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Writer's pictureEd Whitehead

Our Family’s 10 Favourite Places to Eat in Bridport – and Why We Love Them

Ok, we may be a little biased. But, in our humble opinion, Bridport has some

of the best places to eat in West Dorset.


In fact, ever since ITV’s smash hit show, Broadchurch, put Bridport and West

Bay in the national spotlight, local food producers have become ever-more

inventive with their offering and Bridport’s foodie scene has thrived.


We now have some of the best pubs, cafes and restaurants in the region so

you’re sure to find something to suit your palate and budget when you come

to stay with us in Bridport.


To help you decide where to go and for what, we’ve listed 10 of our family’s

favourite places to eat in Bridport – and best of all, when you stay with us

your exclusive Outbuildings Discount Card gives you money-off of some of

the eateries below. Tasty stuff.



Bella’s | Best for: Coffee and Cake


Loved by Ed and Dom


When you want the best coffee and cake ‘to go’ in Bridport, head to Bella’s in

Bridport's Buckydoo Square. This family-run independent takeaway (owned

by sisters Kirsty, Karen and Clare) is a paradise of sweet treats and

wholesome goodies.


Expect freshly-baked baguettes and sandwiches, locally-made cakes, pastries

and traybakes, hot fresh coffee and delicious homemade seasonal soups,

salads and wraps – all served with a friendly Bridport welcome. Don’t be

surprised if you find Ed or Dom in the queue for Bella’s delicious Bacon, Brie & Cranberry baguette.


Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Save 10% with the exclusive Outbuildings Discount Card

Open: Weds – Sat, 9am – 2pm



Dorshi | Best for: Asian Street Food


Loved by George and Billy


Dumplings and ‘not dumplings’ are what the fabulous food-loving team at

Dorshi serve up to their adoring Bridport fans. You’ll find this trendy place to

eat in Chancery Lane in Bridport where it specialises in delicious East Asian

small plates and the most amazing cocktails.


The food is fabulous (there are delicious dumpling and rice boxes to take

away and dumpling and ‘not dumpling’ delights to eat sitting in). The vibe

inside is equally as good, too – in fact, it’s the sort of funky atmosphere and

buzz that you’d expect from a Shoreditch eatery in the heart of Bridport.

When you go, be sure to try the buttermilk chicken & the cocktails – you won’t regret it! Well you might the next day...


Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available

Open: Weds-Sat



The Parlour | Best for: Neapolitan Style Pizzas


Loved by Karen


There are many reasons why we love The Parlour. For one, we love its secret

location tucked away on Bredy Farm in the lush Dorset countryside, on the

outskirts of Bridport. We also love The Parlour’s community spirit: it was

started through friendship and family with the goal of bringing people

together over Italian-influenced food. And this Bridport place to eat delivers

on point, every time.


Most of all, of course, we love the food. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are

divine, as are the hearty Sunday roasts that come with the best roast

potatoes – second only to Karen’s, of course. The Parlour also does take-away

– so you can always grab a bite and some local cider to enjoy in the beautiful

orchard by the river. And they hold live music nights, so be sure to check out

what’s on before you come and stay.


Save 10% with the exclusive Outbuildings Discount Card

Download our 120-minute walk to The Parlour

Open: Tues – Sun, various times


The Station Kitchen | Best for: Sustainable Seafood


Loved by Billy, Karen and Ed


For something quirky and memorable, it has to be the Station Kitchen in West

Bay, Bridport. You’ll find the main restaurant inside an historic railway

carriage that’s sat on old railway track next to West Bay’s, now defunct, 1870

station platform.


Step inside the train carriage restaurant into in a completely different world;

the beautiful setting is an emporium of trinkets and treasures for your

culinary journey. The historic station waiting room has been similarly

transformed and is now a beautiful bar serving a range of drinks.


As you’d expect, the food at The Station Kitchen is first-class. We go for the seafood –

especially the surf and turf – and stay for the cocktails! Booking is a must.


Open: Weds – Sat, various times


The Half Moon | Best for: Traditional Pub Food


Loved by George [on a hangover]


Multi award-winning, The Half Moon pub is just the spot for enjoying home-

cooked Dorset fare – and it’s only a 3-minute drive from us here at

Outbuildings.


