Olivers

I loved this place. The decorations and atmosphere were what tempted my boyfriend and I through the door amazing character and charm with overgrown plants, art deco tiles, and green bottles on wonky shelves. Plus, despite the busy buzz, there was a choice of spaces to sit. The tea was generous a large pot for two (non of this tiny cup for a small fortune business). The florentine was large and gooey and delicious, the fat slab of apple tart was gobbled in an instant. The service was efficient, friendly and relaxed no feeling of having to leave as soon as we’d finished. I would recommend and return for sure. Thank you

I have been dropping in to Olivers for years. It is my place of choice in Sherborne for a nice cup of coffee with delicious cakes or a light lunch. The atmosphere is very relaxed with huge tables to share with others or more intimate alcoves for two if privacy is important. As it is a mobile free zone the background noise is quiet conversations or the rustling of newspapers which are available to browse. The young ladies who take orders at the counters are polite aqnd efficient and serve large portions of cakes. I particularly recommend the Dorset apple cake served warm with clotted cream. The coffee is lovely, served in a cup or mug, not of the strength of Costa but that is how I like it. There are a wide variety of teas and cold drinks. I have tried other cafes in Sherborne and they just do not match the atmosphere or surroundings. This is not a new, smart, shiny place with low leather sofas (they are around everywhere!). Olivers has character and its own style of seating and serving which works well. The only two reservations that I have are firstly the long queues that appear at busy times. However, as each person is treated in the same unhurried way and the queue is a sign of its popularity, the food and service are worth it. Similarly the owner who flits in and out and sometimes passes the time of day with some of his customers while ignoring others, can be regarded as a bit of a Basil Fawlty which only adds to the charm of the place!!!

Ja auch Deutsche essen hier gerne den Hausgebackenen Kuchen. Ob Apple– oder Carrotcake, Fruitscones oder dem starken Kaffee, wir fanden es hier sehr nett. Zumal wir auch für einige einheimische Besucher, die ersten Deutschen waren die Sie getroffen bzw. aus der Ferne beobachtet haben. :o)

Okaywhere do I start You order and pay at the counter here and then find yourself a cleaned off space at the old table in the front room or at one of the many places to sit in the back two rooms. The coffee is okay. Not great. I’ve been in here for coffee more than several times, hoping it’ll get better, and it doesn’t. I like the casual atmosphere, the ability to grab a newspaper or a book and just lounge around anonymously — no waitress to bother with, and no waiting for tables — there’s always enough seating. But there’s always something missing — the coffee is just always okay. The pies and cakes in the glass display case by the front door always look better than they taste. The lunches smell good but always seem bland. And, the dishes seem like they’re not washed properly. Several times, I’ve had to ask for a different mug, one without the grandma pink lipstick stain on the rim. The loo. ugh I won’t even go there (that’s a pun, isn’t it?!). SoOliver’s could be a great place if they tried harder. As it is now, its mediocre at best, which is too bad, because the informal coffee shop where you can be comfortable and visit would be so nice in Sherborne if it was done with a little less bland and a little more flairand washing up liquid.