Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>The Muddy pick of the latest news in the &#8216;hood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-manor-house-inn-ditcheat">The Manor House Inn, Ditcheat</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-104706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-manor-house-inn-dicheat-473633254_18059623903941947_3736912308433986873_n_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Historic 18th century pub <a href="https://www.manorhouseinnditcheat.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Manor House Inn</a> in the village of Ditcheat – home of Paul Nicholls’ racing stables and Barber’s Cheese and surrounded by views of the Mendips – is reopening on Sat 2 Feb after a massive refurb.  The &#8216;country boozer with rooms&#8217; is now part of the <a href="https://www.chickpea.group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chickpea Group</a>, who have nine other pubs and pizzerias in Wilts and Dorset, and have been described by <em>The Times</em> as ‘The Pig hotels of the pub world’.  See what you think.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rick-stein-s-50th-anniversary-gift-to-you">Rick Stein&#8217;s 50th anniversary gift to you</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-800x1000.jpg" alt="rick stein 50th anniversary sandbanks dorset" class="wp-image-104699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-rick-stein-472137362_1138920190924435_3627790348161710442_n_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rick Stein, by Sam Harris</figcaption></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s 50 years since Rick Stein opened The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. To celebrate the anniversary, he&#8217;s offering dishes from the original menu – at 1975 prices – like ragout of coquilles St Jacques for 65p, grilled lobster for £2.80,  and raspberry bavarois for 65p.  The Rolled Back menu will be available for a limited number of lunch bookings at restaurants including Sandbanks in Dorset, from Thurs 6 – Sun 9 Feb. Get ready to click when <a href="https://rickstein.com/the-seafood-restaurant-50/rolled-back-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bookings open Fri 24 Jan</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-somerset-s-new-music-venue">Somerset&#8217;s new music venue</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2249" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor.jpg" alt="news The South" class="wp-image-104695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-THE-SOUTH-OFFICIAL-PIC-SHOT-2-026-1_Fotor-1366x2048.jpg 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The South are at Studio 24 on Fri 9 May</figcaption></figure>



<p>Forget Studio 54, it&#8217;s <a href="https://studio24wells.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio 24</a> you need to know about. News is, Wells has only gone and got itself a new live music and comedy venue in the old Regal Cinema on Priory Road. Upcoming events include Toploader, The Christians and The South but you can <a href="https://studio24wells.com/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see what else is on here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boxhall-in-bristol">BOXHALL in Bristol</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor.png" alt="BOXHALL bristol" class="wp-image-104686" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor-800x599.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor-1000x749.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor-400x300.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-BOXHALL-CGI_Fotor-768x575.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BOXHALL Bristol (CGI)</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Shoreditch BoxPark concept comes to Bristol&#8217;s harbourside later this year with <a href="https://www.boxhall.co.uk/bristol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOXHALL</a>, under the guidance of Food Ambassador, local chef and culinary entrepreneur Josh Eggleton (The Pony Chew Valley, The Pelican, etc). News is, the food-beer-music hall will see local indie chefs and street food traders cooking up grub in seven kitchens, outdoor terraces overlooking the harbour,  free music and other events. We can’t wait.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-michelin-stars">Future Michelin stars?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium wp-image-104710"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-800x800.jpg" alt=" puro by tommy thorn" class="wp-image-104710" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-puro-469697467_1216067590003311_736401206079831526_n.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Puro by Tommy Thorn</figcaption></figure>



<p>The 2025 Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands will be announced later this month (watch this space for news), but did you know that the Michelin Guide adds new restaurants to their guide throughout the year? Here are the new Dorset, Somerset and Bristol entries. Italian restaurant <a href="https://da-costa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Da Costa </a>at Hauser &amp; Wirth and farm-to-table <a href="https://numberonebruton.com/briar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Briar</a>, both in Bruton. <a href="https://thenewtinsomerset.com/hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Botanical Rooms</a> at The Newt in the countryside between Bruton and Castle Cary. <a href="https://www.purorestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puro</a>, headed up by <em>MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 </em>finalist Tommy Thorn, in Clevedon. Seafood and grill, the <a href="https://www.guildhalltavern.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guildhall Tavern</a>, in Poole. Neighbourhood restaurant <a href="https://www.otherrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Other</a> and <a href="https://www.tarerestaurant.co.uk/locations/tare-bistro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tare Bistro,</a> both in Bristol.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bristol-s-glitzy-new-hotel">Bristol&#8217;s glitzy new hotel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor.jpg" alt="Hotel Gotham Bristol news" class="wp-image-104677" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-hotel-gotham-467439066_122201892470081782_6085492643175567428_n_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hotel Gotham Bristol</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fancy a swanky stay in the city? Bristol&#8217;s historic Guildhall on Broad Street will be transformed into a glitzy new 5* hotel this autumn. The <a href="https://www.hotelgotham.co.uk/bristol">Hotel Gotham Bristol</a> will have 75 bedrooms, a restaurant, spa and – rumour has it – a swish rooftop terrace bar.  See you there?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-women-s-rugby-world-cup-in-bristol">Women&#8217;s Rugby World Cup  in Bristol</h2>



<p>And in sporting news, you can cheer on the Red Roses (hopefully) at Bristol&#8217;s Ashton Gate stadium this autumn. The stadium will be hosting two quarter-finals (weekend of 13 Sept) and both semi finals (weekend of 19 Sept) in the biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby. </p>


All the local goss – new places to eat, drink, listen to music – and a Rick Stein menu at 1975 prices

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