Little Red Roaster in Poole

Best tasting coffee in area that is well made. Whether that's a glass white, Americano or something else. Nice selection of generously filled bagels. The salt beef with mustard and gherkins is a particular favourite. Also a good selection of cakes and other treats, with some homemade and delicious. Friendly and efficient staff, and with reasonable prices.

We visited with our 2 young kids, on a friends recommendation. We had coffees, smoothies and cakes. This is a tiny little place so don't expect a huge array of stuff to eat, there isn't the space to display tonnes of cakes etc. The bagels looked incredible (loved the uniqueness of coffee and bagels as a concept) and everyone eating them on tables nearby looked really happy with them. The pastel de nata was gorgeous and the coffee was the best we have had in a really long time, and we REALLY like coffee. Staff were really friendly and easy going with our kids which is always a plus. They were quick off the mark to come and clean a table we sat ourselves at (which we hadn't even noticed was dirty). Others came in and ordered takeaway asking if they could sit for a short while with their coffees and they were told this was no problem. The negative reviews below don't match with our experience! I'll be back for sure.

A quick visit on the way to a meeting! Great friendly staff, good coffee and a nice chilled place! Surprising reading the other reviews!

As the title says, probably needs a rating between average and very good. Average is a bit harsh but very good is a bit generous. I'll explain why. There is parking on the road right outside the shop, but it's limited. There is a large carpark behind the premises within a short walk, so you're better off parking here We visited for breakfast as 4- 2 adults and 2 children. I'd read good things about their bagels so was looking forward to it. The bagels are all pre-made. I'm sure they are pre made on the premises (so technically homemade) but what you see is what you get. For example, a double sausage bagel with spread already in the bagel will set you back £5. It's already precooked (I assume for speed) so it is then warmed to serve. It did taste good, but doing it this way means there is absolutely no deviation from what's on offer Something as simple as not having spread can't be accommodated (or couldn't when we asked) because they've already been made. Same for any amendments in ingredients. So really if you're going for bagels, be prepared you get what you're given (and what's left). There is a decent selection of coffee available and that was the highlighted. Tasted really good. Previous reviews have mentioned rude staff. I wouldn't say rude, but the place is clearly well used by locals who know the workings. We arent locals and just popped in passing. There was a feeling of "god, don't you know how things work". Not rude by any stretch, but far from warm and welcoming. Again, better than average but not very good Overall, food was decent, coffee was fab, prices were reasonabl, just didn't live up to expectations

We visited today after hearing a mixture of reviews and can definitely state this is one to miss! When I politely asked the blonde barista if it was possible to sit inside, I abruptly got told no, the tables are too close together and to order and take away. We were not looking to have takeout coffee but felt so inclined that we did. We were then told to ‘go outside to wait’ in the pouring rain!!!! At this stage another couple walked in and sat right down on a table and then got abruptly told to leave by members of staff, upsetting the lady to the point she left cursing, proclaiming never to be back! The whole experience was ridiculous and embarrassing the only thing that made up for it was a decent balanced cup of coffee which I cannot complain about!

Love this little cafe in Poole - super friendly staff, cracking bagels (sourced locally) with delicious fillings. The coffee is top notch too. It’s the first place I visit when in Poole.

The atmosphere is so relaxed. No rushing and I feel very comfortable alone or with friends. The food and coffee are always top class. Thank you

All very well having good quality well roasted coffee but when you do not know how to make a flat white then its all a waste. 63°–68° C PLEASE get it right

A little haven for dog owners and walkers, this friendly little coffee shop offers a wonderful range of coffee, bagels, homemade cakes and snacks for their human visitors and little treats for their canine friends.

This a great little coffee house that is ideal for a lazy Saturday morning brunch. They an interesting collection of delicious food.

If you are a coffee freak then do not miss a visit to the Little Red Rooster where the coffee is really excellent

Nice spot for a breakfast and coffee situated in central Ashley Cross. A wide range on the breakfast menu and the coffee selection is also good. Friendly staff and great service.

