Latest reviews from Bournemouth
| 80 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Right at the top end of town, a little walk further out than the Goat & tricycle. This is a single roomed micro pub with five cask pumps and around 10 kegs. Popular, the busiest pub of the day, chatty and friendly. Slightly crammed in seating. The best pub of the day for us.“ |
| 68 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “This is a traditional old pub, actually the combination of 2 adjoining pubs, up the hill from the shopping area. There are lovely green tiles on part of the outside, stepping in you enter a calm, buzzing, chatty pub. There are multiple rooms to try. There is an enthusiastic barman serving on his own. The beers are all from the Liberation / Butcombe stable, which is a step backwards from this pubs heyday back in the early days when it was the towns main highlight on the beer front. The food is hearty and decent. Proper pub.“ |
| 56 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “This B&K bar seemed a little different to the bars I have been into from this chain. It is in an old Eldridge Pope pub and they have kept some of its features like the green tiles and the more ornate bar. As with other B&K's it lacks atmosphere, despite being busier than its neighbour in Poole. The cask beer was not in great condition and just the 2 cask beers which look like rebadged beers these days.“ |
| 56 /100 BrewDog Bournemouth (Bar) UNIT LG1, BH2, EXETER CRESCENT “As you are walking up the chine public gardens a modern structure comes up on your left and the Brewdog Bar is on ground level overlooking the gardens. It is a modern building but the bar style is recognisable as Brewdog inside. Pretty quiet on a Thursday lunchtime but there is a lot of competition on the food front very close by. Pretty standard Brewdog range and lacking in many guest beers. Not sure I need to visit again.“ |
| 74 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “Full of old duffers like me (50+) the night I went in, not a bad thing though as I really liked this pub. No gig on, but there is a stage so music is obviously played. Ale was fine and an easy going vibe surrounds the place, you could do a lot worse when visiting Bournemouth.“ |
| 72 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “Pleasant local serving Butcombe beers and a few guest ales. Not much else to say really, pop in if you find yourself in Bournemouth.“ |
| 52 /100 Westbourne Wines (Beer Store) 99 POOLE ROAD “I came here looking for local beers, but they only had a small selection from Eight Arch including two new for me. Other that that they had some foreign stuff that’s fairly to get elsewhere. Not worth a stop.“ |
| 76 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Between the Westbourne shops and Bournemouth centre (but closer to the latter) just down the Queen Road, this is a well converted shop unit micropub. The bar on the right has 5 cask and double that in craft keg. Along the opposite wall are stool height tables and beyond these more floor-level ones.“ |
| 64 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “On the right as the road of the same name heads down to the commercial centre. This is a music venue and probably late night bar given its late in the weekday opening hours. It was extremely quiet just after opening on a late Wednesday afternoon when I ventured in. This matters little though if you're here to sample some of their own brews, and they were certainly brewing some more when I was there too as the aroma filled the premises. The front facing main room has its own built-in stage with guitars hanging down off the wall behind. The bar is against the opposite side wall.“ |
| 64 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “Located directly behind the Poole Hill premises, this is a Butcombe concern with a good range of their cask and keg options. It's also a decent looking traditional pub, something which this 'bar' heavy area has very few of. The quaint courtyard is a nice place to set and sup.“ |
| 70 /100 BrewDog Bournemouth (Bar) UNIT LG1, BH2, EXETER CRESCENT “Directly behind the public toilets in the Lower Gardens, this BrewDog is triangular in shape in a purposed built multi-unit commercial space. There's the usual selection plus a fridge with take-away options - all located along the longest back wall. There's some outdoor seating as well if the weather allows.“ |
| 64 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Directly down hill from the Poole Hill premises towards the main shopping street. It has a familiar looking heavy wooden design with a range of their own cask and keg. A little less chain-looking in appearance is their quiet rear garden, which has several beach huts to sit in if you want some shelter from the elements, but if the weather is good it's a really pleasant place to sit and sup. Food is served here.“ |
| 60 /100 Westbourne Wines (Beer Store) 99 POOLE ROAD “Mainly a wine store with a few other odds and ends, but the beer selection is not neglected here, and on the shelves in the corner by the storeroom there's a pretty large selection of mostly Northern European beers. These range from the long established bottled brews to the neo-brewery cans now prevalent in most outlets.“ |
