10 places to unwind and catch your breath in Beaminster
In the run-up towards Christmas, it’s easy to get lost in the festivities and mayhem of last-minute Christmas gift shopping. So, if you’re looking for a break from the busyness, or a chance to catch your breath, then Beaminster offers a number of ways for you to do that.
We’ve put together a few fantastic Beaminster day-time experiences to help you unwind, re-engage and re-charge.
Time for a colour change? – The Mop Shop
| Just around the corner from Beaminster Square lies another one of Beaminster’s longest-running businesses, The Mop Shop. A delightful salon run by Mel King and Melissa Herring offers customers the chance to try something new. Whether you’re looking for a short, back and sides, or a completely colour change, The Mop Shop has been offering great service for many years, and has built up a solid following of customers that return year-after-year. And if you’re in the mood to treat someone, this Christmas, then The Mop Shop also offer gift vouchers for a treatment of your choice. As one client has said, visiting The Mop Shop is like “going to your mates house getting a coffee and leaving with a really great hair cut” |
13th Century dining – The Ollerod
| About a 2 minute walk from Beaminster Square, you’ll find the 13th century country house that today is The Ollerod. This restaurant with rooms offers guests and diners wonderful stays, lunches and dinners – and whether you choose to enjoy a cocktail in front of a roaring fire in winter, or a selection of small plates in the walled-garden, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to enjoy. Pop in for a coffee if you’re in the mood, or have a look at their website for the latest dining offers and events, and if you’re in the mood, you may even want to book for one of their popular Chef Dinners too. An award-winning restaurant serves locally-sourced food with Chris’ signature Asian-twists. A hearty vegan menu is also available. The Ollerod is dog-friendly too! |
Homemade vegetarian-bliss – Beaminster Trading Post
| Beaminster’s first all-vegetarian cafe can be found in the form of Beaminster’s Trading Post & Vegetarian Cafe. One of the longest running businesses (over 25 years, in fact) in our amazing little town, Robin and Shirley serve fresh, homemade, healthy vegetarian meals that fill you up with goodness, from head to toe. With vegan options available too, you can enjoy a wonderful lunch or a cup of coffee and some of their delicious vegetarian cakes on offer. Daily specials mean that you eat whatever the garden and local suppliers have available, keeping things fresh, sustainable and altogether tasty.
The Cafe is open on Tuesday – Saturday from 9:30am – 2.30pm, with last orders being taken at 1.50pm. |
Take on a Makeover – Head Office
| Beaminster is blessed with a number of highly-experienced, highly-qualified, wonderful stylists and hair dressers. If you’re in the mood for something different, or just a spruce up, then Head Office is one of the places you may want to consider. Located in Lynden Way, just off of Beaminster Square, this secluded hideaway is the perfect place to escape to and be pampered when you need to catch your breath. A ladies & gentlemen’s hairdresser, this team is led by Susie, who first worked at the salon as a stylist and then was offered the opportunity to buy the salon. An inspiration to her and her team, and the many happy customers that visit, Susie continues to ensure that every customer feels looked after and looking great – whether you’re there for just a trim or a complete revamp! |
An Arty Lunch – Tangerine Cafe
| Just a little over 8 months ago, new owners opened up Tangerine Cafe – a delightful coffee shop and cafe in North Street, just off of Beaminster Square. Its joyful orange welcome invites you to sit down with a good cup of coffee and a chat, while admiring the amazing collection of local artwork that hangs on the walls and sits on the shelves. In the summer months, a beautiful garden beckons you towards quiet contemplation as you enjoy the Dorset sunshine. All meals are homemade and served fresh, daily, with a range of coffees and teas and home bakes too. Keep an eye on their social media profiles for latest events such as poetry evenings where you can enjoy learning to write your own, or enjoying and contemplating the thoughtful works of others.
The Cafe is usually open from Sundays to Wednesdays, but is available for special occasions on other days too. Opening times can be found on their website. |
Unwind with a Massage – Lovegrove at The Ollerod
| As part of an already flourishing restaurant and hotel, The Ollerod opened up it’s Wellness Experience through the Lovegrove at The Ollerod treatment room. Open for both guests and non-staying guests to enjoy, the Treatment Room offers customers a chance to escape the stresses of daily life. Using only natural and organic products, Lovegrove Essentials, locally produced in Dorset with scents of summer meadows and calm seas, treatments here are undertaken with your entire wellbeing in mind. Every treatment is bespoke according to what your body needs – so whether you need to re-hydrate, de-stress, or whether you’re simply in the mood for some luxurious pampering, you can take your pick. Booking is essential, and can be done online, on social media, or through The Ollerod’s reception directly. Follow that up with a luxurious lunch, or simply a frothy coffee in front of an open fire. |
Staple favourites – The Steak Out
| The Steak Out has grown in popularity since changing look and menu, from a day-time only cafe to also offering scrumptious Sunday Roasts and evening dinning. From a range of favourites including burgers and more, the Steak Out is located slightly off of Beaminster Square. Drop in on your way to the post office or after exploring all the Beaminster shops. Winter trading hours means that on occasion, evening dining is by reservation only, so if you’re planning on enjoying a meal, best to check in with the team to ensure they’re open. |
Getting spruced up – Salon on the Square
| Salon on the Square is another fantastic Beaminster business that offers a range of services and experiences for their customers. Located on Beaminster Square, it’s easily accessible – but very popular, so be sure to pop in an reserve an appointment for yourself if you’re in the area. From massages to beauty, hair styling to beautiful manicures, there’s a wide variety of ways that the Salon on the Square team help you to relax and unwind from a busy day. Since opening in 2006, the Salon has grown to become a firm favourite for many Beaminster-resident and visitor. Using luxurious AVEDA products, customers have the chance to select from a wide variety of hair, barbering or beauty services. But an added touch to enjoy are their pampering packages available to anyone looking to enjoy ultimate relaxation or are getting ready for a special occasion. |
A Lunch with a View – Brassica Restaurant
| Brassica Restaurant overlooks the hustle and bustle of Beaminster Square, but with a quiet, calm contemplation that welcomes diners to unwind and enjoy some fantastic seasonal favourites. Founded by Cass Titcombe and Louise Chidgey just over 5 years ago, Brassica has become a favourite in the South West for many diners who are looking for good food, prepared well, with an atmosphere that inspires, having won numerous awards including the Winner of Best Local Restaurant, South West 2020, in the Good Food Guide. And when they’re not serving Elevenses, lunch or dinner, they also hold fantastic seasonal suppers which celebrate the best that the local area has to offer, or movie dining nights and workshops offering diners a chance to get involved with something different. Open on Wednesdays to Saturdays, if you’re looking to book, be sure to check out their complete opening times on their website. |
A Cuppa and a Slice – Cilla & Camilla
| Cilla and Camilla of Beaminster is holds a beautiful shopping delight. Packed full of homeware, clothing, gifts and more, few people know that also featured in this beautiful shop on Beaminster’s Square, is a coffee shop and cafe that gives customers a chance to enjoy the latest daily bake, or a light lunch. Serving a variety of home bakes (both savoury and sweet), you can also enjoy a steaming hot chocolate, or even a bacon roll if you’re slightly peckish. And if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, their light lunch menu offers a number of delicious options like jacket potatoes, toasted sandwiches, and homemade soups, to warm the tummy. In the summer months, you can enjoy their beautiful courtyard while soaking in the sunshine. |
Anything caught your attention?
Welcome to Beaminster. A community full of hospitality waiting for you to enjoy!
