Anyone who remembers the old Eldridge Pope brewery site knows how far Brewery Square has come.

What was once a derelict station with boarded-up eyesores is now a cluster of Grade II listed buildings, restored with real care.

The old Stationmaster’s pub has transformed into a craft beer destination with the Brewhouse & Kitchen microbrewery.

And as commuters and visitors hurry further down Weymouth Avenue, they might not realise what treasures lie within reach, just over the wall.

But those in the know head straight for the hustle and bustle of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

Brewery Square is alive with couples on date nights, getting glow-ups at the hair and beauty salons, and fitness fans squeezing in a workout.

Families can spend a whole day here — popping into Nikki’s Little Play Cafe, catching a film at the Odeon or testing their wits in the escape room. Finishing with dessert at Creams Café is a must!

Independent businesses are the beating heart of Brewery Square, giving the destination its distinctive character.

Many of the traders here are Dorchester born and bred, some with family ties stretching back to the original brewery itself.

These 25 small business owners take real pride in looking after their customers and offer a personal touch you won’t find on the high street.

Jessica Dow, who supports events and marketing at Brewery Square, says: “There are local entrepreneurs and family businesses working day and night here.

“Spend your money here and it stays in Dorchester. Each purchase helps write the next chapter of their story, supporting the staff and suppliers who share in that journey.”

Wander the square and you’ll find shops with their own story behind every door.

Halo Fine Art, once purely a gallery, is currently being refurbished into a bridal shop that will keep its artistic roots at heart, a sign of how the Brewery Square keeps reinventing itself while holding onto what made it special in the first place.

Elsewhere, shoppers can happily lose an hour browsing the shelves for something one off, a gift for someone special, quirky, vibrant gems that you won’t find replicated on the average high street.

You can even take your pooch for a mooch, laughs Jess. “Have you seen the dog cafe? MUTT Everything Dog is one of the new independents we’ve recently welcomed. It’s very unique!”

Opened by dog lovers, it’s a cafe with a joint human-and-dog menu, a bakery of gourmet treats, a shop of hand-picked accessories, and even private soft-play sessions for pups who need a bit of confidence building.

Food and drink runs right through the square’s DNA. Meet friends for coffee, sit down to a proper meal, or a takeaway and find a spot by the fountains.

In the evening, the square shifts gear entirely, with restaurants filling up and bars pulling in a crowd who fancy something a little different from the usual high street pub.

Entertainment is never far away either. For families, it’s less a shopping trip and more a full day out, helped along by a run of seasonal events, from Halloween trails and the Christmas light switch on (November 28, so save the date!)

Many love to just sit and soak up the atmosphere, especially when the multi-jet fountains drawing crowds through the warmer months.

And it’s not just food and shopping. Insiders will tell you Brewery Square has quietly become a wellness destination too. Treat yourself to a beauty appointment, take part in a fitness class, or drop in for a chiropractic session alongside the cafés and restaurants, so there’s a reason to visit even on the days you’re not planning to eat out.

“Brewery Square is a lifestyle,” says Jess. “Food is just the start. There’s a whole lot more going on.”

Couples are just as well catered for. Book a table at Zizzi’s for a celebration, then move on to drinks at XO. In warmer months, grab lunch or a takeaway and find a spot by the fountains to sit and watch the world go by.

Jess sums up the Brewery Square experience simply: “It’s a place to spend time, not necessarily just going out.”

Brewery Square history

The history of Brewery Square begins with a man named Charles Eldridge, who became the landlord of Dorchester’s Antelope Hotel in 1831.

The business was sold to Edwin and Alfred Pope, who renamed the company Eldridge, Pope and Co and officially founded Dorchester Brewery.

The Victorian and Edwardian brewery buildings were designed by WR Crickmay, for whom Thomas Hardy worked as an architect until 1872, when he became a full time writer.

The most well-known ales produced at the site were the Royal Oak and Hardy’s Ale.

Modern day Brewery Square has attracted local and national brand name shops including Phase Eight and Hobbs, restaurants including Cote Brasserie and Wagamama, and a 76-bed Premier Inn.

“There is so much history here and everything’s been restored quite uniquely”, reflects Jess.

“We’ve got Grade II listed buildings which you won’t find at any other shopping centres.

“Look out for Drummer, the bronze dray horse who stands guard near Weymouth Avenue.

“He’s a gorgeous tribute to the last working horse at Eldridge Pope Brewery and a reminder that beer barrels once rolled through here on wagons, not delivery vans.”

Getting to Brewery Square is just an eight-minute train ride from Weymouth, with bus links and Beryl Bike bays right on site, plus convenient parking in Fairfield short and long stay car park across the road.

“We’re so easy to get to, with loads of transport links,” says Jess.

There’s also more to look forward to before the countdown to Christmas even begins, Jess and her team have a summer send-off planned.

Dust off your cowboy boots for Country in the Square on Saturday 19th September, a full day of live music, line dancing and open-air entertainment running from 1pm to 9pm.

Expect sets from Deadwood & Whisky, a Zach Bryan tribute and The Wild Hearts, plus a country market, face painting and with a Vivo Lounge pop up cocktail bar and Santos & Co beers available on tap in the Square. Table bookings at the surrounding terraces are open now, or turn up and join in for free.

“Halloween’s next on the calendar, with trails and little surprises dotted around the square to get everyone exploring,” says Jess.

So next time you’re passing along Weymouth Avenue, don’t just walk on by. Look behind the wall and see what Dorchester’s been hiding in plain sight.