Restaurants in Dorchester available to rent
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Restaurant to Rent in Dorchester

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Find the right Restaurant for your business in Dorchester

Retail / Shops All Commercial Spaces in Dorchester
More details for Brewery Sq, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

Brewery Sq

Dorchester, DT1 1QR

  • Retail to Let
  • £55,000 pa
  • 2,894 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now
  • Energy Performance: B

Dorchester Retail to Rent

A Grade II Listed premises, arranged over ground floor and basement with an outside seating area with frontage to The Square and Fountain. The development sits on the site of the former Eldridge Pope Brewery which operated from the late 19th century until the early 21st century. The scheme features a range of amenities, including residential apartments, office space, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and leisure facilities, all set around a central public square. The design of the development seamlessly blends the historic architecture of the original Brewery with modern, contemporary buildings creating a unique and exciting environment. The development is home to a number of well known retailers and occupiers including Waitrose, Zizzi’s, Nandos and Pizza Express, as well as a range of independents shops and restaurants. The development also features a state of the art Odeon Cinema. Dorchester is the County Town of Dorset and is situated approximately 30 miles west of Bournemouth, 8 miles north of Weymouth and 24 miles west of Poole. The A35 around the south of the Town provides good road communications eastwards to the A31 and M27 and westwards to Exeter. There is a mainline railway station approximately 200m from the property which provides services to London Waterloo. There has been a surge of development activity in the Town including the Duchy of Cornwall’s celebrated development known as Poundbury and Brewery Square, a mixed use development in the Town Centre.

Contact:

Savills

Date on Market:

10/07/2025
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More details for South St, Dorchester - Retail to Rent

Tudor Arcade Shopping Centre - South St

Dorchester, DT1 1BN

  • Retail to Let
  • £22,000 - £27,500 pa
  • 790 - 2,618 sq ft
  • 2 Units Available Now
  • Air Conditioning
  • Restaurant

Dorchester Retail to Rent

Tudor Arcade links the prime section of pedestrianised South Street with the main Car Park serving the town. The scheme is anchored by Waitrose. Retailers within the scheme include Farrow & Ball, The Works, Grape Tree, Timpson and Isha Body Jewellery.

Contact:

Grice Collins, Long Ltd

Date on Market:

19/09/2025
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Restaurants to rent within 10 miles of Dorchester

More details for 3-4 St. Thomas St, Weymouth - Retail to Rent

Duke Of Edinburgh - 3-4 St. Thomas St

Weymouth, DT4 8EW

  • Retail to Let
  • £30,000 pa
  • 449 sq ft
  • 1 Unit Available Now

Weymouth Retail to Rent

The Duke of Edinburgh, known locally as the House of Sound, is a long-established public house situated in Weymouth. The premises comprise a substantial ground-floor trading area with additional upper-floor accommodation, offering a total internal area of approximately 1,346 sq ft. While the property retains a strong identity and a loyal local following, it now presents clear signs of wear and requires refurbishment to restore it to a modern operational standard. The principal trading area consists of a generous open-plan bar space capable of supporting a comprehensive drinks operation. The bar counter provides ample capacity for multiple taps, local ales, and refrigerated storage. The layout allows for efficient customer flow and offers flexibility for future reconfiguration. Adjacent to the bar is a commercial kitchen. Although structurally serviceable, the kitchen requires attention and updating to meet contemporary commercial catering expectations. A small raised performance stage is incorporated within the main trading area. This feature is central to the venue’s longstanding reputation as a hub for local musicians and live entertainment, and it remains a key asset of the premises. Customer WC facilities are located on the first floor. This level provides an additional 266 sq ft of internal space, which may offer potential for alternative use, subject to appropriate consents. Options could include storage, staff facilities, or ancillary customer space. The Duke of Edinburgh offers a sizeable and adaptable premises with a strong cultural association within the local community. Although the property requires investment and refurbishment, its established identity as a live-music venue, combined with its generous internal layout, presents a notable opportunity for redevelopment and enhancement. The Duke of Edinburgh operates as a privately owned public house with no ties, leases, or contractual associations to any brewery. The premises are fully independent, allowing for complete autonomy in product selection, operational decisions, and future development of the business. The Duke of Edinburgh is located in a central and accessible position within Weymouth, set close to established residential areas and within easy reach of the town’s main amenities. The surrounding area benefits from steady footfall and a strong local community presence, providing a reliable customer base for both daytime and evening trade. The pub’s position also offers convenient access to nearby transport links and the wider town centre.

