Shire Hall Cafe

High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UY, United Kingdom
+44 1305 261849
$$$ Cafe
(66 Reviews)
Price Range £1–20

Welcome to Shire Hall Cafe, a charming gem nestled in the heart of Dorchester, located on High W St. This delightful cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s a sanctuary of warmth and community, where every visit feels like coming home. With a friendly phone line at +44 1305 261849, reaching out for inquiries is a breeze.

Shire Hall Cafe excels in offering a cozy atmosphere, perfect for friends catching up or families enjoying a meal together. The ambiance is light and airy, enhanced by the welcoming smiles of the staff, making it a wonderful refuge, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Many guests have praised the relaxed vibe, and it’s not unusual to find patrons engrossed in conversation, much to the delight of the attentive staff.

The cafe’s menu features an array of delightfully prepared dishes tailored to satisfy various tastes. Although Shire Hall Cafe is best known for its freshly cooked offerings—whether it’s a hearty sausage casserole or delightful cheese scone paired with a bowl of soup—what truly sets this cafe apart is the consistent quality and reasonable pricing. As Amanda Jenkins noted, the prices are refreshingly fair compared to other establishments, making it an excellent spot for lunch or a light snack.

You'll find that the cafe is tucked away inside the local museum, adding a sense of discovery to every visit as described by Sara Locking and Christine Coleman. This cozy nook provides not just nourishment for the body but also a great opportunity to disconnect, as Christine amusingly points out, with sketchy phone service enhancing guest interaction. It's a reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—good food and good company.

Many visitors have expressed their appreciation for the staff's genuine hospitality, with special mentions for Sue, who has received heartfelt thanks for her service. Reviews from customers like Jodie Hallett highlight the tranquil atmosphere and a diverse menu, ensuring that there’s something for everyone—from young children to seasoned adults. If you’re looking for a place for an invigorating breakfast or a light lunch, Shire Hall Cafe is a treasure not to be missed.

Next time you’re in Dorchester, immerse yourself in the welcoming embrace of Shire Hall Cafe, where each visit promises delightful dishes and cherished memories. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment of joy in the day.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

66 Reviews
Mandy James

21 Sep 2025

Coffees only no food great welcome relaxed conversation special thanks to sue who served us

lillie “lils” baker

10 Sep 2025

Very nice little cafe with reasonably priced food. The staff are so amazing and the food is decent. Would recommend.

Sara Locking

05 Sep 2025

Lovely cafe, a little hidden away inside the museum. Friendly staff, great lunch menu.

G Matthews

20 Aug 2025

Not a bad little place to grab a quick snack for lunch. Enjoy.

Jodie Hallett

14 Aug 2025

Absolutely lovely. Relaxed atmosphere and wide variety of freshly cooked dishes

Christine Coleman

23 Jul 2025

I take all our visitors here from my youngest grandson aged 8 to my not so young friends. Everyone enjoys it even the teenagers and a bonus is phone service sketchy so they interact . Recommend using headphones for a good visit to dungeons and court.We eat at the cafe each time ,food always good but at busy times can be slow .

Amanda Jenkins

01 Jul 2025

Lovely light and airy cafe (which I prefer since Covid). A friend enjoyed the special of the day, a sausage casserole, and I treated myself to a delicious cheese scone with my soup. Prices were very reasonable compared to other cafes, will definitely return.

Jazz Marshall

13 Jun 2025

Lovely cafe and atmosphere great food and coffee. Good breakfast club for adults and kids. And a good range of freshly cooked food on the menu

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