Set on Milford on Sea’s charming High Street overlooking the village green, Melleford is the kind of place you’ll wish you’d discovered sooner. Run by husband-and-wife duo Tony and Becca Michael (formerly of the much-loved Saltwater café), this neighbourhood gem has quickly built a loyal following thanks to its polished yet relaxed vibe and seriously impressive menu.

By day, it’s all about elevated brunching done right. Think brioche French toast drenched in pistachio crème anglaise with cherry compote and mascarpone, or Marmite-glazed oyster mushrooms piled onto sourdough with a perfectly poached egg. Even the humble Full English gets a glow-up, with thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options that don’t feel like an afterthought.

Come lunchtime, things dial up a notch. There’s a standout Korean chicken burger with hot honey celeriac slaw, a vibrant sushi bowl loaded with prawns and smoked salmon, and indulgent flatbreads topped with everything from hoisin pork to shawarma-spiced mushrooms. Sundays bring proper roast territory – crispy duck-fat potatoes, Yorkshires and slow-roasted meats with rich, flavour-packed gravies.

The ethos here is firmly rooted in local, seasonal produce. Add in genuinely warm service and a light, stylish space, and it’s no surprise Melleford has climbed the local ranks at lightning speed. With evening dining and cocktails on the horizon, there’s even more reasons to check it out. Word to the wise: Melleford has been rated top café in Hampshire on Tripadvisor and has a strong local following too, so you’ll want to book ahead to be sure of a table.