The Barn Cafe in Purbeck

We have sampled the food and hospitality at The Barn several times in the past, today, however, was the first Afternoon Tea we have tried there. From a warm welcome to our departure the service was excellent. Friendly and efficient. The afternoon tea was delicious, tasty sandwiches and rolls, lovely fresh warm, scones, very yummy brownies, cupcakes and banana cake, all helped down with a refreshing cup of Barn Brew Tea. Thank you.

Seemed disorganised & like the staff didn't really want to be there! Food OK. Would not go again.

Exceptional, 9+ out of 10 just possible but unlikely something better. Only problem very popular and necessary to reserve, which is a pain if only for cafe. Great cafe and brilliant bacon sandwich. However we were accommodated on a reserved table for 40 minutes which was fine. We will try for lunch next but will book. July 24 they now have online booking, great. Had full English breakfast and it was first class, best so far in Dorset, now booking is easier will be a regular. August 24 what a difference less than 1month. (?change of chef ?) Both eggs over cooked and hard, bacon changed to poorer quality and served with white water scum from excess water. What a pity, but will try again. Did call for lunch between dates of breakfast and that was good.

Good atmosphere. However, it was a busy but not full restaurant yet we had to wait over half an hour for our lunch to be brought to us. My vegetable quiche was very nice. However, my sister’s sweet potato risti was barely luke warm and the roasted tomatoes had clearly not been roasted. Nice place, they just need to focus on better service.

I am an Activity Lead from Upton Bay Care Home we tried to ring and also book online however without success. However we arrived at the Barn with 5 Residents and 2 Staff at 2.15pm, I went into the cafe which was extremely busy, however every service/staff member I spoke to was so kind and helpful. They found us a table inside, however one of my residents found it too warm and noisy, so the lovely staff member found us another table in the teepee, all our Residents were happy smiling, socializing. We ordered our tea and coffee, the staff at the Barn even were happy to accommodate us with separate receipts. We all had a lovely 2 hours out. Thankyou to all the staff working on Wednesday 21/8/24 from 2.15pm onwards. You were all so kind, helpful, lovely, fabulous people the service was superb, thankyou for making our Residents happy. We will definitely visit again. However next time we will book to help you. Thankyou, Thankyou.

Really enjoyed my time there. Recommended.

Amazing as ever, super good, super service.

Having been here before for coffee and cake, we thought we'd try it for my husband's 50th birthday. It was fantastic! Delicious food, superb choice of teas, very friendly staff, and all reasonably priced. We will be back!

Nice lunch in a lovely setting.

Fantastic breakfast. Everything was top quality

Had a lovely lunch out with friends great food, a great place somewhere different and reasonably priced. Definitely recommend.

A little gem 👍unique in every way, beautifully appointed, wonderful staff and delicious freshly prepared food with an amazing selection of cakes. Always look forward to stop off for breakfast or lunch thank you

An incredible hidden gem! Staff were so helpful and friendly. Having a large booking they rang the day before to confirm brought over extra chairs when required as well. The food was incredible the portions don’t look big but I left so full and having had the best time! The dishes were so aesthetically pleasing to the eye and had one of the best afternoon teas I’ve had. Only criticism is for the scones more jam and cream required on the afternoon teas but it was still delicious nonetheless.

Excellent venue ,went with our nephew and his family and they enjoyed it . We were in the tippee which was a good experience.

As many others have said, on here and Tripadvisor, the service is poor. Slow, no apology, rude, just awful. Times are tough, spend your money somewhere that values your custom.

Lovely cafe, had a great lunch with my wife and her cousin. Service was perfect, food of a very high standard in a fantastic atmosphere.

I love this place. It is always very good.

A bit more upmarket than expected from the term "cafe" (more like a bistro) but pleasant setting, with good food.

All the staff appeared not to have their minds on serving the customers. Not even half a mind. It will be a long time before I go back.

Amazing cafe. Food is amazing staff are lovely and polite. The cakes are gorgeous. The breakfast avocado on toast is my personal favourite and the chocolate cake. Lovely place for a breakfast or lunch

Lovely as always. We took some friends who had not been before and the Barn Cafe did not disappoint. They like us were really complimentary about it.

