Under the greenwood tree cafe in West Dorset

Stopped for a quick lunch while walking the dog today. I was served by a lovely young chap who was smiley and very helpful. He even offered to carry my tray outside as I had the dog with me. I chose a delicious cranberry and brie toastie. It was served piping hot and was PERFECT! I sat outside in the sunshine looking across the woods. Great value and can totally recommend this special place.

I came across this lovely cafe while out walking my dog and was very impressed with the menu. All the cakes were homemade and they have the most incredible flapjacks! We’d had a late breakfast so decided on tea and cakes for our first visit but ended up going back the next day for lunch. I had goats cheese on toast with homemade carrot chutney and it was delicious!! We saw a few full English breakfasts being served and they were massive! We will definitely come back for breakfast soon.

I find these bad reviews puzzling - we’ve been here 4 or 5 times the last few weeks and have only ever had excellent service and good food. We go for Sunday morning brunch before our dog walk. It’s dog friendly (they even offer a doggy breakfast!) but it’s immaculately clean and hygienic. Food is great - a bacon sarnie doorstep sets you up for the day as it’s huge! Good value for money. Service has been excellent - the chap serving us remembers us know and makes us feel so welcome. Nothing is too much trouble. It’s proper home cooking at its best- the cakes look fabulous. There is nothing I can fault about it- we love our visits - friendly helpful staff, good food and great value. Then we head off for a lovely dog walk to complete our visit. I cannot recommend it highly enough

A wonderful friendly cafe (one where you can see the cakes being baked) in a beautiful setting. If this place had been around when Hardy lived at the cottage, his writings might all have been much more cheerful! We now make this a weekly walk stop as we love the woods, the coffee, the cakes, the smiling reception... and the way our crazy young dog is treated. Nothing is too much trouble for those serving and the cakes are the best we've found locally.

Had an excellent coffee here. Mastercard cards accepted. Sat outside as it was a nice day. Many people come here after visiting Hardy's cottage.

On the face of it Cafe is tidy, Dorset Apple cake was very nice, but the coffee was at best dreadful, asked for flat white what I received was definitely not a flat white (not even as good as the old Maxpac coffee from the 1980’s). Asked a guy if he could replace the coffee, he wasn’t rude but no apologies given, I think he took my coffee away and returned the same coffee. Not what I would have expected at £3.10 a cup!

Further to other reviews we also experienced dismissive and rude staff particularly from whoever was in the kitchen. We unfortunately arrived just after 2pm when they stop serving lunches, we asked nicely if there was any chance of some toasties but it was all too much trouble as they shut at 3pm. And whilst they wouldn’t do a toastie they would do a toasted teacake! I understand there has to be a cut off time but it appears odd to turn away business and also odd that a cafe closes at 3pm. If we go again we will take a picnic. Would not recommend.

Dismissive rude staff …extremely overpriced. Not apparently National Trust owned but independent, which makes it all the more surprising that staff treat customers so rudely.

A brilliant friendly family run cafe. Always lovely choices of cakes and either breakfast or lunch . Meet there on a very regular basis to see friends and family . Lovely walk through the woods and today the bluebells looked really pretty. The person dishing the dirt thinking it was a NT cafe needs to get some glasses and some better manners. Together with our new friends we would not be without such a good and local place to have a lovely hot and tasty coffee. Thankyou to Sarah, Lydia and team.

Wonderful homemade food, friendly staff and dog friendly! Just what is needed after a walk in the woods! Lots of friendly local walkers - great atmosphere - highly recommend a visit! Having read a couple of negative reviews I am so surprised because as a regular visitor we have only positive things to say. The staff work very hard and are always welcoming.

You will only ever come here once. Dreadful place - unfriendly, unhelpful unwelcoming staff who clearly don’t want to be there. Overpriced under whelming food. I paid £12 for two soups that were almost thrown at us because the woman wanted to go home. It was tepid and tasteless. Foreign visitors must be shocked to be confronted with such an awful place. It’s an embarrassment. Like everyone else who had reviewed this place a big thumbs down don’t visit - save your money.

