The beach cafe is in a commanding position looking out over the sea and has outdoor seating. Serves snacks and meals, it is a very nice place to eat. There is wet weather indoor space as well. Adjacent car parking is run by the National Trust and only free to members. read more

Believe the hype at Hive. Our party of 3.5 (3 adults, 1 toddler) made our way over here on a blowy Saturday July morning for the breakfast essentials, and despite a healthy queue (it's counter service) Hive Beach Cafe delivered the goods in fine form. It's counter service. Weekend breakfast begins at 10am. At that time a swarm of dwellers will descend upon the counter to make sure their breakfast is accounted for. Join the queue and patiently wait (it moves pretty fast and they are very friendly and efficient). Grab a tray, order your menu items and coffees/teas, pick up drinks, sit down, grab cutlery/water/napkins, wait, food arrives. It's really all rather smooth, honestly. In fact, I'd venture to say I like this way BETTER than table service. No tracking down the check when you are ready to depart, just up and leave. Bravo! The Farmhouse Breakfast was gorgeous (see photo) and the Belgian Waffles with bacon and maple syrup were divine (though our toddler was hesitant to share, I don't blame him!). Brother in law enjoyed the Benedict and basically licked the plate. My flat white was intense and necessary. Everything was, simply put, perfect. On a nice day there are plenty of outside seats and its perfectly placed nearly ON the beach, so the views are stellar. It is the only thing around for miles, so enjoy it. The setting is pristine. If its rainy and windy (which it was), the covering is quite sufficient and seats many "inside." All this for about £50. Our best meal in the area, would definitely return. read more

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This is my heaven on earth, this is a lovely beach; it hasn't the softest or finest sand but you just have to go there. After working the summer my wife and son meet me there after work, most weeks and it's the best day of my week. The foods wonderful, I always have the fish n chip, I know the rest of the menu is wonderful, but it's got to be fish n chips at the seaside! read more

This place made me rethink 'fish and chips'. Their batter is so light and more akin to a tempura-style taste. And their mushy peas are made with fresh mint and taste so fresh and yummy. In my opinion you won't find a better spot on the Jurassic coast for an ice cream and a walk on the beach. Nice outdoor seating at the Hive Cafe but come early on a sunny day it fills up quickly. read more

Sister restaurant to Watch Tower in West Bay. Same excellent breakfast options but with better views. Had the full English Breakfast, loved it (though it does not come with toast). The restaurant is more exposed to the elements so bring a coat or sweater to keep warm on the windy day. read more

Thought would treat myself with a crab but they've run out of them! A portion of Scallops (with salad and delicious bread) has been the right choice. read more

Great location right on the beach (free parking if your in the national trust). Superb place to enjoy a hot chocolate and watch the world go by, which included kites aplenty and parachutes passing by during our visit! read more

We only popped in for a hot drink but I know Hive Beach Cafe has an excellent reputation. All around us people were tucking into fresh fish, lobster, crab. Ah! I wish I'd had an appetite, but I was just windblown and in need of something warm to drink, somewhere protected. They have bags of homemade biscuits (cookies, Americans), and cake that you can buy or have shipped (no less. their popularity obv. ranges far and wide). Lots of lovely families, grandparents in tow and couples enjoying the end of a sunny day. It's really a special spot and worth the visit - as Colleen's said below. read more

Glorious spot on a lovely beach stuck between Burton Bradstock cliffs and Chesil Beach in the distance. The cafe is well sheltered from the winds and with an immense view on the Atlantic. The food is local, fresh and delicious. It's all about fish and seafood: I recommend the crab and the plaice wholeheartedly. read more

A Sunday visit about 2 o'clock. There were spare tables but we were left queuing for nearly 20 mins. Some talk about catching up with orders but also we heard they had received a call to accomodate a party of 18 so presumably the later was true as they chased the money. They didn't make any friends with the growing amount of people front of shop. The food is good but over-priced. They have not improved the management, operation and staff to cope with the number of customers. Good luck if you go in the holidays! read more

We had read about this cafe and were looking forward to it. The food was good although when we arrived, having booked earlier in the week we were a bit confused as to how to order, where to order and from which menu. We were not welcomed at all. My scallops were excellent and the other three diners with me enjoyed their meals. I do object to having to queue to order and help oneself to drinks when it wasn't apparent how to get the bottle tops off.I dislike plastic glasses, although my husband had a glass for his wine. My meal was £16.95. I think with that sort of price one could expect to have napkins and cutlery brought to the table and not ghastly little sachets of condiments. People sitting beside us let their meals get cold waiting for cutlery. read more

The Hive is a very busy up market beach cafe, we often have trouble to getting a table in the summer months, but the food is worth the wait. A mass of fresh local fish dishes, and well received 'good' sausage and the like. It does have the monopoly as the nearest alternative pub or eatery is a good walk away from the beach, therefore the costs are relative ! In the quieter months its well worth a visit gor a simple but luxurious hot chocolate after a windy walk on the beach. Great family cafe, if a little hectic. read more

We come here every time we come down on holiday beach location is amazing the food is amazing and very fresh di get really busy but worth the wait read more

Very nice location. Can be very busy in the Summer so you may have to queue but don't worry, the table move quickly - though this can be annoying as people do hover when you're nearly finished. Food is always good and fresh and there are nice walks before or after. Car park is National Trust and there is a charge in the summer. read more

Don't let the canteen-style queuing and city prices - and summer weekend crowds - put you off. Shiny fresh see-before-you-order fish, hearty soups, waist-expanding cakes like Grandma used to make and the best coffee for miles make this worth the detour. And if that isn't enough, there are few views to beat it - The Hive does what it says on the tin ie Beach (its right on it) and Cafe. A favourite for this fussy local. read more