About BRewery Square
Dorchester’s favourite place to shop, eat, relax and enjoy
Right in the middle of Dorchester, you will find Brewery Square…A little bit of everything, all in one place.
Shop the latest styles, grab a bite to eat, catch a film, or unwind with a coffee in the sunshine.
Home to a brilliant mix of independents and big name brands, there’s something for every taste and every occasion. You will find health, beauty, fitness and wellness all on your doorstep, alongside restaurants, bars and cafés perfect for everything from brunch dates to evening drinks.
With one hour of free parking, Dorchester South train station in the Square and bus stops just a short walk away, getting here is easy and staying a while is even easier.
Our History
Founded by Charles and Sarah Eldridge in 1833, the company built the Green Dragon Brewery in Dorchester in 1837. Soon after John Allen Pope came into the partnership, and production moved to the Mariners Brewery, the latter still visible in High West Street, suppling taverns, inns and station hotels along the south coast.
In 1879 two of John Allen Pope’s sons, Alfred and Edwin, opened the Dorchester Brewery in Weymouth Avenue, with its own water supply and access to the adjoining south coast railway line, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. By the end of the 19th Century the company owned 97 freehold pubs from London to Exeter. The company became the wine supplier to Queen Victoria and was one of the first to be awarded the Royal Warrant. Throughout the remainder of the 19th and into the 20th century Eldridge Pope continued to thrive even after a fire in 1922 when much of the Brewhouse was destroyed. The present Brewhouse was rebuilt and reopened 2 years later. Alfred Pope with Thomas Hardy at the Brewery in 1899The companies two most well known ales were ‘Royal Oak’ and ‘Hardy’s Ale’, in recognition of Dorset’s most famous writer.
When Eldridge Pope sold the site in 2002 the company was still managed by Christopher Pope, one of the great great-grandsons of John Pope.Dame Judi Dench once played Sarah Eldridge in ‘Entertaining Strangers’, originally a community play in Dorchester about an outbreak of cholera, with the brewery coppers used to boil bedclothes to help halt the disease.
“The Dorchester Brewery, which is certainly the finest specimen of architecture in the district is an imposing structure combining the useful and the beautiful to an eminent degree.”
Alfred Barnard, 1889
Eldridge Pope & Co Ltd
The Victorian and Edwardian brewery buildings were designed in an exuberant style by W.R. Crickmay, for whom Thomas Hardy worked as an architect until 1872 when he became a full time writer. Some of the architectural details suggest that perhaps too much beer had been consumed at the drawing board.
Our Mission
Bringing People Together, One Visit at a Time
We aim to deliver a refreshing blend of retail, hospitality and entertainment while championing local businesses and providing exceptional experiences for our visitors.
With community at our heart, we’re committed to creating a space that’s vibrant, inclusive and full of life.
A place where stories are shared, memories are made and the community thrives.
Dining
Nando’s, Wagamama, Cote, Pizza Express and much more. There’s something to satisfy every craving! Whether you’re after a relaxed café, a casual bite, or a full sit-down meal, our restaurants provide the perfect setting for friends, family, or a solo treat.
Retail
Shop at an exciting mix of independent boutiques, antique shops and national brands, including Phase Eight, Hobbs, Loco Loves, Memory Lane & Woods. Find fashion, accessories, homeware and gifts.
Events
We host events throughout the year, such as live performances and community gatherings. Find out about our events on our discover page or social media. Why not make a day of it – eat, shop, explore and enjoy.
Brewery Square Retailers Map
Security at Brewery Square
Safe, Secure, and Peace of Mind – Every Day
Brewery Square is supported by a full time security team, with radio links to a dedicated office that monitors CCTV across the site. All apartments benefit from secure, CCTV-monitored parking, alongside a 24-hour concierge and security office to assist both residents and businesses. The office is located at the Concierge Office, 3 Copper Street, Dorchester DT1 1GH.
Opening Times
Brewery Square is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering unrestricted access to our public spaces and amenities.
Individual Store Opening Times
Please note that opening hours for individual shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within Brewery Square may vary. For specific opening times, we recommend checking directly with your chosen venue or viewing their dedicated location pages, where detailed hours of operation are clearly displayed.
Trusted by the
people all over the UK
