs to seafood restaurants. Here local chef Harriet Mansell, who heads up both Robin Wylde and Lilac, advises us on the best of the bunch. Read on to discover the top places to eat in Lyme Regis.

A Chef’s Guide to Lyme Regis

Harriet Mansell

After spending a summer working on luxury yachts, Harriet discovered she had a flare for cooking, and decided to train at culinary school. Her big break came when she was offered a stage at the acclaimed Noma in Copenhagen, where she learnt about all things fermenting and foraging – which would go on to influence her food ethos. In 2019, an opportunity came up for Harriet to take over the Pop-Up Kitchen in Lyme Regis, and she went on to open two restaurants there: Robin Wylde and Lilac, both of which focus on wild food and seasonal cooking. In the midst of all this, she also appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu. 

Places To Eat in Lyme Regis: Harriet Mansell’s Pick

Seaside Boarding House (Burton Bradstock)

Seaside Boarding House is about 20 minutes from Lyme Regis. There’s a terrace that looks out onto the whole bay and it’s my favourite place. I went there on my birthday and it’s such a nice place for a special occasion. theseasideboardinghouse.com

Pop-Up Kitchen

This is where I started out. Ally who runs Pop-Up has an ever evolving roster of fantastic people taking over the kitchen. She is responsible for the majority of people who have started foodie businesses in the area by giving them a platform to start out. thepopup.kitchen

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Red Panda

I couldn’t leave out Red Panda, a really relaxed little place serving a great bao and salad box. It’s perfect for picking something up quickly to take down and eat on the beach. redpandago.com

The Ollerod (Berminster)

The Ollerod has a beautiful little garden you can sit out in and the food is really fantastic quality. The restaurant interiors are also stunning, the building is a 13th century priest’s home so lots of history in those walls! theollerod.co.uk

Glebe House

I haven’t actually visited yet but I’ve heard amazing things and it’s number one on my list. Lots of the ingredients on the menu come from their kitchen garden and their pasta dishes look to die for! glebehousedevon.co.uk

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