Surly, stressed, staff. Six of us (local walkers) arrived just before closing time at 3pm. They clearly didn’t really want to serve us, although we spent around £30 on overpriced hot (not that hot!) drinks and cake. They even charged an extra 20 pence for hot water saying, as they could only do take out the price was for a recycled cup. Coffee wasn’t great, not that hot and came out of a vending type machine. The staff were dismissive, rude and I will never ever go to a National Trust cafe again. I have been disappointed with NT cafes in the past (usually overpriced) but thought it only fair to give another NT venue a go. A mistake this one was the worse I have ever experienced! On a different note I feel NT are ruining Dorset.. giving notice to an excellent and very old family run cafe on the beach in Studland. A new lease issued to a “trendy” expensive eatery. Dumbing down more like. NT management need to speak to locals. I have not renewed my membership nor ever will!

What a shame they didn’t have a sorbet in the purbeck ice cream range. Not particularly interested staff in the fact that there was a very disappointed 5 year old with a dairy allergy. I think they had ice creams for dogs though!!!

We had an early morning walk in the lovely cool woods and then dropped in for breakfast. Although the person was single handed for a short while our large breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon on toast was delicious.

Having gone for a walk to Thorncombe Woods with my 3 dogs, we arrived at the Greenwood Cafe, somewhat grubby. Although I saw that they were a dog friendly place, I wasn't sure we would be welcome. However, mud seemed no problem whatsoever. After a relaxing and lovely coffee and slice of carrot cake, we had a lovely chat with the staff. We will definitely be back. Thank you for making us and our grub magnets welcome.

As a fairly regular visitor we always look forward to a visit to the cafe after our walk in the woods. Always a warm welcome with amazing home cooking. The freshly cooked breakfasts and lunches never disappoint and the range of home make cakes are to die for. We particularly love the friendly community atmosphere and have made several friends there where we often sit, chat, eat and where our dogs are also welcome. We love the cafe, the friendly team and the lovely fresh food. We love it!

We visited after a long dog walk and couldn’t recommend the tea and cake more. Nice selection of baked goods and I think fairly priced considering current climate. Will be back

I first went to the cafe after a nice walk in the woods and now go back often after having the best cheese scone I’ve ever tasted to accompany my delicious soup, all the cakes are fantastic and we always have a great welcome from the friendly staff and to top it all off I find it great value for money 👌

Went into this little cafe while waiting for our time slot at the Thomas Hardy cottage, very wet day and as the walk to the cottage was through a muddy woods we were dressed appropriately, not the most flattering of styles but there you go. Very snotty staff, who were obviously used to a ‘better class of people’. Had a quite nice piece of apple cake but very very stingy with the custard also a nice piece of carrot cake. After we had finished we thought we would peruse the shop, we always like to buy a little something when we go to these small independent businesses. The snotty assistant came behind us, counting all the items as we went, blatantly checking we hadn’t stolen any of the tat they had for sale. Needless to say we didn’t buy anything and will not be visiting again. Totally spoilt our experience hence the poor review. We might of looks scruffy dear but that is no way to treat customers.

Paid £4.50 for ‘tea for two’ which was a pot of tea which poured one cup each - absolute rip-off and won’t be going back even though I am local.

Expensive, unwelcoming and a poor selection. £6 for a jacket potato??? We chose what turned out to be tasteless mac and cheese with garlic bread. The woods nearby are beautiful but the cafe was very disappointing.

Visited 1st July 21. No track and trace, three girls in kitchen/ café none wearing masks standing around chatting. Two groups of people left as we arrived but tables not cleaned. One girl refilling open pots of sugar on eachbtable which shouldn't be on tables...

What more can you ask for, a wonderful walk through the woods, then a lovely coffee Good choice of lunch ( tasty homemade soup) and cakes. We go every day we can and its been our lockdown saving grace. Thankyou Sarah and Lydia.

Visited with my family for lunch. The cafe doesn’t seem equipped to manage this so why offer it? Limited selection of jacket potatoes and rolls at very high prices for what you are getting; mark up for the location maybe? On the plus side their...