| 66 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Located after the rising pedestrian shopping street finishes where the food and drink establishments begin, this funkily designed bar has a late night vibe about it, with music also playing a large part in the venue's ethos. If the weather is good its large front windows open up and it can be a pleasant place to sit and sup. It sells snacks and has a long row of keg ales and beers on the bar at the back of the room.“ |
| 68 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Nice place with free wifi and friendly service. Good tap selection and a well stocked beer fridge. A half pint was 2.50“ |
| 68 /100 Westbourne Wines (Beer Store) 99 POOLE ROAD “as the rating below says, there's an impressive selection of beers. I read the review and still didn't notice the fridges of beers behind me until I'd been in there a few minutes. prices aren't cheap but the selection is good.“ |
| 68 /100 BrewDog Bournemouth (Bar) UNIT LG1, BH2, EXETER CRESCENT “Big Brewdog bar very close to the Moon on the Square JDW. Industrial feel as usual. 31 beers/cider taps. Around 6 Quid a pint. Friendly service“ |
| 62 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Friendly service. Free WiFi. Good selection of their own beers on tap. Two guest beers I thin. Not cheap at 2.90 a half pint. They do offer samples to help you make up your mind“ |
| 70 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “Friendly service free wifi. 4 of their own beers on cask, 4 guest taps and some of their own beers bottled. Some cans in the fridge but not sure if they are their own or guest beers. Live music on the night I was there.“ |
| 66 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “nice friendly place. Quite busy. Free wifi. Plenty of Butcombe beers and some Liberation guest beers at the time of writing. I paid 2.40 for a half pint.“ |
| 72 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Nice micropub. Quite roomy. Friendly staff. Good selection. Not cheap. No wifi. The best choice in Bournemouth that I have found so far.“ |
| 56 /100 Moon in the Square (JDW) (Bar) 4-8 EXETER ROAD “A typical Spoons with free WiFi etc but the bar is split over 2 floors. I was looking for a tick on their app but couldn't find it on the bar. I asked and they said it was on the upstairs bar“ |
| 68 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Similar to others in the chain. Probably 12 beers on tap. Mixture of keg and cask. They made a big point of explaining each beer recipie is tweaked locally by the brewer. There was Wi-Fi but not working consistently on my visit.“ |
| 52 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Plenty of taps of mainly continental beers. One local new rate for me. It looked very different to the picture as it’s a 90’s theme bar. The one beer I had wasn’t in great condition. Food ok. Not able to join the free Wi-Fi.“ |
| 68 /100 BrewDog Bournemouth (Bar) UNIT LG1, BH2, EXETER CRESCENT “Slightly different to most of the other BrewDog I’ve been to as it a new building rather than a converted old one. It still has the same industrial feel inside. The fridge was mostly full of BrewDog beers some available in a supermarkets. The local tap also wasn’t totally local. Including beers from reading. Weirdly for a modern building the Wi-Fi didn’t reach the outside seating.“ |
| 52 /100 Moon in the Square (JDW) (Bar) 4-8 EXETER ROAD “Visited in October 2021. Popped in for a sneaky half whilst we were waiting for the ladies to finish shopping. It's a large-ish but otherwise bog standard 'Spoons. Busy and rather boisterous even mid-afternoon on Monday. As it was festival time, I could have had half a dozen new ticks from the 10 cask lines alone, and at the usual cheap prices. Service was swift, but the barman managed to mess up our order of two drinks even after having checked it twice! It seemed a bit gloomy and noisy inside, so we sat at one of the few pavement tables outside (apparently it also has a rooftop patio garden). Like all 'Spoons these days it feels a little run down and behind the times, but like all 'Spoons it's fine if you want some cheap quick ticks or decent value food.“ |
| 78 /100 Westbourne Wines (Beer Store) 99 POOLE ROAD “Small to medium sized shop. But it is stuffed. Walk in and there are a load of whiskies, vodkas, etc, on the left. Pretty much floor to ceiling. A counter on the right. Walk straught ahead and you get to the beer. An array of Belgian beers on the right A mix of UK craft beer down the centre, along with various beers from the likes of Denmark and Sweden. The to the right German beers plus World lagers and trad ales. I was after Dorset ticks and picked up a new brewery (Knight Life) plus new ticks from Eight Arch. Also picked up some beers from Pastore, Vibrant Forest and Siren. Then I turned around and realised I hadn't spotted the three beer fridges all full of craft. Basically a whole load of UK breweries plus European and US are representedd. Would be more than happy to have this offie in my vicinity. But it's a place you could easily miss as from the outside it just looks like an unassuming local.“ |
