Fortes in Purbeck

Very slow service!! Despite them having probably the best coffee and tea selection in Swanage, I usually avoid this place because it takes so long to get anything. They make one drink at a time, and the queue doesn’t go down until someone has their complete order on a tray. If someone in front of you is ordering 3 lattes, that queue time is min. 10 minutes. There is usually about 3 members of staff at a time but only one serving customers. All in all, if youre hoping to grab a quick coffee, this is not the place for you. If you have absolutely nowhere to be, and you don’t mind queueing 20 minutes for a cappuccino, the coffee really is very good.

Oh my, their ice cream is like no other. We had to go back for a second one after our walk on the seafront. The mango and Raspberry was delicious! The young man serving us was so helpful. Jacob. Firstly, he adjusted the doorway to accommodate my wheelchair, then I could see the selection. I asked for a gluten free cone, which was no problem. He washed his hands before serving us, and checked my chosen ice cream for allergens. There were actually plenty to choose from. I will definitely be going back!

This review relates solely to the coffee shop. We have been going there for several years after we had come across it by a process of elimination. We had been looking for somewhere to have a cup of 'proper' coffee tasting coffee. Not an easy task, anywhere! This is a very efficiently run cafe, which is very comfortable with plenty of seating. Although we tend to limit ourselves to coffee and a pastry, I have often wondered why they don't serve more food. I would hate to see the business close). I have recommended this business to other coffee lovers.

On a day trip from Weymouth and before catching the coach back came in for a coffee which i enjoyed very much

Took some ITALIAN friends to experience this home made gelato ice cream, still produced by the family of the chap who opened the shop in 1923 or thereabouts. Whenever I was in the area at any time of year, would detour to indulge in a cone. as I rate this the best on the South Coast. The servings are of a generous size, and reasonably priced. They do not seem to sell my favourite flavour at present, but they do change with seasonal variations.

Really good quality ice cream we’ve had last Sunday here and there was a long queue but worth the wait! Very strategic location near the cinema and by the beach at a tri-junction roadway. There’s dine in option too for food and beverages.

Great ice cream, as always. There are lots of flavours to choose from, but the chocolate is simply the best! Not the cheapest, but definitely worth it.

Best ice cream in Swanage. Great selection and taste great. Can also recommend the milkshakes as they also tasted amazing.

Me and my Mother came here occasionally during a stay at Swanage. The Gelateria is located nearby the seafront (Although without a sea view) and has by far the best tasting ice cream and gelatos. However there is no list high up of the many flavours, meaning it is impossible to see the flavours whilst queuing until the last minute, slowing everything down. It was also very expensive and the staff weren't incredibly friendly. However it is worth the cost.

This place is not to be missed. It has been going since the 1920’s, so plenty of time to perfect the receipe. Delicious flavours and perfect icecream texture. Has won coveted great taste award too. I had the cherry cheesecake and white chocolate raspberry flavours together and they were perfect.

Absolutely disgusting!! Wife goes in to get the little ones an ice cream cone each. Tiny little cone with one scoop of ice cream out of a tub. You would expect a fiver in total, but no £9!!! Day light robery. Owners you be ashamed and make customers more aware of the extortionate prices!!

Very average gelato. It was either tasteless or too sweet and the girl working there couldn’t even recommend flavours, she just seemed to lack any kind of enthusiasm for ice cream! It was okay but I’d try one of the other many ice cream places instead of wasting your money here.

Highly recommend this ice-cream shop for a great selection of flavours. One visit was not enough! You can sit outside and watch the world go by too.

You won’t find a more delicious gelato. There are flavours to suit all preferences. The location is central, the staff efficient, good portion sizes and very fair prices. I recommend cappuccino and biscoff! The key lime is apparently a winner!

Delicious - but at £5 for 2 small scoops, I think it's a little pricey. However, I don't eat ice-cream very often, so maybe I'm out of touch!!

The service was fast and friendly.. The cappuccino was sooo good, we had 2 cups of it. We will definitely return.

The best ice cream in Swanage (of those we managed to try!). So flavoursome with endless interesting flavour choices. I could go back for weeks and not run out of new options. Thank you.

We visited with our young children, who were very excited with the selection of flavours. Personally I felt it was expensive for the size of portion, however the ice cream tasted lovely, so I guess you get what you pay for.

Unlike many similar gelato establishments, the girl was friendly, helpful and interested in her job and customers. The prices are fair, portions generous and flavours authentic. Perfect, central location and no queues despite amazing weather! I recommend the cappuccino flavour!

My favourite ice cream shop! Never disappointed every time I come they have new yummy flavours. Staff are always friendly and it’s all home made on the premises. Slightly more expensive than the other shops but your paying for a premium product that you can tell they work really hard on!

