There’s something so special about Autumn. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or perhaps the crunching of leaves beneath your feet as you watch shades of orange flutter from the trees. There’s something in Autumn for everyone – for us, it’s drinking a coffee whilst chatting with friends, admiring crisp air and bright colours from inside – it looks like if you made it to this blog, it’s the same for you too.
The difference between a bad coffee and a great coffee is huge, and since we’re local to the area, we thought we would be your virtual tour guide. So welcome, today we will be window shopping for the best cafes in Dorset this Autumn.
Just visiting Dorset? If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at The Priory Hotel.
Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.
Best coffee shops in Dorset for those cosy Autumnal days
Bournemouth & Boscombe: Urban Coffee Culture
Westborne (Maravi Coffee)
Our personal favourite…
At 42A Poole Road in Westbourne, Maravi Coffee is doing something different – introducing Dorset to the flavours of Malawian coffee. The venue has an airy, contemporary feel, with floor to ceiling windows flooding the space with light. Their coffee is hand-roasted in Dorset and the team takes pride in educating customers about the origins and production of their coffee.
Café Boscanova
Tucked away at 650 Christchurch Road in Boscombe, Café Boscanova is an eclectic establishment where the team roast, drink, and love coffee, with global tunes pumping into the atmosphere and a joyful jumble of caffeine-themed decor. This bohemian gem has built a loyal following for good reason.
The café is known for its exceptional coffee and scrumptious pancake stacks, offering an array of ethically sourced vegan and vegetarian dishes. The coffee is sourced from South Coast Roast, and the attention to detail extends from the espresso machine to the kitchen, where locally-sourced ingredients take centre stage. Don’t miss their legendary sausages from a local farm in Cranbourne – regulars rave about them being the best they’ve ever tasted.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with upcycled furniture and artwork creating a space that feels authentically lived-in. Whether you’re popping in for a quick flat white or settling in for a leisurely brunch, you’ll find yourself wanting to linger.
Espresso Kitchen
For those seeking a more intimate coffee experience, Espresso Kitchen at 69 Commercial Road is a cosy and quirky café adorned with vintage newspapers and surfboards hanging from the ceiling. Owner Fran, who hails from Italy, has created a space that captures the warmth of a traditional Italian espresso bar without the stereotypical dark roasts.
The café is popular among health-conscious patrons seeking raw, vegan, and gluten-free treats as well as coffee enthusiasts looking for high-quality espresso from various top roasters. Local roaster Beanpress Coffee Co supplies the house blend, alongside rotating guest coffees. The baristas here are passionate and knowledgeable, making it easy to see why locals consider this their favourite spot in Bournemouth.
Bridport: Colourful Coffee Culture
Soulshine Café
In the heart of Bridport on South Street, you’ll find Soulshine Café – and it’s impossible to miss. With gorgeous graffiti scribbled over the walls and a blackboard laden with luscious lunch options, Soulshine has many attractions, though the speciality coffee served shouldn’t be overlooked.
Extract Coffee Roasters supplies a stonking house blend to be savoured on espresso, while roasters from all over the UK make guest appearances. But Soulshine is more than just a coffee shop – it’s also a delicatessen, greengrocer, and juice bar, all under one roof. Everything is made fresh on the premises, from the cakes to the hearty lunch options, and the emphasis on locally-sourced, organic produce is evident throughout.
The space itself is deceptively large, with a sun-drenched front room leading through to a deeper back space and eventually opening onto a secluded courtyard – perfect for those seeking a quiet moment away from Bridport’s bustling streets.
Coastal Gems
Java, Swanage
Hidden down a narrow alley in a courtyard in Swanage, Java is a true hidden gem. The café is tucked away in a courtyard, and if you didn’t know where to look, you wouldn’t find it, which makes the space feel small and cosy instead of overly crowded.
The owner’s love of vintage items gives the café a unique character that you won’t find in any high-street chain. The café has a range of homemade cakes and light savoury food options such as a vegetable filo stack and a pasta bake with salad. The front door opens wide to blur the line between indoors and out, making it particularly lovely on sunny days whilst offering shelter when the British weather turns.
Further Afield
Coffee Saloon
Nestled on Haven Road, Coffee Saloon is a charming Deep South-inspired café with a team of passionate baristas dedicated to crafting exceptional cups of coffee using a carefully selected seasonal blend from Cornwall’s Origin Coffee. The American-inspired vibe extends to the food menu, with Western flavours dominating the dishes. It’s an unexpected find in Dorset but all the better for it.
Bear – Wimborne
Bear occupies a beautiful Grade II listed building at 71 High Street that once housed The Bell Hotel, a local landmark since the 19th century. Established in 2024, this is one of Dorset’s newest additions to the speciality coffee scene, and what an addition it is.
The venue opens from 8am on weekdays and Saturdays (9am on Sundays) and stays open until 9pm on Thursday through Saturday evenings, making it one of the few coffee shops in the area with evening service.
The setting in the heart of this historic town makes it an ideal stop whether you’re exploring Wimborne Minster, browsing the local market, or simply seeking a comfortable space to relax and watch the world go by.
Save Our List of Wonderful Coffee Shops and Cafes in Dorset
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What strikes you most about Dorset’s coffee culture is the commitment to quality and community. Many of these establishments use locally-roasted beans, source ingredients from nearby farms, and create spaces that feel genuinely welcoming rather than corporate. Whether it’s the ethical sourcing at Café Boscanova, the organic produce at Soulshine, or the Italian hospitality at Espresso Kitchen, each café brings its own personality to the county’s coffee landscape.
The scenery doesn’t hurt either. Where else can you enjoy a perfectly-pulled flat white whilst gazing out at the Jurassic Coast, or sip an espresso in a courtyard that feels like a secret garden? From the bustling streets of Bournemouth to the quaint charm of Bridport and the seaside beauty of Swanage, Dorset’s coffee shops are as diverse as the landscape itself.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re here?
Take a look at The Priory, in Wareham.
The Priory, a quintessential English hotel is the perfect rest after an activity packed day exploring Dorset. We have thirteen beautiful bedrooms with comfortable king sized, double and twin beds in the Main House, and four suites located directly on the RiverBank in our Boathouse. All guest rooms are finished to a high standard, individually styled to highlight their original 16th century character. Each room provides something special, whether that’s the gentle sounds of the river in our boathouse, or views over our breathtaking gardens and beyond to the Isle of Purbeck in the distance.
Our Autumn/winter escape rate is now live, so you can enjoy exclusive discounts!
