Food on film

As I got up from the table to help myself to the buffet, my chair fell back and knocked one of the large candles standing behind onto the floor.

It very nearly set alight to the carpet but thankfully the only damage was a spattering of melted wax all over the red velvet back of my chair.

Luckily, Meridian TV didn't capture this particular incident on film either. Their camera crew were more interested in the sumptuous plates of food being delivered from the kitchen by the waitresses in their frilly aprons and hats, and in the guests sitting at tables sparkling with crystal and silver, eagerly anticipating the evening's six-course menu.

Bournemouth's Langtry Manor Hotel built for King Edward VII as a home for his mistress, the actress Lillie Langtry holds its popular Edwardian banquets every weekend.

But this particular banquet was extra special, because Meridian TV were at the hotel to film the occasion for a new series called A Taste of the South.

The show with reporting by Michelin-starred chef Alex Aitken from New Forest restaurant Le Poussin at Parkhill aims to provide an invaluable guide to the best places to eat along the south coast.

The Langtry Manor is one of several venues in Bournemouth which has been visited by Meridian over the last few weeks.

Also on the filming schedule were the Harbour Heights Hotel at Sandbanks (chosen for its panoramic views of Poole Harbour), the Gresham Court Hotel on the East Cliff (selected for its old-world charm), Chef Hong Kong in Old Christchurch Road, and West Beach (the AA's best seafood restaurant in England 2005). Chef Hong Kong and West Beach are the only two Bournemouth entries in this year's Good Food Guide.

Series producer Kate Beal says: "We simply had to include Bournemouth in the series because there are so many great places to eat here. We've sought out what we think are the most interesting and unique eateries and we hope many of the viewers will be inspired to try them for themselves.

"A Taste of the South is no ordinary food programme. We're focusing upon places to eat that offer a great experience as a whole not just good food but also something a bit different, like an amazing history or an unusual menu."

Presenter Hannah Scott-Joynt, the Bishop of Winchester's daughter, spent a day at the Langtry Manor meeting the staff, learning about the hotel's unique history, and, of course, experiencing the lavish Edwardian banquet.

This incredible feast began with a salad buffet, followed by a creamy but not overly rich white onion and thyme soup. Apart from the palate cleansing sorbet, the options for the remaining three courses were brought around to each table so everyone could decide which dish most appealed.

It was still a tough choice, but in the end I went for the sauteed salmon cake with a mango and pineapple salsa, followed by the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and a red wine jus, and the poached pear and almond pithivier with rum and raisin ice cream.

Not only was the food excellent, but we were also treated halfway through the evening to a recital of the story of Lillie Langtry by Cherie Howard, daughter of hotel owner Tara Howard.

Tara says: "We've been doing the Edwardian banquet now for 29 years and it's really popular. It was featured on The Holiday Programme many years ago and now we're really pleased it's going to be in Meridian's new series."

At the nearby Grade II listed Gresham Court Hotel in Grove Road, the main focus for the film crew was on the traditional afternoon teas served on the front lawn. Kate Beal explains: "We chose to film at Gresham Court because it's such a great venue it's hard to believe this huge Victorian mansion is just a few minutes away from the city centre. And of course the food is really good too."

And having tasted the hotel's large homemade scones, simply loaded with clotted cream and freshly sliced strawberries, I think I'd have to agree.

A Taste of the South hits our TV screens in August.