AUTUMN is definitely here and leaves aren't the only thing falling out of the sky! Rain dogged our visit to Thorncombe Wood so, when we rushed down the last section of path as the heavens opened, we felt we had earned a coffee at this...

No track and trace details taken, poor social distancing and too many barking dogs in there. On the good side, the tea was very nice.

We had a lovely light lunch carrot and coriander soup and a whole baguette with brie and ham. The bread was warm and gorgeous. Service was excellent.

How ridiculous that the cafe is only open until 4pm, especially during the summer months! I’ve witnessed many people being disappointed and bewildered to find the cafe closed so early after their afternoon walk through the woods or their visit to Hardy’s cottage. Moreover, my...

Popped in for a quick coffee before visiting Hardy’s Cottage. I was served by a woman with an unacceptably superior manner and who made me feel as though I was intruding and a nuisance asking to be served, whilst she continued to cut up cake...

The worlds smallest and most expensive paninis at the site restaurant. Disappointed and feeling ripped off. Snack for three came to just over £30.

I have been here before and it was better at lunch time although not much selection. This time I had a cream tea, one horrible scone (tasted stale ) only managed to eat half. A very small portion of clotted cream and strawberry jam also...

I visit this cafe quite often with friends and our various dogs and have always be pleased with the service and the food. The haddock and cheese fish cakes are my current favourite and the coffee is good too. I am impressed that, although I...

Visited on a very hot day with our toddler. We were ignored for at least 5 minutes whilst both ladies were making a fuss of a puppy. The puppy was not on a lead which was not helpful as my toddler is scared of dogs....

Despite being very busy at Lunchtime, we were served by smiling staff . We were given a tray with our coffees on straightaway, which we took outside with a table number so our fishcakes could be delivered when cooked. In no time at all delicious...

So this is my first review, but l was so disappointed felt l had to write a review. I decided to cycle with my mother who always wanted to visit the cafe. We arrived at 3.38, went inside, the shutter was down and were told...

Came for a walk in Thornecombe woods do decided to have lunch here before visiting Hardy's Cottage. Jacket potatoes were delicious and service was very quick. Good seating but as it was a lovely day we opted to sit outside. Lovely little cafe but off the main road so you need to know it's there, but there were quite a few people enjoying the sun and having snacks or lunch

Despite a beautiful setting and some great reviews below, this place was a let down. Staff were abrupt and a bit patronising, and the cream tea most disappointing . Scones weren’t tasty, don’t think they are made with butter and the jam was clearly cheap as it had a gooey texture with no fruit lumps. What a shame

Staff were not welcoming at the visitor center cafe, with a patronising attitude. Tasteless scones with jam and cream, wouldn’t recommend.

Visited today with a chap with disabilities and unfortunately we were wet and muddy and then spilled a drink. The lady who served us could not have been nicer about it all and was happy to clear up after us even though we offered to help.

I visited the cafe this afternoon for a cream tea and glass of wine. The scone was homemade by Lydia and was honestly the nicest I’ve ever tasted. The cafe was clean and tidy with plenty of inside and outside seating. The service I received was excellent! The waitresses, Steph and Jess, were so polite, friendly and efficient which made our visit lovely! We will definitely be returning. Thank you ladies!

After our lovely walk in the nature reserve, we popped in to Under the greenwood tree cafe, which is run by a mother and daughter team, who are very welcoming and friendly. We stayed for coffee and cake, and decided to have home made Dorset apple cake, which is ''to die for'', as the ladies say.! :-). They very kindly offered to heat it up, as that how it tastes best.! We were made to feel very welcome, and we could recommend this independent café, with its wonderful home made cake and eats.

Been here twice since New Year. Excellent light lunch on both occasions and good value. Very good atmosphere on both visits. Walks nearby, small National Trust (NT) shop inside. And NT property Hardys Cottage nearby.

This is where you buy your tickets (or register your entrance if you are a National Trust member) for Hardy's Cottage. Friendly staff, good home made cake and really decent food - including very good bacon sandwiches - are on offer. There is also a small National Trust shop.

