Jailhouse Cafe in Weymouth and Portland

Sad to say the three cappuccinos had absolutely no flavour. Had a second shot of coffee added which made very little difference. Coffee should taste of coffee. Disappointing.

As always lovely breakfast here today. Fantastic views, watched the sea mist come in and then clear. Perfect place and lovely food.

Really lovely food. I was a little disappointed at the weather not holding up to see the views, but it was still a lovely outing.

great food, great place, great price, great staff, what more could you ask for. would recommend if only to see the views, the place takes a bit of finding, but its well worth it.

First started visiting this café around five years ago and it was so good we made it the first stop and have the governors breakfast with a friend earlier this month visited the café and ordered the usual and never again. The quality is really poor now the tomatoes used to come out, as lovely grilled and half of tomato, I am not kidding you that it was a slice of tomato. The black pudding was also a slither and it tasted vile.. I know the time before that it was going down a little bit, but wish I never made the return journey because it was just a waste still a beautiful view though but would not bother with the breakfast at all

We arrived as a big group of bikers and the ride up was great and as an overall experience of a visit to a quirky place with great viewpoint over coast and chesil beach I’d recommend it. ‘Guvnors Breakfast’ was good size and not bad price but unremarkable for the Full English breakfast enthusiast!

Very poor quality food and service.The ladies serving the food no gloves and all their hairs were down.We were in a party of 6 having breakfast,black pudding wafer thin and over cooked one meal had stone cold sausages and when they were changed not even one word of an apology.

Had an excellent breakfast in the diner, great decor, tasty food and friendly, helpful staff. Also had a great meal at the cafe the week before.

Heard about this unusual enterprise while watching a video by the esteemed yachtsman Tom Cunliffe and decided to give it a try. It would be fantastice if the views were always as clear as the photo on this site but Weymouth Bay is often hazy in warm weather (if not shrouded in mist and rain as much as any British seaside town might be!) The food is good honest grub - perhaps that might be a pun if you consider it is prepared and served by inmates from HMP The Verne which is housed in the old Citadel. we chatted with a few who came to the neighbouring picnic table for their tea break and they were friendly and convivial in their language and nature. I would definitely recommend a visit

How wonderful that we can offer something unique whilst giving offenders the chance to learn new skills. You wouldn't think they were prisoner's. I would have reviewed sooner. My granddaughter just told me about trip advisor and to write reviews. We visited in December.

Food really hot, pleasant staff with a smile. The views are beautiful it was very sunny but cold because it was January and intend to go back in the summer to sit outside and soak up the views try more food.

Visited this cafe today as my son had Football match that unfortunately got cancelled due to the rain. We decided to try the cafe that my partner told us told as he works at the prison next door and the food was amazing food, staff were lovely and friendly highly recommended and we will be returning very soon.

Spontaneously came across the Jailhouse Cafe which blew our minds after driving around the Dorset area. Originally, we wanted to see the big cruise ships / navy ship in the dock to be nosey until we realised there was this almost hidden tunnel up the top of the hill. We couldn’t believe that the tunnel lead us to a prison with a public cafe on site. The drive itself is pretty impressive. You drive through a industrial estate to a residential area into a tunnel that separates the prison from the outside world. We finally arrived at the top of the hill, we were greeted by 2 billy goats and some old buildings leading the way to cafe. We pit-stopped for cuppa tea and slice of a cake, which was absolutely delicious and reasonably priced with amazing views to look out too! A totally bizarre but memorable experience. I just wish it had more information around the area about the old buildings, the prison and the reasons for the cafe instead of having to goggle it all.

4 of us visited here - my wife and I had been here before so we thought we would bring some friends along We had 2 Governors breakfasts - but no black pudding was on the plate- and 2 jailhouse breakfasts they are a bit smaller We also had coffees The food was good and was served hot We will go again

Came across this by accident after talking to people in Weymouth at a cafe. You enter through a tunnel to the prison grounds. The cafe is at the top and the view is well worth all the windy roads to get there.

Had a lovely walk to the cafe with friends. There was plenty of outside seating to enjoy the amazing views. The prices are very reasonable and the coffee good. I also bought a very pretty hessian bag with jailhouse cafe written on it and some marmalade with ginger…yum ! I’m a local but had never been there before…will definately go again !

