Local Eateries

These are our recommendations, all will obviously have reduced capacity and their own COVID-19 arrangements, we strongly recommend pre-booking whenever possible.

Black Swan

• Excellent pub food, lovely garden at the rear, need to book 01929 423846 (blackswanswanage.co.uk)

Pier Head

• The original Gee Whites evolved into the Top Deck and has now relocated into their own new premises opposite the pier

• Consistently great sea food, seasonal opening Easter through to October

• No pre-booking, however when busy they will take your number and call when a table is available

The Ship

• Recently changed management and fully refurbished and combined with the Old Brick Pizza Co. restaurant next door, good pub grub and pizzas (01929 423855 - theship-swanage.co.uk)

LoveCakeEtc

• Fabulous cakes, home cooked food, hot and cold drinks (01929 475644 - lovecakecafe.co.uk)

Chilled Red (Tilly Mead Arcade under the apartments)

• Lovely small restaurant – seasonal opening, booking recommended 01929 426066

Bliss Food Co

• Just along the road from the flat, seasonal opening, evening and weekends, very lovely and welcoming, booking recommended 01929 792809 (blissfoodco.co.uk)

The Cabin, Swanage Beach

• Shack on the beach, great ‘snack’ food, wine, beer and coffee, seasonal opening April through to September

• Walk along the promenade towards Old Harry Rocks, situated under The Grand Hotel

The Fish Plaice

• Best fish & chips in town

Kings Arms, Langton Matravers (a mile or so outside Swanage)

• Lovely traditional Dorset pub with garden to the rear

• Great food and selection of beers, weekend booking recommended, 01929 422979

Square and Compass, Worth Matravers

• Great ciders and pasties, views and music - unique! (squareandcompasspub.co.uk)

Scott Arms, Kingston

• Great for a drink and/or food with stunning views over Corfe Castle, can get busy, booking recommended 01929 480270 (thescottarms.com)

• Jerk Shack open during the summer

Pig on the Beach, Studland

• 10 minutes’ drive, excellent local produce food, wine, cocktails, great location

• Quite expensive but worth it, booking essential 01929 450288 (thepighotel.com/on-the-beach)

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Shell Bay Restaurant & Bistro (Next to the Sandbanks ferry)

• 10 minutes’ drive, excellent food, wine, cocktails, stunning location for a sunset meal

• Park on the road before the toll booths or in the National Trust car park or catch a bus

• Booking advised 01929 450363 (shellbay.net)

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Royal British Legion

• 500 yards out of Swanage along High Street, temporary membership available

• Not the typical RBL!! Lovely staff, cheap drinks, separate sports bar, pool and snooker tables (therblswanage.co.uk)

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The Cellar Bar (under the Mowlem)

• Lovely bar and staff with unbroken views over Swanage Bay

• Outside BBQ in the summer

• No dogs inside