Argyll Cafe is a licensed café tucked inside Argyll Bowling Club, high on the West Cliff above Alum Chine, an easy walk from the clifftop path and one of the more local, low-key spots for breakfast on this stretch of coast. It's open to bowling club members and the general public alike, seven days a week, all year round.
The food
The kitchen keeps things simple and home-cooked: full English breakfasts, omelettes and an early bird breakfast (£2.95 before 11am) in the mornings, then lunches such as fish and chips, lasagne, beef and mushroom pie, pork loin in mushroom sauce, and a Sunday roast. Cakes, hot drinks and daily specials round out the menu, and there's a fully licensed bar if you fancy something stronger with your meal. Regulars consistently praise the portions and prices as generous and good value.
The view
The café's real draw is its position, cliff-top outdoor seating looks out over the sea toward the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks, and the terrace is known locally as a sun trap on a good day. Visitors often single it out as a quiet, scenic spot that feels a world away from the busier cafés down on the seafront.
Good to know
Argyll Cafe generally opens daily from 9am to 5pm, though hours can shift around bowling club fixtures and events, so it's worth calling ahead on 01202 762328 for a special trip. It gets busy, especially for breakfast and Sunday lunch, and booking is recommended if you want a table inside.
It's a genuinely local find, tucked away from the main seafront crowds. For more spots to eat nearby, browse our food & drink guide, or pair a visit with a walk down Alum Chine in our things to do guide.