Rise and Shine

Your morning slice of hospitality news in the South West

Dorset

Baboo Gelato becomes first ice cream maker to win three consecutive Great Taste 3-Star Awards 

Dorset producer’s Hazelnut gelato takes the industry’s highest accolade for the third year running — making Baboo one of only three companies across the whole of Great Taste, and understood to be the only ice cream or gelato producer, to win a 3-star in 2024, 2025 and 2026 

Six talented young chefs from across the South West have secured their places in the final of South West Junior Chef of the Year 2026

The six finalists in the Junior Chef category, for under 16-year-olds, emerged from a series of county finals held throughout June and July, impressing expert judges with their skill, creativity and passion for local ingredients.

Haddon House Hotel wins big in Nisbets Matchday Mega Bundle

Haddon House Hotel shoots and scores as winner of Nisbets’ Matchday Mega Bundle.

New West Country Produces podcast launched

A new podcast celebrating the people, products and stories behind the South West’s food and drink sector has been launched by Devon-based media company Evo-media.

New national programme opens doors for South West food and drink producers

A new national initiative is aiming to break down barriers and open up major supply chain opportunities for small and micro businesses — including those across the South West’s thriving food and drink sector.

Michael Caines launches South West Chef of the Year competition for 2026

The search has begun for the region’s best chefs. Entries are now open for the South West Chef of the Year.

Dorset’s Sea Sisters hooks £78k to scale British fish cannery

A Dorset-based cannery dedicated to premium canned British fish is expanding thanks to a total of £78,600 in funding from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from its partner SWIG Finance.

Isaac Cider goes light with ‘Weightless’ 0.5% launch

Dorset-based Isaac Cider has launched Weightless, a new lightly sparkling 0.5% cider aimed at the growing demand for premium low and no-alcohol drinks across the on and off-trade.

Matthews Cotswold Flour hosts South West bakers networking event in Exeter

The team from Matthews Cotswold Flour was delighted to host a fantastic networking event for South West Bakers on Tuesday 19th May in the heart of Exeter.

Gather 2026: The South West food & drink event you cannot afford to miss

Gather 2026 is back — and it’s bigger, bolder and bursting with ideas.

New membership benefits launched by leading regional food and drink group

Taste of the West — the South West’s leading food and drink membership organisation — has launched its most comprehensive membership programme to date, opening to applications on Monday 11 May 2026.

Purbeck Cider launches ‘People’s Choice’ charity cider

Independent Dorset cidermaker Purbeck Cider, has announced the launch of a new limited-edition charity cider, People’s Choice.

Dorset cidery wins global recognition at International Cider Awards

Dorset-based Isaac Cider is celebrating international recognition after winning two Silver Medals at the International Cider Awards 2026, part of the globally respected International Brewing & Cider Awards.

Simply Hospitality Podcast builds momentum with Season 3 following successful launch at The Source trade show

Simply Hospitality – The Podcast, began its third season with a live launch at The Source Show earlier this year.

Entries open for South West Tourism Awards 2026

Entries are now open for the 2026 Tourism Awards across the South West, with tourism and hospitality businesses in Dorset, Devon, Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Cornwall encouraged to take part.

South West businesses celebrate gold as Taste of the West Hospitality & Retail Awards gather momentum in 2026

From seafood specialists to tearoom owners, some of this year’s early Gold Award winners share what the accolade means for their businesses and why entering could be one of the best decisions you make in 2026.