Symondsbury Kitchen has reopened following refurbishment work that has refreshed the interior of the much-loved café.
After closing for a short period to complete renovation work, the café reopened to guests in late January with an updated look.
“The aim has always been to create somewhere people feel comfortable spending time. Whether that’s stopping for coffee, sharing a meal with friends or simply taking a pause during the day. The refresh allows the space to evolve while keeping the warmth and character people know,” said a spokesperson for the café.
The refurbishment introduced natural colour tones inspired by the surrounding landscape and aligned with the Estate’s Fern Green branding. The interior has also been updated with new furniture and improved seating arrangements.
A newly added breakfast bar provides a flexible setting for casual meals, coffee breaks or working remotely.
The redesign reflects the estate’s rural setting while encouraging visitors to spend more time enjoying the café environment.
Symondsbury Kitchen first opened in 2013 after Julia and Philip Colfox completed extensive restoration work on the building. The café is located within the historic Symondsbury country estate.
The building had previously fallen into disrepair following the end of farming operations before being restored by the Colfox family and adapted for use as a café.
Over the years, Symondsbury Kitchen has become a favourite meeting place for walkers, families and residents. More than a decade later, it continues to welcome visitors from across West Dorset.
The café maintains a strong family-friendly focus, offering books, games and drawing materials for children to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Its menu continues to follow a seasonal farm-to-fork philosophy, highlighting locally sourced produce and good value dining.
Food options include breakfasts, toasties, daily specials, salads, fish pie, homemade cakes, speciality coffee and a dedicated children’s menu.
Now fully open again, Symondsbury Kitchen continues to offer a blend of heritage, seasonal cooking and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.

