Chiswell - Commercial Business

Commercial Business

The village of Chiswell has various commercial businesses in place. The houses and shops in Chiswell have experienced many changes of ownership over the years. In some cases they changed use but others were converted to houses or even fishermen's stores.

The Cove House Inn has sat next to Chesil Beach and right at the sea front since the 18th century, and remains one of Portland's most popular pubs. Another pub is located at the entrance of Chiswell, named The Little Ship. One pub that no longer exists was the Lord Clyde Inn which suffered bombing damage in World War 2 and was demolished shortly after as a result.

The Bluefish Cafe and Restaurant is also close to Chesil Beach and lies within Chiswell, serving fish dishes as a specialty. The restaurant was once the Dap and General cafe. For many years the Fresh Fish shop was found next to the restaurant at Pebble Lane, but closed in 2011.

Also found within Chiswell is the hairdresser and artistic hair designers Elite Hairworks, a craft/gift shop and the Chinese Food House - now known as the Golden Bridge.

The Chiswell Indian restaurant Balti Island has had various changes over the last decades. Once a Chinese takeaway named The China Chef in the late 1980s, it was the Akash Indian Take-Away until it closed in 2002. In June 2003 it became The Kohinoor Cafe and in 2004 it became Cafe India, before finally in 2009 it transformed to the Balti Island. Close to the takeaway was once Blue Ribbon Trophies that was open around the late 1980s. Also close by was Artsmiths printing works, which was victim of a runaway lorry which smashed into the print shop section in the late 1980s. The certain part of the building was unoccupied and so no injuries occurred. The extension part of the building was never rebuilt after the accident and the main building was converted into a house.

At the southern end of Chiswell, where the road leads to the esplanade, a garage on the road was once the home of the Weymouth Perfume Company until the 1980s. Around the 1980s, both Stone's Shoe Shop and the Royal Standard Pub sat at the back of Baker's Ground, however both closed, with the former closing in 1989.

Portland Joinery Ltd is also based in Chiswell, who have provided joinery products and service to individual clients, house builders and contractors for over 50 years. The building the company is based in was once Conjurers Lodge, which was set up in 1816 when Rev. Francis Derry came to Portland to investigate allegations that the local Methodists were witchcraft believers. Roughly fifty of the locals were expelled from the church and so they worshiped in the upper floor of Conjurers Lodge for ten years until they were welcome back to the church.

On the outskirt of Chiswell, and into Victoria Square is the Portline (Weyline) Taxi company. The block once stood Chesil Beach Motors and their showroom. However, a huge storm and flooding greatly damaged the premises along with many cars. As a result, the company moved to Easton and the block was demolished. The company continues to run today. Nearby, the old "Agnes Weston" Hostel was once open in the 19th century. Agnes Weston was a 19th century lady who provided hostels for every naval port for the pastoral care of men of the Royal Navy. The hostel later became a pub before being closed for good.

Accommodation in the area includes The Beach House bed and breakfast, which was built in the early 1800s.

A church is also located in the area: The United Reformed church. It was founded in 1825 when the people of Chiswell banded together and converted a barn and stable into a place of worship. In 2009 it was to close, despite its congregation's attempt to save it.