The Best Bars In Bournemouth, England

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The ‘come one, come all’ ethos of Smokin’ Aces secures it as one of the top bars to visit in Bournemouth. With no entry fee, no dress code and no VIP areas, everyone who walks through the doors of the cocktail bar and whiskey lounge is welcome to make it their own. Adding to it’s niche qualities, Smokin’ Aces offers bespoke cocktails to every individual – it’s as easy as telling them your favourite spirits and flavours! Enjoy these along side the live bands and DJ lineups.

A true hipster paradise, the interior of Sixty Million Postcards is a higgledy-piggledy mix of beautiful wood, dusty antiques, kitsch furnishings, and funky items. The colourful atmosphere here is reflected in the eclectic mix of live music, DJs, and even rounds of musical bingo, that are sure to cater to all tastes, no matter how quirky. A truly creative cocktail menu and great range of beers make this boho pub an absolutely fantastic place to soak up the best of Bournemouth’s atmosphere.

This iconic Bournemouth venue has acted as the club of the university’s Students’ Union since the 1990s. The three rooms and four bars of The Old Fire Station are the place to find Bournemouth’s young and trendy student population making the most of the great drinks prices and buzzing feel. The venue is also open to the public for a range of incredible musical performances and DJ sets. This Grade II listed building is full of character and provides a stunning and historic setting for some of the UK’s best musical talents including huge name artists such as David Guetta, Bloc Party, Ed Sheeran, and Dizzee Rascal. The themed week nights showcase the best up-and-coming talent of the UK’s music scene in all genres imaginable.

Voted Best Night Out in Bournemouth by the town’s tourist board for the fifth year in a row, clearly Bar So have hit upon a winning formula. Bar So’s swanky atmosphere attracts only Bournemouth’s coolest residents but retains a sense of class with the fine bar menu and more up-market feel. A glamorous ambiance is created by spectacular skylights, contemporary decor, and low lighting. Stunning sun terraces make Bar So an ideal spot to relax in the early evening while sipping on one of the bar’s fine wines or heavenly champagnes. Later on in the evenings, this opulent venue is a perfect place to catch the latest beats and hottest new DJs in Bournemouth.

A unique clubbing experience, Bournemouth’s premier clubbing venue is located inside a former church. This fantastic venue was voted both Best Bar None‘s ‘Overall Winner’ and ‘Best Club.’ Fantastic light shows, a luxury VIP balcony, and big name DJs have made Halo an icon of the UK’s nightlife scene. The bar boasts a superb location, just a short walk from Bournemouth’s main beach, and in the most bustling and central area of the town.

After Brighton, Bournemouth’s gay scene is one of the best in the UK and DYMK is the place to experience the best, and brightest, that Bournemouth can offer. The incredibly friendly atmosphere here at DYMK makes everyone feel welcome and the bar attracts a fascinating range of people of different ages, backgrounds, and histories. Generously sized cocktails and catchy tunes here ensure the dance floor fills up in no time. Expect Madonna hits and classic Cher tunes aplenty.

Set inside one of Bournemouth’s best boutique hotels, this lounge, bar, and restaurant simply oozes style and glamour. The name, 1812, is derived from the year in which this historic building was constructed. Famed for being the ‘first house of Bournemouth’, this hotel and former mansion was once the home of the town’s founder and the hotel’s restaurant has earned itself a prestigious reputation among Bournemouth’s dining scene. 1812’s chic interior is a perfect pairing for its illustrious history and the expert mixologists here have long been whipping up a storm in the South West’s bar scene. The gourmet cocktail menu simply brims with smooth, expertly blended flavors but if there’s nothing on there to tempt you, 1812 invites visitors to describe their favorite cocktails for the talented barman to whip up on the spot. The bar often hosts fantastic live music events.

Bournemouth’s largest club has four separate rooms and a huge local following. No matter your tastes, you’re guaranteed a great night here at Cameo: come to groove along to timeless tunes in the Disco room, or head to the Basement to get down to classic urban tracks. State-of-the-art sound systems, plush VIP lounges, and jaw-dropping light displays, have ensured that every night here is a new and exciting experience and Cameo’s reputation as a wild night out.

Club, bar, and restaurant, no matter what you’re searching for in an evening out in Bournemouth, Aruba is guaranteed to cater to your needs and more. Thanks to its unbeatable beach-side location, this bar lays claim to some of the finest sea views in the whole town. Drink in the breathtaking panorama across Bournemouth’s coastline and drink up one of the bar’s excellent wines, great beers, or delicious cocktails. Boasting of the best UK rum selection outside of London, it’s no surprise that this bar was chosen as Cosmopolitan magazine‘s ‘best place to party in Bournemouth’. Aruba is located a stone’s throw from the landmark that is Bournemouth’s Pier, which is one of the town’s most bustling and vibrant centers of activity.