Alexandra Hotel opens new restaurant, Ammonite

New restaurant, Ammonite, set to open at Dorset’s Jurassic Coast Alexandra Hotel –

The Alexandra Hotel, on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis, is set to open a new restaurant, Ammonite, on 18 May. Named after the shell-shaped fossils found on the beach below, the beautiful new orangery will offer relaxed dining with great service in a spectacular setting.

Overseen by the hotel’s Head Chef Tom Holloway, Ammonite will focus on serving fresh seafood and other ‘local to Lyme’ dishes in an informal, light and airy space which has been sympathetically designed to bring the outside in, making the most of the sweeping sea views for which the hotel is renowned.

Sample dishes include Monkfish Cheeks in Town Mill Beer Batter with garlic mayonnaise and Trill Farm organic leaves; Roasted Summer Radishes with whipped feta, brown butter leeks, poppy seeds and mustard frills; Braised Lyme Bay Octopus with saffron, black risotto, sea kale and pickled seaweed and Cheddar Valley Strawberry Panna Cotta with strawberry gel, purèe and chocolate dust.

Handcrafted by Vale Garden Houses, the bespoke orangery has been designed in a classical style to make the most of its surroundings. During the build, a long-hidden historic stone well was discovered; it has been left exposed for visitors to view through a section of glass floor.

The Ammonite will be open for morning coffee, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner seven days a week. Light bites, seafood and salads will be available for lunch priced from just £3 per dish and, in the evening, a three-course meal, including coffee and petits fours costs £45 per person. A selection of drinks (including locally-produced spirits and English sparkling wines), seasonal cocktails and mocktails will also be served.

The Ammonite will complement the existing Alexandra Restaurant, a more formal affair, which similarly champions seasonal, locally-caught – and – sourced produce.

Background information:

The Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant is Grade-II listed boutique bolthole with 23-individually-designed bedrooms, most with sea views. The hotel has been decorated in keeping with its coastal location and in-room amenities include fossil-shaped chocolates and marine-extract toiletries.

Ever since palaeontologist Mary Anning uncovered the remains of a 205-million-year-old ichthyosaur in 1811, fossil hunters have been drawn to the coast around Lyme Regis. The Lyme Regis Museum reopened last summer after a £1.5m extension and offers guided fossil walks. With its sheltered beaches, maze-like streets and historic Cobb harbour wall, the backdrop to several renowned novels and films such as Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Lyme Regis enjoys an enduring appeal.

For more information, or to book, visit www.hotelalexandra.co.uk or call 01297 442 010.