Quentin Royles, the restaurant’s chef, spoke about the importance of using local produce and emphasised that he’s “really excited” and “hoping to resurge people’s interests in it”.
“When you taste the produce, you really taste the difference, it’s not just like going into a normal butchers or supermarket. All the local produce runs through all the menus,” he said.
Quentin also described using the produce as “a local community feeling, helping the small businesses and small farmers.”
The new produce is sourced from independent producers in Romsey, New Milton, Hampshire and Mudeford, sourcing the restaurant’s eggs, butter, fish, meat and more.
The restaurant’s manager, Simon Bennett, also spoke on how he feels the restaurant is one of the few places supporting local businesses and has said “a lot of places have seemed to move away from the local produce route, but we saw a great opportunity to support our local retailers”
The need to support local producers is now more important than ever, with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) finding that 6365 agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses closed down in 2025.
On the topic, Simon said that he felt “proud” of the restaurant’s new menus and hopes that it “gains momentum to make some changes” within the hospitality business.
Approximately 75% of Dorset’s land is used for agriculture and food production according to data from Dorset Council, highlighting the value in using the counties’ resources and produce.
“Success to me is determined by the look on people’s faces. When you see people enjoying the food, enjoying the produce, then you know you’ve achieved something, which I anticipate we will,” he said.
Eighteen Restaurant and Bar are hosting an opening event for their new menu on February 5th.
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