Ice cream was nice. Very small portion and a lot more expensive than competition. Girls apologised and said they had been told to give smaller portions. Such a shame as it was disappointing!

Big queue (on a bank holiday Monday afternoon) but completely worth it. I am a BIG ice-cream fan and I loved it. Amazing range of flavours and all super creamy, soft and delicious. I tried Salted Caramel, Nutella, Raspberry and White Chocolate and Cherry & Cassis, all yummy. A bit pricier than others nearby but big portions and all waffle cones. (Don't bother with the two other ice-cream outlets on the seafront nearby. I did, and they were disappointing. This is the best). Need to go back to Swanage again just so I can try Banoffee Pie and their award winning Pistachio. Too much choice!

Fortes Galateria - the place for well made ice cream, slightly more expensive, but a very generous portion. Fortes is close to the beach and worth visiting

Only place to get your ice creams. Great choices and sizes to suit all tummies. You can even have tubs to take home

I absolutely love this little ice cream place, it’s the best in Swanage by far. One recommendation I would make during the current COVID crisis is that they put a blackboard outside listing their flavours whilst you stand in the lengthy queue. Understandably only one person/family is allowed in the shop at a time but it isn’t until you get in the shop that you are able to see the flavours available which results in a lot of time being wasted while people decide what they would like. A blackboard outside would really help.

The best place to get an ice cream in Swanage. Very friendly staff and a large selection of flavours and sizes. My favourite is still the Dorset Apple Cake but they don't always have it in stock. The Mango & Raspberry and the Lemon Cheesecake are my second favourites. I also enjoyed Pineapple Sorbet, Strawberry, Toffee Honeycomb, & White Chocolate Raspberry Ripple. The flavour of the Chocolate Brownie seemed a bit too like an essence. PS I'm not overweight. :)

We recently stayed in Swanage and the ice cream in this shop was the best I have tasted in a long time. Try it especially the chocolate. It is is fantastic. Forget the restaurants have your dessert here.

Talked to the lady nicely, to ask a question, who ignored me and then snapped back at me very very rudely.

Proper Italian gelato! Best ice cream in Swanage! Well worth a visit!!! Salted butter pecan was particularly lovely!

Great choice of flavours, honeycomb and rum and raison - two happy customers!! Was hard to choose between them all though ;)!!

A great little place to escape from the chilly February day. We ordered a latte and strawberry smoothie which were both served promptly. We enjoyed them sitting in some very comfy chairs.

Great location with loads of seating but more importantly, the best coffee in town. Worth a visit if it's your first time in Swanage.

Before our lunchtime trip on the Railway, we needed a coffee to revive us. A really tasty two flat whites were quickly served with comfortable seats. Later in the day we again called in for coffee and also had mince-pies. Really tasty.

Fortes carries a venerable name from English catering that was once almost ubiquitous - this branch of the family still operates a gelateria and coffee shop almost on the sea front (their much larger premises having been sold to Harry Ramsdens). As you might expect the coffee is good, and there's a selection of cakes and snacks. Swanage has plenty of decent coffee shops, but this is one of the best.

Always very welcoming and attentive staff. Dark Cherry Mocha ....really yummy!....and great value Thoroughly recommend

Always a good cup of cappuccino here served by polite friendly staff. Clean toilets which are kept locked and can only be used by cafe clientele.

A little taste of Italy with gelato and strong coffee. You can sit outside when the weather is good.

We go several times a year. Never dissapointed and often different flavours alongside the firm favourites. Real creamy natural flavours, yogurt and sorbets available. Gluten free cones available.Salted caramel always good, as is bakewell tart, mango and raspberry, cherry yogurt and this time raspberry pavlova was yummy.Seats outside. Pavement cafe overlooking beach.Great spot.

I visited their separate shop which is further along the sea front just past the amusements. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They have over twenty different flavours of scoopable ice cream as well as the usual dairy ice cream available. I tried single cones of the Turkish delight, raspberry pavlova, Dorset apple cake, and white chocolate & raspberry ripple. My favourite of those was the dorset apple cake flavour which even had some of the cake in it I think. Don't buy a double cone as the ice cream tends to run and you get in a mess.

This isn’t a budget ice cream place but it offers loads of different flavours in tubs or cones and although it’s more than I’d usually spend it was the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

Great choice, sumptuous flavours and right by the sea. Cafe next door looked nice too. MAscarpone based were really great.

Prompt friendly service, excellent coffee. A great place to unwind and watch the world go by as you enjoy your coffee.

This was a nice little ice cream parlour right next to the beach, a wide variety of flavours and at a reasonable price too

Top place to stop for an ice cream. Friendly service. Excellent variety. Huge portions and good value.

