The Dolls House in Purbeck

We booked as a walk in about 45 minutes before we required a table. Once we returned, Clare welcomed us and took us to our table. She immediately brought a bowl of water for our dog and took our orders. Food was really outstanding and the service Clare continued to provide throughout our visit was outstanding. The seafood linguine was excellent with well cooked ingredients brought together at exactly the right time. Our friend commented on the very good standard and quantity of the Hake he had

We went for an evening meal and the ambience was lovely, low lights and candles (hopefully not just for Valentines). The service was really good, friendly and attentive all evening and our food was delicious. We ate a mix of food from the regular menu and the specials, all of it was hot, fresh and really tasty. The specials menu included some delicious alternatives including confit duck leg and sea bass which were presented beautifully and thoroughly enjoyed.

Not a good experience today. After quite a wait we placed our order for drinks and food with the waitress. There were four of us dining and just two meals were eventually served to us, although I had ordered a meat quiche, I was served a vegetable quiche and when I queried this with the waitress was told that she would check. It transpired that the two meals weren’t for our table after all although one of my friends had already started eating the roast chicken as this was what he had ordered. After much waiting the other two meals arrived together with the meat quiche. However, the gravy was missing which should have come with the roast chicken. Mayonnaise and tap water were also requested which we had to chase up twice. The meat quiche was over cooked, the chicken in the Caesar salad and roast chicken were tough, the smoked haddock fish cakes were tasteless and the poached egg with the fish cakes was under cooked. All in all a very poor dining experience both food and service wise. The staff clearly could not cope and/or need more training. It’s such a shame the Barn cafe has gone so down hill as the food used to be exceptional and the service excellent. We were offered complimentary coffees which really weren’t adequate for such poor service. A discount off the bill should have at least been given instead.

Amazing roast, starters and puddings great too, hosts very active and service with a smile, highly recommend

We were recommended to come here, it’s small limited seating- we’re lucky to get a seat by the window. Good quality, freshly cooked, no nonsense breakfast. What’s not to like.