Olives Et Al in West Dorset

Called in on the off-chance they might have a table free for lunch with my daughter. We were in luck. Very helpful staff. Delicious lunch. Had the Chicken Shawarma and the Shed Burger. Generous servings. Reasonable price. Would definitely go again. Run by Olives et al so they also sell olives, chutneys and other delicious treats. Would recommend!

My friend and I popped in for a drink initially as we hadn’t decided yet on lunch. The Server was directing us to a table but as soon as we said we weren’t having food….she advised the table was reserved at 1:30 and the menu wasn’t offered to us. However, the table was soon occupied after we were directed to another table and it wasn’t 1:30. We were still there at 1:30 and the table was still occupied by the customers who were directed there by the Server. We decided we would like a meal but went elsewhere after being treated disrespectfully.

We had a lovely lunch here. The service is always friendly and efficient . We have eaten here often . Probably twice per month . Upon leaving last Monday we got as far as the door whereupon the man behind the counter shouted at us ‘ Have you Paid’? We had . £37:00 in fact for two light lunches, 2 coffee's and a bottle of water . Apart from being disrespectful and incredibly rude that way of behaving is completely unacceptable . Im 59 and my dining partner 50 . I think we look reasonably respectable . Maybe thats the ‘runner’ demographic in poundbury? My only regret is that I didn't remove outside the smug weasel like man who hailed us from behind the safety of the counter . We will not return . Arts Therapist Poundbury

This cafe is amazing I had delicious pancakes and bacon and a hot chocolate probably best service I've ever had we ordered and the food came within 10 minutes.

First impressions - nice friendly staff. I had a croissant croque monsieur - delicious with good quality ham. We all enjoyed our various choices - the hake was good.

Probably the best tea and coffee in Poundbury. The fruit scones are enormous (and the cheese ones). Have not yet had a meal but the food looks great. All the team are super friendly. At busy times it looks best to book.

Came here Tuesday for early lunch/brunch. Had the Smoky beans and sausages for breakfast as recommended by friends who we were here with visiting and it did not disappoint. Lovely tasty dish, very filling and good value for money. A lovely welcome from the chap with glasses, didn’t catch his name and Nikki who served us during our visit was amazing! Also to whoever made my wife’s coffee which she said was the nicest she had had in a very long time. We will be back after Christmas when visiting friends to try more of the menu! Thank you all.

Really friendly and attentive staff. Excellent coffee with a good selection of cakes and brunch bites. We were visiting Poundbury for a general look around this wonderful selection of homes, intermixed with shops, eateries and businesses. Free parking is a bonus. All topped off with a visit to the garden centre and The Potting Shed.

Staff are always lovely, friendly & efficient I come here often for lunch with friends and the food is really tasty and fresh. Best oat milk flat white I've ever had would definitely reccomend this place.

Back again! Picked up two Lemon Meringue tarts for takeaway and they were delicious. So lemony. Staff friendly and helpful as always. This place is always a pleasure and never disappoints.

Lovely visit. Second visit - the first was just as good! Had what I can only describe as one of the best hot chocolates I have ever had! It was delicious! Food menu was appealing with lots of choice and once choices made, the food arrived with every ingredient of a high quality that worked well together. Friendly staff who were able to answer my questions and were chatty and smiley. Will we be back? Definitely. I need another one of those Hot chocs in my life! And some of that delicious food too!

We were on route from Plymouth to Poole and called into the Potting Shed on a recommendation from a friend. However, upon entering the building we came across a rather rude uninterested woman in her mid-forties with long hair who was more interested in chatting to the locals than serving us. Instead of a "hello" or "can I help you?" we were simply snapped at with a "YES!!" How rude! We then asked for a menu at which point she slammed down a cup and huffed, before begrudgingly fetching a menu. Appalling behaviour in a service industry. The food was pleasant, but the service was unacceptable.

Really lovely food but priced quite highly. The food is to a high standard however and I would recommend a visit.

My friends and I met in Dorchester for a walk to Maiden Castle. We came back to the Potting Shed for lunch. The staff were very welcoming and pleasant asking if we’d like to sit in or out. We decided we’d had enough of the soaring heat so sat inside. They have an interesting menu with a great choice. We all chose salads. My chicken ceasor salad was delicious and their goat cheese and strawberry salad looked fabulous. We will definitely return again another day. Many thanks

Absolutely superb food and service. A good variety of fresh locally sourced produce to choice from and very friendly staff. We will be back!

We arrived just 20 minutes before closing on a Sunday afternoon and dithered a bit about what to eat after a long drive. The staff could not have been more welcoming or patient. We had a sharing platter, they kept the meat separate for my vegetarian daughter, a huge pot of tea and a delicious slice of cake. The food was all lovely and despite the time we felt relaxed and unhurried and completely refreshed. Thank you so much.

Stopped off here for lunch on the way back from Cornwall as Poundbury is a convenient half way point for us. Bearing in mind the Covid restrictions they were very efficient and helpful. Food and drink (coffee) was good. Will visit again when passing through.

What can I say?! I arrived today just after midday with my wife who suffers deeply from anxiety. We are greeted by a waitress who asks if we wish for a table for two to which we respond yes please. Upon entering the seating area said waitress asks if we would mind sharing with another or other persons to which we politely decline for obvious reasons we are still in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic plus my wife suffers from anxiety. We are ushered into the corner at a table for 6 & then seated while given a grubby looking but wipeable menu and left to look at the available meals. Upon the waitress returning she takes our order for 2 sweet potato curries one with a nann bread the other with a salad garnish we asked for it to have no tomato as my wife cannot eat the seeds so a simple request to leave off the tomatoes. The meals arrive and behold the side garnish contains tomatoes. Instead of creating a scene my wife decided to eat around it and leave the tomato as the place was starting to become busier. Several people were asked to wait outside as there was no table space and this was said loudly enough for us to hear. Throughout the whole meal the group of waitresses were watching and making comments between each other making my wife feel very uncomfortable. It got to the point where the second we had finished eating the waitress was at the table asking to clear the plates away while sending 2 customers to wait by the side of our table with a menu making us both feel we had to leave. The attitude of the staff is something to be desired I shall not recommended to anyone. What was meant to be a nice quiet meal felt very rushed and did not meet up to our standards.

Have eaten here numerous times and find the staff always friendly, food is exceptional, fresh and healthy, lovely presentation. The coffee has depth of flavour and the cakes are superb.

Lovely. Staff were so friendly and helpful. We had a cream tea. Scones were smashing, tea was good - would have given you excellent if it had been loose leaf. All in all, really really nice.

Very friendly and helpful staff. The brunch menu was very nice and clearly uses high quality produce. Coffee was OK. Definately recommend

You might easily not notice this wonderful little eatery, tucked around the corner from its larger (and in my opinion, inferior) neighbours in the heart of Poundbury. But do seek it out. We went for the Friday evening tapas and had an excellent meal, served by lovely friendly staff. And a good bottle of white wine for £9.50 -- where can you get that these days?! A real gem, not to be missed.

Delicious fresh food and the best flat white. Cafe always has a very warm and friendly feel. Service is quick and efficient.