Great Breakfast, absolutely stunning view from the garden, lots of disused buildings on the Verne interesting history too. Well worth a visit

Popped on for a coffee and breakfast. Decent selection with traditional cafe menu options. Good to sit out and look at the view and reasonable prices.

A bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trip. Lovely little cafe, friendly staff and the food is very good. Reasonably priced too. The views over Portland Harbour are breathtaking. There are artworks, chutneys, jams and clothing for sale too.

Stopped off here for a coffee and what a find. Best hot chocolate we had in Dorset. lovely staff and fabulous views. Highly recommended.

This is our first time here and we didn’t no what to expect. There are about 10 x 6 people tables and half of them are dog friendly. The staff were incredibly cheerful and helpful. They even changed our orders for us to accommodate allergies and preferences to no extra cost. We had the governors breakfast. It was very nice, sausages tasted a bit cheap but overall fantastic breakfast/ lunch. There were beautiful views out the back also. Plenty of parking which is free. Overall, I would definitely recommend this cafe.

Very good food good choice friendly staff amazing views worth a visit near Portland Bill Great find

Amazing views over Portland harbour. Great cooked breakfast. Staff polite and helpful. Exciting drive up around the perimeter of the prison with derliect old officer quarters visible for interest.

Goodness, chaotic, so felt sorry for the front line ladies that were so trying to deliver decent customer service, clearly was never going to happen, the whole place needs a complete upgrade, please clean the windows as the view is spectacular, we had a quick cup of tea and left, so sad, as our expectations were so not met, if you got your act together the place could be so good, wishing you well 😢

Saw this advertised by pure chance and thought it was a superb opportunity to eat in an unusual location (HMP Verne) with superb views as well as helping with a great charity aiding prisoners to integrate into normal life again. Excellent food and good value.

Very difficult to find even with sat-nav! We missed one tiny turning first time and had to go all round the Portland one way system again! - but excellent when you get there. Nicely cooked food - fantastic views across to Weymouth and beyond -...

unique, delightful, hearty food well presented amazing situation - best view in Dorset- excellent staff

Great value breakfast You wont get a better view - We are local and when friends from the midlands visit we always take them here, There is no better view to Portland than from here, Portland port, cruise ships,outer harbour, Olympic village - We often...

This place is a hidden gem on Portland, we were first taken by our friends who live on the island. Not so many years ago, the Verne Citadel and its Prison were off limits and surrounded by military guards. Now, the Prison has opened this...

This establishment is well worth a visit as the food is very good even though the surroundings are basic. The views from outside on a good day are breathtaking, we really enjoyed our visit.

865322663 This place is so different, and well worth a visit. The cafe has a basic menu and the staff are offenders learning how to survive our world without resorting to crime ! Just getting up there is an adventure as it is perched on...

Very interesting place to visit with superb views of Portland harbour and of Weymouth and surrounding areas. Friendly staff and plentiful food, served quickly. Very steep roads on the approach so better to visit by car than walk. Dog friendly.

Good food and drinks at a reasonable price, friendly staff and the views from the garden is amazing well worth the winding road and going through the prison gates and tunnel !

HMP Verne - Jailhouse cafe. An interesting experience as when you approach you feel like you are entering the prison itself. I would go again as it was a nice place to take some scenic photos of the bay, I wouldn't however have a breakfast...

We were recommended to try the Jailhouse Cafe and pleased we did! The views from the outside eating area were amazing and we were lucky enough to have a sunny day. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was tasty and well presented. Also...

Family and friends - we’ve been many times. A lovely drive up to the Cafe. Mega views. If a certain Mr Ramsey had this place it would cost 10 times the amount. Millionaire views, with normal prices. Amazing, Amazing.

Went to Jail house cafe over the Jubilee weekend. They had a great band and BBQ. Fantastic atmosphere and music however BBQ was done inside and not as expected. What lacked in food they made up for in friendly happy atmosphere. Will return as regular...

Had a vegan breakfast here this morning. Good value. Friendly helpful and accommodating staff. Staff member suggested substitution in place of the bits which weren’t vegan 👍🏻 She even had dog biccies for a visiting furbaby. Lovely almond milk cappuccino. Nice range of chutneys and...

