A GROWING number of people are choosing to swap fine dining in top restaurants for local supper clubs.

Some are run by people with a passion for food in the comfort of their homes. Closer to home, two local chefs who used to work together at The Tickled Pig in Wimborne, have launched their own versions of this year’s foodie trend.

Chef Mike Aggett of West Moors, launched Mike’s Supper Club in July, based at a village hall in Ferndown.

He explains: “I’ve always been passionate about food. I want to get people together and serve restaurant quality food in an informal and relaxed environment.”

Mike trained at Bournemouth & Poole Catering College before he moved to London where he worked with some well known names like Angela Hartnett at some top hotels.

He said: “It was a great experience but I noticed many places used Dorset produce.

“We have so much wonderful produce here in Dorset and there are not many restaurants in Ferndown offering fine dining and locally-sourced produce.”

He describes his style as modern British with a twist. Mike is hosting two supper clubs on December 6 and 19. To book, visit mikessupperclub. co.uk Over in Wimborne, Matt Davey, pictured inset, has just launched his social suppers with Doodlebugfood. He is in the process of converting a 1950s Citroen van into a mobile food catering truck.

“I want to bring affordable funky food to the people,” he said.

“Social suppers are all about sharing food with people that have one thing in common, the same passion and excitement for food as the Doodlebug team.”

Formally known as The Hungry Black Dog Supper Club their mission is to seek out and bring together Dorset's finest ingredients, from the very best suppliers and produce an amazing dining experience, A Spanish evening will be held at No 9 on the Green in Wimborne. To book email matt@doodlebug food.co.uk