The best restaurants serving British food in Shaftesbury Central North Dorset South West

They sell themselves as "A restaurant with rooms" and that gives a mere hint of what they're REALLY about here, firstly, the rooms are beautiful, clean, & well maintained, their location literally couldn't be any better, just on the edge of the very lovely hill-top medieval town of Shaftesbury, it's a two minute walk into town and we'll worth a visit in itself, now then, the nitty-gritty, the food, OMG! I'm based in Leicestershire, and now I know how good the food is here, I can tell you that I would drive the 161 miles straight there for a feed here, no exaggerating, all three courses of my evening meal were absolutely stunning, the aromas, the textures, the sheer depth of flavours, I'm not gushing am I ? LoL Anyway, Don't take my word for it, get booking! You won't regret it

Really good quality food. Good size portions, reasonably priced with friendly staff. Also available a good gluten-free range.

I went to the ridings cafe with my mum today There today I had a latte which I really enjoyed It was one of the best latte I have ever had Also I had a raspberry crumble which I also really enjoyed it was one of the best rasberry crumble I have ever had in the whole wide world The staff that work there are very kind lovely friendly The service there is very good amazing wonderful I had a very lovely experience there today at ridings cafe This place gets it's very first 5 out of 5 star rating by me Enjoy reading your google review by me Have a lovely rest of your day 5 stars all around

Very friendly service, always a great breakfast. Can’t fault

The cafe definitely feels like it’s in an institution - it has a feel of a church/hospital/AgeConcern cafe. It’s in a multi-functional building that houses the prison’s learning centre, on the second floor. It was originally opened to serve prison staff and visitors, but is also open to the general public 10-3 (kitchen closes at 2). It’s simple food - jackets, baguettes etc and is fine. We were served by two very hard working ladies - no sign of any inmates and no “HMP” stencil anymore on the cappuccino (as was shown in someone’s post). You could forget you were in a prison, the few reminders being bags, mugs, aprons etc with the Jailhouse logo on. It’s a great cause (rehabilitating prisoners) and worth supporting if in the area and in need of a simple lunch.

Great with dietary requirements and amazing scervice.