‘Eat Out to Help Out’ in Dorset: Beachside Restaurants
Following the launch of the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, we thought we’d throw the spotlight on a few of the Dorset coast’s favourite cafés, bistros and restaurants.
All the venues that feature on this tempting list have signed up to the scheme which allows customers a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks (up to a maximum of £10 per diner) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you’re planning a trip to the magnificent Jurassic Coast, why not take advantage of this generous offer and treat yourselves to some lunch by the sea.
Crab House Café
Seafood lovers will feel right at home at the Crab House Café on Chesil Beach. Having scooped national and regional culinary awards and been frequently recognised in the broadsheet supplements, the Crab House Café delights diners with its fish dishes, crab boards and oyster platters. All fish is caught from local waters and the oysters are so fresh they’re served within minutes of being harvested from their beds in Portland. TV chef and seafood aficionado, Rick Stein, is among the café’s long list of satisfied customers.
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Hive Beach Café
The spectacular coastline of Burton Bradstock provides the setting for the Hive Beach Café. Here, you can relax on the sun-bathed terraces and enjoy some delicious food accompanied by the far-reaching views of Lyme Bay. Whether you’re sitting down to a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake after your stroll along the clifftops, or eagerly anticipating the arrival of your West Bay lobster and king prawns, this thriving and well-established shoreside bistro is sure to tickle your fancy.
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Rick Stein Sandbanks
The sparkling waters of Poole Harbour provide the views for diners at Rick Stein Sandbanks. This romantic location attracts foodies from far and wide, all of them keen to experience impeccable cuisine. One in a chain of seafood restaurants opened by TV chef, Rick Stein, this cosmopolitan Sandbanks venue embraces sensational seafood recipes from around the world…Indonesian seafood curry, Singapore chilli crab, Dover sole a la meunière, Padstow lobster…the delectable list goes on!
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Al Molo
Weymouth’s historic Pier Bandstand is the grand setting for Al Molo, one of the south coast’s most lauded fine-dining restaurants. Chef de cuisine, Giuseppe Vannucci, continues to wow customers with his combinations of “metropolitan chic” gastronomy and traditional Italian recipes. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the restaurant’s elegant Art Deco features, a reminder of the bandstand’s halcyon days with a hint of 1920s ballroom glamour. If your stay in Dorset coincides with a special occasion, why not add some Italian amore to the proceedings by booking a table by the window at this stylish waterside venue.
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The Boat Shed Café
The nautically-themed Boat Shed Café can be found on the beachfront at Lulworth Cove. A former boathouse, the café’s rustic charm is a real hit with its patrons who like nothing better than to sit out on the terraces and admire the tranquil turquoise waters. It also provides a welcome interlude for walkers out traversing the magnificent South West Coast Path. There’s plenty of seafood bites and seasonal specials on the lunch menu, while early birds can enjoy a classic full English breakfast with all the trimmings. Lulworth Cove is one of Dorset’s most recognisable beauty spots, a clam-shaped bay only a mile’s walk from the famous limestone arch known as Durdle Door.
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The Lobster Pot
Situated on Dorset’s most southerly point, The Lobster Pot is a family-run restaurant that has welcomed customers across its threshold since 1952. It stands only a stone’s throw from the foot of Portland Bill Lighthouse, built more than century ago to help guide ships away from the perilous local reefs and the notorious Portland tidal race. As well as being crammed with light bites and hot meals, the Lobster Pot’s menu is most famous for its homemade Dorset cream teas, its scones baked according to a secret family recipe.
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Billy Winters Bar & Diner
It’s hard to believe that this vibrant beachside diner was once a weather-beaten shipping container. Named after the small ‘Billy’ prawns caught by local fishermen during the winter season, Billy Winters has been transformed into a hip venue offering moreish dishes to all who swing by, from salty surfers to coastal ramblers. Billy’s loves to support local, artisan growers and takes immense pride in choosing only the most wholesome ingredients. One of the most characterful bistros on Weymouth Bay.
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Watch House Café
The golden shores of West Bay Beach are a pebble’s toss away from the Watch House. Indulge yourselves in some café favourites, from the bestselling hake in tempura batter with chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce to its delicious wood-fired pizzas – it’s easy to see why this shoreside outlet grabs rave reviews. The backdrop for your indulgences is the Jurassic Coast’s towering golden cliffs, an awesome sight to be admired from the café’s top deck. Behind the scenes, the Watch House’s impressive sustainability initiatives remain a core part of its vision.
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The Fat Badger
Boasting unrivalled channel views beyond Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland, The Fat Badger joins our long list of exceptional bistros found scattered along the West Dorset Heritage Coast. Its south-facing terrace provides the perfect setting for some relaxed alfresco dining, particularly lovely at sundown. The ample menu is full of hot grill classics and includes plenty of choices for vegans and vegetarians. While away an hour or two at this hidden gem.
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Hats off to all our Dorset food outlets doing their level best to remain open during these challenging times. Please respect each venue’s social distancing measures while remaining polite and courteous towards members of staff and your fellow diners.
Have fun, stay safe, and look after each other.
Best Wishes, Mr Toad.