The best alfresco eats in Dorset

Who needs the Med when you can feel like you’re on holiday right here in Dorset? I really enjoyed researching, writing and illustrating this piece for Volume 008 of PIER journal - the Staycation edition. And I loved the challenge of thinking beyond the usual scenic seafood restaurants to places inland with far-reaching countryside views. Here’s my top pick…

Shell Bay, Studland

Take the Sandbanks chain ferry and within 250 yards of arriving in Studland, you’ll see Shell Bay seafood restaurant and bistro on your right. Set on the water’s edge with a view of Brownsea Island, the large terrace is a summer hotspot. The menu changes daily depending on the catch of the day and the food is unpretentiously delicious. Stay long enough and you might just catch a dreamy sunset too.

shellbay.net

Riggers Restaurant, Poole

You’ll find this modern restaurant in the RNLI college. The sunny sea terrace provides panoramic views of Holes Bay in Poole Harbour. As well as daily buffet lunches, a Sunday carvery and an evening a la carte menu, there are BBQs with live music throughout the summer. What better excuse do you need to dine out than every pound you spend helps save lives at sea? 

rnli.org/rnli-college

Compton Abbas Airfield, Cranbourne Chase

This airfield is owned and managed by film director Guy Ritchie. It sits atop a hill in the Cranbourne Chase area of natural beauty and has far reaching views over Shaftesbury and beyond. The Smokehouse serves breakfast and lunch and boasts the first J&R Oyler Smoker in the UK for an authentic Texan barbecue. Choose a table on the patio, grab yourself a pint of beer from the local Gritchie Brewing Company, and tuck into their signature dish of smoked pulled beef in a brioche bun as you watch the planes. Finger-licking happiness guaranteed.   

comptonairfield.com

The Kitchen at Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorchester

You don’t need a ticket to enter the Makers Yard which houses The Kitchen plus a store, pantry and gallery, but if you have time, you won’t regret buying a ticket to visit the 26-acres of serene sculpture park. The Kitchen’s regularly changing breakfast and lunch menus are inspired by ingredients from their very own kitchen garden. Settle yourself under an umbrella in the peaceful courtyard and enjoy a selection of small plates or a larger offering such as Shakshuka with garlic flatbread or a hearty Buddha Bowl. Very special afternoon teas can be pre-ordered too.

sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

Crab House Café, Wyke Regis

This rustic seaside hut overlooks the Portland coast. Renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, even Rick Stein has given it his nod of approval. With oyster beds in front of the café, you can have fresh Portland Pearl oysters within minutes of them leaving the water. The crabs are caught within view of the front door too. You can’t get fresher than that.

crabhousecafe.co.uk

The Anchor Inn, Bridport

So close it’s pretty much on Seatown Beach, this hidden gem is well worth a visit. The seasonal menu really makes the most of local produce. How about a crab brioche roll with radish, dill, pickles and chips for lunch? Or one of the amazing vegan dishes like whipped vegan feta, pistachio dukkah, endive, sweet-glazed fig, roast summer squash and aged balsamic dressing? It’s also home to Seatown Slice, a boathouse serving takeaway sourdough pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Whatever you choose, the views and quality of food make it a winner.

theanchorinnseatown.co.uk