Cool Place of the Day: Joe’s Cafe, Dorset

Every day, a new place to discover or explore from coolplaces.co.uk

A small boutique at the back of South Beach serving some of the best food in the area

Camp Bestival is almost upon us, taking place next weekend (28-31 July) in its gorgeous location at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. We love this area, and there is tons to see and do, but one place we always go to when we come down here is the National Trust-owned beach at Studland Bay, just across from Sandbanks. The sands are four miles long, the waters shallow and sheltered, and the sandy woods and heathland behind the beach is a haven for wildlife – and, when we get hungry, there’s Joe’s Cafe, one of the best beach cafés in the land.

Though little more than a shack at the back of the so-called “locals’ beach”, South Beach, it manages to offer the quality of produce that far larger establishments struggle to supply – from Purbeck ice creams to organic soups, sandwiches and salads – and the ingredients are all fresh and largely local or fair trade.

Perch on a bench overlooking the beach and enjoy the views. The café also lends out buckets, spades and windbreaks, and you can take a stroll down to Old Harry Rocks if you want to walk off your lunch. Finally, it’s worth knowing that during summer they host regular paella feasts every Friday evening at 7pm, weather permitting. Booking is essential.

Cool Places is a website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk).