Food & Drink
We have created this page to provide you with our top recommendations for places to eat, drink, and buy food in Swanage. These suggestions come from our own lived experiences in this charming town, ensuring you have the best options during your stay. Whether you are looking for a cozy cafe, a traditional pub, a fine dining restaurant, or a convenient supermarket, we have you covered. Our aim is to help you discover the best that Swanage has to offer, making your visit both enjoyable and memorable.
To help you find these places easily, we have used What3Words to help you navigate to these locations.
Mini Supermarkets & Convenience Stores
Spar
The shop is closest to the flat and has longer opening hours than Co-Op and Bugdens. It offers a variety of groceries, snacks, and household items. As you would expect from a convenience store, it is good if you need milk, chocolate, or basic food; however, it can be more expensive.
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The shop is closest to the flat and has longer opening hours than Co-Op and Bugdens. It offers a variety of groceries, snacks, and household items. As you would expect from a convenience store, it is good if you need milk, chocolate, or basic food; however, it can be more expensive.
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Co-op Food
One of the the two larger food shops in town, along with Budgens, and neither should be considered significant. The co-op is well positioned at the start of the one-way system and has a car park. The shop has the typical selection you would expect from the brand and is a short five-minute walk from the flat.
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One of the the two larger food shops in town, along with Budgens, and neither should be considered significant. The co-op is well positioned at the start of the one-way system and has a car park. The shop has the typical selection you would expect from the brand and is a short five-minute walk from the flat.
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Budgens
Located at the start of the one-way system and, along with the co-op, is one of the larger food shops in town. There is street parking, and behind the store is a council car park, which is a short walk. It is generally well stocked, with frozen Cook's meals and a nice bakery section, though some products can be expensive. A little further than the co-op from the flat, but only by a couple of minutes.
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Located at the start of the one-way system and, along with the co-op, is one of the larger food shops in town. There is street parking, and behind the store is a council car park, which is a short walk. It is generally well stocked, with frozen Cook's meals and a nice bakery section, though some products can be expensive. A little further than the co-op from the flat, but only by a couple of minutes.
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Morrisons
Has replaced Mcolls in the centre of town. It's a small but well-packed store, lacking the selection of Co-op and Bugdens. The prices tend to be reasonable, and if you are walking in town and remember you need something, it can be a handy place to stop in.
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Has replaced Mcolls in the centre of town. It's a small but well-packed store, lacking the selection of Co-op and Bugdens. The prices tend to be reasonable, and if you are walking in town and remember you need something, it can be a handy place to stop in.
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Pubs & Wine Bars
The Blackswan
The most popular pub in Swanage has an excellent reputation for food, and the prices are considered outstanding value for money. The owner and head chef, Eric, constantly changes the specials board to incorporate seasonal produce. The bonus is that it is the closest restaurant, pub, or cafe to the flat, which makes it a must-visit when in Swanage! But remember to book in advance, as it can be difficult to obtain a reservation.
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The most popular pub in Swanage has an excellent reputation for food, and the prices are considered outstanding value for money. The owner and head chef, Eric, constantly changes the specials board to incorporate seasonal produce. The bonus is that it is the closest restaurant, pub, or cafe to the flat, which makes it a must-visit when in Swanage! But remember to book in advance, as it can be difficult to obtain a reservation.
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The Showbar
I don't think another community-run wine bar can boast the views you get from the show bar. There is a wide selection of local drinks and bar snacks, and if you find yourself a little bored, you can always spend some time in the cinema next door. One thing to consider is that it is often not open until 5 pm, but it is well worth a visit after a day on the beach or walking around Purbeck.
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I don't think another community-run wine bar can boast the views you get from the show bar. There is a wide selection of local drinks and bar snacks, and if you find yourself a little bored, you can always spend some time in the cinema next door. One thing to consider is that it is often not open until 5 pm, but it is well worth a visit after a day on the beach or walking around Purbeck.
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The Cellar Bar
One of our favourite places to enjoy a tipple and watch the sun go down in the summer. The Cellar Bar has a good selection of drinks and comfy chairs inside or outside, seating right on the sea.
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One of our favourite places to enjoy a tipple and watch the sun go down in the summer. The Cellar Bar has a good selection of drinks and comfy chairs inside or outside, seating right on the sea.
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The Red Lion
A popular pub in Swanage, The Red Lion offers a great selection of drinks, hearty meals, and a lively atmosphere. It's a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
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A popular pub in Swanage, The Red Lion offers a great selection of drinks, hearty meals, and a lively atmosphere. It's a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
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Royal British Legion
So, not technically a pub, the Legion has a great selection of beers, the best pool tables in town, along with dart boards and snooker tables. If you are after an afternoon of pub games, then this is the place for you. It is within a short walk down the road from the flat.
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So, not technically a pub, the Legion has a great selection of beers, the best pool tables in town, along with dart boards and snooker tables. If you are after an afternoon of pub games, then this is the place for you. It is within a short walk down the road from the flat.
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Takeaways
Fish Plaice
Known for its classic fish and chips, Fish Plaice is a popular takeaway spot for a traditional British meal. It's a favorite of both locals and visitors, and during the summer, it can often be open from 10am in the mornings.
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Known for its classic fish and chips, Fish Plaice is a popular takeaway spot for a traditional British meal. It's a favorite of both locals and visitors, and during the summer, it can often be open from 10am in the mornings.
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Nihal Spice
One of our favorites, Nihal Spice offers a rich variety of Indian cuisine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their flavorful dishes and excellent service make it a top choice.
