If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cappuccino while gazing down one of the most famous cobbled streets in England, The Salt Cellar in Shaftesbury is where you’ll want to be.
Perched right at the top of Gold Hill, this café and bistro combines homely cooking with jaw-dropping views across Blackmore Vale.
It’s the kind of place where you can happily linger over breakfast, lunch or just a pot of tea, watching the world stroll by.
Inside, the space feels warm and welcoming with its wooden floors, stone pillars and reddish ceiling.
The walls are dotted with local artwork, and those window seats? Highly prized for the sweeping outlook down Gold Hill.
The menu is full of hearty favourites.
Their Full Breakfast is a winner, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast that sets you up for a day of exploring.
Homemade pies are another speciality, like the pork and apple version that locals rave about.
If you’re more in the mood for something lighter, the ciabattas and paninis go down a treat.
The grilled chicken, chorizo, peppers and mozzarella combo is especially tasty.
Of course, no one can resist the lure of a Dorset Cream Tea here, fluffy scones, jam, and lashings of clotted cream.
Pair that with a hot drink, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon well spent.
On sunny days, grab a seat outside. From there, you get the full Gold Hill experience, the iconic slope below, cottages tumbling down the street, and the green sweep of Blackmore Vale beyond.
Breakfast with that view is something special.
Plates of scrambled eggs, toast, mushrooms and tomatoes taste even better with the valley spread out before you.
Pop inside after your meal and you’ll find their little gift shop. Shelves are filled with local keepsakes, mugs and artwork celebrating Gold Hill – a lovely way to take a piece of Shaftesbury home.
The Salt Cellar is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and it’s dog-friendly too, so your four-legged friend can join the outing. It does get busy, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is wise.
Come for the food, stay for the view. No one ever leaves disappointed.
📍 2–4 Gold Hill, Shaftesbury SP7 8LY
For more info, check out their website here.
