99 Perk is an independent cocktail and wine bar in Bournemouth's Triangle, the small cluster of independent bars and restaurants between the town centre and Westbourne. Nothing about it is chain-like: it's a small, personal operation, a quirky and comfortable room that revolves around a properly serious cocktail list.
On the menu
The list is long and organised by base spirit, rum, gin and vodka, with each section carrying its own signature creations: a Piña Colada topped with a toasted marshmallow, a Chocolate Orange Martini given a shot of espresso, and party drinks such as the multi-spirit "Breaking Bad". Roughly two dozen classics, Old Fashioned to Mojito, cover the familiar territory, and each signature drink has a mocktail twin without alcohol, so anyone not drinking has more choice than lime and soda. Food is limited to bar bites, mixed nuts and marinated olives, and there's a 16-shot "Shot Roulette" to share, but this is a place for drinks first rather than a full meal.
Cocktail classes
Beyond normal service, 99 Perk offers hands-on cocktail masterclasses at £35 per person for groups of eight or more. They can be run at the bar or taken to a home or office, and are pitched at birthdays, hen and stag dos and work team socials.
Practicalities
The bar opens in the evenings only, from Wednesday to Sunday, and is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays; the latest nights are Friday and Saturday, when it runs until 1am. Booking isn't done online but by text message, so send your name, date, party size and arrival time ahead of time if you want a table kept, especially at the weekend.
On an evening spent around the Triangle and neighbouring Westbourne, 99 Perk is a good place to stop. Our food & drink guide lists more places to eat and drink close by, and our things to do guide covers what else is happening in the area.