From a London Office to a Dorset Trailer in Poundbury: Meet Luke's Larder
There's a moment in every good food story where someone does something brave. For Luke Cotterell, it came after six years behind a desk in London. "I decided to leave it all behind, move back to Dorset and start a business in food," he says simply, no doubt masking a great deal of courage.
The result is Luke's Larder: a travelling food trailer that has been quietly becoming one of Dorset's most talked-about culinary discoveries. If the 39,000 views of our Love Poundbury Facebook post are any guide, a lot of people here are already paying attention.
Credit: L. Cotterell
Roots, foraging and grandmothers
Luke was born in London but has been a Dorset person since he was two. His earliest memory, he says, is cooking. He grew up in a family that fished, foraged, tended a kitchen garden and fruit trees — and cooked. "I learnt a lot about food from my grandmothers and parents, who are all fabulous cooks. The passion for food runs through both sides of my family."
It's that heritage — simple, honest food with quality ingredients at the centre — that underpins everything on the Luke's Larder menu. "I chose Luke's Larder because I want people to know these are the dishes and food I like and am proud to serve," he explains. "The Larder element conveys sustenance, resourcefulness — but also generosity and a plentiful kitchen or harvest."
A menu that travels without losing its roots
The food at Luke's Larder draws on British and European traditions, Levantine flavours and classical Chinese cooking. But it's the philosophy as much as the geography that sets it apart: Luke is drawn to the forgotten, undervalued cuts of meat and fish that modern kitchens tend to overlook.
His greatest culinary loves are the northern Italian regions of Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige — the same regions, he notes, that provided the foundational culinary blueprint from which classical French cookery evolved. He's spent time travelling across the Mediterranean, and his favourite thing to do is shop for food in local towns and villages without knowing what he'll cook until he sees the ingredients.
For those with dietary requirements: every dish on the menu is gluten free, and there is always a vegetarian
or vegan option.
Credit: L. Cotterell
Inspired by a croft in Scotland
The idea for the trailer didn't arrive fully formed. After leaving London, Luke spent six months working out what his food business should look like. The answer came from an unlikely place — the far north-west coast of Scotland. "As a family, we travelled up to the beautiful village of Scourie for summer holidays most of my life. On one of the last visits, this amazing pop-up kitchen appeared — Crofter's Kitchen. The food was sensational and all from the local area. I was amazed and inspired and wanted to bring this idea to Dorset."
Why Crown Square?
Every Saturday from 4pm to 8.30pm, you'll find Luke set up in Crown Square, Poundbury. It wasn't a random choice. "I've always loved Poundbury for its sense of community and the fact that people actually spend time out on foot, stopping to talk," he says. "Plus, as someone who cares about craft and aesthetics, the architecture is hard not to admire. Crown Square feels like a proper village square — it's a natural gathering place. Dropping the trailer right in the heart of that daily foot traffic means you aren't just serving dinner; you feel part of the neighbourhood."
That instinct has been rewarded warmly. "Everyone that has been kind enough to come and have a chat or buy a dish has been so warm and supportive," he says. "I can't thank everyone enough."
Credit: L. Cotterell
The best-kept secret in Dorset
Luke's Saturdays begin early — finishing components, completing garnishes, tasting everything for seasoning, loading the trailer, fuelling the generator. Then one double espresso, a quick social media post, and the drive to Poundbury.
He's also at the Baker Arms in Child Okeford and in Cerne Abbas on Fridays, and a lunch pitch at Dorset Innovation Park is coming soon. Menus, prices and locations are updated regularly at www.lukeslarder.co.uk, where you can also sign up for his weekly newsletter.
As for what he'd most like his new neighbours to know? "Come down and try something new."
Oh — and if you find yourself serving his food to dinner party guests and taking the credit? "My secret is safe with you," he says.
Luke's Larder is in Crown Square every Saturday, 4pm–8.30pm, weather permitting. For details and Menus, follow him on Instagram @lukeslarderco Facebook @Lukes-Larder or visit www.lukeslarder.co.uk.
For more information on Poundbury's wonderful Shops and Places to eat, visit our: Shopping, Eating and Services page.