Brewery Square Dorchester

Below is detailed information about Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset, a vibrant shopping, dining, and leisure destination

Overview

• Description: Brewery Square is a stylish, open-air redevelopment of the former Eldridge Pope Brewery site in Dorchester’s town centre, transformed into a lively quarter for shopping, dining, leisure, and living. Spanning 4.6 hectares, it blends historic brewery buildings with modern architecture, featuring a central civic square with illuminated fountains, amphitheatre-style seating, and a giant LED “Screen-in-the-Square.” It’s a family-friendly hub, just a 2-minute walk from Dorchester South train station and a short stroll from the high street.
• History: Founded in 1833 by Charles and Sarah Eldridge, the brewery moved to its current Weymouth Avenue site in 1879, designed by W.R. Crickmay (with influences from Thomas Hardy, who worked for him). After a 1922 fire, the brewery was rebuilt, closing in 2003. Redevelopment began in 2007, with Phase 1 (health centre, shops, apartments) completed in 2012 and the Odeon cinema opening with Skyfall.

Key Features

• Cinema:
• Odeon Cinema: A 3-screen cinema offering mainstream blockbusters, family films, and event screenings (e.g., opera, National Theatre Live). Smaller than multiplexes like Odeon Bournemouth, it’s praised for its intimate setting and clean facilities. Recent films include Wicked and Mufasa: The Lion King (2024 releases). In April 2025, expect family-friendly releases like A Minecraft Movie (April 4) or Disney’s Snow White (March 21).
• Tickets: Book via www.odeon.co.uk. Prices vary (~£8–£12), with concessions for kids, seniors, and students. Check showtimes closer to April 2025, as schedules update monthly.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces, hearing loops, and level access available.
• Shopping: Over 40 shops, blending high-street brands (Joules, Phase Eight, Hobbs) with independents (Woods Furniture, Avenue Interiors, Stems Florist). Notable stores include DAG Art Gallery, Belle Modelle, and Thomas J William (collectables).
• Dining: A diverse range of eateries, including:
• Chains: Nando’s, Wagamama, Zizzi, Pizza Express, Côte Brasserie, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Costa Coffee, Creams Cafe.
• Independents: Vivo Lounge, Curiositea, Deli Kitchen, Luciano’s (by Marco Pierre White), The Kitchen Bar.
• Bars/Pubs: Brewhouse & Kitchen (craft beers, brewery tours), Copper Street Brewery (family-run taproom with real ales like Shield Maiden), Hendover Cafe (daytime dining). Hub Box, opening in 2022, offers gourmet burgers and craft beers.
• Capacity: The square hosts over 500 diners on busy summer evenings.
• Leisure and Events:
• Activities: Anytime Fitness gym, The Great Big Escape (escape room), Margo & Mya (play café for kids), and a winter ice rink.
• Events: Year-round events include live music, markets, summer activities, immersive theatre, and family-friendly festivals. Easter 2025 (April 17–21) features free activities like QR Code Trails and egg hunts.
• Fountains: Multi-jet, illuminated fountains double as a splash pool for kids, a hit with families in warm weather.

Practical Information

• Getting There from Bournemouth:
• Car: 30 miles via A35/A354 (45–60 minutes). Take A338 west from Bournemouth, merge onto A35 toward Dorchester, then A354 to Weymouth Avenue.
• Train: South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Dorchester South (45–55 minutes, hourly, ~£10–£15). Brewery Square is a 2-minute walk from the station.
• Bus: Morebus X54 or National Express from Bournemouth Square to Dorchester (60–90 minutes, ~£8–£12). Alight at South Station; 2-minute walk.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible cinema, restaurants, and public areas. Disabled parking available.
• Parking: Ample pay-and-display parking at Fairfield (opposite) or Top of Town. Secure underground parking for residents.