The Gallery Cafe - Purbeck

After stopping in for a drink and snack in the late morning, we were excited to try lunch at this restaurant that was clearly not just any ordinary cafe at a visitor attraction. It was impressive that even in the middle of the week in January, we had to wait until later in the lunch period to get a table for three. While it may not be the most affordable option for lunch, similar to the quality at the Smugglers Inn in Osmington, you definitely get what you pay for here.

I had a delightful lunch experience at this restaurant. The staff were fantastic and the food was delicious. The pate on toast was particularly satisfying and the prices were very reasonable.

A picturesque and tranquil setting perfect for enjoying a sunny day and a picnic. No dogs or children under 14 allowed. The restaurant also has a charming farm shop with unique products. While the lunch options were limited, it was still enjoyable to explore. The gardens and lakes are perfect for those who appreciate sculpture and quiet walks. Fresh vegetables and plants are available for purchase, all of which are grown on site and used in the restaurant and cafe.

We enjoyed a fantastic picnic prepared by the chef, Duncan. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and we had a beautiful day.

Our first visit to this restaurant was a pleasant surprise and left us rather impressed! We started our day with brioche buns topped with bacon and egg for brunch, which was hot and delicious. I enjoyed a rich and not too sweet hot chocolate, while my husband found his Americano to be quite good. After exploring the sculptures around the lakes, we returned to the cafe for a cream tea, which we found to be very good value and high quality. The homemade scones were large and came with plenty of jam and cream, along with very good tea, all for £5 per person. The cafe itself is beautifully decorated and cozy, with a wood burning stove. Dogs were allowed in a side room and the service was friendly and efficient. We enjoyed our experience and will definitely be returning!