Always great coffee and cake served by lovely ladies once again thankyou for a great stop off and refuel

We visited today for tea and cake. Unfortunately it was a really bad experience. The place was busy and service slow. Our coffee was just warm and the cake was so sweet that we could only eat half. When we tried to raised our concerns with the waitress she had a bad attitude and kept us waiting for ages. She then suggested that our coffee was only cold because we hadn't drunk it quickly enough and that she didn't know what to do about the cake as we had eaten quite a lot of it. Her attitude was dreadful and she basically appeared not to want to do anything about our issues. My mother is 81 and frail and it was unpleasant and embarrassing being treated this way in front of many customers. We said that we couldn't eat the cake but she suggested that she wrap it so that we could take it home to avoid giving us a refund. I did ask if there was a manager available but apparently not. In the end we negotiated a refund for the coffees and left. Obviously profit comes before customer satisfaction. I am shocked and appalled at her bad attitude. She was not interested or empathetic in any way and made us feel really uncomfortable. So beware- don't ever complain about anything at the Little Red Roaster. I think you can always judge a place by how they deal with problems. After all nowhere is ever perfect. We will never ever go back.

It might be a little place but that is part of the charm. This quirky cafe offers a great range of teas and coffees for someone looking for quality refreshment. There wasn’t a whole lot available in food since it was Sunday afternoon when we visited, but the cakes were delicious.

We visit here often, it’s a perfect little place for a hot drink and piece of cake. The breakfast bagels are also superb! A great atmosphere and dog friendly too!!

I visited today as Mark Bennett’s across the road was unexpectedly closed. It is very cramped inside and I had to share a table with someone. The seating - while clearly part of the vibe and decoration there - is very uncomfortable and I think they need some softer chairs. The staff were polite. This is definitely a dog lovers place - dogs are allowed inside, and therefore, are everywhere. I saw a waitress nearly trip on a dog while serving. If you don’t like dogs under your table.. you’re doomed. The coffee itself is actually nice, but I couldn’t imagine having coffee with a friend here, due to the cramped and busy atmosphere, and the likelihood of their not being a table to sit at. I felt rushed to finish and leave, as people were waiting around for tables with their dogs.

If you are particular about your coffee look no further than here. Good friendly helpful service always and wonderful coffee.

Called here early one morning for a coffee and Danish and was pleasantly surprised. It’s very small but has a very hipster vibe and a much more extensive menu than I expected. The americano coffee was really good and the Danish pastry top notch too. If you get here early enough you can park right outside

Just what's needed, a small intimate restaurant, no pretention, good value and lovely staff. Definitely recommend

Characterful little place full of regulars. Tasty brownies & rocky road to nibble with the best flat white in Dorset.

Dropped the car off for a service and walked into town, felt a bit peckish so fired up tripadvisor and found this lovely little place as highest ranked in vicinity so decided to try it. It’s listed as a breakfast place but is not your conventional type. Everything comes in bagels. The quality is absolutely amazing, great food, simple yet well prepared and an iced latte hit the spot perfectly yesterday. Would definitely go back

We sought out this coffee shop for our first flat white on our arrival in Poole after completing our final section of the SWCP. Lovely decor inside; friendly service and a pretty good flat white coffee, although a slightly bitter roast which precludes me from awarding the fifth star. That said, I’d certainly return here on a future visit.

I am a regular at the Little Red Roaster. I rarely get coffee from anywhere else, because the coffee here is the closest you get to drinking it in Italy, and the staff are so lovely. If I can't get to the Roaster for my coffee fix, I usually drink tea instead!

I use this cafe for a lot of my meetings as its a quiet, relaxed with genuinely lovely and friendly staff. The food is delicious and more up my street when it comes to the menu than most other coffee/sandwich shops as its more interesting and the coffee's awesome. I try and stay away from the cakes but they look good too! My favourite cafe in Poole and Bournemouth :)

This is always good for a visit although, to my mind, better for snacks than lunch. There is a wide selecion of coffee and the cakes are usually good. Staff are friendly and approachable.

Went in to grab a coffee with my mum, went in at 4:20 when it says it is open till 5 and the open sign was on the door. Got rudely told that the kitchen was closed when all we wanted was a coffee. Will not return here again and will never recommend this coffee house. Friendly... I think not.

