Clavell's Cafe in Purbeck

We had breakfast at Clavells with our dog and can’t rate everything highly enough. The food was delicious as was the coffee and dogs are made very welcome with a little menu of their own!

We spotted this restaurant from the Etches Collection, thinking that it was closed. Boy! What a welcome! It was busy but we were taken to a table immediately and enjoyed exquisite food. Great service too. The bolognaise was really tasty and the fish and chips were great too. A fantastic find and we would go again. Beautiful restaurant, gorgeous setting. Would highly recommend.

Clavells is in the middle of rolling countryside on the way to Kimmeridge bay, it is a beautiful, thatched pub in a fantastic setting. The atmosphere is calm, warm, friendly and professional. We sat in the garden to eat and our food came quickly and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The owner/manager was a delight to engage with and the whole staff worked hard to make everyone happy and feel well looked after. We will definitely return when next in the area. Well done all at Clavells and thank you.

We travelled through the narrow lanes to visit the Etches Collection, aware that there was one "cafe" in the village. That "cafe" was in fact a restaurant with an excellent menu and even better food. The plan for a quick sandwich immediately changed to a proper lunch. My daughter pronounced her burger as one of her top five ever, my fishcakes were delicious and my husband happily polished off steak pie, vegetables, chips and gravy. He was non-verbal for around 20 minutes- always a good sign. The cakes looked lovely but we were just too full! Customer service was spot on and our food arrived very promptly. Top tip : lunch only now as the restaurant only opens in the evening in peak season.

Lovely little restaurant with outside tables. Good service. Superb cream tea. Tad expensive but good food. Plenty of parking.

Great location (opposite The Etches Collection) and fab food but SO many wasps - outside and inside - made it so much more difficult to enjoy. I couldn’t see anything that was being used as a deterrent, so it didn’t look as though they were actively doing anything to help the situation. Fully appreciate it’s not in their control, but when everyone we saw and spoke to was affected too, it would surely be sensible to be seen to be doing something to help! That, plus a 10% service charge that you were automatically charged for in advance of receiving any service (at the outdoor till at least) as you paid in advance, is stopping me from rating this lovely place any higher!

You're never far from somewhere great to eat in drink in Dorset, and Clavell's is no exception. We were made to feel very welcome by all of the staff and enjoyed a really great lunch. Will definitely return!

We sat outside and were pleased we chose this option when we caught a glimpse of the inside; it was busy and looked dark. There was a varied menu and we opted for sandwiches and sides. They were nice, but as others have said, rather overpriced. In total we paid about £50 for two cheese sandwiches (served with a small portion of chips), a small bowl of cheesy chips, two cokes and a coffee. I didn’t notice the 10% service charge mentioned by others, but I hope it wasn’t included as we were never shown a bill/receipt and left a tip separately. Other items on the menu looked rather expensive when compared to other local establishments and we heard other customers commenting on this. One family looked at the menu and decided not to pay the prices so left. The food we ordered was served quickly and hot. There were no complaints. The staff were all very friendly and went out of their way to be pleasant.

Booked for lunch as reviews seemed good. Very overpriced and food very poor. Table sticky! I ordered the Dorset crab sandwich. It came with chips and coleslaw. However, the crab was tasteless and anaemic looking. I think out of a tin. Bread was Hovis sliced- as my husband could see into the kitchen. I got a teaspoon of warm coleslaw and the small portion of chips tasted frozen. All this for £15.50!! My husband’s fish finger sandwich was equally underwhelming and hideously overpriced. Iced coffee was weak and bitter and over £5. To make matters worse we were charged 10% service charge. We would never have left a tip, as we found the service to be slow. Nearly £50 for 2 drinks and 2 sandwiches!! We wouldn’t have minded paying this had the food been worth it. Atmosphere we found to be strange and the decor very old fashioned. We certainly won’t be returning and suggest you avoid if you like decent food at a fair price.

Just excellent! What a great surprise. Great tastes, friendly staff, and good music in the background. Surely recommended. A hidden gem 🙂

The kiosk at Kimmeridge car park is apparently owned by Clavells, so I should not have been surprised when they charged me £4.50 for a Magnum ice cream which normally costs less than £3 anywhere else! I've previously had a coffee at their restaurant which cost around £4.50 and was terrible. The kiosk does not show prices on the ice cream display board - buyers beware, apparently I am not the first to be astonished at the price!

