It is hardly surprising that our beautiful town has made it’s mark on publications around the country as a go-to for all things cuisine. With several award-winning restaurants and coffee shops at the heart of community life, diners are spoilt for choice by a, quite literal, smorgasbord of eating delights – regardless of appetite, taste preference or dietary requirements.
In this blog, we show off a few great places to take a few minutes, or a couple of hours if you so prefer, and enjoy true Dorset hospitality
Amei Takeaway
If you’re in the mood a night in, in front of a movie of your choice, this Peking & Malaysian Take-away may be what you’re looking for. Serving a wide variety of Chinese and Malaysian favourites, from Won Ton Soup to Egg Fried Rice and even a few Chef Specials as recommendations, Amei is a Beaminster stalwart that continues to serve the community.
Located on Proute Bridge, they are usually only open in the evenings, and if you catch them at a particularly busy time, you may want to consider phoning and pre-ordering ahead of time.
What we love: Super-friendly service and generally-quick turnaround times, and easy to pop into, in passing.
Beaminster Trading Post & Café
Beaminster’s first all-vegetarian Café. For over 25 years, Robin and Shirley and the rest of the team have been preparing and serving up the most delicious delights – from soups to salads, bakes and more. You’re in for a treat if you choose to spend some time here. Nestled in a wonderful cove of vintage and antique furniture and trinkets, the Trading Post has quickly become a firm favourite for many locals as well as those passing through the town. No wonder ‘VeganBobsWobblyJob’ review on TripAdvisor read, “So good we keep on returning”. For more information about the Café, visit https://beaminstertradingpostcafe.co.uk/ .
What we love: Exploring inventions and creations that always taste great. From wild garlic soup (when in season) to their homemade energy treats, the Trading Post feels like a home away from home.
Bombay Spice
“For a small historic town such as Beaminster to have a really good Indian restaurant is amazing,” writes Noel on TripAdvisor about our own Indian restaurant and take-away, Bombay Spice. Located on Hogshill Street, Bombay Spice has been serving Indian favourites for a number of years now. An extensive menu caters to all appetites (and spice-level preferences), from a wonderfully warming Butter Chicken, to a more adventurous Vindaloo. Always friendly, the team create a great place for you to dine in, or an option to enjoy the food in the comfort of your own home. For more information, visit http://bombayspicecuisine.co.uk/menu.html.
What we love: Escaping to a different part of the world, in the heart of our own Dorset town. Super friendly service and tasty food that creates a great getaway meal experience.
Brassica Restaurant
Cass Titcombe and Louise Chidgey founded Brassica Restaurant & Mercantile in September 2014, and have been serving delicious meals ever since. Having won numerous awards, Cass and Louise have created their intended dream; a “’jolly good restaurant’ with no trends or concepts attached”. A firm favourite for many locals, Brassica has also become a destination restaurant for many who visit the area, from all over the UK, and have also been recognised by a number of prestigious publications in the UK. Cass’ love of fishing and cooking fish, a move to Dorset was a natural progression, and a beautifully curated, seasonal menu which sources most of their ingredients from local suppliers means that you always eat fresh. For more information about Brassica, and to view their menu, visit: https://www.brassicarestaurant.co.uk/.
What we love: The menu changes regularly which means that you only eat fresh, and a carefully curated winelist focussed on finding the best wines, with the best quality ratio to price.
Cilla & Camilla
Discovering the courtyard and the café nestled inside of Cilla and Camillar is a real treat. If you’ve popped in for something special, or a Beaminster souvenir, you’d quickly be tempted to stay for a light bite, a good cup of coffee or one of their freshly-baked cakes. Wonderfully warm welcomes invite you to stay longer and the team serve anything from a morning bacon roll, to a hearty slice of chocolate cake for elevenses. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, you could enjoy one of their delicious jacket potatoes or sandwiches too. For more information about the café, and to view the menu, visit: https://cillaandcamilla.co.uk/cafe/.
What we love: Pop in for a coffee, and browse the beautiful homeware, gifts and clothing too. We particularly love the Dorset bone china mugs – fantastic keepsakes if you’re visiting the area.
Greyhound
The Greyhound, located on the Square, has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, for years. A traditional family-friendly inn, The Greyhound serves quality ciders, wines, lagers and ales, with a hearty menu of pub classics too. Food is homemade, cooked on site, and they are dog-friendly too – so the entire family can enjoy lunch together. They also run regular events, from live music gigs to pub quizzes, and if you’re ever in town for Halloween or Christmas, their decorations are something to be admired! For more information about The Greyhound, visit https://www.greyhoundbeaminster.com/.
