8 February - 1 March 2025

There is lots to celebrate at Fisherton Mill this new year as the award-winning Gallery Café celebrates 30 years of business! On Valentine's Day in February 1995, under the direction of chef Michael Fox, the first delicious offerings made their way to the tables of this newly rennovated Grain Mill, opening as a dedicated Art Gallery, Gallery Shop and of course quality eatery. Michael made the move from 'Howards House Hotel' to establish this now celebrated foodie favourite serving the people of Salisbury and beyond with delicious food and drink. The Gallery Café's original and mouth watering menu attracted the attention of the renowed 'Good Food Guide' with the Café included in this prestigious line-up as recently as 2024. The Café was also named as "by far the best place to have lunch" by the Sunday Times when Salisbury became one of the "Best Places to Live" in 2019.

Michael can scarcely believe that his Cafe has reached the ripe old age of 30: "We have been on quite a journey together and I am glad I didn’t lose heart after taking only £5 in total on my first day’s trading! Deborah and I are really pleased to reach this milestone and want to thank everyone, especially our regular supporters, for all their custom and friendship over the years".

Michael and Deborah Fox became the owners of Fisherton Mill in 2005, taking up the reins from Michael Main, the great grandson of the original business owners William Main & Sons Ltd. This creative husband and wife team established Fisherton Mill as one of Salisbury's most successful small businesses, representing one of the largest independent arts organisations in the South West with a Gallery Shop, Café, 14 Artists' Studios and popular Exhibition Space.

All of these achievements are celebrated in February this year with an exciting food-related exhibition in the Main Gallery entitled 'Food for Thought'. The exhibition runs from Saturday 8 February until Saturday 1 March and features a variety of food-themed artworks as well as some of Michael's coveted recipes such as the ever popular Sun-dried tomato and Parmesan Scone. If you are looking to re-create some Café favourites at home, the Mill's recently re-issued 'recipes and paintings' book will be available, featuring over 30 of Michael's delicious recipes. A free copy goes to the first five visitors purchasing artwork from the exhibition! Deborah Fox emphasised that "Michael keeps his recipes a closely guarded secret, even from me! So, the only way to gain some insider knowledge is through this recipe book" The exhibition also features original paintings from this sought after publication. Follow Fisherton Mill on social media and at www.fishertonmill.co.uk for details of other celebratory offers and events happening throughout the coming year.