We called in at an eatery called Vivo Lounge Cafe Bar in Brewery Square, Dorchester, on our way back to Bournemouth, as we knew it was dog friendly.
We couldn't fail to miss the cafe as there was a 12ft statue of a dray horse outside! It was by artist Shirley Pace in memory of the dray horses that worked at the local brewery. She modelled it on a dray horse called Drummer, who was the last horse based at the brewery in the 1970s.Source It's not very often I'm out after dark, but for coffee and food, I made an exception!
It had quite an industrial look inside with its factory lights, walls, and old style radiators. I was intriguid by who the people were in the photos on the wall, but I was told they bore no relation to the place whatsoever, just random pictures.
It was quite busy, so my friend ordered everything on her phone app. I'm a bit more old school and would have queued up, but I was pleasantly surprised when our black americano coffees arrived within a short space of time.
It wasn't long before our halloumi burger, chicken burger, and chips arrived either. I was quite impressed.
The lit candle was a nice touch, but I did have a close shave with the candle and the paper menu. I didn't want my first visit to Vivo Lounge Cafe Bar to go up in flames! If I go there again, I will have to take note of where the fire extinguishers were. Overall, it was lovely food and drink with pleasant staff and a big shout out to the phone app!