In the week we have begun to see high street businesses opening up again we can start to look ahead in excited anticipation of our favourites restaurants, coffee shops and pubs opening their doors again in the not too distant future. Very soon it will be business as usual for all of Dorset.
As a Dorset dweller, I’m an advocate for all of the fantastic businesses we are home to. And when it comes to eateries, I would argue we are home to some of the best that there are.
Like you I am counting down the weeks until it is business as usual again, and I have a few firm favourites I will be hurrying along to as soon as their doors are open.
The Club House
From the team that brought you the delightful Hive cafe and the Watch House, here is another instalment of fantastic food in the most beautiful location; The Club House at West Bexington.
The Club House is a converted beach cottage on the West Bexington beach and has become a favourite place to eat and drink in recent months. Before lockdown we had made a few trips to this absolute delight, including New Years day where we enjoyed the most delicious breakfast to start off the New Year.
The Club House is the only retailer of CBD bitters by OTO and have the most creative cocktail menu I have seen, which incorporate the bitters (or not if you prefer)
We had a wonderful opportunity to experience a tasting menu in late Autumn last year and we were blown away by the wonderful combinations, flavours and creativity of the team.
The Clubhouse is a beautiful place to meet eat and enjoy the beauty of the Dorset coast.
The Club House is currently offering online gift vouchers, which if purchased before their reopening, will benefit from an additional 10% discount when they are redeemed. Vouchers are redeemable for 2 years at any 3 of their wonderful locations.
No 10 Castle Street
Tucked away in the tiny village of Cranborne is this beautifully restored grade 2 listed manor house which is a restaurant and members club, offering delectable food, cocktails and afternoon teas. I was lucky to join my cousin for Afternoon Tea early this year and we had such a lovely time.
The surroundings are a perfect blend of luxury and cosy, elegant but relaxed.
I can’t wait to go back to sample the cocktail menu and enjoy more of the delicious menu.
The Duchess of Cornwall
I feel that it’s somewhat inelegant to call this delightful meeting place a pub, but ultimately, behind the grand facade, and opulent decor, this is the jewel in the Crown of the Hall and Woodhouse collection.
Located in the heart of Poundbury, the Duchess is one of my favourite ‘pubs’ to go to for a catch-up with friends or family when the occasion arises. I’ve written about it before here. The hubs and I used to pop in on Sundays for a Hot drink and a read through the Sunday papers.
The Hot Chocolate is the best I have had and I am looking forward to having one as soon as I can.
Service can be inconsistent and in recent times they had stopped doing their brunch menu on weekends. A shame as the french toast was just gorgeous. Hopefully on reopening the menu will be reinstated.
The Wishing Well Upwey
This absolutely delightful tearoom is a hidden gem in the sleepy Dorset village of Upwey. Usually bursting at the seams with loyal patrons, this tea room serves amongst many other delights, THE most delicious and hearty Sunday roast.
Prior to the Coronavirus crisis, I had written a post about this lovely spot, encouraging readers to book a Sunday spot for themselves and their mothers for mothering Sunday. Sadly the situation unfolded and the restaurant had to close; my post remains in drafts.
However, it won’t be long before they open their doors again and I cannot wait to return. If you are looking for great locally sourced produce, cooked to perfection and served in the most delightful environment, the Wishing Well is the place to make a reservation.
As well as the wonderful food there is also the most spectacular subtropical botanical gardens to enjoy a walk in after you dine. It really is the most interesting place and must be on you “to visit” list as soon as they are open.
The Pig on The Beach
An old favourite, The Pig on the Beach is somewhere I have written about on my blog before because of it’s beautiful location and excellent food.
The hotel is located in Studland, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with unparalleled views of the ocean. It is a stunning place to meet up with loved ones and enjoy delightful foods from the Kitchen garden and foraged from the sea. Fresh and beautifully cooked.
I’m hoping that the celebrated smoked and uncut festival will make a welcome return, but I haven’t read anything to confirm this. If you haven’t experienced it, pop it on your list of things to do.
There is also the pizza and cider afternoons that are offered here, one of many things to enjoy at this truly lovely spot on the the Dorset coast.
The Station Kitchen
Located in the beautiful West Bay, this old converted train carriage is such an original place to eat. The interior is eclectic and wonderful in equal creative measure and the food is delicious.
We visited a couple of years ago and had the loveliest meal. I wrote about our experience here if you’d like to know more.
The Squash Court
Tucked away in the Shadow of the imposing Deans Court manor house, is this enchanting cafe. A converted 1930’s garage, the Squat court is a bright and sunny courtyard cafe selling an array of healthy and delicious food options. Most foods are created using produce grown in their garden kitchen. There is also a small but well equipped lifestyle store, selling unique artisan pieces for the home and garden.
The Rockfish Poole
Ahhhh. I am so excited to head back to this absolute gem. We were very lucky to be invited to the opening of the restaurant, shortly before the Coronavirus disaster hit. I was so terribly sad when I knew that this new, fabulous restaurant would have to close it’s so newly opened doors.
Rockfish Poole is one of 8 incredible restaurants on the South Coast of England, each serving the freshest seafood, caught on the day by Rock Fish boats, or suplemented by Brixham fish market when needs be.
The food we ate on our visit was so fresh, flavoursome and imaginative. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy more from the menu.
The Boat Shed Cafe
This is possibly one of the loveliest cafes on our coast. Nestled in the cliffside of Lulworth Cove, this delightful converted boat shed is just the nicest spot to enjoy a bite to eat and drink in the splendid views.
Fresh crab sandwiches and posh fish finger sandwiches are just some of the delights on offer. There is a different breakfast and lunch menu, equally delicious.
There’s nothing quite like eating seafood right beside the seaside, beside the sea.
It’s now only a few short days to go until it’s business as usual and my tummy is already rumbling.
There are so many places I cannot wait to return to. What about you? Do you have a favourite place you are looking forward to frequenting again? Tell us all about your favourite haunts in the comments below? Sharing is caring.