Having been before we visited again for lunch. Waited at sign that asks you to wait to be seated for 5 minutes to be ignored by waitresses only to be told by staff at tills to just help ourselves to a table which we did. Ignored for 25 minutes whilst others arriving after us were served. An older brunette waitress almost approached us until someone she knew/recocognised cut through the barriers so went off to get them a menu, had a chat with them and never returned. The final straw was when food arrived for those that arrived after us so left.

Have been here a few times. The service is always brilliant, and the food is top rate breakfast! Stunning dining room, and set in some lovely grounds. Well done, everyone, as usual, it was a great breakfast *****

Absolutely gorgeous little place we found. Located on a farm, which is very cute. The building looks amazing on the outside and in and the atmosphere was great. We only had coffees and cake, but the menu looked fab! Wish we went back for food. Definitely recommend if in the area!

Once again another Excellent “ lunch time experience. We all think the quiches are amazing (!) and would gladly take a piece home if it was available…. Thank you everyone and well done for standing out as a great place to visit

Great food service and atmosphere

Just had lunch with my mum daughter and partner, I could decide so the waitress recommended the crispy chicken salad , it was served in a bowl with a slice of what it thought was freshly baked bread . The salad leaves were nice but the breaded chicken was terrible, it was very dry and seemed to be reheated or kept warm for a while it was very poor , the bread was not fresh but stale from a previous day , the waitress didn’t come into the tent to see if everything was ok , after quite a while my mum went to find someone so she could pay , the manager was told and took the chicken into the chef and she said it was freshly cooked , and still charged my mum the full price of the lunch , we have eaten there quite a few times , we will definitely not be returning.

We had the Halloumi Wrap and the Roasted Veg. Hummus Avocado Baguette. Both were delicious. Nice setting and a large menu generally with some more vegan options such as the Butternut Squash Soup. Good pricing too and service.

Got here at 9.15, sunny May 2024. We're back for an amazing experience. My first was 6 yrs ago and I still remember walking through the door. Wow, that was and is the standard. Love it

I've driven past this place a hundred times but this is the first time I've been in and I loved it. I had a three egg omelette and it was delicious. The atmosphere is great, like being outside but inside. No Chips on the menu but they are coming soon apparently.

Overpriced food, it is stated on the menu fresh baked baguettes, they are served cold and soft, didn't enjoy it, salad could have had more ingredients, lots of leaves. We ordered and paid for drinks, but needed to remind the waitress twice after we finished our food to serve them. Noisy, when sitting next to big family with kids, not many spaces.

A wonderful lunch in the barn with plenty of space for each table. A problem with one of the meals was quickly resolved and a reduction on the bill was greatly appreciated. Plenty of choice on food & drinks. Thoroughly recommend but be sure to book in advance as it is popular!

Great place for an early breakfast. Nice location. Plenty of parking. Reasonable prices.

Wonderful cafe! Delicious food and drink. Menu and specials board full of yummy food. Warm enough to sit outside too. Lots of seating. Really great barn conversion too. Service was lovely. Definite recommend

Amazing food, service and atmosphere . Our favourite place for a treat either breakfast, lunch or tea and cake. You won’t be disappointed.

Great for beakfasts, I especially like the sweet potato roti. Very friendly staff, and fab decor.

Went for a birthday, staff came out singing with a slice of cake. Food was very fresh and nice.

Cosy, friendly staff, great food and coffees.

Food and service is always excellent!

Lovely place, we couldn't stay as was very busy on a Sunday morning. But hoping to return for food soon.

Great Breakfast, nice cakes & all the staff are friendly.

Lovely Cafe , food is always delicious and great quality. Service is excellent. Love eating here.

Very nice place to eat, lovely helpful staff 👍👍

We had tea in a Teepee! How great was that? Tea was fragrant and delicious. Garden area was shut, and the French antiques were none existent. Looks like they are refurbishing. This restaurant is busy. Phone and book a table if you are eating.

I had been here before my coeliac diagnosis and thought it was a lovely place. I was very happy to find out they had a gluten free menu with a fair amount of options! My lunch today was great, thank you!

Sat down ordered drinks. 10 mins later ordered food. Asked twice where our drinks were. The food turned up at the table before the drinks did. I had thought they had to pick the coffee beans themselves 😕

Nice Bacon baggies in a heated teepee!