| 72 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “Can be a bit confusing; The name of the place is Poole Hill Brewery located in central Bournemouth, but the brewery beyond the servery is Southbourne Ales. Anyway it is an interesting, special place, be sure to visit the exciting rooms downstairs, even with a little cinema room. The place is used as a live music venue. On our visit they had three of their own beers on cask alongside some of their bottled beers. Friendly and helpful service telling us about the beer scene in the area. (Visited with Finn 22.10.2019).“ |
| 60 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “A semi modern pub with a decent range of craft beers on keg, supported by a fridge with bottle and cans, we spotted a few Lervig beers among them. BrewDog approved place. Polite and informative service. Central location. Rolling Stones and James Brown tunes in the black. (Visited with Finn 22.10.2019).“ |
| 70 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Six of their own beers were available on keg and cask on our stay. And as always at this chain, their beers can be bought in thirds. A cozy and welcome place spread over two floors. Central location and close to both Poole Hill Brewery and The Four Horsemen Pub. (Visited with Finn 22.10.2019).“ |
| 62 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “4-5 taps of their own. Interesting seating downstairs.“ |
| 56 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “OK pub. Keg only. Some rebranded well-known beers. Beware.“ |
| 74 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Good selection. Even some guest-beers.“ |
| 82 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Wonderful micropub outside of the town centre approaching Westbourne. Four cask and about ten keg, plus a wonderful selection of cans and bottles. Lots of Unity here - probably half of the beers offered - but the other breweries represented (Harbour, Red Cat, Electric Bear) are certainly decent. Some bold styles as well: sours, proper lagers and proper IPAs. Far and away the best boozer I tried in town.“ |
| 74 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “The Poole Hill Brewery is a gorgeous pub. Simple rustic decor with instruments on the wall. Full of character. I was lucky enough to come in on 'music night' (a couple of guys banging on the piano). Now home to Southbourne Ales. Their beer is decent if not world-beating: cask beer of sessionable strength or just above. Slightly interesting style variations as well, such as an oatmeal stout and a brown ale. Not the 'craftiest' pub in the area but one not to miss.“ |
| 64 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “Decent enough Wadworth's pub tucked away down a side street. Now, I will be the first to admit that I struggle with many Wadworth beers. However the Goat & Tricycle carries 11 pumps. 4 Wadworth, 4 guests (3 not operational) on my visit. This place is cask only (all keg and bottles are mega macro) and the style are pretty safe (bitters and goldens). While decent enough, I am shocked by some of the previous high rates. Maybe from a time when there was less choice in town? Strictly over 18s only.“ |
| 74 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “I find Brewhouse & Kitchen pubs interesting. They tend to pop up in less beery areas (with some exceptions) but perhaps become a victim to their own success when the craft scene develops around them. This pub offers a ramge of house brewed ales and a nicely curated can/bottle selection from UK and international breweries. They seem to have more keg than cask here, including a Tropical IPA, Saison and '8am Stout'. Service was quick and knowledgeable on my visit. Certainly worth a stop. Not the cheapest pub in the world but the B&K ales are very reasonably priced.“ |
| 78 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “My first stop in Bournemouth is a decent place. Has the feel of a well-loved local rather than a craft-mad beer bar (I know that pubs can be both, but it's all too rare.) Quiet with an acoistic open mic night on the Monday I came in. The lighting and my failing eyesight kept me from being able to see the taps properly. It looked mostly like basic craft options such as BrewDog's core range. Lots of bottles and cans however, mostly from well-known outfits like Magic Rock, Northern Monk and Lervig. Very friendly but also very expensive. Maybe not a must, but worth checking out for sure.“ |
| 74 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Nice place in Bournemouth. Lots of good craftbrew here, but also some local area casks. Lots of good beers bittled or canned as well. Good olace to visit.“ |
| 86 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “Very nice rustique place. Live music and nice view to the brewery. Excellent service and good quality beers here. Way above average for English bitters etc. Five casks were on and they sell their beers bottled too.“ |