Beautiful setting , quintessential English Good seafood , love the mussels here , the only problem I encountered here were the unpolished glasses. Polite staff , overall an excellent establishment Recommend highly

This place is a rip off. I have never paid so much for coffee and then they wanted to charge 10% service WHAT!!! I came out with a bill of £9.20 for 2 cups of hot milk purporting to be flat white. Give it a miss!

Beautiful setting, varied menu! Friendly staff and very good food. Service was also quick. Handy for the Etche fossil museum opposite.

Oh my what a find! Fantastic food & wonderful staff… certainly the best lunch we had whilst holidaying in Swanage. So glad a friend suggested we visit kimmeridge. Wish it was closer…

Had brunch with family. Cold day so had hot chocolates to start which were fantastic. I had eggs florentine which couldn’t have been better, my daughter had the sausage in a roll with onion chunky. Very good.

Delicious vegan breakfast served with scrumptious toast. Friendly staff and set in a lovely village.

Terrific location near Kimmeridge Bay. Lots of outdoor seating and a very comprehensive menu. Pleasant friendly staff thoroughly recommended

Came here for a quick drink on a hot day but spent much longer here enjoying great food and drink in a wonderful location. The gluten free cream tea was a treat!

Clavell’s is organised in a relaxed manner: service is unhurried, a little bit eccentric but enjoyable.I call it eccentric because of the way some of the staff could not pronounce the food (“…mules marinade, or however you say it…”) and the server could only manage a small number of plates or drinks at a time – while taking dishes away before all the diners had finished, like they didn’t have enough plates to go around. However these are minor gripes which were all done in an unintentionally comical way that it added to the experience!On our visit (a sunny Sunday afternoon) diners were outside spread across the restaurant’s patio and garden. The ordering system in place was that patron’s were given menus and then directed to place their orders at a side window of the main building. This works really well for informal dining. You can spend time getting your order right, have whatever you want in any order and pay in advance so you can leave when you are ready.My Moules marinière was correctly made with wine, cream, parsley shallots; my fellow diners had a range of other items from the menu and these were all well cooked and presented.After the meal we went to the Etches Museum just across the road from it and then a leisurely wander around the village which is like Chelsea Flower Show installation. We then returned from afternoon tea – two scones, warm from the oven too!

We are regulars at Clavell’s and always enjoy dining there, the location is beautiful especially at this time of year. They have changed the menu but the roast dinner is still outstanding perfectly cooked roast beef and crispy potatoes with a good selection of vegetables. One of our party had the burger with the biggest onion rings (the best ever apparently). Service as usual was friendly and relaxed we are always happy to return and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

We were shown to our seats but ended up waiting over 25 mins for menu and wine list. Then was a long wait until our order was taken, they apologised and said that was because everyone in the restaurant had arrived at once. I said I don't mind waiting for the meal as long as they bring the drinks to have while we were waiting - well that took ages, had to ask eventually for our drinks twice. After our drinks arrived, the male equivalent of Mrs O came along and offered to take our meal order, we informed him we had already ordered. Very disappointed with the menu, I would suggest that you check out the menu online before booking. When my lasagne came it was lovely, although my friends were disappointed with their Thai curry, mostly rice. Overall I found the evening very haphazard, the sorting out of the bill at the end was crazy, but at least we did have a good laugh at the absurdity of it all. I wondered if maybe the place had changed hands because it used to be good, was a shame.

This restaurant is in a great situation in Kimmeridge village where there is a lovely 20 minute walk to the beach. The service was excellent and the staff very friendly. The food was not quite as good as I have thought it would be (based on previous reviewers). Portions were big. A lovely unhurried atmosphere.

We had the Fish finger sandwich with chips and salad. For dessert it was a homemade flapjack and a slice of warm Dorset apple cake with ice cream. Fab food, good selection on the menu. Would have loved a cocktail but was driving! Service was great, lovely friendly ladies.

