The transformed Sawmill Cafe reopens

West Dorset has a new eating and meeting space with the reopening of our Sawmill Café and Coach House.

And as befits the family home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, Lord Sandwich himself has created a range of sandwiches based on classic British favourites, including roast beef with watercress and horseradish sauce, as a tribute to what is often acknowledged to be the original sandwich invented by his ancestor.

The Sawmill Café and the adjoining Coach House venue have been transformed with the aid of a £140,000 LEADER grant from the Southern Dorset Local Action Group, which aims to support rural businesses and promote tourism away from coastal areas.

As well as catering for visitors it is hoped that the Sawmill Café will attract residents too, providing good value local food and – when combined with the Coach House – a space for groups and business meetings.

The Coach House is a new multi-purpose events space with seating for up to 120 or 200 standing. It is equipped with a full AV system, controllable lighting and is heated by a new biomass boiler. Available for weddings, parties and corporate hire, a calendar of events is being developed including classical music with Cellist Guy Johnston on 7 July, and a gig with local band the Skimmity Hitchers on 15 September.

If you would like to discuss hiring our new space for a private event or party please contact events@mapperton.com