Good coffee. Interesting decor. Some seats are from an old theater. Cakes were nice. One of the better coffee shops in the area.

Specialist coffee house and micro-roastery selling its own range of freshly roasted single estate and single origin coffees as well as rare teas, fine chocolates, and outstanding home-made bagels, pastries and hot dishes. I was working nearby this place for around 12 months and literally went every day for coffee and a bagel I highly recommend a visit if in the area and in need of a coffee.

Roasted in house, choice of many beans on display Try their Bagels with Cream Cheese & either nuts or Avocado, very yummy Some great homemade cakes The Hot Chocolate is to die forever

I don't like to hate on independent places and the coffee was wonderful but there was a death in the air and that was emitting from the older woman behind the counter that must be the owner because the 2 younger ones were cool and Bubbly! It was like she was being punished for being there! Like a head mistress on a school trip! Haha! music should have been louder that may have drowned out the negative vibes. But saying all this the coffee is great and out of the 3 times Iv visited the coffee has always been great hence the reason I still gave it a 4 stars. Maybe it was just a bad day for her, you don't know what goes on in people's lives so I will be coming again. Smile! FYI: why not sell freshly made croissants & pastries from independent bakeries? Italian style... No offence but bagels are not the way forward.

Quality of food is always good and coffee is the best.The atmosphere is great and staff always very friendly.

It's always a pleasure visiting Little Red Roaster. The coffee is the best in town. The staff are always warm and welcoming. I really like the bagel menu, which are made fresh to order. Highly recommended.

This cafe produces the best coffee, especially my favourite Flat White, in this area. In addition the staff are friendly and helpful and there is a great selection of bagels and pies. My favourite it the breakfast bagel - good quality sausages. Visit and enjoy

We popped in for a coffee and had a cheeky caramel shortbread too, which was delicious. We sat in the window, and the only downside was the seats were not comfortable. But for take away or a coffee and cake it's hard to beat.

Popped in for a light lunch. Had a bagel with bacon, tomato and guacamole- absolutely delicious. My friend had a breakfast bagel with bacon,egg and sausage. The coffee is freshly ground and you can also buy the coffee beans. Very friendly efficient staff.

The coffee here is really excellent. The variety of different coffees available is great and it is served by knowledgable staff. The bagel menu is also very good with a great selection that appears to cater for all tastes. What a treat to have found this place!

great coffee and cake served by great staff have always ennoyed going for coffee and cake, Not to self the sausage bagels are great

A quirky venue in Ashley Cross. I chose an Ethiopian filter coffee which was very good. Perhaps a touch pricey but worth it over Starbucks and Neros etc.

This is a little bit odd as nothing seems to match and they sell pottery, pictures and other things but it is very interesting to look around and the coffee is very good.

Amazing coffee, locally roasted by the coffee house. Lovely atmosphere and old music played via vinyl. A little nirvana.

Great cafe. Do yourself a favour; forget the chain shops and drink some real coffee. Great customer service. Fantastic coffee.

I visited for a film which was a one off for the Purbeck Film Festival. It was a great atmosphere with self husband and lots of more regular customers who clearly all were very much at home. My husband's bakewell tart was really good and my sorbet certainly exceeded expectations as they say. I'll be making the effort to visit a bit more often now after this trip back to what is a very popular and much loved venue.

I regularly visit for the amazing bagels, brownies and great range of teas. The atmosphere is laid back but the service is always excellent. I highly recommend it next time you are in Ashley Cross. I don't drink coffee but it always smells amazing!

Charming place. Best coffee in the Cross by quite some way - real depth of flavour. Comfy seats to chillout in for a few hours. Recommended.

Called in at Little Red Roaster yesterday and had a lovely pot of Earl Grey tea,my friends had coffee,which they said was just as nice.The cakes look delicious but I'm on a diet The staff always make you feel welcome,and you are permitted to take your dog in!!!! The best thing of all!With so many people around here having dogs I will always try to spend my money in cafes that allow dogs inA lovely spot to take in the Park view .

We stopped here for lunch but were too late at 3pm but we stayed for coffee and cakes. Very nice place although was very quiet. Have been here before and had one of there extensive range of filled bagels. Would recommend.