What we love: Quaint and intimate, the pub is a wonderful place to catch up with familiar faces and enjoy local cheer. Regular events provide fantastic entertainment too – a worthy escape from the hustle and bustle.
Kingfisher Fish & Chips shop
Another one of Beaminster’s long-standing take-away shops that have filled many a rumbling tummy over the years, is the Kingfisher Fish & Chips shop. Located in North street, just off the town square, Shirley has been entertaining patrons for many years with her characterful greetings and chatter. If you’re on the hunt for a night away from cooking, then Beaminster has a huge variety of options for you!
What we love: Shirley’s banter and cheerful chatter whenever you visit. Portion sizes are substantial and turnaround time is quick.
Knapp Inn
The Knapp Inn, located in Clay Lane on the road heading towards Broadwindsor, is another favourite for locals and visitors alike. A great spot to catch up on live sport events, to have a round of pool or to enjoy some live music and a bit of dancing, the Knapp has been providing community entertainment for over 22 years. Also dog-friendly, The Knapp is a stone’s throw from the town square, with parking available on the road-side.
What we love: The abundance of reasons to visit – from live music events to sport, there’s always a reason to visit and enjoy some local hospitality.
Red Lion Beaminster
The Red Lion has it’s heart in the town square. Another home of fantastic live music events, this 18th century coach house features a skittle alley, beer garden and good food and drink options. A fantastic function space on the first floor opens up the pub for group occasions and celebrations, perfect for private hire and special functions. Part of the Palmers family, the Red Lion is a great place to pop in for a drink or to catch up with friends. Enjoy a great pub classic too! For more information, visit https://palmersbrewery.com/pubs/red-lion-beaminster/.
What we love: Fantastic central location for private functions and to gather with friends and family. Live sports events and music entertainment too, on special occasions.
Steak Out
The Steak Out, just off the Town Square in Hogshill Street, is a wonderful place to go if you’re in the mood for a deliciously-cooked steak. Serving a wonderful menu that caters to all tastes, The Steak Out has also quickly developed a reputation for one of the best Sunday Roasts in town, and is often referred to as Beaminster’s own hidden gem. A variety of entertainment evenings, ranging from Quiz Nights to visiting guests, invite all visitors to enjoy a night of hospitality and good food. And if you’re in the mood for breakfast? Well, they do that too!
What we love: Superb Sunday Roasts with service that never disappoints!
Tangerine Café
Tangerine Café recently took the place of Le Vieux Four, in North Street. Opened by Chris & Sue Sims, this beautiful 18th Century Grade 2 listed building . Sue loves to experiment with flavours and foods, and their menu is a wonderfully nourishing one that serves all appetites and flavours. Her homemade sausage roll is becoming a firm favourite amongst visitors and in the summer months, guests can enjoy dining in the garden too. Pop in for a coffee and a slice of cake, or something a little more substantial if your appetite requires. For more information about Tangerine Café, visit https://tangerinecafe.co.uk/ .
What we love: Their Pic ‘n Mix Afternoon Tea on a Sunday is a generous option to beating the Sunday blues!
The Ollerod
This award-winning restaurant with rooms has been reinventing dining and continues to put Beaminster on the map in terms of culinary excellence. Owned and run by former-Michelin Chef Chris Staines and Silvana Bandini (The Pig hotel Group), The Ollerod (previously Bridge House Hotel), has been impressing diners and guests ever since it opened in 2018. A warm, inviting restaurant creates the perfect backdrop for a cosy meal, while a beautiful walled-garden invites you to enjoy Dorset Summertime in the warmer months. Home to a beautiful bar and lounge area, pop in for a snack, a cocktail, a cup of coffee or an exquisite meal. The addition of an outdoor BBQ and Pizza oven sets The Ollerod apart and truly serves up culinary options to suit all appetites and preference. For more information about The Ollerod, visit https://theollerod.co.uk/.
What we love: Their small plates menu is great for sharing or light nibbles, or mix and match it with their a la carte menu for a larger, more substantial meal.
Supporting local establishments like these means that our town is rich of choice and offering, so the next time you have visitors, why not introduce them to somewhere new and create a new, unforgettable memory, courtesy of some of Beaminster’s favourites.
