Excitement is bubbling in Dorchester as a brand-new fizz bar prepares to open.

The Pursuit of Poppiness in Brewery Square will open its doors to customers on Saturday, November 18, in the premises of the former Morrish and Banham wine shop.

The new venue draws inspiration from its sister venue ‘Pursuit of Hoppiness’ in Bridport which focuses on craft beer.

The Brewery Square venue will stock sparkling wines produced in Dorset as well as other locally produced wines, beers, and ciders.

The business was founded by Dorset-based Alasdair Warren and Mark Banham who are ‘delighted to add the Pursuit of Poppiness to their growing portfolio of hospitality sites across the county.’

Mr Warren said: “The Poppiness will salute its sister site, the Hoppiness in Bridport, with outstanding wine and beer in a funky new venue in the heart of Brewery Square.

“I’m sure the people of Dorchester will enjoy it as much as the folks in Bridport love the Hoppiness.”

The company recently acquired Bride Valley Vineyard and the entire range of award-winning Bride Valley wines will be on offer.

The team behind this new venture said they want the new bar to be a ‘place of fizz and fun that will offer a hub for post-work drinks, wine lovers, beer enthusiasts, weekend celebrations or the perfect place to gather with friends – either before or after dinner at the numerous restaurants in Brewery Square.’

The building itself features large windows offering plenty of natural light during the day and flickering candles and warm, ambient lighting during the evening.

The redesigned interior hopes to provide a chic, yet cosy and relaxed environment in which guests can sample beautiful wines both local and from further afield.

The Pursuit of Poppiness will also offer a grazing menu of cheese and charcuterie boards sourced from local artisan producers such as Mercato Italiano in Bridport and The Real Cure in Shaftesbury.

The Fridge of Dreams which is very well known at the Bridport venue will see its own iteration at the new fizz bar – offering an extensive range of craft beers and ciders.

It has been dubbed ‘everyone’s favourite fridge,’ with shelves brimming with cans ranging from IPAs, DIPA’s (Double Indian Pale Ale) and pale ales to stouts, porters, sours and mixed fermentation beers, with plenty of gluten and alcohol-free options too.