I visited with a friend on 25th March after booking a table online for coffee and cake. The Service was very friendly, cakes absolutely delicious, good coffee and lovely atmosphere. Enjoyed our visit. Popular location, best to book in advance of your visit if you want to sit in the barn itself.

We found The Barn Cafe while staying nearby in Lytchett Matravers and it was fabulous! Friendly, great food and such an interesting environment to eat in.

Love coming to the Barn Cafe. The food is delicious! There's always a steady flow of people and a lovely hum of energy. Deco is mismatched and I love it! So quirky 🥰

What a great place , staff amazing my wife's gluten allergy taken seriously and she loved the gluten free menu/ breakfast Thank you too all the staff so friendly and helpful we're be back again in the near future

Although the food was good we found that the we had to mention that the cups and glass were not clean with tea stains and dust in the glass ,also we found the older members of staff were very rude and quiet obnoxious.

Such a lovely place to have a late breakfast, food is great and the staff very helpful

Thank you so much for putting on such a lovely afternoon tea for Mother’s Day. The customer service is always great despite the staff always being very busy. It is a gorgeous place which is perfect for meeting up with family and friends. Thank you so much .

Having read the most recent review I went out for lunch with a friend with a slight nervous feel as I have several allergies, gluten being one. From the moment we were shown to our table the service was perfect. Timings were spot on and my dietary needs listened to and carried out perfectly! The choice was amazing and the food was gorgeous. I would highly recommend to everyone.

Such a shame, this could have been a 5 star review. First time visiting and first impressions were good. Beautifully presented with lovely decor. Friendly and welcoming staff. I ordered a chai latte, which was delicious and the loaded sweet potato rosti. Unfortunately the potato rosti was cold and both of my eggs were hard boiled, and even though the bacon was yummy I was underwhelmed by my breakfast. I should of gone for cake, they looked really good. Anyway I took my mum for Mothers Day and she enjoyed it. Her actual words were I'm too hungry to care.

Visited The Barn for an early Mother’s Day afternoon tea. This started off with being delayed due to “Being Busy”. The table was booked for 15:30 and the table wasn’t available for 20 minutes. This is unacceptable making booked customers wait but squeezing in walk-ins. Once seated we were ignored for 30 more minutes even after asking twice. Staff clearly given too much to do multiple tables around had wrong orders, long waits and a poor experience. The icing on the cake was asking about the drinks we ordered after our cakes had been served. These drinks had been ordered 40 minutes prior to this. The staff response was rude followed by sarcastic chatter about how they are clearly busy and we need to wait. They proceeded to giggle and joke around as dozens of tables waited for delayed drinks. Towards the end of the visit staff members could be seen relaxing with feet across seated areas and sofas. Under the old owners almost all of the above wouldn’t have happened. Would recommend going to other local cafes and save your money until they sort out the mess this once lovely cafe is now in. TLDR: It took 2 hours to get 6 slices of cake and 6 hot drinks. Staff rude and entire establishment is poorly run.

The restaurant was really warm, cosy, and loved the decor Cannot fault the food, both the meal and cake were absolutely gorgeous The only thing I didn’t like were some of the staff who were quite rude When we arrived we told a waitress that we had a reservation and then just walked off without saying anything. And then when my mother asked what the Quiche of the day was, the woman who took our order said “it’s on the board by the entrance”

I’ve been here several times and service is hit and miss. Once had a waitress who was jolly and efficient but unfortunately most occasions it’s been poor service. Today we went for breakfast on a voucher which was a gift. Service was slow from the beginning, then breakfast arrived and eggs were cold and undercooked. No member of staff came to the table to check all was ok, infact all stood around the centre service area chatting. When a waitress finally came to collect our plates I said that it was all lovely apart from the cold undercooked eggs and was told I should have told someone. I explained that there was no-one available and she seemed to get quite shirty and said she would tell the chef. No apology, not another mention even when we paid the bill. I don’t think we’ll return because over all the times I’ve been to the Barn Cafe I can only give it an average star rating of 3. Service is definitely a problem, seems to be table service but you’re just left sitting there for ages.

Love this place 100% satisfied every time. Thank you

Excellent in every way. Definitely worth another visit.

