A Guide to Drinking in Bournemouth

After a day of sandcastles, swimming in the sea, Harry Ramsden’s chips and maybe even hitting Boscombe’s surf reef, you’re going to need a well-earned drink. Bournemouth has a whole wealth of independent boozers hidden away.

The image shows a pier extending from a sandy beach into the sea, with a building labeled Funfair Entertainments on it. The sky is cloudy, and the water appears calm. Numerous lampposts are lined along the pier.

60 Million Postcards

Just up from the seafront, 60 Million Postcards is often referred to as a ‘hipster’s dream’. Recently revamped it's a haven of fairy lights, live music, part of a carousel on display outside and incredibly attractive bar staff that look like they’ve been lifted out of south east London all make 60MPC a hub for Bournemouth’s youngest and coolest. They also do amazing burgers, and be sure to check out their event listings for everything from nights dedicated to the music of Wes Anderson to 8 Bit Wednesdays where you can play the games of your childhood. With a really good craft beer selection and 241 Tuesdays, 60MPC is one to take all your friends to, and prove how cool you really are.

Image Credit: 60 Million Postcards via instagram.

60 Million Postcards is located at 19-21 Exeter Road, BH2 5AF


Aruba

For drinks even closer to the sea front, Aruba is located on the pier and allows you to sip away on their famous cocktails as you stare out at the sea. There are DJ’s on weekend evenings, and a selection of Caribbean food on the menu, including jerk chicken and goat curry. The bar aims to give you a sense of the Caribbean on the south coast of England and the décor manages this without ever becoming too kitsch. If you think you can do better than their selection of sumptuous cocktails then why not join in with one of their cocktail masterclasses? If you’re headed to the coast on a weeknight be sure to enter their Date Night competition for the free dinner and drinks they offer every Wednesday.

Image Credit: Aruba via instagram.

Aruba is located at Pier Approach, BH2 5AA


For the clubbers amongst you, Bournemouth has loads to offer, from Halo to Lost Garden to 1812, but our favourite is Cameo. With four different rooms each offering different styles (and intensities) of music, there’s something for everyone. There’s the main arena, Myu Bar for more sophisticated drinks, Vinyl for cheesy anthems and the basement for urban tunes. Plus, it’s not only a load of fun but being such a popular venue it has high security, so is a super safe night out too.

Image Credit: Cameo via instagram.

Cameo is located at Fir Vale Road, BH1 2JA


Flirt

Up in the area known as ‘the triangle’ you can find Flirt, a café which states on its website “we’re all a very mixed-up bunch which makes Flirt Flirt”. A café by day, offering a heavenly salad bar, smoothies named after old ladies and a really comprehensive food menu, Flirt stays open late into the evening. What’s more, they offer milkshakes with shots of your favourite spirits in them, and the decorations inside border on the crazy. The TV screens displaying endless loops of old school videos are mesmerising. They run events too, hosting book clubs, quiz nights and a chess club. It’s an incredibly friendly and fun way to have a drink.

Image Credit: Flirt via instagram

Flirt is located at 21 The Triangle, Bournemouth, BH2 5RG.


Chaplins and the Cellar Bar

With a beautiful garden, and live music on every weekend, Chaplin’s is an old school hidey hole in Boscombe. The music ranges from rock to pop, to psychedelia, to electronic, and there’s a huge selection of real ales which has been recognised by the Good Beer Guide’s Campaign for Real Ale. It’s cosy and musical, and even has a beer and cider festival in the spring. What more could you want?

Image Credit: Chaplins via DesignMyNight

Chaplin’s is located at 529 Christchurch Road, BH1 4AG.