Love Your High Street Week

Monday, November 17th, 2025 Love Your High Street Week 2025

Last week, from 10th to 16th November, Dorchester celebrated Love Your High Street Week. A time to recognise the importance of community and the key role that independent retailers and small businesses play on our high street. This year, we’re celebrating the town’s unique character and highlighting some of the newest arrivals in Dorchester town centre.

Olive and Wilde Interiors

If you’re looking for inspiration or something truly unique for your living, retail, hospitality or workspace, Dorchester has recently welcomed the wonderful Olive and Wilde Interiors, founded by young female entrepreneur Laura Eleni. Located on South Street, this creative studio offers a place where designers and clients can shape their vision and bring bespoke ideas to life. Laura works closely with each client to transform their concepts into beautifully curated spaces tailored to their needs.

Olive and Wilde Interiors also doubles as a co-working space, perfect for solopreneurs and creatives seeking a calm, inspiring environment to work and reflect. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to step away from the office and immerse themselves in a thoughtfully designed workspace.

MUTT Everything Dog Dorchester

The ultimate dog’s playground, MUTT Everything Dog is a must-visit for pet parents looking for a fun day out with their four-legged friends. Located in Brewery Square, this unique attraction was inspired by the owner’s love of dog playgrounds in America. Offering a charming and engaging experience, MUTT gives dogs the chance to play, explore and enjoy treats, while their humans can relax, meet fellow dog lovers and make a day of it. The venue includes a soft-play area, a pup café and a well-stocked dog shop with everything you need for your canine companion.

Eat Pizza Dorchester

One of the town’s newest independent restaurant arrivals, Eat Pizza, opened its doors in June 2025 and has quickly become a firm favourite among locals. This independent Italian eatery, located on Dorchester’s main high street, serves a tempting selection of wood-fired pizzas made with its signature Neo-Neapolitan dough, a blend that many say gives each slice its irresistible flavour. Eat Pizza’s extensive menu offers something for everyone, from hearty meat-lover options to creative veggie combinations, making it a delicious stop for any pizza fan.

Teasel and Skylark Book Shop

A real bookworm’s paradise. The latest bookshop to hit Dorchester High Street is a real treasure trove for those seeking adventure in fiction or facts in non-fiction. Teasel and Skylark Book Shop, located on Trinity Street in Dorchester, was founded in August 2025 by passionate bibliophiles Richard and David. This dream-turned-reality represents the fulfilment of their long-held ambition to create a welcoming space for fellow book enthusiasts.

O’Pasta Dorchester

Pasta lovers in Dorset, this is a must-visit for a taste of Italy. O’Pasta Dorchester is one of the newest restaurants to open on Dorchester High Street, welcoming its first guests on 13th September. Located in Brewery Square, it serves a variety of authentic Italian dishes to delight every pasta enthusiast. From classics like fettuccine alfredo to raclette ciabatta, their extensive menu is packed with flavours that are sure to satisfy every appetite.

Dorchester Butcher and Foods

For all your freshly cut meats and tasty accompaniments, Dorchester Butcher & Foods is the newest food destination on Dorchester High Street that’s well worth a visit. Whether you’re after succulent chicken, tender beef brisket, juicy pork chops or a prime sirloin steak, or even everything you need for your Christmas dinner, you’ll find top-quality cuts all in one convenient stop.

Located on Trinity Street, Dorchester Butcher & Foods is open seven days a week from 10am.

Independent Retailers on Dorchester High Street

Dorchester town is lucky enough to be packed full of many interesting and unique hidden gems to explore. From the tucked-away treasures of Antelope Walk to the distinctive finds in Tudor Arcade, you’ll discover an array of independent gift shops, clothing boutiques, cafés and food retailers waiting to be explored.

Come and see for yourself. Visit Dorchester Town Centre and uncover your next favourite independent retailer on our vibrant high street.

FAQs: Love Your High Street Week – Dorchester

What is Love Your High Street Week in Dorchester?
Love Your High Street Week is a town-wide celebration recognising the value of independent retailers, small businesses and community spirit in Dorchester. It takes place each November and highlights the people and places that make the high street unique.
When was Love Your High Street Week celebrated in 2025?
Dorchester marked Love Your High Street Week from 10th to 16th November 2025.
Why does Dorchester celebrate Love Your High Street Week?
The event aims to support local businesses, encourage residents to shop locally, and raise awareness of the high street’s role in community life and the town’s economy.
Who takes part in Love Your High Street Week?
Independent retailers, cafés, hospitality venues, market traders, creative businesses and new arrivals to Dorchester town centre are all involved.
What activities happen during Love Your High Street Week?
Shops and businesses often run special offers, themed window displays, product showcases, meet-the-maker events and community activities to welcome visitors into the town centre.
Does Love Your High Street Week support new businesses?
Yes. Each year includes a focus on newcomers to Dorchester town centre, highlighting new openings and celebrating the continued growth of the local independent scene.
How does Love Your High Street Week help Dorchester’s economy?
It encourages footfall, boosts local shopping, and strengthens community connections — helping keep money circulating within the local economy.
How can people support Love Your High Street Week?
By visiting local businesses, sharing posts on social media, recommending shops to friends, attending events, and choosing to shop locally whenever possible.
Where can I find updates about future Love Your High Street events?
Updates are usually shared by Dorchester Town Council, Dorchester BID, and local businesses via their websites and social media channels.