Myself and my family (which included 2 small children) recently ate here on Easter Sunday. Have to say from the moment we stepped through the door nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Even to the fact I am allergic to garlic which is ironic and indeed funny upon visiting an Italian Restaurant. Though have to say they were so helpful and were more than happy to accommodate me in regards my allergy. The food was amazing, and we most definitely finished our plates without hesitation. Thank you for making it such a pleasant visit to your establishment.

Great to sit outside and take in the local atmosphere with a great tasting hot....yes hot chocolate. The staff are always very friendly ....knocks all competitors into shame for value for money and friendliness

Lovely coffee, Shame about builders ,they are revamping the cafe, we were asked to move ! Very noisy! I think they should have closed whilst builders in. Not enjoyable. Will be nice when finished.

We called in to have a quick cuppa. The grandchildren loved all the different ice creams and struggled to choose which one they wanted. A great place to have a pit stop and refreshment.

Lovely little sea front ice cream shop. We all enjoyed the flavours we chose. The shop was very busy we we took our ice creams and sat on the sea front enjoying them.

Stopped here unplanned. Had the most wonderful pizza and beer. Extremely friendly will definitely return maybe to the restaurant

Always nice coffee and the staff are friendly. No gluten free cakes though, nice to sit outside on the pavement and watch the world go by.

We had a quick drink in here, prices not bad, tea not strong, cola not very cold. Not the best place we've ever been.

Original and best for Italian coffee, no frills or luxury. Counter service with seating and newspapers often available, plus wifi for the modern age.

I just stopped for coffee. They have no issue bringing drinks over and they’ve got free Wi-fi. I just feel this is one of those places to enjoy a relaxed drink.

We went to Fortes for an ice cream and there was a lot of options. From Strawberry to Chocolate this place is amazing. Although, by the arcade and hungry shark, there is another which is 50p cheaper Weird!!!

Kids happy with choice and although I have not got a sweet tooth, lick I had was nice. Easy to find and good servive

My sister n I went in for a coffee and were rudely told which table to sit at despite there being very few customers in. When asked about other tables, the waitress was rude and arrogant...maybe she needs a change of job or just a reminder of basic manners...anyway she did us a favour because we're now sitting g a another cofee shop nearby with pleasant helpful staff at a table of our choosing...great coffee n cake too ;))

Amazing ice cream. I had the frozen yogurt with mango and passion fruit and it was delicious. I had the gluten free cone. Not many places sell these so I was very happy to have one.

Best Ice cream I’ve ever tasted. I had the mascarpone, raspberry and chocolate. Would love to see a fortes in London

Locally made, traditional and more modern flavours. Often new ones to try. Today my daughter had chocolate orange which was lovely. It was more orange, less chocolate which worked really well. My cherry yogurt was fantastic. Best frozen yogurt I have had. My son had cookies and cream. The speed at which he devoured it said it all.

Always made to feel welcome. Excellent service. God value. Ice creams available n the adjoining shop with th an excellent choice.

I had the vanilla it was pleasant enough, not too sweet with a nice smooth texture. The portions were on the small side considering the price.

Great ice cream parlour serving Italian ice cream made on the premises. Flavours are great ranging from traditional chocolate to Mascarpone and fig.

This is a traditional Italian style coffee and ice cream place at the end of the beach but it has a contemporary feel and the coffee was particularly good without all the hype you get in artisanal places

I had an ice cream from here it was amazing. It is the best and the nearest I have come to finding Italian ice cream in the country. Have to give it a try.

They have a really good selection of homemade ice cream here, lots of different flavour options. Definitely worth a visit.

the best coffee in town in a basic but friendly coffee shop,Free papers add to the leisurely feel with a busy ice cream shop open in the season

Took a chance and went here for dinner and were very glad we did. Lovely atmosphere, really what you would expect from an Italian restaurant. The staff were helpful and attentive. The food was excellent.

This is a proper Italian coffee shop with an excellent selection of cakes and pastries. Being close to Christmas, we had to try the "Mince Pie Muffin" which was delicious, as was the caramel slice. Excellent coffee - good strength in a large cup and so much better than the bland chain stuff that you seem to get everywhere now. It was a bit cold for ide cream when we were there, but I'm sure that is excellent too.

A fair selection of Panini's, sandwiches, toasties and cakes. Good selection of Coffees, hot chocolates etc. and cold drinks that you would expect in a good coffee shop. Helpful staff and it is clean. Very good central location

A really good cup of coffee and an excellent choice of cakes etc. We had toasted tea cakes and they were quickly delivered to our table with plenty of butter. Well worth stopping by!

A group of 8 of us went here for ice creams and all had different flavours...and all loved what we had! Great size portions, imaginative and tasty flavours and reasonably priced. 3 of the group then went back 2 hours later for another ice cream...must be a good sign!

I really enjoyed the selection of flavours and the taste. They are very creamy and the scoops were very generous to the point the staff had to replace the cone I was given due to the amount of ice-cream, kudos.

