A Michelin-Listed Seafood Experience at Catch, Weymouth Quayside, Dorset.

Last Friday evening, we treated ourselves to an unforgettable dining experience at Catch at the Old Fish Market, a Michelin-listed gem nestled on Weymouth’s historic quayside. Known for its commitment to the freshest local seafood and creative seasonal menus, Catch delivers a dining experience that is both elegant and deeply rooted in Dorset’s coastal heritage. The intimate setting, attentive service, and culinary artistry made this a night to remember.

To elevate the experience, we curated a bespoke wine pairing to complement each course of their exceptional tasting menu. Here’s how the evening unfolded:

The Menu & Wine Pairings

1. Oyster, fermented chilli & pickled shallot

Wine: Engelmann Cuvée – English Oak Vineyard, Lytchett Matravers, Dorset
Tasting Notes: A refined English sparkling wine with delicate citrus, green apple, and subtle brioche notes.
Why it works: The lively acidity and fine bubbles cut through the oyster’s brininess and balance the chilli heat, while the toasty undertones complement the shallot’s sweetness.

2. Crispy potato, tuna & smoked egg yolk

Wine: Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée – Dorset, England
Tasting Notes: Elegant sparkling with orchard fruit, lemon zest, and a creamy mousse from extended lees ageing.
Why it works: The wine’s freshness and fine bubbles cleanse the richness of smoked yolk and tuna, while its subtle complexity enhances the dish’s savoury depth.

3. Portland brown crab on dark sourdough

Wine: Furleigh Estate Dorset Dry – Dorset, England
Tasting Notes: Crisp and zesty with citrus, green apple, and a hint of herbal freshness.
Why it works: The clean, bright profile lifts the sweetness of the crab and balances the tang of sourdough, creating a refreshing contrast.

4. Pickled mackerel, salted plum & shiso

Wine: Côtes du Jura – Savagnin 2021 – Jura, France
Tasting Notes: Nutty, oxidative style with green walnut, citrus peel, and a saline edge.
Why it works: The wine’s savoury complexity mirrors the umami of mackerel and shiso, while its tangy acidity complements the pickling and salted plum.

5. Roasted scallops, Romero peppers, tomato & smoked roe

Wine: Tramin Pinot Grigio – Alto Adige, Italy
Tasting Notes: Fresh pear, white peach, and delicate floral aromas with a clean, mineral-driven finish.
Why it works: The wine’s freshness and minerality balance the sweetness of scallops and peppers, while its subtle fruit notes harmonise with the smoky roe.

6. Tuna, hispi cabbage & peppercorn sauce

Wine: Furleigh Estate Dorset Dry – Dorset, England
Tasting Notes: Same as above – crisp, citrus-driven, and refreshing.
Why it works: Its acidity cuts through the peppercorn sauce and refreshes the palate, while herbal notes complement the cabbage.

7. Apple, cider brandy & burnt meringue

Wine: Engelmann Cuvée (or revisit Furleigh Classic Cuvée)
Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit and creamy mousse echo the apple and meringue, while acidity balances sweetness.
Why it works: Sparkling wine is a classic pairing for apple desserts, adding freshness and elegance.

8. Dark chocolate, pear & hazelnut praline choux

Wine: Kikelet Tokaji Hárslevelű – Tokaj, Hungary
Tasting Notes: Honeyed stone fruit, white flowers, and gentle spice with a touch of sweetness.
Why it works: The wine’s residual sugar and aromatic complexity complement the chocolate bitterness and nutty praline, while acidity keeps the pairing lively.

A Sweet Finale

After dessert, we lingered over the last sips of the Tokaji, savouring its honeyed elegance as the perfect close to an extraordinary evening.

Final Thoughts

Our evening at Catch was nothing short of spectacular. From the precision of each dish to the warmth of the service, every detail reflected the passion and skill of the team. This Michelin-listed restaurant is a true celebration of Dorset’s coastal bounty, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.

Thank you to the entire Catch team for an unforgettable experience, and we’ll be back soon!