Food scene
I love finding great places to eat, drink and be sociable with friends. These are just a few of the ones I'm happy to recommend.
Some are more pricey than others but they're all great and well worth a visit.
Do feel free to mention where you're staying if you visit any of them.
The award winning Tytherleigh Arms is just up the road. The food is amazing and the service impeccable. It's advisable to check which days it is open as this changes depending on the season. It's also advisable to book in advance.
It's a great place for a light lunch or a really special dinner. You're welcome to bring your dog in but let them know you're bringing your four legged friend when you book to eat there.
Unfortunately, children under five are not permitted in the evenings.
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The Tytherleigh Arms
The award winning Tytherleigh Arms is just up the road. The food is amazing and the service impeccable. It's advisable to check which days it is open as this changes depending on the season. It's also advisable to book in advance.
It's a great place for a light lunch or a really special dinner. You're welcome to bring your dog in but let them know you're bringing your four legged friend when you book to eat there.
Unfortunately, children under five are not permitted in the evenings.
Fabulous coffee shop selling great tasting drinks as well as quirky gifts that are amazing value!
Higgler Coffee
South StreetFabulous coffee shop selling great tasting drinks as well as quirky gifts that are amazing value!
This is a great foodie pub off the beaten track but only a short drive away. In a fabulous location out in the countryside, the menu is brilliant, it's dog-friendly and if you want to meet some of the friendly locals, this is a great place to go.
The Sunday lunch is a particular favourite so best to book in advance!
Currently only open for outside drinking and eating. No need to book.
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The Cotley Inn
This is a great foodie pub off the beaten track but only a short drive away. In a fabulous location out in the countryside, the menu is brilliant, it's dog-friendly and if you want to meet some of the friendly locals, this is a great place to go.
The Sunday lunch is a particular favourite so best to book in advance!
Currently only open for outside drinking and eating. No need to book.
This is a great sea front bar/restaurant in Lyme Regis. It's dog friendly and has outside seating and great cocktails! Worth it for the view alone!
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Swim
Marine ParadeThis is a great sea front bar/restaurant in Lyme Regis. It's dog friendly and has outside seating and great cocktails! Worth it for the view alone!
This is a wonderful, dog-friendly pub right on the beach at Seatown. Great food, lovely outside space and you can walk up Golden Cap (but keep your dog on a lead near the cliffs!).
It gets busy at weekends but you can't book, so get there early!
Currently has a large marquee serving food and drink on a first come, first served basis. From 17 May, they will be taking bookings for inside tables.
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The Anchor Inn
This is a wonderful, dog-friendly pub right on the beach at Seatown. Great food, lovely outside space and you can walk up Golden Cap (but keep your dog on a lead near the cliffs!).
It gets busy at weekends but you can't book, so get there early!
Currently has a large marquee serving food and drink on a first come, first served basis. From 17 May, they will be taking bookings for inside tables.
It's a long and winding road to get to this great pub but worth the trip.
I recommend you book in advance as it does get very busy.
There is an advance booking page on their website https://shavecrossinn.resos.com/bookingwww.shavecrossinn.co.uk. Pub open 12-3pm & 6-11pm. 01308 868 356.
You can also visit one of our sister sites in Lyme Regis. The Shave Cross Cellar (a bar and taproom with a unique serve yourself pint system) and Shave Cross Taverna (shavecrosstaverna.co.uk).
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The Shave Cross Inn
It's a long and winding road to get to this great pub but worth the trip.
I recommend you book in advance as it does get very busy.
There is an advance booking page on their website https://shavecrossinn.resos.com/bookingwww.shavecrossinn.co.uk. Pub open 12-3pm & 6-11pm. 01308 868 356.
You can also visit one of our sister sites in Lyme Regis. The Shave Cross Cellar (a bar and taproom with a unique serve yourself pint system) and Shave Cross Taverna (shavecrosstaverna.co.uk).
