Page 60 www.lux-review.com LUX 2021 Food & Drink Awards Justin Langham developed a hobby of his father, John Langham, into a commercial enterprise. After studying viticulture and touring the world’s most reputable wine regions, Justin returned to Dorset. He’d always dreamed of having a vineyard on the estate and in 2009 he planted the first 30-acre site. The site he chose is south-facing and boasts chalky soil that’s perfect for growing classic Champagne grapes. The vineyard produces its sparkling wines using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties. Over the years that followed, Langham’s Wine Estate has grown in size and popularity. The award-winning company has seen its site evolve into a well-patronised visitor attraction offering both self-guided and guided tours. Langham’s tasting barn was officially opened to the public in July 2016. Of course, welcoming thirsty visitors naturally led to catering for hungry visitors too, and the inauguration of Langham’s Vineyard Cafe soon followed. ‘Fizz evenings’ were launched with great success. Spectacular seasonal menus dreamed up by talented resident chefs and paired with estate wines equal a match made in heaven. Taking advantage of the wealth of local produce on its doorstep, the cafe delights visitors with a relaxed approach to fine dining. Sep21547 Langham Vineyard Cafe Best Casual Dining Venue 2021 – Dorset & LUXlife Excellence Award for Handpicked Seafood Feasts 2021 As with many hospitality businesses, 2020 forced Langham’s Vineyard Cafe to rethink its business model. The company came up with the novel idea of pre-ordered picnics. Lunch and afternoon tea picnics were made available for customers to enjoy as part of a walk around the estate, or simply to take home to the garden. Thankfully, Mel and the team are now able to welcome visitors back to their beautiful rustic cafe. And they’ve done it in style. The everpopular ‘fizz evenings’ are back, featuring sumptuous seafood dishes and homemade desserts. Live music has also been added to the menu, with the cafe welcoming acts such as the acclaimed blues artist, Errol Linton. And the addition of a wood-fired pizza oven has also proved a resounding success. On winning the award, Mel tells us, “Winners! Wow, we can’t believe it. As a new business with high footfall and turbulence within hospitality, we’ve had to learn a lot on our feet this year. We’re humbled to be winners of such a prestigious award. Thanks to all our customers, who have wined, dined, picnicked, shared and boogied until the sun went down. We are truly honoured. We think we might open a bottle of sparkling wine.” Contact: [email protected] Company: Langham Vineyard Cafe Web Address: https://langhamwine.co.uk/ visits/vineyard-cafe/ Amongst the rolling hills of rural Dorset, you’ll find one of the UK’s most successful vineyards - the Langham Wine Estate. Nestled in a cosy rustic barn on the Estate is the Langham Vineyard Cafe. Mel Pankhurst and her team are on hand to provide visitors with a splendid array of local produce to delight even the finest of palates.
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