Booked a table for 3 friends today for breakfast. Everything was delivered with care and perfection , from our arrival where we were met by very friendly happy staff who showed us to our table. The breakfast order was quick and speedy and the food and coffee were delivered in minutes and beautifully presented. I could not fault the service . This place is certainly a recommendation to anyone local or visiting to give it a try . It's a unique experience as I haven't found anywhere else quite like it . A big applause to the staff and their hard work 👏

Loved it, what an interesting place, lovely food too.

A table for 3 had been booked for 12.30pm, we were seated but had to ask for someone to take our order at 12.50pm. Having been a customer on previous occasions it was very disappointing to find the ambience was definitely not up to standard. Too many tables with staff run off their feet, and having to squeeze between tables to serve/clear away, we were very cold, even though away from the sliding entrance door, very noisy - due to too many diners. Two of us had soup, which was very bland. Will not be returning in a hurry and certainly not recommending. Surely customer satisfaction more important than 'packing them in' .

Great menu and a good selection for gluten free. My wife is coeliac and had a strong intolerance to gluten so it was nice that she wasn’t just offered ‘a jacket spud’. Separate breakfast and lunch menus and split down into the standard menu and gluten free and advertises dairy free options too. Food was good and the wife has not suffered from any cross contamination issues, in fairness only just seen a couple of issues raised so was worried afterwards but had no problems. It has been a while since we have been and the introduction of the tee pee for part of the outside areas is good so with dog you have some shelter. Toilet facilities are good and were clean too. Inside is no dogs but that’s ideal so booked inside for a couple of weeks to give that a whirl.

We went to the Barn for a birthday lunch and had a lovely time. We always choose the quiche eventhough the menu is plentiful. The flavour selection is excellent and the salads are abundant, colourful and delicious. We will be back!

Very good service and excellent food. Definitely recommend visiting.

An extremely long wait for service, drinks and food. The waitress was nice but food was brought out at different times and therefore went cold before everyone was served

Lovely breakfast, great atmosphere, friendly and efficient service

My girlfriend booked a table online. We arrived on time and were shown to our table and were told it was table service. We waited and waited but after 30 minutes gave up and left.

This place has massively deteriorated. I’ve come here maybe 60 times over he last 7 years or so. Always recommended it to friends. (See previous rave reviews!!) Not visited for a year or so, and very sad to say it’s totally different now. The afternoon tea was not up to any sort of standard. We were not checked on, when we were taken to our (crammed in) table there were only 2 chairs instead of 3, they didn’t know we were there for afternoon tea, and no dietary requirements checked. Service was non existent. Other customer complaining too. No one seemed to be in charge. I really hope you take note of all these bad reviews and get back to how you used to me.

Always wonderful food and great service with a lovely atmosphere. Can't rate highly enough. Make sure you book!

Such a shame lovely place, food is pretty average the real disappointing part is the service, staff are rude and the service is just bad in general, compared to other brunch places such as Bosconova and Rockwater that are so friendly and welcoming it’s quite a contrast, been busy is not an excuse and to add insult to injury they don’t let dogs in the main building, which given the location just doesn’t make sense!

I preferred it as it was. Sadly, not enough staff, the young man serving had a lot on his shoulders. Polite, pleasant & he really worked his socks off, he deserves a medal 🏅. Gluten Free menu was poor. Over crowded. Too many tables & the back- ground music with peoples voices was a nightmare for us unfortunately. My Father is a regular & enjoyed his favourite panini as usual, however, we couldn't hear one another 😭. Please, please, go back to how you were. The "Big Top" marquee is OTT & noisy.

Me and two friends decided to go here for lunch for a Birthday celebration. One of us is Gluten Free, my friend ordered a Gluten Free brown toastie which she took a bite out of. The brown toastie was covered in white breadcrumbs, which we questioned with the staff. Who went to the kitchen and checked if it had been made correctly. Which it hadn't as they said they only use brown gluten free bread. They also said this happened as they were quite busy at the moment. I just think the situation was handled poorly, obviously not suitable for Gluten free options.

