A new delicatessen is opening in Bridport today (Wednesday).

The Fridge, which also has a shop in Dorchester, will open its doors in West Street at the former Lime Tree Deli.

Wayne Garnett, owner of The Fridge, said: “This new branch has been born out of a long-running desire to acquire the site that once housed the great shop, The Dairy Maid - a cheese shop to be reckoned with.

“With similar dimensions in both shops, I was convinced that Bridport has the right clientele for fabulous local produce and particularly cheese.

“This was my 25th year of owning the Dorchester shop and the idea to get the West Street shop that was Lime Tree Deli had been put in place before Covid. So, whilst in Dorchester, we have ridden the storm with an online home delivery service direct from our website and continued trade throughout. We felt there was no reason why we should not plough ahead with the plan.

“Much like Dorset folk, The Fridge is made of sterner stuff and will come out the other side of this stronger.”

Only one customer is currently allowed in the shop at a time, but shopping can also be done at thedairymaid.co.uk with delivery within five miles of either shop. For more information, visit thefridge.biz

Whilst cheese is The Fridge’s speciality, customers can also find everything from Dorset apple cider vinegar to Dorset hot sauces.

Wayne added: “My husband Danny and I, along with our amazing team of staff, all have a real passion for what we sell. But most importantly, the service we offer and personal rapport we have built up over 25 years with the public who love what we offer in Dorchester. Fingers crossed Bridport will love it too.

“One hundred cheeses to cut fresh from is our unique selling point, but Covid has diminished that to about 75 or so currently. The good new is though, the Bridport shop is bigger than Dorchester and so it is our plan to have 150 on display from November with the build up to Christmas.”