Spyglass & Kettle occupies exactly the spot a neighbourhood pub should, on a corner of Stourwood Avenue just off Southbourne Grove, tucked among the houses and close enough to the clifftop that a sea breeze reaches the beer garden. Rather than an independent, it operates as a Greene King house, and makes no attempt to hide it. Instead, it relies on consistency, a well-kept pint and, should the evening run on longer than expected, a bed upstairs.
Food and drink
Without much ceremony, the kitchen delivers the familiar Greene King repertoire. Burgers, steaks, light bites for smaller appetites and the hearty pub classics that keep a place like this ticking over on a wet Tuesday are all on the cards. Dishes catering to common dietary requirements usually feature, and since the menu changes across the year, checking the website before you set your heart on something specific is worthwhile.
Locals tend to rate the bar most highly of all. Greene King ales, poured to Cask Marque standard, form its backbone, backed up by lagers, craft options and the usual spirits and soft drinks. Anyone working through the beer-focused venues in our food and drink guide will find a solid, unpretentious stop here, one that rewards choosing a cask pint over the keg taps by default.
Atmosphere and rooms
Inside, it's a genuine community boozer, comfortable, worn in at the right spots, and busiest when there's something happening. Weekly live music brings real energy, drawing a crowd across several generations rather than one narrow age group. Regulars have a dartboard to themselves, and on quiet afternoons the atmosphere eases into newspapers and quiet chat.
From spring onwards, the beer garden out back becomes the natural choice for anyone arriving with a dog or children. Upstairs, eight en-suite bedrooms span single, double and family layouts, each fitted with tea and coffee facilities, a television and wi-fi, plus a cooked breakfast each morning. This makes the pub a practical base for a coastal weekend without a seafront hotel's price tag.
Location
Just off Southbourne Grove, Stourwood Avenue sits in West Southbourne, the residential area lying east of Boscombe and west of Hengistbury Head. A short walk south brings you to the clifftop and the Blue Flag sands below, the main draw for people choosing to stay here. For the independent shops, cafes and beach huts within easy reach, see our Southbourne area guide.
Southbourne Grove has bus connections running between Bournemouth town centre and Christchurch, meaning the car can stay at home if you prefer. For those who do drive, on-site parking is limited and nearby residential streets fill up during the evenings, so factor in a few extra minutes.
Good to know
While dogs are welcome, the pub asks that you request this in advance rather than arriving unannounced. Accessible facilities are available, and the ground floor suits anyone who prefers step-free access. Booking pays off for weekend evenings, Sunday lunches and live music nights, and is essential for the rooms. To confirm current opening times, the latest menu, the live music schedule and room availability, head straight to the Greene King website or call the pub.