Just wanted a snack! The only gluten free cake was ginger and treacle, so ordered that with a coffee. Had to ask the person serving to use clean tongs to serve the cake. I was asked if I wanted it warmed, but refused that. At a guess I would say they were warming the cake so that it didn’t look so stale. My piece was so stale I had trouble cutting into it to eat it.

Good range of snacks and lunches dog friendly cafe attached to the national trust visitor Centre for Hardy’s birthplace cottage

There was a timed entrance to Hardy’s cottage so as it was a wet day we decided to while away the time with a black coffee each.

Um café e suco de laranja natural com fatias de pão integral com ovos deliciosos vocês poderão encontrar. E se você estiver na companhia de seu cãozinho ele também poderá partilhar essa experiência familiar!

A lovely hidden gem. This café is well located, close to Hardy's Cottage and Thornicome Woods. The building itself is small, but fits well into the surroundings. The staff were friendly and helpful. The food was well presented and delicious. It was lovely eating outside on such a beautiful day! It was quiet, given the rural setting, yet there were hardly any flies/wasps around, which can be bothersome when eating outside. A great place to go to after a country walk in the woods!

Under The Greenwood Tree Cafe is situated within Hardy's Cottage visitor centre. It is a new building but fits in nicely within the area.

The café is in the National Trust Visitor Centre for Hardy's Cottage but not run by the National Trust. We were given a warm welcome at the hatch in this busy, modern building. The cappuccino was from a machine, rather than barista-made and the apple cake was chilled and rather solid. Both were disappointing.

WE come here quite often but I haven't made two visits before to the cafe in a single day.

The Under the Greenwood Tree Cafe staff member who served me was rude (to both me and one of her colleagues) and unhelpful - I was completely taken aback by her attitude. Subsequently I was flustered and paid without thinking, only realizing after we had left that I was either overcharged or a cup of tea and two glasses of tap water cost £5.50. I sent an email of complaint to the National Trust who replied immediately confirming that the cafe is independently run and overseen by Dorset County Council. They passed my email on to the cafe and council staff who apparently didn't feel my email needed a reply - I am told they thought it was just for their information.

A nice tea stop on a snowy spring day after a loooong walk. Good tea & hot chocolate, excellent cake (Victoria sponge). Friendly service. Dog friendly.

Called in between xmas and new year. Very busy so had to get take away coffee's. The smallest cups i have ever had and not even full up and £2.50 each, someone is making heck of a profit, felt ripped off and will not visit again.

We visited after walking in the woods and seeing Hardy’s cottage. Lovely cafe, relaxed atmosphere, delicious good, cakes very good, and a dog friendly place too. Nice to sit inside by the big picture windows and enjoy the scenery.

Lovely staff,good food very peaceful place if I was a local I would go here on a regular basis. The dark fruit cake was delicious.

We enjoyed an autumn walk in Thornecombe Woods followed by coffee and cake in the cafe. Fruit cake was delicious as was my wife's gf brownie. Service was efficient. The toilets were clean and the whole setting was pleasant and comfy. Would definitely recommend this...

It is great to have a cafe on the site of Thomas Hardy's Cottage and the cakes are lovely. However, the girls serving seem bored, reluctant and disinterested. The girl in the kitchen when we visited was constantly on her mobile phone and although she...

I recently visited this cafe with 2 family members. Pleasant location and ambience but the cafe staff were not very friendly but more alarming, I went to the counter to ask for more hot water in my tea pot and watched while a member of...

Llamamos para café antes de un paseo por el bosque y visita a la Casa de Hardy. Situado en el centro de visitantes, es una pequeña y limpia, con poco café, algunos asientos al aire libre, bajo un toldo encantador de los árboles. Disfrutamos de un agradable café y bollos de fruta, unas que nos preparó para el paseo a seguir.

Vamos a Thornicombe mucho bosque pero esta era la primera vez y la última en la cafetería. Súper básico menú, esperar siglos para que te sirvieran luego cuando hice la señora me dijo que no había café miserable café descafeinado, así que no tengo nada. Se sentó con alguien del trabajo y vimos las dos señoras que trabajan allí y me hizo miserable miserable ver cómo parecían! Ja! No te molestes, ni siquiera por la tarta!