This special place to eat in Bridport dates back to the 1600s, boasts a

thatched roof, large beer garden, log fire, and a friendly welcome. Naturally,

there are a good selection of local beers and ales, and a menu full of

traditional British classics that have been given a cheeky Dorset twist.


Our favourites are the ‘Ghost Roast’ – a Sunday vegetarian special and the

Half Moon Burger with Dorset Rarebit Sauce.


Save 10% with the exclusive Outbuildings Discount Card

Download our 45-min walk to The Half Moon

Open: Friday – Sunday, various times



The Anchor | Best for: Ploughman’s Lunch By The Sea


Loved by The Whole Family


Just outside of Bridport, in the seaside hamlet of Seatown, you’ll find The

Anchor. Without doubt, it’s one of the most wonderful pubs to hole up in

after a breezy beach walk or a trek over Golden Cap. Perched on the beach,

with views over Lyme Bay, The Anchor has serving pints for 160 years – so

they really know what they’re doing.


Enjoy a traditional ploughman’s lunch on the seafront terrace or sit inside the

restaurant for a dinner that’ll impress every kind of foodie. We love The

Anchor’s beer-battered haddock, washed down with a nice bottle of local

wine and finished off by someone else doing the drive back to Outbuildings!


Open: Mon – Sun, 10am – 10pm


The Club House | Best for: Fine Dining Date Night


Loved by Karen and Billy


You can’t come to Bridport and not take trip to the beautiful beach-front

restaurant, The Club House in West Bexington. Yes, it’s an expensive option,

but if you’ve a special occasion to celebrate – and you want to dine out on

some of the best local seafood restaurant in the region – it is worth the price

tag.


The heart of the restaurant is a 1930s’ bungalow that’s been gutted and

refurbished to become a slick, modern setting with delightful views over the

sea. There is also a pavilion for outdoor dining, a large garden just steps away

from the beach and – one of our favourites - a bespoke beach house that you

can hire for intimate dining complete with a vintage telephone for ordering

more cocktails!


Open: Tues – Sun, various times


The Pymore Inn | Best for: Garden Pizza and Pints

Loved by Oscar the Dog


The Pymore Inn dates back to the 1700s when it was originally built as a

gentleman’s residence. Today, it’s a thriving village freehouse pub with a

friendly local crowd and warm, welcoming landlord and landlady.


When the sun is shining, take a seat in the large walled garden for a pimms or

pint of local or guest ales. The garden also houses a garden bar and kitchen

which serves handmade pizzas fresh from the pizza oven.


Best thing is, it's just a 15 minute walk from the farm and they're dog friendly!. But be warned, it’s easy to stay here all day in the summer months watching the sun go down. So make sure you book your taxi back to Outbuildings in advance!


Open: Mon – Sun, various times


The Three Horseshoes | Best for: Family-friendly Grub


Loved by Billy


This special place to eat is not far from Bridport in the charming Dorset

village of Burton Bradstock. This is where we go when we want good, locally-

sourced food for all the family – without having to leave the dogs behind.


Despite all its food and drink awards, The Three Horseshoes is wonderfully

down-to-earth so you’re sure to feel at home there. Run by husband and wife

team, Hannah and Japp, it has a menu full of delicious meals for lunch or

dinner – including sandwiches and wraps as well as a la carte options – so


there’s enough choice to ensure no-one is left hungry! All sourced from the

best local suppliers.


Open: Tues – Sun, various times


Rachel’s | Best for: Fish and Chips by the Harbour


Loved by Nanny Pat & Grandad Charlie


Chips by the harbour in West Bay – it has to be done on your visit to

Outbuildings. And amongst all the huts surrounding the harbour offering

take-away goodies (there are a lot of places to eat here), Rachel’s is our

family go-to.


Not only is the menu stocked with fresh, local options – from smoked

haddock chowder and salt and pepper squid, to nachos and dirty chips – the

food here is great value for money and it’s not all ‘something with chips’.

Plus, there are plenty of picnic tables for diners to enjoy their food with a

harbour-side view.


Obviously, we recommend the lightly-battered fresh fish of the day with

homemade tartare sauce and chunky chips. Unfortunately, we never have

enough to share with anyone else. Shame.


Open: Weekends and sunny days, 12pm – 3pm

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