Excellent food, freshly cooked, quick, efficient, pleasant service. We arrived 12.30, sat outside, four adults + two young children. Charming flowers in garden, superb Bellis daisies and pansies. I'm disabled, but easy access from adjacent car park, plus wonderfully clean and easy-access toilets. We shared onion rings -- the very best I've tasted ! Superb crunchy chips ( chef should be proud!). I enjoyed meaty 8oz burger. The outside Ice-cream bar is an excellent idea, especially to entertain children before/after meal. We each enjoyed the food which was served within 20 mins of ordering, children served first (a nice touch!). The staff were very efficient, delivering and clearing, and served with a smile. And a touch of humour!Only downside: they had run out of crab for a crab sandwich at 12.40 !A bonus is the restaurant is opposite the Etches Fossil museum, well worth a visit, especially for children. We all looked forward to returning to Clavells soon ! A lovely place to eat!

Honestly, this is my happy place. I've been here twice now, and both visits were fabulous. Incredible food, good atmosphere, beautiful location (which is perfect midway/end point if you are going for a walk)! Can't wait to return again.

We hadn't booked on a Friday and they were more than happy to accommodate us. The staff were friendly and very attentive, but the true star of the show was the homemade fish finger sandwhich..... by far one of the best meals I've ever had in Dorset (and I live here so have been to many!) The chips were piping hot and very crispy, the fish tasted so fresh and was lightly battered in thin crispy batter.....just heaven. Even the salad dressing was homemade with little chunks of mango, tomato and onion with a hint of lime.Service was fast and the setting was perfect.I'm blown away, such a simple plate of food executed exceptionally. You'd be missing out if you didn't drop in.

This restaurant is absolutely outstanding with clean staff, who are polite. They served our dishes, quick and hot. The outdoor area is spacious and pleasant to sit in. Good size car park and crab sandwich to die for. The kids pizza gets the thumbs up too. Reviewed by my 9 year old.

Came here for brunch- some of us had the egg dishes & breakfast cocktails & some of us ordered from the lunch menu. We’re happy with everyone. We had to eat outdoors but we’re lucky enough to get sun. Staff were friendly and attentive. The garden is very pretty. Has a big car park. Food tasted fresh & would definitely return for food.

Called here without booking first but that was not a problem. Staff were friendly and food arrived fairly quickly. Food was tasty, but my husband felt his aubergine bake would have benefited from some garlic bread being served with it.

I think/hope that had Covid restrictions not been in place, service might have been a lot faster than it was. Perhaps they were short staffed at the time. The food was excellent, but it took an hour for us to receive our meal. We sat outside, and as it was a bright, sunny day, our overall experience was not bad at all. The only downside was the long wait for our meals. If we had not been in 'Covid Times', my review would have been negative, except for the food. I will visit the restaurant again in better times, to confirm my thoughts as stated above. The food was worth the wait.

An absolute pleasure to be back at one of our favourite restaurants. Lots of changes the new menu is an absolute treat. The seafood sharing platter (with the chips) was beautiful we enjoyed a bottle of Picpoul with it in the sunshine. Staff are always polite and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Looking forward to returning again soon and being able to sit inside.

We visited for lunch on 2nd May 2021. Our order was taken fairly soon after sitting down for a baguette and eggs benedict. Waited an hour for the food. Only once I got up to speak to the manager was I told that she could get the food out almost immediately and did I still want it. I explained that had they been honest at the outset and said there was an hour wait I could have made a decision as to whether to stay for the food or leave. Really disappointed as the food is fairly expensive which I don’t mind paying for if the service and experience is good. Won’t be going back.

Food was good, however every time we needed something we had to get up and find a waitress to serve us. Sat amongst a load of tables that were never cleared.Had to ask the waitress several times to clear our table from the previous diners, Our food arrived and only then, the waitress cleared our table.They forgot one of our orders. So in general, pretty poor service.

A celebratory lunch on a sunny day in a pretty garden, served by friendly and efficient staff. Delicious sharing seafood platter. Only disappointment was sold out of Apple cake but the chocolate brownie substitute was the best we have ever tasted. Particular thanks to Emma, who made our special day such a joy!

Lovely garden and the food is always hearty and delicious. Great variety on the menu from coffee and cake to a roast lunch. Staff are prompt and courteous.

