Dorset World Stinging Nettle Eating Championship

Where: Bridport, Dorset at the Strong Orchard, Pineapple Lane, Waytown (formerly at The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, near Crewkerne, Dorset)
When: A weekend in June or July
Time: 11 am onwards

 

The famous hour-long contest was held for many years at The Bottle Inn, and since the closure of the pub the local cider farm have taken to hosting the event. Competitors chew their way through nettle leaves  and many give up or face disqualification (vomiting is forbidden) before the end. It’s one of those modern traditions started off in a pub, dating back to the 1980s and the organisers provide the raw materials of 2-foot lengths of nettle stalk from which all leaves must be consumed. The winner is the contestant who has stripped and eaten the leaves from the greatest number of stalks – simple but not easy given that the leaves sting and cause tongues to swell and blacken (though some competitors tell you it’s absolutely painless!!). There’s live music and a friendly festival atmosphere. Nettle themed beer and cider should be available, and plenty more food & drink.

Helpful Hints

In  2024 it was on Saturday 22nd June- 2025 date is yet to be announced. The new location (from 2022 onwards) is the Strong Orchard at Bridport. Camping is available on site at the farm.

Double-check with the event Facebook page as it depends on a good supply of nettles!

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dorsetnectarcider

Click here for the Cider Farm website: https://dorsetnectar.co.uk

Please note that calendarcustoms.com has no connection with the organisation of this event. As with all of the events featured on our site, we recommend checking details with the event organisers prior to making any travel plans. The photos are from when the event was held at The Bottle Inn.

View this location on the map.