This place is right on our doorstep & we love it!! The coffee is excellent, nice & strong!! The atmosphere is always very relaxed. The cakes are so yummy, especially the chocolate brownies & caramel shortbread!!

If I was being a tactical I would leave a bad review to ensure this little haven of tranquilly and niceness always had a seat for me, but I just can't do that.This place is great, the coffee and food are excellent, the staff are genuine and fun and the customers are very laid back, quirky and fun.If you are looking for a place to be seen and pose then this is not for you, but if you want great coffee, great service and to relax with freinds this is the place, or simply go on your own and be made to feel welcome and soak up the ambience and drink coffee to die for!

Great coffee, buzzy atmosphere, just a nice ambience. Great staff, good attitudes, helpful and friendly. Easy to park normally, nice park area opposite.

What a great little visit at a great little coffee house the little red roaster. The decor is rustic and artistic, the service eloquent and friendly, the drinks and food modern and delicious and prices homely. We went with our little 21month old and they had toys and books for her age and older, they even gave her her own babyccino (hot chocolate) for free. After just one visit it's already our favourite, we'll be back as often as possible!

Eclectic decor and a mix of furniture and clever displays make this an interesting and cosy spot for coffee and a chat. And most importantly excellent coffee.

What a great little hideaway! Terrific coffee with good barista staff & a good selection of cakes. Homely atmosphere & very un-pressurised. My go-to for beans.

My husband & i always grab a coffee to take away when off for a beach walk. They have an excellent barista & staff are friendly. We haven't eaten here yet, though will soon, the menu looks great.

Love this place ! Great bagels, great coffee, great atmosphere . Lovely for meeting up with friends :)

We are here basically weekly; wonderful coffee, world's best fresh bagels, and a great friendly atmosphere. And not expensive on top. This place will keep seeing us for many years

I don't get down there often enough but I ALWAYS go at least once for a coffee. Such a wide variety of world beans to choose from. They make the coffee them selves and I never realised what a long process it was...what we take fro granted eh! Anyway it is a lovely place beside pretty park...give it a go.

Visit this cafe on a regular basis and though it may be small the coffee and food is delicious. I used to barista at a cafe that sourced the same coffee so I know how to make a good cuppa and I must say the 'beanpress' coffee is my favourite, especially the rocky road blend. They offer a variety of breakfast or lunch bagels which you can select an array of fillings and what type of bread. I would say to go there 'off-peak' as you will be lucky to get a seat, however if your used to going to wagamamas then sitting next to people shouldn't be an issue, we're all human anyway! Lovely place and well recommended.

This is a wonderful, quirky cafe with friendly, knowledge staff. The homily pie is my favourite, but it all looks great.

They do not sell a little red rooster, I asked and I had the name wrong all along. I felt like such a wally I ordered a latte and sat down in shame. You maybe wondering what the latte was like.. that's for me to know and you to never find out.....well since this a re view site.. It was lubberly.

We've visited here for around two years now and their coffee is amazing, you can buy it roasted and or ground to take away too! The staff are always friendly and the bagels are amazing!! Small inside so limited seating but a great cozy little coffee shop.

I always drag the kids here for lunch. Great bagels, recommend the smoked cheddar. Good Coffee too. Always like the relaxed atmosphere, much less of the Henry Lloyd, park your Porcher on the pavement gang here than the other coffee shops in the cross.

Visited with a friend for a quick drink and bite to eat. The staff were friendly and there was a great selection of drinks on offer. The coffees available are not just your regular coffee you find in many places. They do some lovely bagels and cakes! I liked the atmosphere of the place, the colours give a warm feel and it's quite quirky too. The prices weren't bad either. It may be a little on the small side, but it has plenty of character. I look forward to visiting again!

The best coffee I have tasted outside Italy. Why bother to go to chains like Starbucks when you can support local businesses this good?! The place could have been a little warmer however and maybe some slightly more comfortable furniture.

