What’s on at Poundbury Gardens

With a whole week of activities planned for Heritage Open Days – A Taste of Dorchester across Dorchester and Poundbury from Sunday 12 to Saturday 18 September, Poundbury Gardens has announced its own line up of ‘Edible England’ themed events.

Sustainable farming – from Serbia to Shillingstone by Mark Penfold of Haywards Bridge Farm & PYO
Thursday 16 September, 6pm – 7:30pm in The Marquee at Poundbury Gardens
Register for free

Following a life changing accident that left him paraplegic, Mark Penfold’s desire to lead a normal life from a wheelchair has been realised through the launch of Hayward’s Bridge Farm & PYO, a sustainable farming project launched in 2020 on the banks of the River Stour. Having worked as an agricultural advisor and engineer all over Europe, including Serbia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland and Romania, Mark, now 56 grows vegetables and flowers using only sunshine, water and natural fertiliser, for people to eat and enjoy.

Mark will take you on an inspiring journey telling tales from his experiences abroad and dramatic events that led to the start of Hayward’s Bridge Farm & PYO.

The evening will begin with a potted history of Olives Et Al by chairman and founder director Giles Henschel, who also took inspiration from his travels abroad with his wife Annie riding around the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa on motorbikes, collecting knowledge and recipe ideas to bring back to Dorset. With The Potting Shed, a deli/bistro at Poundbury Gardens, Giles will also talk about the ongoing collaborative work with The Gardens Group over the past 15 years.

Dorset wines will be served by The Potting Shed and light refreshments will be laid on by The Engine Room Restaurant.

Pop-up pitstop at Poundbury Gardens – Thursday 16 September from 9am – 5pm
Peverell Avenue Poundbury DT1 3RT
Head to the marquee at Poundbury Gardens for a variety of The Engine Room Restaurant’s sausage rolls in a variety of flavours and The Potting Shed’s homemade scones topped with Craig’s Dairy clotted cream and From Dorset With Love’s jams.

The Engine Room at Poundbury Gardens
Peverell Avenue, Poundbury DT1 3RT
Taking inspiration from Dorset’s rolling countryside and dramatic coast, chef Josh Maguire will create a selection of seasonal Dorset specials throughout the week.
Visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea.

Open seven days a week, 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday
Book now on 01305 257251
@thegardensgroup

The Potting Shed by Olives Et Al at Poundbury Gardens
Peverell Avenue Poundbury DT1 3RT
As well as its local favourites, fab cheese selection and wide range of 100% organic and vegan wines, and some spirits, the bistro will is adding a carefully curated Dorset-inspired menu for the week, all delivered with the usual Mediterranean twist.
Brekkie and all-day menu available.
Open seven days a week, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday and 10:30am – 4pm on Sunday
Book now on 01305 216788
@olivesetal