Mi esposa es un experto en café y tarta de nogal y ella me aseguró que éste era el mejor ella tenía en Dorset. Yo tenía el pastel de frutas, que era húmeda y llena de fruta. Es una cafetería sencilla pero es un muy buen lugar para un aperitivo o pausa café cuando visitan Casa de Hardy.

THERE was a dense mist of bluebells almost everywhere we walked when we paid a visit to Thorncombe Woods near Dorchester.

After a lovely walk around the woods looking at the carpets of bluebells we decided to pop into the café in the visitor centre. We arrived at 3.24 pm in good time for tea and cake, or so we thought. When we arrived we were greeted by a young lady who said we are closing. I replied I thought you closed at 4pm as per the website. Closing time for the café is apparently 3.45 pm so don't be caught out. We decided to only have tea as we didn't have time for cake. To add insult to injury we were asked if we wanted cake however there was not enough time to eat it as they were closing!!! The shutters of the café closed at 3.42 pm!!! A nice walk spoilt by the way we were spoken too. Will try again earlier in the day, but if you want afternoon tea arrive by 3 at the latest!!!

Managed to buy the last cream tea of the day, as it was near closing time. More available if you get there earlier! Lovely situation, outside tables, free parking for NT members

This Visitors Centre is ideally placed for a stop off after a lovely walk in the woods or a visit to Hardy's Cottage. It has a small shop which compliments the themes of the area. It has a welcoming layout and is user friendly for disable folk, families and dogs.

First visit to this little hidden gem. Food was amazing, quick service and plenty to chose from. Jacket potatoes and sandwiches amazing.....will return when next over that way.

Modern and yet blends in so well in the woods and a good idea to have it well away from the cottage. Jolly nice people too

We have happy memories of walks then lunches, here. Beautiful woods and a well designed building housing the cafe.Lunches used to be v good. Wholesome, generous, well priced and charmingly served.Now it's different. The menu is very basic, with small portions, basic salad and the cakes look just like others in surrounding cafes, fresh from the wholesalers.However, one saving grace...... the decaf cafetière was delicious.

Got to the cafe after a very long walk with my brother who is not used to walking in the forest after his heart by-pass op. We had unfortunately taken a wrong turn and arrived later than we wanted. Was 11:53 and we were ready for breakfast but lunch starts at noon so we're not given the chance to order a bacon or sausage sandwich. We were just old a flat no. If I had not been with my brother, I would have walked out. I appreciate start stop times for different types of food but surely there can be odd exceptions made when politely asked! Still sitting here as I write - food, as usual standard ie good. Service however, really, really terribly lacking flexibility. It will be some time before I return. Will stick to Dorchester Taste, etc. Much better service there. Very disappointed.com

I agree with one of the previous reviewers- tables squished in along a line, with the large corner area empty.Unable to get any decaff coffee unless just your basic brew. Heaving the day we visited and too many boards up with no real menu to view. Only 3 loos for everyone visiting the cafe or the house or walking nearby so long queues.

We enjoyed a cuppa here before we visited Hardy's cottage , clean and tidy, enjoyed a cake as well . The National Staff member on duty at the desk on arrival was very inviting and helpful, giving us some helpful information.

Went into this café which is part of the visitors centre for Thorncombe Woods after a stroll around the forest. Inside, you have to walk past the small shop area to the café at the rear. You order at the counter which is more like a serving hatch. No real clear menu on display and far too crowded in this area with badly arranged freezers in the way. The biggest problem is the very obvious waste of space with the tables and chairs lined up like a corridor on the way through to the toilets and a much larger space across the room totally unused and wasted.Food is fine and other dishes I saw on other tables looked lovely. There is nothing else around so it is this place or nothing.I do like it overall but just feel it could be better designed inside.

encontrar un lugar donde sentarse a descansar y tomar algo luego de un largo paseo por el bosque y esta cafeteria cumple su funcion. Torta de frutos secos y una bebida en un lugar reconfortante y luminoso

We've been here since it opened with the dogs, who are sometimes treated to any sausages or bacon left from breakfasts! Sarah and Lyd make it family run, which with majority being homemade is a really nice touch. Different cakes everytime.Chatted to a few not happy with closing time but never bothered us, we like our morning walks best!! Sarah's told us before that undertaking the caf independently means strict rules to when it has to be shut and locked up.Best of luck on this place!

