Dorset has a superb little selection of eateries serving the crème de le crème of cakes and great British bakes. It is the ideal place to celebrate National Cupcake Week, as it’s a county brimming with places to find the cake of your dreams.
This year, National Cupcake Week coincides perfectly with the latest series of The Great British Bake Off. Enthusiastic semi-professional bakers from across the country have been whisking, stirring and baking furiously in preparation for the week-long cupcake celebrations that culminate in the National Cupcake Championships. The Bake Off has also brought out the Mary Berry in all of us, and the reality show has made home baking a popular pastime across the nation.
Cue a wave of failed baking attempts as viewers collectively tackle the on-screen creations in their own kitchens. If you are one of the many left disappointed by your own technical challenge attempt, however, we have just thing to ease your sorrow. Our beautiful county of Dorset offers a plethora of places serving delicious cakes, ready-made for our indulgence.
Reloved
2 Cornhill, Dorchester, DT1 1BA
Reloved is an adorable vintage-inspired tearoom dedicated to all things sweet and delicious. The menu is full of comforting treats inspired by recipes from a bygone era, and includes many homemade vegan options, all made with love. The cream teas are superb, with scones and jam that are made from scratch, Dorset clotted cream, and a pot of Clipper tea to wash it down. The wide selection of cupcakes and three-tiered creations are beautiful to behold, and almost too good to eat. A new vintage-style ice cream parlour and tuck shop bring a wider selection of cakes, filled rolls and other treats to satisfy your sweet-tooth – try one of the incredible soft-whip sundaes. Or you can just relax with a hot chocolate bedecked with cream and marshmallows.
Little Pickle Deli Café
735-737 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH7 6AQ
The delightful Little Pickle Deli Café is a choice destination for a cosy space near Boscombe beach. It has been recommended by Olive magazine online as one of Dorset’s go-to venues, and reviewers on TripAdvisor have nothing but praise for this fabulous café. Choose from an array of perfectly presented delights such as lemon and poppy seed, chunky flapjacks or a nice big slice of Victoria sponge cake. Visit the café first thing in the morning to pick up a couple of soft, buttery pastries before hitting the beach. The upcycled furnishings complete a vintage shabby chic style, and the space has a cosy community atmosphere, where people from all walks of life feel at home.
Oliver’s
19 Cheap Street, Sherborne, DT9 3PU
If you’re meandering around Sherborne, the smell of rich coffee and the sweet scent of sugar wafting from Oliver’s Coffee Shop will have you salivating. Oliver’s is a unique coffee establishment that was a butcher’s shop in a previous life, and still has the original counter inside. Now, it’s quality local coffee shop that is serving up rich roasts alongside a selection of mouth-watering homemade goodies. Think flapjacks laden thick with chocolate and tangy lemon and slice cheesecake, alongside a varied menu of savoury dishes. Reads Coffee is based in Sherborne and has received numerous awards – and that’s why you’ll find it at Oliver’s; only the best will do. This ethos extends to the exquisite bakes, all crafted with a talented and finished with perfect touches. The cakes can also be ordered, for those looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Cobbs at Wilton
Unit 7 Wilton Shopping Village, Wilton, SP2 0RS
Cobbs at Wilton is a place to discover a range of foodie delights. Coffee and cake is a given at this rural venue with a café serving a range of wholesome, homemade food. Sit down, relax and prepare to celebrate National Cupcake Week by indulging in the homemade goodies, such as a slice of salted caramel cake. The rich smell of toasting teacakes beckons you to taste one for yourself and slather it with butter. The venue is a celebration of British agriculture, welcoming visitors throughout the week to sample from the breakfast and lunch menu before exploring the artisan food market. Here, you will discover foodie delights including a unique range of chutneys, preserves, condiments, farmhouse biscuits and flour.
Hamiltons
4-5 Brunswick Terrace, Weymouth, DT4 7RW
Hamiltons is located along an elegant Georgian terrace right beside Weymouth seafront. While it is predominantly a restaurant serving exquisite British cuisine, during the day it is the ideal spot to enjoy a morning cappuccino and slice of cake. Al fresco seating on the pavement is perfect for watching the world go by on a sunny day, and inside the venue has a relaxed, peaceful ambience. The venue was opened in 1965 as an ice cream parlour and café by Domenico d’Agostino, and is now run by his sons Marco and Ernesto. The food has retained its Italian influence, seen in dishes such as orange and almond cake with mascarpone cream. Other sweet delights include traditional British favourites like homemade treacle tart, or mouth-watering creations such as chocolate fondant soufflé with vanilla sauce and ice cream.
So celebrate National Cupcake Week and take a look at our free online Dorset restaurant guide here for information on where to taste great cakes in Dorset.