| 86 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “Visited 14/7/2019. Favourite place in Bournemouth! In fact turned out to be my favourite place on the whole south west/south coast tour. We'd arrived quite late in the day (after a visit to the place I'd previously thought was the best place in Bournemouth), there were only a few folk in, but the atmosphere was brilliant with a chap casually playing the guitar and chatting away between songs, and another guy mournfully playing at the piano at other times, a wonderfully friendly landlady, an impromptu tour (including hazy recollections of a downstairs cinema). Had about 6 beers on tap, we had a few and took others as take out bottles. Great prices. Just great. Really.“ |
| 82 /100 27 WEST HILL ROAD “Visited 14/7/2019 (and lots of times during 2008-10 as I used to work for a Bournemouth based company). Decent range of Wadworth beers plus some guests. Real community pub, quiz nights, game nights, events etc. Great atmosphere. Still a very good pub but no longer my best in Bournemouth.“ |
| 76 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “Visited 14/7/2019. Very decent micropub, with a good selection of craft and a few casks. Mostly nice vibe to it. Well worth the walk.“ |
| 60 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Always a good selection of local beers available at a Brewhouse & Kitchen. Service was quite poor though with barman not really kniwing what he was doing and being quite slow. There was live music and live sports, but incredibly loud, so no conversation possible while they wer on.“ |
| 64 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Visited 14/7/2019. Small B&K with very slow service on this visit. Typical beer range, mix of cask and keg, standard being typical too. Food was ok. Had live music. I like B&K's but this wasn't a favourite.“ |
| 66 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “Visited 14/7/2019. One of the more contrasting places we visited on the tour. A music venue, dive(ish) bar feel but doing Sunday roasts. A craft beer bar that wasn't really a craft beer bar. A wide selection of beers but nothing much to choose from. Friendly service...no that was a constant. Have been to worse and did kind of like it but hoped for more given it's previous high ratings and 'verified venue' status.“ |
| 84 /100 All Hail Ale (Bar) 10 QUEENS RD “A great new micropub opened in October '17 with a 5 cask and 10 keg taps of a varied selection including local and other brews. Decent sized for a micro bar with modern but wooden decor. Good friendly service and very fair prices. There's a selection of bottles too but we never made it past the great tap list. It's just a short walk from the center and can easily be combined with a visit to the other venues in this area which is becoming a craft beer corner of Bournemouth. Children aren't allowed, but that probably won't bother most. No food, but they encourage ordering pizza from the lace next door which seemed popular with the locals. All in all this is a great addition for Bournmouth, and with the fast changing, interesting tap list this is certainly a top place in the town for anyone into craft beer. A must visit.“ |
| 80 /100 152-154 COMMERCIAL ROAD “A new Brewhouse & Kitchen venue just outside of Bournemouth town center in an area with a few other beer venues. Nice place with varied seating split over 2 floors with a food part upstairs and a large beer garden out back. The selection of their own beers on cask/draft were fairly decent, with tasting flights available at the cost of the individual thirds of beer that you choose. There's also a selection of guest beers available as well as some cans and bottles. Growlers and bottles of their own beers also available. Friendly, helpful service and nice athosphere when visited in the afternoon. A really nice new option in the town center.“ |
| 70 /100 41-43 POOLE HILL “We discovered this place by chance walking by on opening day (23 December 2017). A brand new brewery/brewpub that still smelt of paint with some basic decor and an unfinished feel. But hey, it was opening day. It's a side project of Southbourne Ales, setting up the new Tingays brand and brewery at the location. As of opening day they brewing equipment was not quite ready for use so there were Southbourne beers available. Will be curious to see how this new place develops.
Returned 22/12/2018: This is also now the brew facility for all Southbourne beers, which used to be brewed at Lyme Regis.“ |
| 78 /100 Four Horsemen (Bar) 77-79 COMMERCIAL ROAD “I visited this pub for a music event and am no expert on beers. When not drinking whisky preferably single malt I usually have a pint of Stella. I asked at the bar for one that was similar and was offered Wildman Wolfpack. It was good for me at 5.2% and I had 3 pints during the course of the day.I didn't know it was brewed in my home town of Harrow (but I've been left there a long time) The special live music event was very good and I will visit this pub again next time I am in the area.“ |
