The Sunflower Cafe in North Dorset

I visited here on a quiet Saturday, looking for a decent cup of coffee. The stench of old grease in the small ordering area was overwhelming (even with the front door open) and stayed on my clothes after I left. The staff member was extremely friendly and efficient (hence why it was 2 stars not 1). I ordered a flat white which was served to me in a 12 oz cup so clearly they don't understand what a flat white is. Poorly extracted espresso and milk not well textured. Maybe the food is better than the coffee, but I wouldn't have high hopes......

Do you remember the days before the high street branded breakfast bars and corporate coffee houses? Well, The Sunflower is a time machine that will take you back to that time. Genuinely authentic breakfasts and snacks cooked on the spot and close to perfection - that's what you get here. Allowing for suspected delays on the trains, I'd abandoned breakfast and caught the first service I could find for Gillingham, Dorset. The hold-up never happened, so I would be quite early for my appointment. The Sunflower Cafe appeared like a sort of 'holy grail' moment. I realised I could still get breakfast and complete my assignment. So I went in and ordered the full English and a cup of tea. Naturally. Well, the tea was good enough. It was still hot when the breakfast arrived, which looked like a festival on a plate. The fried eggs were wonderfully runny, so that they soaked into the toast. The bacon and sausages were great. Everything boasted flavour. That hearty meal kick-started my day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Sunflower Cafe is a step back to The Breakfast That Time Forgot.

Amazing food as always … cheese burger & chips… generous amount of lettuce in the ( brioche) bun .. tasty burger and skin on chips… yummy. All washed down with a delicious Biscoffi milkshake…. Perfect! Served by Ollie who is always happy to make sure the customer is satisfied… great value for money.. will be back again soon

Come here more often than not and always get great service with a smile, the food is delicious with a great selection of breakfast and always cooked to perfection definatley recommend this place to anyone

Such a Lovely cafe! Great food and the staff was very welcoming, especially as I’m not from around the area. Would recommend 100% !

Good food reasonably prices good service clean tidy highly recommend fresh cooked food worth the wait being cooked

Faultless service and food, an excellent place to stop in for coffee or a bite to eat! Best prices in Gillingham too, cheaper than any other cafe!

Absolutely amazing food and huge portions! The staff in there were polite and catered to all needs:) such a lovely breakfast! Been in there for coffees etc after and consistently brilliant! The reason behind opening the cafe was also very interesting.. all in all perfect.

Popped in as seen their Facebook page, everything was exactly as it seemed from photos!! Food was amazing, has been refurbished and staff are all lovely and helpful will definitely be returning and recommending!!

Best cafe in Gillingham Dorset their food is to die for get on down there! Great staff and comfy seating

Very poor although lady very polite. Definitely wouldn’t recommend a visit although a shame as good location.

Visited before so nipped in again, excellent service replaced by poor could not care service, ok price but for goodness sake why min of £5 spend to use a card, this is old fashioned and not needed, set your price point to cover it. Luckily lots of your taxi driver customers have cash. Good luck, you will need it this day and age when people expect good service!

Served food so moudly it was green all over then had the audacity to blame the customer for "rushing them" then I spoke to them and they denied it. They took no responsibility for A) serving mouldy food and b) being rude to the customer. Shambles. Their facebook page has bad reviews and comments too.

I went in one morning not realising they were under new management. I didn't get my coffee. They declined to accept my contactless card and were then pretty rude about not doing so. I guess they have lost 30 cups of coffee and 15 biscuits a year so probably not registering as a great loss!

Excellent service, with good food. Good value for money great location, friendly staff. An ideal start to the journey.

I visited this cafe before the new owners took over and found the food very average. Since the new owners have opened the standards have risen dramatically. There is a much bigger menu and the quality is OUTSTANDING! The smashed avocado, egg and bacon roll...

The cafe was very busy while I was waiting for my donuts and milkshake but was very clean and the waitress even carried hot drinks to a table for an older lady . Great food great prices . The bad reports are from previous owners...

We have had several breakfasts here and I have visited for lunch. My daughter uses the cafe regularly. Good food, well presented. Especially enjoyed bacon, brie and cranberry burger really delicious. Frankie who runs the cafe is friendly and professional. Highly recommended.

Smashing little place for a pit stop! Friendly, fresh and the staff are always cheerful and helpful with enquiries (trains) if they can which is a great reassurance when yours is delayed!! Local home cooked food freshly prepared while you wait with affordable prices too!...

Very polite and friendly on arrival of this little cafe next too gillingham train station, Food and drinks well prices and lots to choose from. Thank you for and see you soon will definitely be back Kian m

Great cafe and an asset to Gillingham. Use it regularly and more than happy with the service and food. Always happy to accommodate requests and changes to menu items. Doughnuts and Milkshakes are great! Interesting reading the reviews one of which seems to be from...

Its such a shame that this cafe couldn't maintain its predecessors high standards. Sadly the coffee is not what it once was, nor is the service. A huge shame for the local residents whom im sure share my views.

Such a great venue to grab an early coffee but what a disappointment. Dirty kitchen and unfriendly staff - it wouldn't hurt to smile! The last two times have tried to use - it's been shut with no notice. Bring back the previous cafe at...