Where: The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, near Crewkerne, Dorset When: A weekend in July Time: Pub open Noon onwards 5.30 pm for Nettle Eating

The hour-long contest at The Bottle Inn is now settled in mid to late July, but used to take place every June on the Saturday preceding the Summer Solstice. 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 tradtions 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 afterwards and a friendly festival atmosphere. Nettle themed beer is available at the pub, and plenty more food & drink.

Helpful Hints

In 2019 it was on Saturday 27th July- 2021 date is yet to be announced.

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

Click here for the Bottle’s Facebook page (not working when I last checked): https://www.facebook.com/The-Bottle-Inn-1793832280862788/

Or ring the pub on 01297 678103

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