All the toast you can eat!

Last week I discovered a village called Poundbury, an interesting but unusual 'extension' to Dorchester, which Prince Charles and the Duchy of Cornwall helped create. 

There's an amazing array of houses and shops in numerous styles, which look attractive and almost too good to be true, which makes it all feel a little unreal and left me feeling like an extra on 'The Truman Show'. It would be fascinating to know if Prince Charles' has been to Disneyland and if Poundbury is his idea of Utopia...

 ...my idea of Utopia is the amazing 'Butter Market Bakery', which I visited while I was there.

This attractive café styled on an old Market Hall, is round with a high vaulted ceiling.  Entering through large doors you emerge into a large, airy space occupied by long, heavy wooden tables and benches. 

Blackboards and friendly staff advise you what to do, as initially it feels like you've just come down stairs in your friends house after staying the night and you're not sure whether to help yourself or wait to be served. But once you catch on, it's a fun - if you fancy boiling your own eggs or making your own toast with their fantastic bread, that's fine or if you would prefer a cooked breakfast, they will do that on the grill at the back of the room.  

I have to admit that I did succumbed to a deliciously crispy, pain au chocolat, which I helped myself to from a selection of perfect pastries. 

What's not to like? Rustically sophisticated, laid back and welcoming. No fuss, no frills, just great coffee, delicious pastries and all the toast you can eat!

Unfortunately their website is still under construction but in case it becomes live soon, the address is http://www.ourbakeries.com/

For more information about Poundbury, click here.