Solent

The Bailliage de Solent was founded in 2002 and has a membership drawn from Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. We have an enthusiastic membership of both professional and non-professional members, all of whom take a great interest in fine food and wine and the camaraderie of the dining events.

Among our professional members, we have hotel proprietors, caterers and restaurant owners. We are also especially pleased that the Executive Chefs and Directors from P&O Cruises are members of the Bailliage.

We hold roughly 8 events each year, between September and June. These consist of formal dinners, less formal lunches and other events, for example trips abroad, a Riedel wine tasting and special anniversary celebrations such as the recent Trafalgar bicentenary and Elgar centenary. Our programme of events is tailored to the wishes of our members, whom we regularly consult to solicit suggestions for our programme.

Many of our members take advantage of the international nature of the Chaîne and attend events in other countries, where they are always made extremely welcome. In turn, we frequently welcome members from other parts of Great Britain, and from overseas.

The main aim of the Chaîne is the promotion of the culinary arts, and to this end each year we enter a young chef from our area to take part in the British Jeune Commis Chef Competition, the winner of which goes forward to the international championship. We also hold events in the catering departments of local colleges to encourage quality and innovation.

For more information on the Bailliage de Solent and its events, please visit the Solent website.

Jenny Handscombe
Bailli Régional