Contact:

Symonds & Sampson

Date on Market:

24/07/2026
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LoopNet UK Dorset Restaurants To Rent in Dorchester, UK

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Frequently Asked Questions About Renting Restaurant Space in Dorchester

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What should I consider before renting restaurant space?
Location, visibility, footfall and accessibility can have a major impact on a restaurant's success. It's also important to assess the size and layout of the premises, kitchen facilities, extraction systems, delivery access, licensing requirements and any restrictions on trading hours. Understanding the total occupancy cost, including rent, business rates and service charges, can help you budget effectively.
What lease lengths are typically available?
Restaurant leases are commonly offered on terms ranging from five to fifteen years, although shorter agreements and pop-up opportunities may also be available. Before signing, review any break clauses, rent review provisions and repair obligations carefully.
Do I need planning permission to open a restaurant?
The premises must have the appropriate planning permission for your intended use. While many restaurants operate within Use Class E, planning requirements can vary depending on the property and the nature of the business. If you're unsure, check with the local planning authority before committing to a lease.
What licences are required to operate a restaurant?
Requirements vary depending on the business. In addition to registering with the local authority as a food business, you may need a premises licence if you plan to serve alcohol, host entertainment or operate beyond standard trading hours.
Are business rates included in the rent?
Business rates are usually charged separately from rent unless the property is offered on an all-inclusive basis. It's important to confirm exactly what costs are included before signing a lease.
What is key money?
Key money is an upfront payment sometimes associated with taking over an established hospitality premises. It may reflect the value of an existing fit-out, fixtures and fittings, goodwill, or the benefit of securing a desirable location. Whether key money applies will depend on the property and transaction structure.
Can I take over an existing restaurant?
Yes. Some properties are available as lease assignments or come with an existing fit-out already in place. This can reduce setup costs and shorten the time required to begin trading, although it's important to review the condition of any equipment and understand any obligations being transferred.
What should I look for in a lease agreement?
Key areas to review include permitted use, repair responsibilities, rent review provisions, service charges, signage rights, alterations and any restrictions on trading hours. Professional legal advice can help ensure you fully understand your obligations before committing.
Can I renovate or fit out the premises?
Many landlords allow tenants to undertake fit-out works, but significant alterations will usually require prior written consent. Depending on the proposed changes, additional planning or building regulations approvals may also be necessary.
How much does restaurant space cost?
Rental costs vary depending on location, size, condition and local demand. Prime high street and city centre locations often command higher rents, while secondary locations may offer more affordable options. It's also important to budget for fit-out costs, licences, deposits, utilities and business rates.
What features should I look for in a restaurant property?
Requirements will vary depending on your concept, but common considerations include kitchen and extraction facilities, customer seating capacity, storage space, delivery access, outdoor seating potential, visibility from passing traffic and proximity to complementary businesses.

Find More Restaurants to Rent in and Near to Dorchester on LoopNet

Dorchester Restaurant Rental Market Summary

Key rental metrics for Restaurants in Dorchester and comparable markets. This snapshot combines rental rates and typical space sizes to provide a comprehensive view of the rental market.

Market Avg Rent Per Sq Ft Typical Size
Dorchester £12 2,361 sq ft
Weymouth £50 449 sq ft
Yeovil £13 1,706 sq ft
Poole £28 891 sq ft
Wimborne £15 1,069 sq ft

Rent Analysis for Dorchester Area

Compare rental rates per square foot across cities near Dorchester. These rates help establish market benchmarks and identify opportunities for tenants and landlords in the commercial rental market.

City Min Rent Per Sq Ft Avg Rent Per Sq Ft Max Rent Per Sq Ft
Dorchester £9 £12 £14
Weymouth £50 £50 £50
Yeovil £13 £13 £13
Poole £25 £28 £31
Wimborne £15 £15 £15

Available Restaurant Sizes Near Dorchester

Overview of Restaurant sizes currently available in the Dorchester area. Understanding the typical size range helps narrow your search based on space requirements and operational needs.

City Smallest Space Typical Size Largest Space
Dorchester 1,828 sq ft 2,361 sq ft 2,894 sq ft
Weymouth 449 sq ft 449 sq ft 449 sq ft
Yeovil 1,706 sq ft 1,706 sq ft 1,706 sq ft
Poole 206 sq ft 891 sq ft 2,517 sq ft
Wimborne 1,069 sq ft 1,069 sq ft 1,069 sq ft

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