From experiments in their Hackney kitchen grew Sea Sisters – named after their two daughters – a craft cannery dedicated to preserving seasonal British fish and shellfish. The family subsequently swapped East London for Bridport, where Sea Sisters now has its permanent home.
It has also made Charlotte and Angus particularly well placed to show us around West Dorset. We asked them for the beaches, walks, shops, watering holes and local characters that make the county feel like home – plus the one gloriously eccentric event every visitor should experience at least once.
For someone who’s never been to Dorset before: what’s the very first place you’d take them – and why that spot, specifically?
We’d head straight down to the beautiful Jurassic Coast at Cogden Beach and maybe go for a swim (if safe) or a walk. It’s just a beautiful wild shingle beach with no shops or amenities, scattered with really interesting coastal plants like sea kale, pink thrift, and yellow horned poppies.
If you only had one day in Dorset and could only show someone three places, where would you take them – morning, afternoon and evening?
We’d start at the vintage market in Bridport on Saturday morning, then have a big walk in the afternoon at Eggardon Hill, an iron-age hillfort with spectacular views. Then head to Lyme Regis in the evening for dinner and drinks, and maybe catch a show at the brilliant Marine Theatre.
Complete this sentence: ‘If you only see one thing in Dorset, make it…’
A coastal walk from West Bay to Seatown, ending up at The Anchor at Seatown for a pint and some cheesy chips.
Which three shops in Dorset do you always find an excuse to visit?
Human Nature in East Street, Bridport for great gifts, cards and jewellery. Brassica in Beaminster for cookery book browsing and extra-special ingredients. And of course The Sea Sisters Pop-up Shop! Also in East Street, Bridport.
Where do you go for a really good lunch and what do you order?
Rubikon Kitchen is a beachfront kiosk at West Bay. We really rate the fresh fish and seafood there.
You’re splashing out on a hotel: where do you go?
Our friend’s Airbnb on the Purbecks, called The Purbeck Project on Instagram. It’s just a short walk away from Corfe Castle and there are some lovely coastal walks. Or The Seaside Boarding House at Burton Bradstock if we are feeling fancy.
And for a pampering/wellness fix?
The Seaside Sauna Haus at Seatown beach. Wood-fired sauna right on the beach. Doesn’t get any better.
What about for a great coffee/tea fix?
Goose & Badger in Bridport’s South Street. We live on Goose & Badger’s house coffee.
Who is your favourite local artist or maker – and where can people find their work?
We love the paintings of Dorset sunbathers by Charlotte Wyatt. And the work of local furniture-maker, joiner and jeweller Sonnie Reynolds.
Favourite local florist?
We Grow Colour.
Where do you go when you’re celebrating?
We love Selected Grapes. It’s an organic and natural wine bar tucked away at the bottom of town. It’s typically Bridport: vintage chairs and tables that spill out into the street, a rotating programme of street food, great tunes.
And for a proper culture fix?
Bridport Arts Centre has a brilliant programme as does the nearby Electric Palace Cinema, a restored 1920s film palace that now also has live events. Dress, the fashion archive belonging to Mary Moore, daughter of sculptor Henry Moore, is also pretty hard to beat if you’re interested in fashion history.
Where do you go when you need a big view?
Golden Cap, it’s the highest point on the south coast and right on the border of Devon and Dorset.
Finish this sentence: ‘If you really want to experience Dorset properly, you should ___.’
Go to the nettle eating competition at the Bottle Inn in Marshwood.
Who is your ultimate local hero and why?
Our daughters, the real life Sea Sisters, are our heroes.
AT A GLANCE
For wild Dorset: Cogden Beach
For a walk: West Bay to Seatown
For lunch: Rubikon Kitchen, West Bay
For a pint: The Anchor, Seatown
For shopping: Bridport
For coffee: Goose & Badger
For culture: Bridport Arts Centre
For a big view: Golden Cap
For a treat: The Seaside Sauna Haus
For something completely Dorset: The Bottle Inn’s nettle-eating competition
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Sea Sisters based?
Sea Sisters is based in Bridport, West Dorset, where founders Charlotte Dawe and Angus Cowen run their craft cannery producing British canned fish and seafood.
What are the best things to do in Dorset according to locals?
Charlotte and Angus recommend walking the Jurassic Coast, visiting Bridport’s vintage market, climbing Eggardon Hill and Golden Cap, spending an evening in Lyme Regis and exploring Dorset’s independent shops, restaurants and cultural venues.
Where are the best places to eat and drink around Bridport?
Their favourites include Rubikon Kitchen at West Bay for fish and seafood, Selected Grapes in Bridport for natural and organic wine, Goose & Badger for coffee and The Anchor at Seatown for a post-walk pint and cheesy chips.
What is the best coastal walk in Dorset?
Charlotte and Angus pick the walk from West Bay to Seatown, a spectacular stretch of the Jurassic Coast with the added incentive of finishing at The Anchor overlooking the sea.
Where should you shop in Bridport?
Their favourite independents include Human Nature for gifts, cards and jewellery; Brassica in nearby Beaminster for cookbooks and special ingredients; and, naturally, the Sea Sisters pop-up shop on East Street.