The second closest pub to here. It is on the main road but it’s a local village pub offering a wide range of ales homemade food with a fabulous beer garden . They do huge Sunday lunch portions!
They have set up dining pods outside in case of bad weather (opening from 16 April, to book call 01460 221 000) and also have a large, child-friendly garden. You can get take away Sunday lunches from here too).
Ye Olde Poppe Inn
Axminster RoadThe second closest pub to here. It is on the main road but it’s a local village pub offering a wide range of ales homemade food with a fabulous beer garden . They do huge Sunday lunch portions!
They have set up dining pods outside in case of bad weather (opening from 16 April, to book call 01460 221 000) and also have a large, child-friendly garden. You can get take away Sunday lunches from here too).
You’ll find freshly prepared seasonal menus alongside Palmers casked ales, bottled lagers and carefully selected wines.
Dog friendly, and there is a pizza night with freshly made pizzas straight from the pizza oven every Thursday evening.
Good outside space but you should probably book for inside 01297 489 419.
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The George Inn
Main StreetYou’ll find freshly prepared seasonal menus alongside Palmers casked ales, bottled lagers and carefully selected wines.
Dog friendly, and there is a pizza night with freshly made pizzas straight from the pizza oven every Thursday evening.
Good outside space but you should probably book for inside 01297 489 419.
This is a community owned village pub just the other side of Axminster. It has great local beers and fine, locally sourced food. It’s advisable to book in advance.
They also offer a Thai Takeover menu for take away or eat in (or out) every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm.
Stockland EX14 9BS, 01404 881686
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The Kings Arms Inn
49 BishopstonThis is a community owned village pub just the other side of Axminster. It has great local beers and fine, locally sourced food. It’s advisable to book in advance.
They also offer a Thai Takeover menu for take away or eat in (or out) every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm.
Stockland EX14 9BS, 01404 881686
Best burgers around!
You can message your order via their facebook page (thecowandthebeanaxminster) up until 2pm. From 4.30pm, call in orders to 01297 792782. Wait for confirmation of your order before going in to collect.
Please wait for a reply to ensure your order is confirmed.
thecow&thebean
14 Lyme StreetBest burgers around!
You can message your order via their facebook page (thecowandthebeanaxminster) up until 2pm. From 4.30pm, call in orders to 01297 792782. Wait for confirmation of your order before going in to collect.
Please wait for a reply to ensure your order is confirmed.
The Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis Mark Hix’s amazing restaurant with incredible views. There is a small deck outside, but the whole restaurant has amazing views of the Cobb and the sea.
Cobb Rd, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP.
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The Oyster & Fish House
Cobb RoadThe Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis Mark Hix’s amazing restaurant with incredible views. There is a small deck outside, but the whole restaurant has amazing views of the Cobb and the sea.
Cobb Rd, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP.
A genuine review for Belluno this year: "Good so good I didn’t even have time to take a picture of it before eating. Best carbonara I have ever had in my life. Perfect portion sizes too! 10/10 would recommend".
Belluno Italian Axminster
A genuine review for Belluno this year: "Good so good I didn’t even have time to take a picture of it before eating. Best carbonara I have ever had in my life. Perfect portion sizes too! 10/10 would recommend".
Great little microbrewery/pub in Axminster Railway Station. 2024 opening times as follows:
Thurs/Friday 12-9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
The Ale Way
Great little microbrewery/pub in Axminster Railway Station. 2024 opening times as follows:
Thurs/Friday 12-9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
A cracking good cafe/restaurant right on Axminster Station platform. Friendly and welcoming with a brilliant breakfast. Dog friendly too! Indoor and outdoor seating. Try the Fat Controller breakfast if you dare!
Opening hours: Mon-Friday 7.30am-2pm; Saturday 7.30am-2pm and 5.30-8.30pm; Sunday 8.30am-12 noon.
Railway Kitchen
A cracking good cafe/restaurant right on Axminster Station platform. Friendly and welcoming with a brilliant breakfast. Dog friendly too! Indoor and outdoor seating. Try the Fat Controller breakfast if you dare!