Had lunch here Sunday staff were very friendly and welcoming, food was excellent, desserts amazing. Highly recommend, dogs loved doggie ice cream 👌🏼👍

What a fabulous find! We came here with friends on Saturday 17 April. Beautiful setting on a quiet country lane filled with thatched cottages and a gentle stroll down to the beach afterwards. The menu choice worked for everyone - adults and teens with smashing burgers plus top-notch chips, lovely hake and king prawn curry, all topped off with excellent ice creams. Booking a table was a breeze, and although it was busy it didn't feel at all crowded. The serving team were lovely and chatty, toilets were modern, clean and well stocked and there was ample hand sanitiser cleverly provided at sections asking the funding by the loos. They'd basically thought of everything! We're looking forward to returning again and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to others. The drive down to Kimmeridge was stunning too!

Back to one of our favourite restaurants. Thus time for an excellent breakfast. New menu after lockdown so we will be visiting again soon. Loads of room outside during thus stage of the lockdown this is an excellent place to come to for breakfast or lunch. Dinner will be offered at next stage of unlocking.

After a very cold walk but invigorating walk down to kimmeridge beach - but much nicer than driving we returned for lunch and were not disappointed. Very friendly and helpful staff and excellent food obviously cooked to order. Apologised for limited menu but there was something for everyone. 4 of our group ha the 2 courses for £14.95, excellent value. My mushroom bourgingon was very tasty, the burgers were good and the roast turkey was apparently superb (Inc the bread sauce!). With huge portions e should perhaps not have had pudding but it was a special treat day and the sticky date pudding was the BEST. We finished our day trip with a visit to the etches museum directly opposite,a perfect day.

Great food, great location & great service. All decked out for Christmas, including Xmas crackers, and Covid - distanced tables, a wonderful lunch. The chilli spiced soup starter was exceptional. The Christmas roast turkey was succulent and full of flavour with roast and fresh vegetables. And to cap it all off, Christmas pudding with custard. The staff were very attentive, friendly and obliging. Even putting up with my convivial banter. Thank you all. Everything a Christmas lunch could be, and more. A great experience.

We booked this gem of a restaurant and were so pleased we did. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming We opted for the three course Christmas menu. Each course was not only large but delicious. We will be returning.

Warm welcome on arrival and mulled cider or wine to settle in. We both had the turkey with piggies in blankets, roasted, parsnips, sprouts, carrots and all the trimmings. Could hardly move after christmas pudding and my wife had the chocolate dessert. Fresh locally sourced ingredients perfectly cooked. Do recommend a visit.

First visit following a recommendation.... as it was the first day since lockdown was lifted unsure of what we would find, but a warm welcoming little gem, well worth a visit, clean & well spaced tables inside. Staff were amazing, menu was a great selection, and the food was delicious and decent sized portions. Already in the Christmas spirit, it was relaxed , and service was excellent! Only small negative due to Covid had to use outside toilets, however nicest outside toilets I have used in many a year and worth the slight inconvenience.

This is a gem worth searching out. Again because of restrictions weren't allowed inside but the beer garden is fabulous

I think we were lucky to get a table as we only booked that afternoon. But we are very glad the team were able to fit us in (Family of 6)In short we came away all agreed that this was one of the best meals we have had as a family in a very longThe place is very warm and welcoming and all staff were all so lovely (looking after the children on a separate table :-)The good was excellent and we really hope to get there again before we leave.Cannot fault this place at all Thank you for having us.

After a walk along the coast lunch at Clavell’s was a real treat. We both had fish and chips which were excellent. Light crisp batter and lovely chips cooked through on the inside and crispy on the outside. Yum, generous helping too.

This was our second visit to Clavells while staying in Corfe Castle. Once again we received an very warm welcome and our meal was excellent. This restaurant is certainly a top choice for us and enjoys a very pretty setting and we shall certainly be back.

yesterday we had our wedding reception at Clavell's, Emma, Tina and Chloe decorated our tables beautifully, with being 6 people max per table, they really went above and beyond.we had champagne on arrival with lovely smiles from the staff!the food was amazing, we had seafood platters and larder boards to start, followed by a roast beef, then topped off with crumble and custard. the speed of the service was perfect just like everything else!we cannot thank you enough for making our special day just perfect.

Again not disappointed with the fabulous and friendly reception and service given by staff alone with the gorgeous food as always. Relaxing time as always when visiting Jason

Called in for a drink during a visit to beautiful Kimmeridge. Ordered and still hadn’t received drinks after nearly 20 mins - I think food orders took priority. A shame because it looks like a lovely place.

