The 1859 Pier Cafe & Bistro

Every aspect of our meals tonight here at 1859 was superb. I don't say that lightly. From the foundations upwards, the chips (best ever, not just me but everyone said that), the prepared salads, meticulously prepared top quality ingredients, the homemade coleslaw. And then the seafood, Dorset crab, prawn mayo, smoked mackerel, beer battered Gurnard, tempura prawns, salt pepper squid and chilli mango prawn, the pan fried seabass and also the hunter chicken burger, all excellent. This place is the little gem on the pier in Swanage.

Perfect location to enjoy any time of the day... Sit inside with views through large glass windows or if the weather is good lots of outside seating The cafe serves a wide range of food and cake and is licensed so you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage or a lovely cup of coffee... Perfect! I enjoyed a generous piece of coffee and walnut cake with an excellent flat white and my other half loved his Dorset Cider... So we were both happy. Service was a bit confusing as I didn't know whether to queue first or find a table but soon got sorted The cafe is part of an information centre as well which was very interesting... Kids will love the small aquarium complete with Crabs Fabulous views across the harbour, such a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by... You pay to go down the pier but access to the cafe is free... Loved our little visit here

Love this restaurant can’t recommend it enough! Visited today and had the most delicious food, in lovely relaxing setting overlooking the bay, with friendly helpful staff. Great gluten free selection of food, we had gluten free burgers with yummy gf buns, chips and coleslaw. They have a selection of gluten free cakes as well which is a bonus! We always book a table here every time we come to Swanage and are never disappointed. Thank you 1859 we look forward to our next visit!

Dropped by for lunch and saw the plates of delicious food for other customers and my toastie sandwich with salad was just as lovely. My friend had prawn salad which was a beautifully presented and she loved it. So much so we made the restaurant our final meal of the week destination and I wasn't disappointed when I ordered prawn salad too( I love pepper and didn't mean to shake that much on it!) . Too stuffed for dessert 😢. My friend had the fish selection and couldn't complain about it either. Beautiful setting and should be open other nights too as this is a secret that needs enjoying during the summer 🌅