Opening hours: Mon-Friday 7.30am-2pm; Saturday 7.30am-2pm and 5.30-8.30pm; Sunday 8.30am-12 noon.
You shouldn't really come all this way and then get pizza from a national chain...but if you're desperate, this one is close by. By a fraction of a centimetre, they still won't deliver to hear so it's takeaway only.
Domino's Pizza - Chard
You shouldn't really come all this way and then get pizza from a national chain...but if you're desperate, this one is close by. By a fraction of a centimetre, they still won't deliver to hear so it's takeaway only.
Totally Local
These are a few suggestions of independent shops locally that are worth a visit.
The more people that support our independent shops and help them to thrive, the more we can ensure that our local towns and villages retain a sense of uniqueness without becoming full of big brand, high street names.
This is an award winning local community village shop about a ten minute drive away.
Staffed by volunteers, there is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, home made cakes and pies, groceries and household staples plus lots of gift items, cards and stationery. There is a post office operating once a week.
There is outdoor seating available (although inside isn't dog friendly) and you're just as likely to see a horse as a dog tethered outside while their owner is doing a bit of shopping!
There are also some great dog walks around that area - ask in the shop for directions.
Thorncombe Village Shop
Chard StreetThis is an award winning local community village shop about a ten minute drive away.
Staffed by volunteers, there is a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, home made cakes and pies, groceries and household staples plus lots of gift items, cards and stationery. There is a post office operating once a week.
There is outdoor seating available (although inside isn't dog friendly) and you're just as likely to see a horse as a dog tethered outside while their owner is doing a bit of shopping!
There are also some great dog walks around that area - ask in the shop for directions.
This is my home from home. A family-run farm shop not just selling local West Country produce but also an amazing selection of food and drink brought directly over from France on a weekly basis.
There's a cornucopia of different food and drink, a flower shop, plants, food, wine (of course), gardening and doggy bits, a fresh fishmonger (with catch directly off the boats in Lyme Regis) and loads more.
There's also The Teapot, a lovely cafe now with a drinks licence that serves all day with plenty of outside seating.
New additions to the shop site include a hairdresser, a dog groomer, woodworking studio and even a travel agent!
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Millers Farm Shop
Gammons HillThis is my home from home. A family-run farm shop not just selling local West Country produce but also an amazing selection of food and drink brought directly over from France on a weekly basis.
There's a cornucopia of different food and drink, a flower shop, plants, food, wine (of course), gardening and doggy bits, a fresh fishmonger (with catch directly off the boats in Lyme Regis) and loads more.
There's also The Teapot, a lovely cafe now with a drinks licence that serves all day with plenty of outside seating.
New additions to the shop site include a hairdresser, a dog groomer, woodworking studio and even a travel agent!
The Town Mill is a small complex of shops and restaurants (and a local brewery) in Lyme Regis. Definitely worth a visit. If you're lucky, you'll be able to park in the car park on Broad Street and then walk down the steps to the Mill.
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The Town Mill
Mill LaneThe Town Mill is a small complex of shops and restaurants (and a local brewery) in Lyme Regis. Definitely worth a visit. If you're lucky, you'll be able to park in the car park on Broad Street and then walk down the steps to the Mill.
The Village Shop in Chardstock is just up the road from here. It has all the household staples, food and drink, newspapers, magazines and a post office facility.
To get there, drive up to the main road, turn right then almost immediately left. Follow the road ahead and you'll find the shop just after the Village Hall on the left hand side.
Chardstock
The Village Shop in Chardstock is just up the road from here. It has all the household staples, food and drink, newspapers, magazines and a post office facility.
To get there, drive up to the main road, turn right then almost immediately left. Follow the road ahead and you'll find the shop just after the Village Hall on the left hand side.
I swear by my Kindle but there's still nothing quite as lovely as the smell of a new book.