Booked for lunch today after recommendation by friends. Beautiful location. Good first impression . Took table outside. Friendly greeting from staff and drinks and main courses appeared quickly. However, One fish tasted strongly of ammonia and had to be returned.. Staff passed empty handed and did not clear tables (not just ours).. Waited and waited and waited for dessert. Eventually went in and was told that we should have told staff we had finished main course!!! Told desserts would be sent out. Waited and waited. After another requests three desserts appeared and the waitress left it until moments before that to tell us the fourth dessert had run out. Decided not to have another long wait for a replacement. Final straw was one dessert contained two long human hairs. Very disappointing. Staff said they were short staffed but the system seemed poor. Waiting staff inattentive and returning empty handed to kitchen without clearing tables as mentioned.

Gave this a try after visiting Etches collection museum, what a hidden gem, it looks like a tea room from the outside but what a great restaurant. The food is amazing and the portions are generous and reasonably priced.The staff are so friendly and helpful, it was fairly busy but they still followed COVID regulations. Great place to visit if in the area.

You would never find this place without someone telling you about it, a real hidden gem. We had such a lovely lunch there, the menu is varied with simple through to some very special dishes on offer. Great place to eat.I must give a special mention for their version of a “Bloody Mary”, truly lovely you must have one if you visit, worth booking if the weather not to good as limited number of tables inside.

Went yesterday for lunch and had delicious fish & chips, followed by ice cream from their hut! The food was great with very generous portions, the staff friendly and helpful and there was hand sanitiser everywhere. Couldn't have asked for nicer setting or a better afternoon.

Slapdash service, had to wave down the waiting staff a few times. The food was clearly microwave heat-ups, it was expensive for what it was, and a real let-down. Don't expect a delicious meal. We were told it was a restaurant, it is more of a very mediocre cafe. We were 4 people and none of us enjoyed the meal. Sanitation was not tip top either. All in all a sloppy cafe.

We (2 of us) arrived at 11:30 on a Tuesday. I ordered the local sausage dish that came with chips and salad. The chips were good, the salad okay however the sausages were terrible. I’m guessing they were yesterday’s leftovers reheated in a microwave. The skin was thickened and tough as leather. The interior what was left of it was dry. They really were the worst sausages I’ve had. Perhaps if I had arrived much later I could have avoided such a disappointing experience. I didn’t complain as I don’t like to make a fuss. I’d rather just let people know of my experience.We actually made a special trip to go there because my daughter had been there 2 weeks earlier and recommended it and the online reviews are good. The staff were friendly, the setting very pleasant. What a shame the dish I had let them down. My wife had calamari which was okay.

Booked a table for 5 including electric wheelchair. Access very good, service excellent and a good quality food choice. Plenty of seating outside and reduced seating inside for covid protection. Highly recommend.

Excellent restaurant with good sanitation in place. Food lovely and as others have said very generous portions !!!

Great pit stop after a walk over from Durdle Door. Huge portions and great service. Felt super safe - sanitisation on entry, serious sanitation on each table on turnaround. V friendly staff. In training for a long 100km hike challenge next year - spotted others doing Portsmouth to Plymouth which sounds ace and got me thinking. Hope to visit again soon.

Came in out of the rain and the staff were friendly and helpful. Hand sanitizers by gate and toilets, very clean toilets. Cream teas, waffles, brownies and tea cakes were delicious. Had we known how good the food was, we wouldn’t have brought a picnic to Kimmeridge Bay!

We spotted this restaurant on the way to visiting Kimmeridge Bay and decided to go there for lunch. It was a great choice for the light lunch we wanted but there is a lot more on the menu. Local mackerel, smoked salmon, bread with dips and lasagne were all excellent. We sat in a very nice spot on a picnic table outside. The restaurant is at the heart of the pretty village. Service was good and plenty of hand sanitizers around.

Place is nice and food is Ok but surprised at the lack of social distancing on tables, no face-masks worn by staff (who observed no distancing themselves), no disposable menus, no hand gel by the gate that everyone has to touch to get in the place, no tables wiped-down etc etc. Need to sort this out ASAP

Visited Kimmeridge again today with my family, kids enjoyed turkey dinosaurs and spaghetti bolognese, we had the seafood sharing platter, all beautifully presented and was delicious! We drank some amazing cocktails, I had an espresso martini and my husband had a dark and stormy! Covid 19 procedures are clearly shown throughout this restaurant, hand sanitiser everywhere, we felt safe and secure, staff are working very hard, I've never seen the restaurant so busy and they still maintained all their procedures efficiently. Toilets were extremely clean also. Again, we can never recommend Clavells enough!

