My recommendations for places to eat & drink in Bournemouth, gems that are "Beyond the Beach"
South Coast Coffee can be found on Richmond Hill, it is one of my favourite places in the centre of town because it serves some of the best coffee around. (Bad Hand Coffee)
Menu choices are both healthy & delicious with some great vegan options.
The vibe changes throughout the day, from the early morning coffee hunters, swiftly followed by the brunch/lunch brigade and then live music evenings, with beer on tap.
I thoroughly recommend the smoothie bowl and the bagels but I'm sure everything they serve is just as delicious.
Location: South Coast Coffee - 24 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth.BH2 6EJ
Picnic Park Deli is a very unique space in Bournemouth gardens, close to the aviary and nestled amongst the old pine trees once believed to have health benefits for the gentry that walked amongst them.
The atmosphere even on the busiest of beach days is tranquil and home to a number of activities that include fitness & wellbeing, live music, craft workshops and art activities. This summer season the area was transformed into a Westoverton theme (a local take on Bridgerton) I also love it in the winter when they transform the area into a ski lodge and serve up warming snacks including the most amazing hot chocolate.
The menu is small (like the kitchen) but absolutely everything that is served is top quality.
Open daily from 10am
Location: Picnic Park Deli -Westover Road, Bournemouth. BH1 2BY
My sister and I just love their take on avocado on toast!
One of the UK's finest plant based restaurants is right in the centre of Bournemouth. Rated 5th best vegan restaurant in the world, you owe it to yourself to try it.
Just look at this beautiful raw lasagne, layers of marinated courgette, Isle of Wight tomato ragu, house cashew ricotta topped off with British hemp and basil oil. I've included some other photos to get you drooling.
Tempeh Schnitzel
Club Cultured organic Tempeh, Lemon Sweet Potato Mash, Tenderstem Broccoli
Chocolate and stem ginger torte, served with raspberry sorbet.
All ingredients are sustainably sourced and organic, where ever possible the restaurant also aims keep waste a minimum with all the materials being used either being recyclable or reusable. Tablets are now being used for menu choices or you can scan the qr code and view on your phone.
The food is always beautifully presented, an indication of the care that the restaurant takes in creating the dishes, undoubtedly the reason why they are so highly rated.
Location: Twelve -12 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RY
If you haven't been to The Nici (Bournemouth's only 5 star hotel) then you really must visit, it's the perfect setting for a celebration lunch, dinner or just pop in for drinks. The hotel has undergone a major refurbishment making it both an incredible holiday destination and the perfect venue for locals to enjoy fantastic food/drink in our very own Miami inspired hotel.
I've been for lunch and dinner and can certainly recommend the food and cocktails. Make sure you add it to your 'must visit' list.
My favourite starter has to be the Roasted Scallops with Sudachi & Shiso - followed by the Sirloin Steak Roast Flat Mushroom and Vine Tomatoes, Watercress, Peppercorn Sauce for main. Ask the bartender for an Espresso Martini, they are seriously good.
Location The Nici West Hill Road Bournemouth, BH 2 5EJ
Drgnfly have a very popular Pan Asian Fusion restaurant & bar in Poole but did you know they also have a sushi and champagne dining area within Bobby's department store? Treat yourself whilst you are shopping and don't forget to have a look around the South Coast Makers Market, they have an incredible range of local produce and one of my favourite local artists.
Pictured
Sumo Sake Roll - Salmon, smoked salmon, avocado,japanese mayo, chives, & ikura
Aigamo Bao - Smoked duck, leeks, cucumber, amazu pickles, sesame seeds, coriander, & hoisin sauce.
Buta - Pork dumpling served with Japanese Soy dressing
My final recommendation is just across the road from Twelve but has a very different offering, I would call it a family cafe & bar. It's attracts plenty of University students as you would expect from this location but also young mothers and whole family groups. The quirky cafe serves light bites, milkshakes and cocktails, with comfy sofas & free wifi inside and a few bistro style tables outside.
I love the mix of events that the cafe puts on, they range from Argentine tango lessons, open mic nights, quiz nights, board gaming to name but a few. Check their Facebook page for more information.
Recently I popped in to have lunch and grabbed a smoothie to go whilst the Airship Orchestra was in town. It's well worth a look especially if you have children, it will be in situ until October 9.
Location Flirt Cafe - 21 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RG
I hope I've introduced you to somewhere new to try? Please do let me know if you have any favourites that you think I should visit, I am always keen to explore new eateries.
Happy September.
Rachael
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