The Archway Bookshop has been in Axminster since 1966 although it recently moved to Trinity House in the Market Square.
Well worth a visit!
Archway Bookshop
2 Church StI swear by my Kindle but there's still nothing quite as lovely as the smell of a new book.
The Archway Bookshop has been in Axminster since 1966 although it recently moved to Trinity House in the Market Square.
Well worth a visit!
A great shop for a huge range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and generally healthy foods.
They also stock a large number of refillable household and toiletry products. They've been doing refillable for 20 years - way ahead of the game!
Ganesha Whole Foods
3 South StA great shop for a huge range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and generally healthy foods.
They also stock a large number of refillable household and toiletry products. They've been doing refillable for 20 years - way ahead of the game!
Sightseeing and things to do
David Attenborough visited here recently to unveil a huge fossil found locally (Dippy the Dinosaur). It's a fascinating place and you can hire fossil hammers to go down to the beach and find your own. They usually offer guided fossil walks too. Beware of falling cliffs though!
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Ċentru tal-Kosta tal-Patrimonju ta 'Charmouth
Lower Sea LaneDavid Attenborough visited here recently to unveil a huge fossil found locally (Dippy the Dinosaur). It's a fascinating place and you can hire fossil hammers to go down to the beach and find your own. They usually offer guided fossil walks too. Beware of falling cliffs though!
Unleash your inner French Lieutenant's Woman with a visit to the historic Cobb Harbour in Lyme Regis where it was both written (by John Fowles whose studio you can also visit) and filmed.
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The Cobb
Unleash your inner French Lieutenant's Woman with a visit to the historic Cobb Harbour in Lyme Regis where it was both written (by John Fowles whose studio you can also visit) and filmed.
Forde Abbey is an 800 year old former Cisterian Abbey which has been owned by the same family for many generations.
The house itself is astonishing, full of incredible features dating back hundreds of years. The gardens have been a labour of love for the family and the many others who work tirelessly on the flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and fruit trees that surround the Abbey.
There is a wonderful restaurant/coffee shop serving home-made food, locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and delicious local ice cream. There is a also a lovely gift shop and you can buy plants grown by the Abbey from the plant shop.
It's dog-friendly including in the cafe but dogs must be kept on a lead.
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Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Forde Abbey is an 800 year old former Cisterian Abbey which has been owned by the same family for many generations.
The house itself is astonishing, full of incredible features dating back hundreds of years. The gardens have been a labour of love for the family and the many others who work tirelessly on the flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetables and fruit trees that surround the Abbey.
There is a wonderful restaurant/coffee shop serving home-made food, locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and delicious local ice cream. There is a also a lovely gift shop and you can buy plants grown by the Abbey from the plant shop.
It's dog-friendly including in the cafe but dogs must be kept on a lead.
Who doesn't love an alpaca? Based in Shute, you can arrange a 'meet the alpacas' visit for only £15 or book to go on a woodland walk with some of them.
You'll be introduced to the whole herd in their paddocks, including the adult boys, young alpacas, females and newborn cria in the summer.
You'll learn all about alpacas, how to look after them and use their beautiful fleece. Then you can enjoy feeding them some of their favourite treats and take plenty of alpaca photos!
In the Summer, you can take a picnic and enjoy some alpaca company as you enjoy the sunshine.
DIRECTIONS
If you are using SatNav to find it please note the postcode can take you to the lower end of Haddon Road, by the Church and Shute Primary School. From that direction, it's a few minutes further up the hill towards Shute Woods. Keep an eye out for the sign!
Little Orchard Alpacas
Who doesn't love an alpaca? Based in Shute, you can arrange a 'meet the alpacas' visit for only £15 or book to go on a woodland walk with some of them.
You'll be introduced to the whole herd in their paddocks, including the adult boys, young alpacas, females and newborn cria in the summer.
You'll learn all about alpacas, how to look after them and use their beautiful fleece. Then you can enjoy feeding them some of their favourite treats and take plenty of alpaca photos!
