Nettle eating date set as contest returns to pub

2 days ago

The nettle eating contest will be accompanied by a nettle growing competition

BBC View along the length of a long narrow table piled up with stinging nettles — The nettle eating contest will be accompanied by a nettle growing competition

Owners of a pub where the Dorset tradition of nettle eating began nearly four decades ago have confirmed the return of the event this summer.

The Bottle Inn in Marshwood first hosted its nettle eating contest in 1986 and the bizarre tradition almost died out when the pub closed in 2019.

In 2022, it was revived by Dorset Nectar Cider Farm but, after three successful years, organisers have handed back the baton to the pub's new owners.

The Bottle Inn says the 2025 World Nettle Eating Championships will take place on 21 June, and it will reinstate the competition for growing the longest nettle.

Tessa and Julian Blundy have been renovating the 16th-century Bottle Inn

Sarah Roberton Tessa and Julian Blundy behind the bar of their pub during renovations. They are leaning on the counter and looking at the camera. — Tessa and Julian Blundy have been renovating the 16th-century Bottle Inn

In a post on their website, pub owners Tessa and Julian Blundy said: "We are very pleased to confirm that the World Stinging Nettle Eating Championships will return to the Bottle Inn this summer, with many thanks to the Strong family at Dorset Nectar Cider, who have kept the competition alive for the past few years.

"We will also reinstate the original competition to grow the longest stinging nettle and both challenges will be judged on the longest day, Saturday 21 June 2025.

"The nettle competitions weekend will also offer music, ale and cider, and food will be provided by outside catering vans."

The Blundys - an architect and a carpenter - bought the derelict 16th-century Bottle Inn in February 2023 and have been working to renovate and reopen it.

The pub has been opening for locals on select days and, when completed, the function room will serve as a community space with a skittle alley and pool table.

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