Boyfriend has been living in Poole for a few months now & has had his eye on this place. We finally visited for bagels & coffee on a Sunday morning & it lived up to our expectations. Friendly, welcoming staff who were knowledgeable & did a great job of making recommendations when I was overwhelmed by bagel choice (I had cream cheese, halloumi & tomato on a seeded bagel. It was perfect.)

Popped in for a cup of coffee as his seemed to be a specialist coffee shop...clearly from the name! Not disappointed. Perhaps the best cup of coffee I've tasted in at least a couple of years. Recommend for the coffee. Staff helpful and pleasant. Quaint and quirky setting, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Eclectic, comfortable, relaxed decor, lots of interest with games, instruction about coffee, grinding, roasting and more. Offers a range of coffees and usually has a guest coffee to try.

We visited here last month. Service was good, friendly. Coffee also nice and good quality. They use Thai famous coffee, Doi Chang as well. Would recommend and definitely go back.

Small, independent coffee shop. Quirky seating and great atmosphere. Loads of different coffee types, friendly staff and lovely cakes. Note that cakes are not baked in house so cannot advise if made with nuts.

I love this place, it has good ambience, staff and above all great coffee at a fair price. I definitely recommend it to coffee lovers but not for those who like the chains (Costa, Nero's, Starbucks etc.

I am a regualar visitor to the Red Roaster. Lovely cafe that serves great coffee and always has a good selection of cakes and lunch options.

Very relaxed little place - bakewell slice was delicious. Pot of tea was HUGE! food looked great - will be back again to sample more

Had two delicious coffees here this afternoon, so tasty and love that you can pick your bean. Well priced in comparison to chain coffee shops for a better taste. Staff are friendly and decoration is kitsch and fun. Only tiny downside is that it's quite noisy (lots of loud toys provided for kids) and the loo is next to the kitchen so very hot, humid and a bit greasy but this can't be helped I guess. Overall well worth a visit we will be back again.

Tucked away in Parkstone is a quirky little cafe offering freshly roasted and ground coffee, bagels and cakes (and if you're very lucky and are in there on the right day, the chance to get your picture painted and displayed by a resident artist - we keep looking but none of us yet!)Would highly recommend this place for a take away coffee or for a bite to eat any time of the day!

Excellent breakfast cooked to order. Like the teapots and cinema seats. Made to feel very welcome. We especially enjoyed the sausages. Really good quality coffee as well. The selection of cakes looked great, but we couldn't cope at 8.30am! Maybe next time.

Fantastic selection of quiche! Been here a few times and it's always good. Always so tasty and the staff are very friendly!

I love this place, very cosy and it has the best bagels ever. I sometimes stop by for a takeaway bagel, very naughty but they are delicious!

Strange place, wouldn't recommend anything about this place. The decor is messy, the chairs/seating is uncomfortable. Didn't try the food but the coffee was horrible. Not impressed and wouldn't visit again.

Ordered a flat white with a shot of syrup, received a cup of warm milk with a splash of coffee no syrup (was charged for). Really disappointed, the shop looks so inviting with its interesting decor and cosy atmosphere, it's a shame the coffee didn't live up to it's reputation. The staff seemed really disinterested, hopefully it was an off day and not a regular occurrence.

This is a lovely little spot in Ashley Cross. We are not fans of the bagel, but these were lovely - we had bacon and sausage respectively ( brunch) , with really good coffee - newspapers and wifi provided. Recommended.

Found this coffee shop a few months ago and have had weekly visits since. I love the decor and atmosphere, such a unique little place. I haven't eaten here (yet) but the coffee is great!

The are so friendly such an amazing range of Bagel's happy for the dogs to be in there Wonderful homemade cake, they will open that extra little bit when you arrive as they are closing to make you a take away coffee They make a Mocha to die for a great range of teasThink this must be the best coffee shop in Poole if not DorsetThank you for such great service

In a town with more than it's fair share of excellent coffee places, this is one of the best. It's a small, quirky cafe by the green in Ashley Cross. The staff are welcoming and very enthusiastic about their coffee. They offer interesting bean varieties to try and buy, which is a bonus. Add to that their great cakes and it's well worth a visit.

