Marcia’s Farm Shop in North Dorset

On our journey home from an overnight-stay in Bournemouth we decided to take a minor roads route back home rather than the direct main road route. This took us through quite a few small towns and villages. Our plan was to find a Farm Shop Café or a village / small town-centre café where we could get lunch: ideally a snack and a hot drink. We were over an hour into our journey when we saw the signs for Marcia’s Farm Shop and turned into what was a heavily pot-holed carpark. We then walked into the signposted barn noting that there was plenty of tables and chairs arranged in neat rows but no-one was sat there. There was another door into ‘The Shack’; inside was actually a full bar; like you would find in a pub. There were a few locals propping-up the bar, chatting and drinking draught beer. This is not what we had expected and we assumed that the ‘Marcia’s Farm Shop’ and ‘The Shack’ were one in the same business. There didn’t appear to be any farm produce on sale: other than, we assumed, the food offered in the menu. It was almost exactly 1pm when we were approached and welcomed by a pleasant lady. We asked about food, and she advised us to select a table and choose from the menu of snacks that were available, and that she would return to take our order. We studied the menu having ordered some tea and my Partner chose a fishfinger baguette, whereas I chose a toasted ham and cheese sourdough sandwich. The plates took a good 20-25 minutes to arrive from ordering, but freshly prepared food does take time. So, we sipped tea and amused ourselves with the help of a large (probably over-fed and under-exercised) old Labrador who constantly wandered and sniffed around the bar and seated areas. The dog then settled at our table once our food order arrived. This was not a serious issue for us (others however may dislike being ‘hounded’ by slobbering dogs while they eat their food). Both plates featured a colourful and tasty fresh dressed salad which was really good. My sandwich was really firm and crunchy with a generous helping of thick-cut ham and plenty of well-melted cheese, and a small portion of red cabbage coleslaw to go with the salad. It was really good and enjoyed. My Partner’s baguette featured homemade cod loin fishfingers and tartare sauce (both inside the baguette). The fish was a bit moist and insubstantial; despite being made from the loin. Cod can be like this and it is why we prefer the meatier haddock. The baguette also accompanied by a few crisps, but they were a really strange flavour for accompanying fish (reminded us of Oxo beef - but very artificial). Our food was on the whole good, generously portioned and very much welcomed, and it was good value.

Great service nice seating areas dogs welcome and the meals we had were excellent cannot wait to come back one day The ham cheese and fiery mustard toasty was the best ever

called in for coffee and cake but were not offered to sit inside wooden benches not most comfortable so did not stay for lunch, but worst of all coffee served in cardboard cup There are much better farm shops/coffee shops in thr area so we will not be visiting again

What a fabulous place. Great food, good beer, lovely staff, and it’s dog friendly. Large car park will definitely be back again soon.

Really nice place most staff lovely but I heard a member of staff shout at a woman. She had a blind and disabled dog that they had in a buggy. The dog had climbed out of the buggy and wondered off without the woman seeing because she had gone in to order coffee. The woman tried to block the hole that the dog had climbed through with a stone and the member of staff shouted at her. When the woman said she was sorry and asked her not to shout she shouted again and refused to speak to the woman. It was a shame because we had thought it really good up until then.

Stopped for lunch. Staff were very helpful and pleasant. Popular with local people. Lots of space to eat outside. Dog friendly. Felt it was expensive. I had a jacket potato with beans. Felt it was disappointing. Beans were very overcooked, cheese had very little flavour. Tiny side salad. Wouldn’t have it again. My husbands meal was better but he felt it was either expensive or a very small portion.

First time here and certainly won’t be the last. They were incredibly busy because of the large number of visitors to the new event called the vintage crank up The bbq food was served 3-6 and was superb High quality food. The bar was very well stocked with lots of ales and cider on tap. The band started at 5 and were excellent. Highly recommend a visit here. The cakes were amazing too!

Well this business really missed a trick or two today. This was the meeting place for a few groups of classic cars, steam engines and tractors. Collections were in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Unbelievably, there was no food while we were there ! We were told food at 2pm then not until 3pm but we saw none. Fortunately our group organiser offered us excellent food and hospitality back at his home base, a very generous offer. Could not believe this today, drinks and Ice creams were the only thin available in all the time we were there !

Quick pit stop on a bike ride - lovely place and very friendly bar staff - good choice of beer - thoroughly enjoyed

We bought two take away lattes from the farm shop. What we got were two machine made very weak americanos with a bit of watery froth on top. Best avoided.

A stop on the way to work to break up a long journey. Great beacon bap and a coffee to go. Nice items in the farm shop and the bar looked food too!

Popped in for a family lunch today having never been before. Great outdoor space, very friendly service and delicious food. Will definitely visit again

Stopped for a coffee on a group cycle ride. Excellent service, good coffee and relaxed, friendly venue! Lots of outdoor and covered seating. The cakes and snacks looked really good but I resisted!

We were welcomed by friendly staff and chose the barn which was absolutely fine and out of the weather. The service was excellent and the food delicious so can’t fault the place.

We called in on a wet Saturday morning, we were made welcome and felt safe with the covid precautions in place, fancied a breakfast and it did not disappoint, good little farm shop and a bar that looks like it would be worth a visit, a lot of good walks locally, all in all we will be back.

Marcias farm shop is much more than a shop. It has a kiosk for icecream and coffee so you can stay outside if you want.Its also got a large seated barn area so you can be outside but undercover and a bar area too called...

Visited with a friend today. Overwhelming smell of cigarettes as we entered the barn area was very off putting. Coffee was ok but not great when compared to any of the coffee shops in town. Disappointing so won't be rushing back.

A great place to end a walk by the River Stour. We had the best lunch finished off with Italian gelato. The staff are so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Picked up some locally sourced goodies from the farm shop before heading home.

Recommended to use the car to get to a nearby stream (small donation or cafe purchase required). However, so much more to the farm. The Cafe was well stocked with snacks and fresh food to take home, the ice cream stand was well stocked with...

A great little find. An old barn which has a farm shop, a ‘pub’ and food. The meals are freshly made using local produce, highly recommend a visit. Locals use it as well as visitors, always a good sign. Marcia’s farm shop is on the...

We stopped off here for a quick cuppa and ended up having lunch! Lovely food and friendly owners, who have diversified from running the dairy farm to now running the farm shop and cafe. Mustn't forget Poppy the dog, who ignored us on the way...

Well I liked it here but I’m fearful of making this place too popular. Well suited for dog walking and very dog friendly. Millie rates it too. Plenty of parking. Buy fresh milk and other goodies. Draft beer, good coffee. Food still to be tried...