Bar Coast occupies a spot on Old Christchurch Road in central Bournemouth, a few minutes on foot from the Square and the principal shopping streets. One venue, two personalities: a laid-back cocktail bar in the early evening, then a DJ-driven late-night room once the hours tick on.
Drinks and food
The cocktail list is made up of well-made classics intended to carry you from your first drink through to last orders, and there is a light bites menu of pizzas and loaded nachos designed for sharing between rounds. From Tuesday to Friday, happy hour runs 6pm to 8pm with 50% off drinks, which makes it a sensible window for meeting colleagues after work before the place gets busy.
Evenings and events
The doors open at 6pm with a relaxed lounge atmosphere, and the energy rises as the night goes on. From about 10pm, most noticeably on Friday and Saturday nights, the venue changes gear into a livelier club format with DJs, a dancefloor and ticketed weekend events. Groups, birthdays and other celebrations can book VIP tables, booths and bottle packages, and private hire is arranged directly with the venue. Entry is 18+ and responsible drinking is encouraged.
Good to know
Mondays are closed. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday the bar opens 6pm to 2am, Friday 6pm to 3am, and Saturday 10pm to 3am, with seasonal daytime events starting at 2pm. Opening hours and events move around with the seasons, so look at the venue's website or Instagram (@bar.coast) before you set off, especially if you are booking for a weekend.
Browse our food & drink guide for more central places to eat and drink, or check our things to do guide for what else is happening nearby.