In the Summer, you can take a picnic and enjoy some alpaca company as you enjoy the sunshine.
DIRECTIONS
If you are using SatNav to find it please note the postcode can take you to the lower end of Haddon Road, by the Church and Shute Primary School. From that direction, it's a few minutes further up the hill towards Shute Woods. Keep an eye out for the sign!
Run by the wonderful Si Lippett, why not give kayaking a try in the beautiful Lyme Bay. At the very least, you could earn that lovely lunch at SWim afterwards!
Lyme Kayak Hire LTD
Marine ParadeRun by the wonderful Si Lippett, why not give kayaking a try in the beautiful Lyme Bay. At the very least, you could earn that lovely lunch at SWim afterwards!
Set in 51 acres of glorious Somerset countryside, Ferne is home to over 300 animals. Take a stroll along the nature trail, have a picnic and visit the animals. Everything from dogs and cats to donkeys and chipmunks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary Charity
Set in 51 acres of glorious Somerset countryside, Ferne is home to over 300 animals. Take a stroll along the nature trail, have a picnic and visit the animals. Everything from dogs and cats to donkeys and chipmunks. Dogs on leads are welcome.
This is a veritable cornucopia of everything from mid-century modern glass and other decorative items to collectables, kitchenalia, antique farming implements and tools and 'proper old' antique furniture as well as newer items. It's literally a one minute drive away up the road.
The Trading Post
Chard RoadThis is a veritable cornucopia of everything from mid-century modern glass and other decorative items to collectables, kitchenalia, antique farming implements and tools and 'proper old' antique furniture as well as newer items. It's literally a one minute drive away up the road.
A small, dedicated West Country winery in the Axe Valley passionate about producing delicious and award-winning English wines as well as fruit wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs.
Situated within the Winery, their shop offers their complete range of products plus a wide selection of locally produced food and drinks. Opening times vary so call before you go to avoid disappointment. 01297 551 355
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Lyme Bay Winery
Shute RoadA small, dedicated West Country winery in the Axe Valley passionate about producing delicious and award-winning English wines as well as fruit wines, ciders, meads and liqueurs.
Situated within the Winery, their shop offers their complete range of products plus a wide selection of locally produced food and drinks. Opening times vary so call before you go to avoid disappointment. 01297 551 355
Yeehaw...the stables are open. If you want to book a ride, just email woodhousestables@gmail.com. It's £40 per hour on your own or with an instructor; £35 if you go on a group ride.
Woodhouse Farm
Champernhayes LaneYeehaw...the stables are open. If you want to book a ride, just email woodhousestables@gmail.com. It's £40 per hour on your own or with an instructor; £35 if you go on a group ride.
Dog and People Places
These are a few ideas for places to go for dogs (and people)
These are suggestions for a few dog (and people) walks around the local area. Some are actually within walking distance of here, others are a short drive away.
If you find any others on your visit, do please let me know - my dog has very short legs and is very old so we don't venture far these days and I'd love some more recommendations for future guests, four legs and two!
National Trust Lambert's Castle
These are suggestions for a few dog (and people) walks around the local area. Some are actually within walking distance of here, others are a short drive away.
If you find any others on your visit, do please let me know - my dog has very short legs and is very old so we don't venture far these days and I'd love some more recommendations for future guests, four legs and two!
Ok, so Shute Barton itself isn't dog friendly (in fact the National Trust have decided it will no longer open to the public but will only be available as a holiday let at an eye-watering cost!) but the woods around it are a great place to explore with your dog.
There are some really old and beautiful trees and extensive paths and there are lots of parking spaces around the lanes.
It's a great place to go in Summer especially when it's hot outside as the woods are always shady (in a good way).
Shute Barton
2 New CottagesOk, so Shute Barton itself isn't dog friendly (in fact the National Trust have decided it will no longer open to the public but will only be available as a holiday let at an eye-watering cost!) but the woods around it are a great place to explore with your dog.
