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Boutique hotels in Dorset

Self-catering properties in Dorset

Dorset
Eating, drinking and dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Dorset.

Restaurants

(+44 (0)1308 422011)

The Riverside Restaurant

This long-established white-painted temple to simple seafood serves the very best fresh fish in an unfussy, charmingly seasidey setting, recommended for lunch and dinner alike; so beloved is it of critics, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, foodie families, etc, you’ll definitely need to book ahead.

West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EZ

(+44 (0)1308 428354)

The Electric Palace Brasserie

In the attractive foyer of this revived arts hub, former River Cottage collaborator Gideon Hitchen rustles up simple, tasty lunches with fresh-as-a-daisy local produce. There's a cinema here too, if you fancy making a day of it.

35 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY

(+44 (0)1305 785799)

Perry’s

A Weymouth gastro-landmark – beloved of Bill Bryson, for one – this relaxed family-run local is set in a former merchant’s house facing the harbour. There’s a fixed-price lunch menu at £14.95 for two courses (www.perrysrestaurant.co.uk).

4 Trinity Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8TJ

(+44 (0)1202 587785)

WestBeach

Affording front-row seats for Bournemouth’s summer fireworks spectaculars, this water’s-edge bar and restaurant with a 140-foot decked verandah on the promenade serves great fish and seafood, from shellfish gazpacho to seabass with pine-nut crust to whole crab with tarragon mayonnaise. Perfect on a bright summer afternoon. There’s live jazz on Thursdays, too (www.west-beach.co.uk).

Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

(+44 (0)1297 630300)

River Cottage HQ

Get yourself to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s countryside base in the Axe Valley for one of the gastro-fabulous day or evening events. It’s not a restaurant in the traditional sense; you’ll learn about seasonal, home-grown food and your tastebuds will get a tour of the produce too, in the form of deliciously simple dishes created by the River Cottage team. BYO or sample local organic wines. You’ll need to book your tickets well in advance; see www.rivercottage.net for details; you'll be given the exact location on booking.

Park Farm, Devon/Dorset borders

Cafés

(+44 (0)1308 897070)

Hive Beach Café

Right on a National Trust beach, this alfresco favourite serves award-winning Somerset ice-cream, as well as smashing seafood lunches – the crab sandwiches are highly recommended. The café no longer takes reservations, so get there early to nab a table (www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk).

Beach Road, Burton Bradstock, near Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RF

(+44 (0)1258 453006)

Cavalcade of Costume Museum

There’s a walled-garden tearoom at this one-off historical attraction, housing 250 years’ worth of fashion in a fine Georgian house; tuck into a fine cream tea after peering at tiny-waisted Edwardian gowns. Open Thursdays–Mondays (www.cavalcadeofcostume.com).

Lime Tree House, The Plocks, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AA

(+44 (0)1305 788867)

The Crab House Café

Eat something fresh from the sea at this no-frills seaside venue – formerly the Abbotsbury oyster depot, it’s highly rated by professional foodies.

Ferrymans Way, Portland Road, Wyke Regis, Dorset

(+44 (0)1747 858575)

Turnbull’s Delicatessen & Café

Our favourite one-stop shop en route to the seaside for picnic hampers, from £12.50 a person (minimum four); and for Blue Vinney cheese and other local wonders. The café is family-friendly: don’t leave without trying a cream tea with home-made scones. Closed Sundays.

9 High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8HZ

Pubs

(+44 (0)1725 516261)

The Museum Inn

A rambling, part-thatched pub with flagstones, beams, assorted antlers and fresh flowers, the Museum Inn has a terrific restaurant, the Shed, worth booking ahead for, where you might eat grilled local lamb with aïoli, black treacle tart, and home-made bread (www.museuminn.co.uk).

Farnham, near Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8DE

(+44 (0)1308 868358)

Shave Cross Inn

The Tobagan chef at this much-praised pub cooks up jerk chicken and stewed pork; Dorset apple cake flies the local flag, and there’s a choice of local farm cider or Caribbean beer, as well as real ales and wines by the glass.

Marshwood Vale, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6HW

(+44 (0)1935 891330)

The Fox Inn

Another highly recommended dining pub, with excellent fish dishes and lobster on its menu, and a peerlessly pretty rural setting by a stream.

Corscombe, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 0NS

(+44 (0)1297 442299)

Harbour Inn

Another Hugh FW-endorsed Dorset stop for great seafood, where you can tuck into beer-battered fish ’n’ chips. Book in advance and ask for a table with a view.

23 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JF

(+44 (0)1308 455688)

Beach & Barnicott

This home-from-home gastropub, set in several rooms of a Grade II-listed Georgian house, is a fine place for a cosy drink – and the food is good too, if you need something to wash your gin and tonic down with…

6 South Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3NQ