We loved the drive up to the cafe,really enjoyed the food,lovely friendly staff! Lovely to sit looking at the views! Definitely be returning!

Actually found it this time.! Sign are around but not really directional. We only had drink but the ladies who served us were very friendly. The sun was out and they had been unexpectedly busy… we got there at around 3, and food had finished....

Have used this place a few times, ideal biking stop when having a coastal ride. Can't remember the name of the lady serving today but she was exceptionally polite, cheerful, welcoming and helpful. A credit to the cafe. Of course the views are stunning, food...

This is a totally stunning location for a cafe, not sure it has been discovered fully yet which is great for us as locals. They are doing all day breakfasts and toasties or main meal specials and lovely cakes. If it is good weather I...

Just popped here for a quick Coffee stop while looking around Portland Beautiful views from the seating area

Fantastic location and views, staff friendly, cake and scone delicious and a nice pot of tea. Very good value. Highly recommended! Dog friendly outside where we sat.

Definitely 5 star, food amazing, views amazing and staff were brilliant loved the banter👏 Definitely will be going back

Sunday morning for coffee and biscuits. Cheerful service. Fantastic views from this hill top location, especially if you take a few minutes to walk around. Plenty of seats inside and out. You need to be superfit to walk up.

Never heard of this place but what a hidden gem. A friend told us about it, visited and had cream tea. Very nice (however please don't heat the scones up, it makes them too hard and dry). Staff friendly, particularly the guy serving on the...

Someone told us about this cafe whilst visiting Portland so thought we’d try it out. The Staff were so welcoming and friendly. There’s a good choice of food which is very reasonably priced. We were more than satisfied with our meals which were presented beautifully....

Go here for the best views of the island and a lovely lunch, sometimes served by the prisoners. Everyone was so friendly and it really is stunning, if very windy! There is also free parking.

We heard that it had re-opened (was previously closed for commercial reasons unrelated to Covid as far as we know) and as we love the view, decided to grab an afternoon cream tea etc. Experience was fine except the cream, which was on the turn...

Great service. Great food .Great location. particularly the lady singing made us smile even more on a very sunny day

Excellent. We both really enjoyed it 💕 Beautiful handmade table decorations 2x£16 Need to book. You can also enjoy the best views on Portland.

We enjoyed it is so much we made it our lunch stop for both days (hikers staying on the Bill). Superb value, generous portions, friendly staff, great views, worthy charitable cause, relaxed ambience - strongly recommend Public transport - From Weymouth take the No 1...

It’s the highest point on the island so the views from the garden area are stunning. The cafe is partly staffed by some of the inmates from the prison to help them with rehabilitation. The food is good and sensibly priced. The drive up there...

Heard about this on a previous vist to Portland. Not well signposted - follow the signs to HMP Verne and go through the tunnel. Cafe is by the car park at the top of the citadel. We had the excellent all-day breakfast (with a veggie...

Always call here on our visit to Portland. Great views to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. My husband loves a plate of their chips A nice little cafe but slightly hidden away amongst the prison

We popped in today for lunch, the cafe is charity funded and staffed partially by risk assessed prisoners on day release but as we happened to go in on a Friday, there were also staff with disabilities helping out and it also happened to be...

Quite a drive up to this restaurant, but well worth it on a fine day. We had cream teas and very good they were too. What a view we had in the garden outside. It is well worth the drive.

Finally found this place today and it was well worth the second attempt. We only had cappuccinos but was allowed to sit inside with our dog as it was very windy and cold outside. Cappuccinos were large ones for £2.60 each and piping hot. There...

This cafe literally is what it says , slap in the middle of the Verne prison. Don’t be dissuaded by the location because a visit is well worth it. The food is typical cafe fare and is well cooked and well presented and at a...

This cafe is a very interesting idea & partly staffed by risk assessed prisoners on day release. The road up is very twisty & gives good views to prepare you for those at the top. The cafe is at the highest point of Portland with...

I enjoy going to The Jailhouse Cafe as the food is excellent. The menu is your traditional English lunch selection, limited but something for everyone. I would add as an improvement that cutlery could be placed on the tables in a jar as well as...