The first thing I need to do with this post is to apologise. I’m sorry I’ve been off radar for so long. It turns out moving house and sorting all of the associated minutiae is pretty time consuming.

Bur we are now very happy Tooting residents so watch this space for more ramblings about newly discovered local eateries.

But for this post I’m venturing a bit further afield to a county which is close to our hearts – and stomachs – Dorset!

We have spent a lot of time in Hardy’s land over the last eight years or so, sampling everything from fantastic Dorset crab to catching our own mackerel off the beach.

Last week we went to Chideock, in west Dorset, for a break from unpacking boxes, some tasty food and fresh air.

The place I want to share with you all on this post is one we’ve been to many times but which deserves a bit of fanfair.

The Stable in Bridport is a cosy, friendly, unique place which specialises in pizzas, pies and cider. And that’s it.

It’s not a huge place, customers sit at long candlelit tables and go to the bar to order the food and drinks.

Our cider rack

Matt and I went on a Saturday night and it was buzzing as usual. We’ve had lots of (tipsy) fun there on previous visits after ordering the cider sampler rack but this time we decided to share one between the two of us. The food was the priority on this occasion.

But the cider is worth mentioning – there are dozens of varieties and you can always taste them before you choose. Beware of the one called The UNstable – it’ll knock you off your feet.

But there really is something for every taste; pear/apple/sweet/dry/flat/fizzy. And wine if fermented apples aren’t your thing!

And a pizza is the perfect accompaniment to soak it all up.

The bases are made from organic sourdough and most of the toppings are sourced locally.

This time I went for the Chesil Chicken which is free-range chicken, roasted red pepper, local field mushrooms, tomato and mozzarella – plus a bit of extra chilli!

I know it’s not a ground-breaking recipe or combination but it is the quality of the ingredients and the freshness which make these pizzas s0 good.

Chesil Chicken

Matt surprised me by not going for the one with the Naga chillies and opted this time for the Lamb Roast which really is something to behold.

Topped with marinated lamb, mint, goats’ milk cheddar, thyme roasted sweet potato, roast onions, tomato and mozzarella – it always smells and looks delicious. I thought the colours seemed really apt for this time of year, the orange and green were very autumnal.

Lamb Roast

The pizzas are served on wooden boards with a round cutter per person and napkins or cutlery depending on what your preferred method of eating is.

There is something for everyone at The Stable and if pizza isn’t your thing there are some great looking salads on the menu. Not that I’ve ever tried them, I go there for one thing only!

The atmosphere and friendliness of this place just makes us want to go back again and again and share it with all of our friends.

I hope if you are in the area, you’ll give it go too.

The Stable is just one of a host of great restaurants near Bridport.

* The Riverside and Watchhouse Cafe in West Bay deserve a mention for their fresh seafood and lovely settings.

* The Hive in Burton Bradstock is always packed with people wanting crab sandwiches or fresh fish.

* Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis is a great place for a special occasion, has good service and a great view.