Great location on the beach, the gelato looks very appetising and flavour choices are plentiful! Don't miss the chance to visit. Coffee good too.

A little gem of a cafe! Lovely staff, and excellent coffee. Flat white made perfectly and delicious cakes and panini as well. Definitely worth a stop.

Nos encanta el helado desde aquí, es el mejor en Swanage. Pero a veces es difícil capturarlos abierto por las noches. Carmen siempre sonriente.

Justo en la intersección de las calles de la estación, en la costa y el Instituto Fortes es sin duda central. Elegimos helado de la extensa gama. No es barato en 3 libras. 85 dos bolas, pero estaba delicioso. Estar fuera la única desventaja es la cantidad de basura (desde otros establecimientos) que se habían acumulado alrededor de la mesa.

Esta fue nuestra segunda visita a heladería fortes. El helado es increíble y los conos waffle son tan buenos como pueden ser. Recomiendo totalmente el sabor de pastel key lime o el sorbete de mango. No hay duda de que nos volveremos a nuestro helado aquí siempre en Swanage.

Loads of really good flavours and the ice cream was delicious, returned numerous times during our week in Swanage.

Stopped and had an ice-cream what more can you say! It's a seaside tradition! It was delicious and not over priced!

First time we have visited this cafe. We only had coffee and chocolate but they were well presented and good. This is the place to stop for a drink.

Swanage is an essential stop for us for a variety of reasons, Fortes being one of them! Great ice cream, pure and simple! Check out the flavours....

The weather mad this visit it was a lovely weekend Ice cream tasted so good compared to the others on sale on the front.

I have been to better Fortes cafes. Service was Ok but a bit "surly" and none to helpful. I think they were looking forward to closing - it was after 3pm already. Maybe if you want to go then go in the morning.

Very nice staff. Dog friendly places near window allocated specially. Delicious coffee and lots of other delights..

We have had coffee here a couple of times s, once seated inside and once takeaway. Nice coffe both times.

We stopped here for a coffee and orange juice anddecided to have ice-cream as it was a very hotday. We had 2 scoops each of fabulous ice-creamand well worth the price. Must be the tastiestwe have ever had!

Popped in on a Tuesday morning in the rain. The service was excellent and very friendly, and the coffee was a delight. The only downside was that they have no conveniences themselves, but one must take a wooden spoon with key attached in order to use the loo in the corridor behind, in the Mowlem complex. Not a problem, but slightly less than convenient.

Possibly the best coffee in Swanage just a nice place and well situated to have a drink and a cake and people watch

We only stopped here for a coffee and we were pleasantly surprised with an excellent cup of coffee. We are getting used to decent coffee nowadays with the raft of coffee shops appearing on the High street and we have had some rotten coffee in the ordinary cafes, the ones not specialising in coffee!! But, this was a first rate coffee and highly recommended.

Lovely ice cream here. Great range of unusual flavours as well as different cone types. Not sure why some flavours more expensive than others though. Nice coffee. Welcoming staff.

This is the original Italian Ice cream made in Swanage and always worth a visit. It is consistently good and has a great choice of flavours

We love the gelatti from this ice cream shop for its different flavours and great texture. Two scoops cost £3.50 this year but they are generous sized portions and if you love proper ice cream then you'll easily manage to eat two scoops. The shop differentiates between gelatti and ice cream so do make sure you try the gelatti rather than the cheaper ice cream as it's the ones based on Italian recipes that are so good. Only disappointment was that despite being a vivid blue colour and having a wonderful texture, the bubblegum flavour was not very distinct.

Most excellent coffee served with a smile. My wife and I stopped for a well earned break from checking out the shops on the mean streets of Swanage. We took up a seat at the front of the cafe for some top people watching and a slice of very sweet chocolate cake. Do stop if you like a good cup of coffee.

Friendly staff and good ice cream. There are plenty of flavor choices, cant fault it at all. You can sit inside or out or takeaway

Lovely little gem of an ice cream parlour offering a huge variety of flavours both in the ice cream and the cones. There were four of us. We each had the honeycomb coated cone but had different flavoured ice cream. Worth the extra cost! Staff were friendly and happy to have a giggle!

Lovely flavours of ice cream, wonderfully creamy.They also offer lovely coffee and snacks.Very friendly staff.Great location, a few hundred metres from the beach.

Lunch time snack, cafe almost empty, excellent latte, limited selection of panninis, selected two which were served very hot but tasted distinctly average. Well located cafe.

Great service with a smile. The pasta is very good and wine priced well. The Montepulciano in particular is excellent.

Superb selection of ice creams...possibly the widest selection I've ever come across. Tried several over a few days and all were full of flavour and delicious creamy texture. I only wish I could buy more of it without putting on the pounds!