After a five mile walk in the Puddletown Forest we decided to finish with tea and cake at 'Under the Greenwood Tree'. On entering at 3.47pm the shutters were down but the cakes were still on show with a staff member cutting a slice for a customer to take away. Realising that drinks probably were not an option, when asked, I requested two slices of cake to take away. The reply was that they could only sell packaged cakes as they were technically closed. Gobsmacked!

If we are talking about cake - a nice little cafe and some reasonably priced food. Tea and coffee is nothing special I'm a coffee fan and this is near in instant stuff . To be fair I like it at the end of a walk in the forest and it's always clean and tidy. Watch out for opening times - they stop serving at 3:45 prompt, the shutters come down (literally). The staff are the issue here which really lets the place down, I've often heard them, usually rude or abrupt and the customers seem to be there simply to get in their way!! This can be forgiven as the cake make up for it. I've seen the staff remove cups etc and clean tables simply to get people to leave!! Would had been 5 stars if not for the staff.

Delicious decaf coffee and the yummiest carrot carrot I have ever eaten! A pretty venue with seating indoors and outdoors and friendly staff and owner. Lilly the dog was given two gravy bones so she would like to say this is her absolute favourite place to visit after a run about the woods next door.

Good setting with a variety of dishes and snacks for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. A National Trust shop also on site with gifts available.

I go with a friend for a walk in Thornecombe woods and then have lunch at the cafe. The staff are friendly and serve the food quickly. I had goats cheese on a jacket potato with a pot of tea. Be aware that they close around 3:45 so afternoon tea is early for me.

Super café offering great selection of dishes, what we had was tasty and good value. We were disappointed however to be ignored on arrival, after ordering and paying for the soup advertised on the board, we were curtly told 'you are aware that the soup is now......' This staff member let the side down as all the others were lovely.

Years ago we used to enjoy a walk through the woods finishing up with a coffee and a cake in the restaurant next to the car park.Unfortunately when this closed we lacked the icing on the cake to our walk!Now we can enjoy the bluebells and primroses with the idea of a leisurely visit to this haunt to complete our expedition.Pleasant staff and good coffee and cakes

This cafe is a welcome addition to the Thorncombe Woods/Hardy's Cottage area. I've visited several times for coffee but have usually ended up with a (big) slice of fruit cake too! I cannot comment on any of the other food as I've only ever had the cake which incidentally has always been delicious and home made. The cafe is very dog friendly with dog treats on offer, there is additional seating outside plus there are easily accessible toilets on site. The staff have always been friendly and polite. I would highly recommend this cafe.

this place is next to Thomas Hardy Cottage and woods and is a fantastic place to eat after visiting the cottage and walking the dog.

This is a must if visiting Dorchester , set in the woods it's the most delightful place to indulge in coffee and cake or indeed a light lunch , or both if you have been walking in the woods . Very close to Hardys Cottage another must see. Especially at Bluebell time it's glorious . It's fun for the kids and relaxing for the adults , I highly recommend it but keep it a secret or everyone will want to go there .

This is a small café on the edge of Thorncombe woods. We have visited 3 times now for the full English breakfast - going for a pleasant woodland walk afterwards. On each occasion the breakfast has been superb value. Good quality ingredients are used - and it all comes with a large plate of toast and a drink. Being a small place the menu can be somewhat limited but don't let this put you off.

Recently, we visited this new café for breakfast and were impressed. We both enjoyed a full English breakfast which was well cooked and the ingredients were top quality. Full English comes with a plateful of toast and a choice of tea, coffee or juice. This is a new café situated close to Thomas Hardy's birthplace and gets really busy, so be prepared to wait a little time. Good toilets and a little National Trust shop. Lots of outside seating which is great for dog walkers. Opens at 10.00 am 7 days a week. Highly recommended.