Customers with allergies - do not visit. Today I visited for my friend’s birthday lunch and ordered a gluten free toastie. I have never had an issue there before, and with such a big gluten free menu it was always a go to for me. Halfway through my toastie, I realised the brown gluten free bread had the bottom side cover in chunks of white crusty bread! I immediately called the waitress over to be told they would make me fresh and to their knowledge it was gluten free. She didn’t seem to understand the issue. I then spoke with the manager (who I believe owns it), and explained the implication of this mistake. He said they were really busy and that someone had obviously not changed the baking paper they cook the toasties on. He said that the waitress should have checked that I was coeliac and that in future I should make it clearer as then they could have taken extra precautions. I explained that by having a gluten free menu, and ordering gluten free it should not be my place to double check. They should treat every gluten free order the same and train staff accordingly if they sell food that they label ‘gluten free’. He said that my fresh toastie would definitely be gluten free as the head chef made it, but the one I had already started eating and digesting would have had gluten on as they do not use gluten free white bread. I did not eat the fresh toastie - I felt too nervous to do so. We left shortly after, me not wanting to create a scene and already feeling worried and uncomfortable that my friends birthday meal had been ruined, paid the bill. They removed my food, but nothing else. I was left feeling like they truly did not care. My friend not wanting to impact my other friends birthday returned to further speak to the manager, but he refused to give any money back saying that they did their best. Absolutely shocking. Being coeliac, this is won’t only make me unwell for a few days, but will impact my health now for months. Do not visit if you have allergies - after speaking with other local friends this is a common issue and so not a one off.

Very convenient for Poole Ferry. Interesting antique shop by the cafe.

I'm rarely in the area and always in a rush, but when I can, I will stop here to catch my breath

The salmon and avocado salad was delicious. The black coffee not so strong as I have as usual, but also quite good. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.

Excellent food and drinks. Forgot water that we asked for hence the 4 star for service.

Excellent,friendly & efficient service. Outstanding menu with delicious food & drink.

What a great little find this place is. We had coffee and cake after a hike in the local area. Update finally got to take my wife Rachel to visit l, she loved it.

Afternoon tea was lovely, chefs are obviously amazing. Just let down by the rude and attitude of the staff. Very inattentive and felt like they would rather be anywhere else but there. Very long waits to get another pot of tea or the bill or payment. Also only dog friendly outside.

A huge favourite of mine and have been numerous times but today it was absolutely freezing in the new teepee hut and the omelette was really disappointing hardly any filling whatsoever! Quiche was lovely as always including the cake 🍰 Really should heat it out there as pointless having it this weather did not make lunch very enjoyable sorry 😞

Always try and call into this lovely gem tucked away outside Wareham. Great staff, fantastic food & great value for money. Book in advance.

Served salmon, brown and light purple at the ends, told it was part of the curing process when it was clearly off, wouldn't feed it to my dogs. Avoid

What a beautiful place to have lunch at. The menu was superb(lots to choose from,breakfast,lunch&dinner), so was the food!!! The service was outstanding & very friendly. The location was very easy to find & the restaurant was beautifully decorated. Will most certainly becoming here again!

Lovely food, very busy, though.

Fantastic quiche of the day today and really friendly staff.

Amazing omelette breakfast this morning will definitely visit again

Amazing place for breakfast and lunch. Food is so tasty and generous portions - best quiche I've ever had. Cakes are to die for! Staff are always really friendly and service is great.

Went for brunch today, had the vegan full English, absolutely delicious. Friendly staff, fab decor. Have been a few times and will be going a few more 😊

Really nice for lunch whilst out and about.

I visited the Barn on Saturday 13th January 2024. After hearing good reviews I was very disappointed with my visit. We stood by the door waiting to be seated for ages even though there were staff stood round doing nothing and empty tables. Eventually we...

Beautiful setting & the food was amazing local & fresh.

This spot is awful, me and my friend were very excited to try this new place. However, the service for management and kitchen staff was appalling. There were only two ladies there that even acknowledged us. The rest of them treated us like dirt and...

I was expecting good things. However, breakfast was disappointing and felt overpriced. At these prices they need to be making a little more effort.

Be sure to book. Can get busy. Very helpful friendly service

Festive afternoon tea birthday treat.Went with family a bit of a wait for our table although we had booked.Hot drinks arrived I had turkish apple tea.The food did arrive but took over an hour.So ordered more drinks.We had salmon and cream cheese tartlets,pigs in blankets...

Excellent food and service, not cheap but where is today. Pleasant clean surroundings good car park and easy to get to.