Bunt Toast in Swanage was set up by friends Phoebe and Ashley back in 2024, who had grown up together and shared a passion for food.

Located on King’s Road East in the town, Burnt Toast also operates a catering service as well as a cafe.

Phoebe and Ashley spent time living in different countries, which opened their eyes to new ideas and flavours, which they took into Burnt Toast.

Phoebe (right) and Ashley set up Burnt Toast in 2024 (Image: Burnt Toast)

Options on the menu include a range of cooked breakfasts, granola bowls, burrata toast, French toast and warm cakes.

Meanwhile, the drinks have a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies and milkshakes to choose from.

Discussing why they set up Burnt Toast, Phoebe shared: “We wanted to bring something fresh and exciting to Swanage, keeping things simple but a bit different, with dishes that really stand out. 

“We also saw a gap locally, so we open our doors early to give people a place to grab a coffee from 7am, something the town was missing. 

Burnt Toast also operates a catering service (Image: Burnt Toast)

“Alongside the café, we also offer catering, and it’s grown into a big part of what we do with a busy year of weddings, parties, and events.

“Since then, it’s grown into more than we ever imagined.

“From queues out the door to a loyal community of regulars who visit us every day, Burnt Toast has become something truly special.”

How do customers rate Burnt Toast?

Burnt Toast has earned rave reviews from customers, with a perfect 5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 82 reviews and a 4.9/5 score on Google Reviews from 180 ratings.

Common factors highlighted across the reviews included its food, service, and atmosphere.

Plenty of people said they could understand why Burnt Toast was always busy.

One person shared: “An absolute gem of a brunch spot.

“Service was speedy and friendly.

“Extensive and interesting menu with some fun and unique dishes alongside the classics, and the dishes we picked were memorable for all the right reasons.”

Another wrote: “Amazing food, very friendly and prompt service.

“Brilliant breakfast brunch lunch menu.

“Wonderful atmosphere, we would highly recommend.”

A third posted: “Waking up on a sunny Sunday morning we headed off into Swanage to find somewhere to have breakfast.

“Well, I can only say, we came across Burnt Toast, they were very busy, which is always a good sign, but they managed to find us a table.

“We were not disappointed, the menu selection was simply amazing.”

Meanwhile, one customer was very impressed with their breakfast, as they wrote: “I’ve sailed and travelled the world and eaten some wonderful food, but I’ve just had the most incredible breakfast.

“The flavours, portion size, presentation, but again, the flavours!

“Wow!!!

“I’m sitting in Burnt Toast as I write this, and this is only my 2nd review of anything, the food is that good.”

What’s your favourite cafe in Dorset? Let us know in the comments.