Dorset is one of my favourite getaways, and there’s a little place called the Hive Beach Café that I’ve always remembered.

We were on a weekend break with friends, and it was a blustery spring day, but in my opinion when you’re by the sea there’s no excuse for not being in it, by it or on it. So off we went for a bracing, appetite-building walk along the shore before finally taking shelter in this fantastic café.

As you walk in you’re met by a fish-shop-style counter loaded with the catches of the day, the details of which are all scribbled up on the nearby chalkboard; line-caught Lyme Bay Mackerel, lobsters, hand-dived scallops and local crab; whatever the local fishermen have landed that day. You can even find out who caught which fish. I love places that really pay attention to detail like that.

You’ll also find vast quantities of cakes, scones (fresh out of the oven when we were there) and fresh bread, plus they serve an excellent cup of coffee, which is one thing I can be quite fussy about. The atmosphere, beach-side setting and crowd-pleasing menu makes this café a gold-star personal favourite. Just don’t tell anyone else…

Images courtesy of Hive Beach Café