Shabby-beachcomber-chic!
The best places to eat are always those unexpected cafes or restaurants that blindside you. We saw a handwritten sign on the way to Portland Castle with the kids, blink and you’ll miss it. It mentioned something about pizza and did it say Billy West? Billy Whizz? All we knew for sure was even if the food was a bit rubbish the view would be great as it seemed to be right by the water’s edge on the causeway between Weymouth and Portland in the Ferrybridge Boatyard. We were wrong on both counts. The view was AMAZING and the food was far from rubbish.
You know when you come across a cafe or restaurant that’s off the beaten track, is a bit crusty around the edges but serves incredible food and you want to tell everyone about it but there’s a part of you that doesn’t want to because you want to keep it a secret all to yourself? Well, Billy Winters’ Bar and Diner is just that place. Commanding one of the finest views in Dorset, overlooking Weymouth Bay and Portland, a dozen or so feet from the sea, it’s an unpretentious affair, housed in an old pre-fab building that’s seen better days. Actually that’s not true. Whatever it was before I’m pretty sure these are it’s better days if the food and decor is anything to go by.
Inside it’s shabby-beachcomber-chic and laid back funk on the stereo but there’s nothing knowing about this place like some hipster surf shacks, this is the real deal. Outside is a hodge lodge of wooden seats and tables made from old pallets and a sign excusing the tattiness of the furniture, a ‘work in progress’ it proclaims.
And the food? Blimey Charlie is all we can say! We were there for breakfast. Bacon, crushed avocado and eggs on toast smothered with black pepper and homemade Harissa paste on the side anyone? The morning staples then but with a welcome refreshing twist. All local ingredients too. If lunch and dinner as as good as this (and I’m assured they are) then BW’s Bar And Diner is going to become the Dumpling family’s beachside cafe of choice.
Opening times are eclectic at the moment, in keeping with its chilled vibe, so double check before visiting. We’ll definitely be back!
You’re still reading this? Why aren’t you down there?
BILLY WINTERS BAR AND DINER
T: 01305 774954
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-winters/447463715414031
Dorset Dumpling 