We had lunch outside, the weather was good fortunately. Pint of prawns and burgers were all delicious. Nicely served and not too expensive. Definite recommend.

Lovely meal sat out outside in the beer garden, Covid-19 rules followed and a fabulous system in place.We had booked and to,d there was a table inside for us or we could sit out in the garden, as it was a fabulous sunny day we decided to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.Food was great and big portions, good value for money would highly recommend if you’re i the vicinity.

My wife and I visited the Clavell on 10 August in our first dining out experience since February 2020. We had the smoked salmon and mackerel to start followed by the Aubergine Parmagiano and the chicken curry. The food was fresh, tasty and well presented. The service was good and the staff friendly. All in all a really good night out. I have seen some comments regarding the toilets but as I did not use them I cannot comment. I would recommend the Clavell however - it was just a nice relaxed evening with tasty food.

Stopped by for lunch on the way back from Durdle Door and found staff very friendly. We all had the local beef burgers which tasted very good and the gourmet chips were perfectly crispy. Sat outside as sun came out and lovely scenery, a hidden gem amongst the winding narrow lanes amongst the hills! No phone reception though but free WiFi which was good.

First visit since lockdown and the Clavells team are so organised regarding COVID - sanitiser everywhere and distancing being maintained throughout- we felt safe and as usual incredibly well looked after. Food as usual excellent. Lovely to see them so busy!

Visited today with my family and we were greeted like long lost friends by the delightful staff at Clavells. Gorgeous food, we shared the calamari, seafood board, simply smoked salmon and the fresh local mackerel, absolute heaven! We felt very safe and were very well looked after, there was lots of hand sanitizer placed around the premises, and the staff were very conscientious, throughly sanitising the tables and menus after use. In sum, beautiful food and superb service in the charming and picturesque village of Kimmeridge, can’t wait to return!

I should really start with some positives as based on other recent reviews I’d like to think our poor experience was rare.The pub is and its setting are very picturesque and the staff were very welcoming and friendly but this was where the good points ended.We visited in COVID lockdown and found this to be the first pub we frequented that did NOT participate in the Government Eat Out scheme - which seemed odd given the ease in which it can be enrolled in. It was also a little perturbing that we were not asked for information for track and trace, face masks were not found on staff, and general handling of food and drinks was a little bizarre (Handling of glasses around the rim). Still - we were not particularly COVID phobic and were willing to pay full whack so long as the food was nice.The first sighting of 2 of our 8 meals took a little while but they did eventually appear. 2 Adult meals. These meals were effectively 3/4 finished by the time news reached us that the 4 children’s pizzas were delayed. 2 then appeared (10 minutes later) before a further 10 minute wait for 2 adult meals and another 5 minute wait for the pizzas. In all our 8 meals arrived over a full 30 minutes spell.The rationale for the pizza issues was a faulty oven. Fair enough. But why did we hear so late and why weren’t the kids meals tended to first (which is surely basic sense).Apologies were offered but no compensation entertained.The pizzas themselves were effectively bread with melted cheese (think a circular non- toasted toastie with melted cheese dropped on top). It also had tomato chunks in it (a known child no-no) which meant none of the 4 kids touched it.There was more success across the 4 adult meals but nothing of great note really.The most telling thing about the experience was that we ate out 9 times (hot meals) in our 7 day holiday around Swanage. This was on paper the nicest place we were to visit - it was certainly the most expensive. Yet it was easily the least satisfactory and could easily have scored a 1/5 due to how unfavourably it compared to everywhere else we went.