Popped in here today after our dog walk around the forest. Have been before, and again today had a lovely coffee and toasted tea cake each. Really pleased they have opened up, as it is a most welcome stop after a long walk. How do they do the tea cakes so hot? Much better than at home, and they taste good. Dog biscuits brought round for all the dogs present too, of which there were quite a few on this Thursday.

My wife and I visit this cafe very regularily as we live in Puddletown and walk through the Forest several times a week. Sarah, the owner of the cafe and her daughter work very hard to create a happy and friendly atmosphere. Please Note this is not a Town Centre 5 Star Restaurant but a cafe within the National Trust Visitor Centre for Hardy's Birhtplace where walkers etc. can drop in for a well earned cuppa, snack, chat and to rest weary legs. The food is all prepared by Sarah and although a little limited in choice (which is understandable due to location) is appetizing and fresh and of course you can enjoy lovely Bird Songs while you eat which really does give one the feeling of being Under The Greenwood

A really nice place! Good service and friendly people. Will surely visit again :) Nice walks in the surrounding forest and good toilet facilitys at the cafe.

Our walk today at Thorncoombe Wood (in truly horrible January wind and rain) ended up twice its planned length as a result of getting completely lost and ending up doing a complete loop of the Dorset countryside. Or so it felt.After two hours of slightly miserable, stressful wandering we arrived at Under The Greenwood Tree Cafe - rarely have we been so pleased to get under cover and sit down.Sadly, we'd missed the opportunity of taking full advantage of the menu (get there before 2.45pm if you want the full choice), but the homemade spicy sweet potato soup, lovely bread and really, really fantastic Victoria Sponge that we DID get to try was spot on. I could have done with a stronger cappuccino to fully revive me, but as muddy, wet and dishevelled as we (and the dog) were, we were welcomed and warmed through perfectly...

Great place- had lunch and breakfast while staying at Greenwood Grange. Dog friendly - nice staff. No room for what looked like lovely cakes!

After a walk around the woods on a damp November afternoon a nice relaxing place to si t & have a coffee.

After an early morning walk in Thornecombe woods we decided we had earned ourselves a cooked breakfast.We arrived at about 10.30hrs and the cafe was already busy.We ordered a cooked breakfast each which was beautifully cooked, not at all greasy, and hot drinks.We were tempted by the large homemade cakes, but decided not to indulge.The cafe is clean and the staff friendly. Inside the cafe is a small information area about Thomas Hardy, with leaflets etc.There is a handy car park a minute from the cafe. You can eat in or out, but most dog walkers stay outside.We can recommend the breakfast, but there is also a lunch menu and afternoon tea selection as well. A nice well run cafe, worth a trip out to it.

Thorncombe Woods are lovely to explore at any time of year - its such a shame that a beautiful walk is let down so badly by the Under The Greenwood Tree Café; the staff are unfriendly, unwelcoming and unhelpful and the refreshments mediocre. We visit the area often and have tried this café a few times hoping on each occasion that they would have got their act together. Sadly they haven't.

Unfriendly staff, coffee not great and hot chocolate very watery. I've tried this pj ace a few times and the service has always been the same. Cakes look lovely though

I nice Sunday morning treat after a walk in the beautiful woods.Took the family into the cafe for breakfast after a lovely walk in the woods, great food and friendly staff We will be back

Lunch with a group at Under the Greenwood Tree Cafe was a great addition to our walk and visit to Hardy's Cottage. Clean, bright with a very good, varied menu and helpful staff. Thank you!

We came to visit Thomas Hardy's cottage only to find it closed. But this wonderful facility was open and run by a couple of wonderful ladies who served us with wonderful coffees, teas and marvellous cakes. We were so happy that even when the rain stopped we decided to stay longer for some lunch. A wonderful place open all year round. Whether you are visiting Thomas Hardy's cottage, or rambling around the country side. The cafe is a clean, warm and very welcoming place for a snack, cake or a meal. Well done and thanks for a great day.

Only had tea so can't comment about the rest but it wasn't particularly outstanding. Had to ask for extra hot water and it only came in a small jug. But many places don't give extra hot water, so that's a tiny niggle. Considering it serves visitors to Hardy's cottage I would have expected something a bit more exciting.