Jawbone at
Bean on the Green
Join us where words, voice, and community meet.
Welcome to Jawbone @ Bean on the Green. Now open on historic Fordington Green! Set inside a characterful former post office just a short walk from Thomas Hardy’s Max Gate, our doors are officially open for morning coffee, wholesome handmade bakes, light lunches, and great conversation. Whether you’re stopping in for a daily flat white, meeting friends on the Green, or looking for a welcoming corner to read and write, we’re delighted to welcome you into the space.
Operating as Dorchester’s first dedicated “word café,” we bring independent publishing and grassroots creativity directly into the heart of a neighbourhood coffee shop. Alongside our seasonal food and specialty drinks, you’ll find shelves curated with The Jawbone Journal, local poetry, and indie press titles, as well as a gathering table for daytime workshops and evening community salons.
We trade Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm with special evening events and storytelling circles hosted throughout the month. Drop by, pull up a chair, and make yourself at home.
Who We Are
Find out more about the directing team shaping our word café and community partnerships.Read Our Directors Bios →
The Heritage of
Bean on the Green
For the past eight years, Bean on the Green has stood as an integral part of Fordington, offering a familiar place for neighbours to cross paths, share a pot of tea, and catch up on local life. Originally established by Georgie Willis and Mel Bond, the café became a comforting local fixture—particularly during the isolation of the lockdown years, when stepping out for a takeout brew and a moment of daily conversation brought a much-needed sense of connection. It served as a simple, steady gathering spot that meant a great deal to the surrounding streets.
As The Jawbone Collective takes the reins, our aim is to build naturally upon that sense of neighbourhood belonging. By introducing our independent publishing corner, wholesome plant-forward food, and creative gatherings, we are expanding what the space offers while keeping its community heart intact. We want Jawbone @ Bean on the Green to remain a warm, inclusive sanctuary where residents old and new can settle in, feel looked after, and connect through good food, conversation, and creativity.
Photo taken on the day of the handover 3rd July 2026.
Jawbone’s Megan Simson centre with Mel Ford on the left and Georgie Willis on the right.