We went for lunch last week. It was remarkably good. The food was excellent with generous portions, in passing I can say that "Dorset Ploughmen" are remarkably well fed if this is typical of what they eat. Local produce at reasonable prices in a lovely setting. Considering the difficulties of running a restaurant at present the service was speedy and helpful

We just had a horrendous morning travelling from Swanage in rain, mud and unrelenting cliffs and hills, we finally dropped into Kimmerage where we saw this place was open. Without second thought we went in. Prices are reasonable for a small seaside area, they were so friendly, topped us up with water and gave us an ice cream free of charge as I think they could see we were in pain lol lovely place and even more lovely staff. Thank you

My wife and I were staying in the Clavell Tower for the weekend and dropped in on the Friday for lunch. The experience was so good that we ate or drank there every day until we left.In these social distancing days this establishment was one of the best we have ever experienced. With excellent weather we sat outside every visit on tables which were spread around. These were sanitised every time someone left and hand sanitisers were strategically placed throughout the garden. Orders were placed at a protected window so there was no excuse or any patron not to use them.We had two lunches and one breakfast here as well as popping in for cocktails on the way home to the tower. The first lunch was a ploughmans and chips washed down with a beer and glass of wine. Cost for this was £32.89. The second lunch was eggs benedict with salmon and an amazing crab bisque washed down with a beer and cider. Cost for this one was £32.30. When we left we popped in for breakfast with my wife have scrambled eggs and bacon and I had the full English washed down with a pot of tea. This cost £19.65.The staff were absolutely brilliant in everything the did. Very friendly and courteous to a level that has almost disappeared from restaurants and cafes.If you are visiting this area we can strongly recommend this restaurant to have food or drinks. You will not find anything better.

A great spot to stop for lunch, dinner or just a drink, if you’re visiting Kimmeridge Bay. It’s the only cafe in the vicinity so thankfully it’s very good! A nice range of sandwiches, afternoon tea, and main meals meant it was busy during our visit. Plenty of seating outside and lots of hand sanitiser and safety measures meant we felt safe. We ate lunch and dinner and both were good. The fish board was especially delicious!

Visited again today having not been back for more than a year. Two brilliant woman, one at the till and one as a waitress, both unfailingly polite and enthusiastic. Food good value... the chef is no mug either. Talented people, making every effort. So glad to see them so busy -- they deserve it.

We visited here with family after a visit to Lulworth Cove, the customer service was brilliant and the food was great. Even my fussy four year old finished his food off. We were too full after the Fish & Chips or else I would have tried some afternoon tea. On my next visit to the South, I will be sure return here.

So excited to be on holiday and at our favourite restaurant again. Wonderful friendly Staff as always;fabulous food ( i had half pint of prawns and my husband mackerel+potato salad- both light bites) and two fab Pimms as a celebration.We felt very safe with all necessary sanitisers, safe distanced tables in place etc. We will be back for more before we head home

pub in Church Knowle was closed so we ended up here. Turned out to be to our advantage. Wine and cheesy chips were excellent, just what we needed after a long day on the bike before returning to our campsite. Social distancing was safe and staff very friendly and helpful. A good find.

Sat in lovely garden having ordered afternoon cream teas which was brought to us by lovely smiling and friendly staff. Tables were all spaced out and plenty of signage for directions and hand sanitiser stations. Beautiful setting in village - will return again when in the area.

They are serving at Kimmeridge Bay the most fantastic Mexican food couldn't fault it, quesadillas are delicious yum

Great every time friendly fun staff. Check out their New Mexican bar at kimmeridge bay. Every weekend weather permitting

Visited for lunch on a cold Saturday with family. Super welcome from friendly staff, good service, big menu (which I’m normally wary of) and everything we ordered was tasty and generous. The prices are quite high, however, there are no other options nearby and on this occasion I felt the prices were warranted.

Wonderful meal. There were four of us having lunch. Three had Lamb and Cherry Casserole , and one had Scampi. All the meals were mouth watering and delicious.Served on plates that were hot, by happy professional, efficient staff.Starting with a rhubarb gin and tonic as it was a special occasion. On a table dressed with celebration helium balloons. Beautiful restaurant, and KimmeridgeIs a delightful village to visit.

It was a dark and stormy night when we opened the door to a lovely warm friendly welcome at Clavell’s for our valentine dinner. The restaurant was decorated with hearts and candles which lent to the atmosphere. We started with a glass of champagne and followed on with a varied list of cocktails and wines. There was a good selection of dishes on the menu and I started with Thai duck, followed by rack of lamb with a mint pea crust, and finished with a dessert of strawberry pavlova. It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by everybody there. The ladies were all given a red rose to take home and it was a struggle to leave such a lovely environment. The staff are always friendly and go out of their way to ensure that a good time is had by all.