Great little coffee shop, fine coffee for coffee nerds with friendly & helpful staff. Fantastic will be back for bagels

I stop here once a week or so and have an early breakfast and excellent coffee. Service is always friendly and the coffee is always excellent. They have eight different beans none of which is run of the mill which you can have as a freshly made filter or the usual choice of espresso etc. The ready made filter is always good and the beans used change from day to day.

The coffee is always really good and you can buy it in or take home bags of coffee grounds beans in whatever form you need to have it at home. They also do good bagels and cakes which is nice for a light lunch or an afternoon snack. It does fill up on the weekends but a table will usually come free shortly. Finally the staff are always friendly and happy to serve you.

Glad my friend chose to drink, sit and chat here. Stirred a block of chocolate into very frothy milk to make a yummy and bit different chit chocolate. Other flavours too!:) friendly helpful staff

This is the place to come if you want lovely, filling bagels (they don't skimp on fillings) & the brekfast bagel is the best!!It gets very busy on the weekends so we tend to have take-outs, coffee & cake are lovely aswell.Dogs are allowed which doesn't bother me but could put some people off.Reasonably priced and a great place to come, even better if you manage to get a table!

Great selection of coffees to choose from and amazing homemade cakes and savouries. Would definitely recommend a wedge of Rocky Road and the quiches were delicious too. Very unusual not to be able to order a Diet Coke though - no sugar free soft drinks are available. But fab service and sure we will be returning

I have always enjoyed the very best cake here but on this day I was starving and looking or something savoury. I didn't realise that the kitchen had been closed for over 40 minutes already. The chef was within earshot and insisted it was no problem to put something together. Out came a delicious Hommety Pie accompanied by salad and home made chutney - all at a ridiculously low price because it was 'thrown together'. I made up for their generosity in the tip box but wow, how lovely to receive such kindness. Thank you, it made my day. To the owner please appreciate your staff :))

Best coffee for miles around, great bagels love the berry special, good atmosphere and friendly staff

I've been several times for the coffee only, but the last time there were two large dogs, tail wagging over tables and the roasting machine and heads/tongues on tables, and all this with food being served. Not for me anymore unfortunately as the coffee is high quality.

This little eatery in Ashley Cross is a little gem - it's a coffee house and micro-roastery, offering an immense variety of different coffees and teas. Together with an amazing variety of bagels and the most delicious home made quiches served with a variety of salads including delicious home made coleslaw.It lacks the pretentious attitude of most of the surrounding eateries in Ashley Cross in fact the staff were friendly and couldn't be more helpful and patient when we kept changing our order! Great place to relax with a great coffee.The prices are also not pretentious in fact very reasonable for the most delicious coffee, salad and cake. They also have gluten free products and an amazing looking breakfast!A great discovery - we will be back.

Takeaway before your train journey or sit in a comfortable environment. Nice cakes, great coffee. Free wi-fi. Sorted.

Have used this several times in the past week. A place for coffee connoisseurs! Have not tried the food, but interesting menu. Highly recommended for coffee alone.

I've been going to the Little Red Roaster for a couple of years now and it's been very consistent. To start with, their drinks (both teas and coffees) are of excellent quality. There aren't very many seats inside and, as I normally go on a Saturday, it is always busy!They have excellent bagels. My favourites are the smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers bagel, as well as the chilli dog bagel.The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is great. One of my favourite places to go for a coffee around Poole.

First visited this charming cafe a year ago with my friend and was very pleased to return this year. Cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, great coffee, good food and very reasonably priced. I loved it.

Came for coffee and cake on Monday, nearly tripped over a smelly dog's tail which really should not have been allowed so close to the food counter. Couldn't eat my cake as it was doughy, we mentioned it very politely only to be rudely told by the foreign waitress that was how it was meant to be. She kept saying that she wouldn't be charging for the cake but we didn't get a refund!!Very strange behaviour! Won't be going back.

This is one of the few places I have been where they roast the beans on site. The choice is huge, coffee from every corner of the world, prepared the way you want it. A wonderful experience in an establishment that makes you feel at home and relaxed. If you like good coffee then this is the only place you ever need to visit.

Met with some friends - lovely coffee - nice place. Staff could be more 'interested ' though! Will go back.