Argyll Cafe is a licensed café set within Argyll Bowling Club, up on the West Cliff above Alum Chine. It's a short walk from the clifftop path and one of the quieter, more local places for breakfast along this stretch of coast. Bowling club members and the general public are equally welcome, seven days a week and throughout the year.
What's cooking
Everything is home-cooked and kept simple. Mornings mean full English breakfasts, omelettes and an early bird breakfast (£2.95 before 11am); lunch brings fish and chips, lasagne, beef and mushroom pie, pork loin in mushroom sauce and, on Sundays, a roast. Cakes, hot drinks and daily specials complete the offer, and a fully licensed bar means you can have something stronger with your meal. Regulars repeatedly describe the portions and prices as generous and good value.
The outlook
Position is what sets the café apart. Outdoor seating on the cliff top faces the sea, with the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks in view, and locals know the terrace as a sun trap when the weather plays along. Visitors tend to describe it as a peaceful, scenic spot that feels far removed from the busier cafés down on the seafront.
Practical details
Opening hours are generally 9am to 5pm daily, but they can move around bowling club fixtures and events, so phone 01202 762328 before making a special trip. Breakfast and Sunday lunch are the busiest times, and booking is advised if you want an indoor table.
It's a proper local find, well away from the seafront crowds. For more places to eat in the area, see our food & drink guide, or combine a visit with a walk down Alum Chine using our things to do guide.