We had not been to Clavells for a couple of years so with two old schoolfriends we re-visited the Kimmeridge Restaurant . We were going to take advantage of there offers on Lunch One at full price ,cheapest for £1-99 so good value .My Liver and Bacon had lots of Lambs Liver ,bit overdone ,sadly and the sprig of Rosemary in the sauce was surplus to requirements ! A variety of puddings again large portions but very tasty .

There's a good reason that Clavells is so well thought of and earns so many plaudits. On a recent visit to Purbeck we were the beneficiaries of a delightful experience twice in one week. Apart from being made very welcome the food was outstanding. The fish pie was to die for and I would have had it again if they hadn't put steak & kidney suet pudding on the menu. I look forward to a return visit, sooner rather than later.

Walked through the door to a smile and warm welcome. Service was quick and efficient. Beautifully presented, delicious food, cooked to perfection with lots of flavour. Well worth every penny. Beautiful location. Will come again.

We have been here before but this visit reinforced our opinion - excellent friendly service, superb quality food at a value for money price. We will certainly continue to come here - really cheered up a rainy overcast day.

What a great drive to this lovely little off the beaten track restaurant in Dorset , my favourite part of the UK. Was there today and had a lovely meal, that was hot plentiful and very tasty ( only if like me you love liver) , my aunt and her friends all had and also enjoyed the Roast Beef. Staff were very polite ,very accommodating to each persons needs , loved the bread with my prawn cocktail .... cant vouch for desserts was to full but plenty of choices on the dessert board . And Tina I am a south londoner!!! We dont associate with you East London Crew lol .Hope to visit this great little restaurant again very soon ,

My husband had a very nice breakfast while I opted for a single scone and coffee. I was shocked to get the bill and find that I had been charged £3.50 for one scone and butter. I will not be going back again.

We had a great meal on New Year’s Day. Food was fantastic- including local produce. Good service and dog friendly. What more could you ask for ?

Took our disabled mother to the restaurant. The staff could not have been more helpful. The selection of meals were great. Very busy so worth booking. Great coffee and big chips!!!! Large portions so go for your walk before you eat.

A group of 16 of us had our xmas meal here last night and it was to the highest standard! The greeting was warm and welcome, the service was excellent and the food was delicious and plentiful. Would highly recommend and we will be returning.

We had our company Christmas meal last night (all two of us). This is the third year in row we've done this at Clavell's, and we will do it again next year. The informal and happy atmosphere is matched with attentive and professional service. The food was great as ever, and the portion sizes were very generous. I had the chicken and mushroom crepes for starter, and there was as much food on the plate as many places serve as a main. My main was lamb wellington (two slices) with a substantial selection of seasonal vegetables. Desert was a cheese board (blue, brie, smoked double Gloucester and cheddar) with chutney, crackers, celery and grapes, and I couldn't quite finish it. My wife had smoked haddock and pumpkin soup, with sea bass fillet, fennel and potato rosti and the same seasonal vegetables, and chocolate torte for dessert. This was all washed down with some excellent cocktails and a fine Italian red, rounded off with a port. Everything was perfect for us, we had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and we ate like royalty. Big thanks to Emma, Tina and the team.

Excellent food & service, perfect for family gathering. Very friendly staff, food is always well presented, good portion size. Thank you to all for a very enjoyable meal.

Whilst the service was personable and the timings spot on the food was dissapointing and overpriced. A lamb casserole with cherries accompanied by peas and sweet potatoe mash sounded tempting. But ay £16.50 with a couple of cherries which almost exceeded the volume of lamb in quantity - provided very lean fairly bland pickings for a Sunday lunch. A roast beef dinner offered more substantial fare at £18, although our excellent local pub in Dorset offers very similar for £12.50.

Went for pie night lets just say it wasn't a pie. A filling dumped on the plate with a puff pastry top on the side of it. Drinks were expensive and a cheese board for £11 London prices for basic food should be there moto

A group of 6 of us went there for lunch covered in mud and rain and were welcomed in like long lost friends. The service was friendly and efficient and the food was really excellent. Generous portions and very yummy. Highly recommended.

Went to find this place after reading about it on tripadvisor & wasn't disappointed. We are staying in Lulworth Cove for a week for mums 80th birthday, finding different places to eat & this one I would recommend to anyone. The service, the food & the location all fabulous!! Will be back before we leave.