There are some really old and beautiful trees and extensive paths and there are lots of parking spaces around the lanes.
It's a great place to go in Summer especially when it's hot outside as the woods are always shady (in a good way).
There are some great walks around Stonebarrow but please keep your dogs on a lead if near the cliffs.
Sometimes there is stock (cows/sheep) up there so be aware.
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Stonebarrow National Trust Car Park
Stonebarrow LaneThere are some great walks around Stonebarrow but please keep your dogs on a lead if near the cliffs.
Sometimes there is stock (cows/sheep) up there so be aware.
Useful stuff - petrol, post office, supermarkets etc
I hope you'll take advantage of the many independent local food shops near here. However, sometimes, needs must and a supermarket is needed!
Local petrol stations, post office and medical walk-in centres also listed here.
Tesco Superstore
West StreetNearest large supermarket in Axminster.
Sainsbury's
Holyrood StreetNearest Sainsburys - in Chard.
Tesco Superstore
West StreetLarge car park, friendly staff.
Great place to shop, smaller than Tesco and my Co-op card means that every time I shop here, a local charity I support gets a percentage!
There's a smaller Co-op in West Street, Axminster too.
Co-op Food - Axminster
West StreetGreat place to shop, smaller than Tesco and my Co-op card means that every time I shop here, a local charity I support gets a percentage!
There's a smaller Co-op in West Street, Axminster too.
Lidl
Tapstone RoadA new Lidl store in Chard. Who can resist those central aisles!
Chard Hospital
Crewkerne RoadNHS Walk-in Centre. Chard Community Hospital, Crewkerne Road, Chard, TA20 1NF
If you've forgotten your wellies, looking for a country-style wax jacket or you, like me, just love looking around country stores, this is the place to go.
Used by farmers and smallholders as well as non-farming folk, it's got a pet section, gardening, local produce, gifts, clothing, household items, DIY...pretty much anything you could want.
Mole Avon Country Stores Axminster
If you've forgotten your wellies, looking for a country-style wax jacket or you, like me, just love looking around country stores, this is the place to go.
Used by farmers and smallholders as well as non-farming folk, it's got a pet section, gardening, local produce, gifts, clothing, household items, DIY...pretty much anything you could want.
Take-aways and deliveries
Best fish and chips around. Locally caught and super-fresh. Great staff too. Takeaway only. Lyme Street, Axminster EX13 5AU. 01297 35888.
The Lemon Plaice
Lyme StreetBest fish and chips around. Locally caught and super-fresh. Great staff too. Takeaway only. Lyme Street, Axminster EX13 5AU. 01297 35888.
Delicious Indian food, extensive menu. Eat in (not at the moment obviously), takeaways and they deliver from Axminster. What's not to love? View the menu online http://cinnamonsindianrestaurant.co.uk/menu/.
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Cinnamons
10 South StDelicious Indian food, extensive menu. Eat in (not at the moment obviously), takeaways and they deliver from Axminster. What's not to love? View the menu online http://cinnamonsindianrestaurant.co.uk/menu/.
Another great Indian restaurant in Axminster. Currently takeaway or delivery only. You can order online https://safarrestaurant.com/our_menu.php. The Old Wadebridge Building Wood, Mead Road, Axminster, EX13 5PJ
Safar Restaurant
Woodmead RoadAnother great Indian restaurant in Axminster. Currently takeaway or delivery only. You can order online https://safarrestaurant.com/our_menu.php. The Old Wadebridge Building Wood, Mead Road, Axminster, EX13 5PJ
My favourite Chinese restaurant. Extensive menu, free prawn crackers (I always swop these for fortune cookies!). Currently takeaway only. Order online http://thegoldenhouse.co.uk/home/menu
Golden House Restaurant
1 Lyme StMy favourite Chinese restaurant. Extensive menu, free prawn crackers (I always swop these for fortune cookies!). Currently takeaway only. Order online http://thegoldenhouse.co.uk/home/menu