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Discover Fortes Cafe & Ice Cream Parlour, a traditional seaside café at 2-3 Pier St, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1BT, United Kingdom. Just moments from Burnham-on-Sea Pier, this long-standing spot offers the nostalgic charm of a classic British café combined with an impressive selection of ice creams and desserts. From a food blogger’s perspective, its biggest appeal is simple: familiar comfort food, generous sweet treats, and an old-fashioned atmosphere that feels closely connected to the town’s seaside character.
The menu covers breakfast and brunch favourites, sandwiches, hot meals, cakes, drinks, and plenty of frozen desserts. Bacon sandwiches and roast chicken are among the savoury dishes regularly highlighted by diners, while hot chocolate, tea, and coffee make Fortes Cafe & Ice Cream Parlour in Burnham-on-Sea an easy stop for a morning break or afternoon treat. Many lighter orders fall around £1–£10 per person, although larger hot meals can cost more.
The real signature experience is undoubtedly the ice cream sundae. Fortes is known for colourful, generously presented desserts with changing flavours such as lemon meringue, candyfloss, raspberry pavlova, birthday cake, and toffee apple. Guests can also choose different sauces, toppings, cones, and ice cream combinations. Traditional creations such as Knickerbocker Glory and banana-style sundaes add to the wonderfully nostalgic seaside feel. One customer summed up the appeal simply: “Great Sundaes. Not cheap, but awesome!”
For something savoury, the bacon sandwich offers straightforward British comfort food, while a roast chicken dinner provides a heartier option for visitors wanting more than dessert. Reviews often praise the portions and convenient variety, although customer experiences are mixed. Recent guests have described the café as family-friendly with helpful staff, while others have criticised service consistency and felt some food or ice cream did not justify the price. That contrast is worth considering, particularly during busy tourist periods.
The interior gives Fortes Cafe & Ice Cream Parlour much of its personality. Rather than following modern minimalist café trends, it retains an unmistakably traditional, slightly time-worn character. Some guests love this “time warp” feeling, while others consider parts of the premises dated. For visitors who appreciate nostalgic local dining experiences, however, that old-school atmosphere can be part of the fun.
Amenities include takeaway service, outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, card payments, and access to substantial paid seafront parking nearby. Its central position also makes it convenient before or after a walk along the pier and waterfront.
Among the best restaurants in Burnham-on-Sea for traditional ice cream and nostalgic café treats, Fortes Cafe & Ice Cream Parlour is especially worth considering if dessert is your priority. Call +44 1278 782651 and stop by for a sundae, a comforting café meal, and a classic taste of the British seaside.
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Service okay, but waitresses do not engage at all when bringing your meals, just stand without asking who's meal is who's which I found mildly rude. We had breakfast and initially looked OK, but was very bland, no taste to the sausage or bacon. It was below average, the bread was nice. No drink included for nearly £10. Plenty of seating, looks a bit like a canteen at counter and not very clear on how to get served if you're new to this cafe. Feels a bit dated but clean. A few outdoor seats and customers toilets.
We have been to burnham many times and must have walked by fortes without realising it was there. We enjoyed a lunch, and were impressed by the good choices on the menu. There is something for everyone. I had the cauliflower cheese and it was home cooked and very tasty. Child and dog friendly with a friendly atmosphere. Reasonable prices. Desserts presented very well for all to see and tempt. Definitely worth a visit.
Ice cream is out of this world, £4.65 for a Lemon Cheesecake and bubble-gum double scoop in a chocolate waffle cone. Service is fantastic and theres loads of places to sit. Worth the visit every time you’re heading to the beach
Great restaurant, great food and quick service. Ordered the ham, egg and chips and cottage pie. Didn't take long for the food to arrive. Good amount of food for the price
Such a beautiful place. Very clean and tidy and well decorated. A brilliant atmosphere while we had our meal. Food was lush and at a great price. I highly recommend to anyone. And the ice creams are the best in the area
Went here last week was on a week break at haven asked someone outside were the best Sunday dinner were and was told to go in fortes and we are so glad we did the best Sunday dinner we've all had in a long time eating out the food was amazing the portions were Hugh staff was lovely there was 9 of us a lovely couple kindly offered to move so we could have the q tables 2gether the man (big built guy with tattoos) was lovely he got us more stuffing as we isn't have it on 2 of the dinners and he kindly said we could have a bit of all 3 of the meats on offer for same price. Food was beautiful would defo go back again 100% my grandson even had a ice cream and my son in law had a lovely big ice cream Sunday
Yummy yummy yummy! We went for a birthday surprise and it was like stepping back in time but in a great way! Knickerbocker Glories and Sundaes were amazing, made right in front of our eyes! You could choose from approx 10 flavours of ice cream, so you could mix and match in your sundaes. My daughter had a waffle cone which had chocolate edging and sprinkles and was offered sauces, topping and a cute little flag at no extra cost. We went on a Saturday and the atmosphere was great. Very reasonably priced, looking forward to coming back again. Ps... You order at the till. It's not sit down service.