Lunch

The next event in April is a lunch at Yalbury Cottage, organised by Geoff and Clare James. Situated in the small hamlet ofLower Bockhampton, Yalbury Cottage dates back around 350 years and was once the home of the local shepherd and the keeper of the water meadows.  Bockhampton was the inspiration for the village of Mellstock in Thomas Hardy’s “Under the Greenwood Tree” and Hardy’s birthplace is just a short walk away.  Despite being only a couple of miles from Dorchester the village is surrounded by typical Hardy countryside of green fields and woodlands. 

Yalbury Cottage is owned and run by Jamie and Ariane Jones and together they have worked in some of the world’s leading hotels.  Chef Jamie takes pride in using only the finest of locally-sourced produce to produce creative but classical French menus for the award-winning restaurant.  He has devised a most tempting menu for us specifically to compliment the wines chosen by Geoff and Clare, who tell me they have been very impressed with his enthusiasm and commitment.  Jamie will come out and say a few words to us either during or after the meal. 

The lounge and restaurant are situated in the oldest part of this character cottage, with oak beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces.  We will meet in the lounge at 12.30 pm for ourChampagneaperitif before moving through to the restaurant for lunch at 1 pm.