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One of our favorites, Nihal Spice offers a rich variety of Indian cuisine with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their flavorful dishes and excellent service make it a top choice.
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Wok Chef Chinese
A popular choice for Chinese cuisine, Wok Chef Chinese offers a variety of dishes that are perfect for takeaway.
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A popular choice for Chinese cuisine, Wok Chef Chinese offers a variety of dishes that are perfect for takeaway.
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Romero's Piri Piri
Known for its flavorful piri piri dishes, Romero's is a great spot for a spicy takeaway meal. They also offer quality burgers that are highly recommended.
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Known for its flavorful piri piri dishes, Romero's is a great spot for a spicy takeaway meal. They also offer quality burgers that are highly recommended.
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Wright on the Beach Fish and Chips
Offering delicious fish and chips right by the beach, Wright on the Beach is perfect for a seaside takeaway. The part of the road has recently been closed and there have been picnic benches installed, so you can site right on the beach front.
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Offering delicious fish and chips right by the beach, Wright on the Beach is perfect for a seaside takeaway. The part of the road has recently been closed and there have been picnic benches installed, so you can site right on the beach front.
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Cafes
Love Cake
A charming cafe offering a variety of delicious cakes, pastries, and light meals. The quirky decor adds to its unique charm.
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A charming cafe offering a variety of delicious cakes, pastries, and light meals. The quirky decor adds to its unique charm.
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The Cabin
Known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes, The Cabin is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It has limited seating, but offers spectacular views.
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Known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes, The Cabin is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It has limited seating, but offers spectacular views.
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Down the Beach
A lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, Down the Beach is perfect for a relaxing break. Look out for the flags to see if they are open or closed.
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A lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, Down the Beach is perfect for a relaxing break. Look out for the flags to see if they are open or closed.
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Gee Whites
Located on the seafront, Gee Whites is renowned for its seafood platters and stunning views of the bay. It is in a prime position right on the quay.
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Located on the seafront, Gee Whites is renowned for its seafood platters and stunning views of the bay. It is in a prime position right on the quay.
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Java Coffee House
Known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes, Java is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
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Known for its excellent coffee and homemade cakes, Java is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. It is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.
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1859 Pier Cafe
Enjoy a coffee with a beautiful view at the 1859 Pier Cafe. Mention to the pier people that you are going to the cafe, and you won't have to pay.
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Enjoy a coffee with a beautiful view at the 1859 Pier Cafe. Mention to the pier people that you are going to the cafe, and you won't have to pay.
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Nationa Coast Watch Tea Morning
On Sundays, the National Coast Watch often hosts a cafe and tea morning. If you are walking out to Durlston Point, stop in and get a slice of cake.
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On Sundays, the National Coast Watch often hosts a cafe and tea morning. If you are walking out to Durlston Point, stop in and get a slice of cake.
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Restaurants
Coastal Crust
Renowned for their delicious pizzas, Coastal Crust is a must-visit despite its location on a posh industrial estate.
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Renowned for their delicious pizzas, Coastal Crust is a must-visit despite its location on a posh industrial estate.
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Masala Swanage
Centrally located, Masala Swanage serves delicious Indian food with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. It?s a great spot for a flavorful meal.
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Centrally located, Masala Swanage serves delicious Indian food with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. It?s a great spot for a flavorful meal.
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The Narrows
Offering a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, The Narrows is a great spot for a meal. It is very visible due to its dark green surround outside.
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Offering a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, The Narrows is a great spot for a meal. It is very visible due to its dark green surround outside.
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Salt Pig
A local favorite, The Salt Pig Too offers a menu focused on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their seafood dishes are particularly popular.
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A local favorite, The Salt Pig Too offers a menu focused on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their seafood dishes are particularly popular.
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Friday Market
Swanage Market
Held every Friday, the market is a great place to find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and a variety of other goods. It's a vibrant spot to explore and pick up unique items.
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Held every Friday, the market is a great place to find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and a variety of other goods. It's a vibrant spot to explore and pick up unique items.
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Bakeries
The Italian Bakery
Known for its delicious bread and pastries, The Italian Bakery is a must-visit for baked goods lovers.
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Known for its delicious bread and pastries, The Italian Bakery is a must-visit for baked goods lovers.
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Cornish Bakery
Offers a wide range of pastries, bread, and other baked goods, perfect for a quick snack or a takeaway meal.
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Offers a wide range of pastries, bread, and other baked goods, perfect for a quick snack or a takeaway meal.
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Greggs
Popular for its variety of sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, Greggs is a great place for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Popular for its variety of sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, Greggs is a great place for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Ice Cream
Chococo Gelato
Offering delicious gelato and ice cream, Chococo is perfect for a sweet treat on the go. It's part of Chococo chocolate shop which is well worth a visit.
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Offering delicious gelato and ice cream, Chococo is perfect for a sweet treat on the go. It's part of Chococo chocolate shop which is well worth a visit.
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Fortes Gelateria
Known for its rich and creamy gelato, Fortes Gelateria is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. It's centrally positioned in town and is part of the molem building.
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Known for its rich and creamy gelato, Fortes Gelateria is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. It's centrally positioned in town and is part of the molem building.
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Baboo Gelato
A popular spot for artisanal gelato, Baboo Gelato offers a range of delicious flavors. It's positioned in the centre of town and does great Italian style icecreams.
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A popular spot for artisanal gelato, Baboo Gelato offers a range of delicious flavors. It's positioned in the centre of town and does great Italian style icecreams.
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