Taking the lift to the top of Bobby's reveals something the old department store doesn't prepare you for: a room dense with hanging greenery, botanical archways and a small indoor river spanned by two little bridges. The Botanist has converted the upper floor of one of Bournemouth Square's most familiar buildings into a bar and restaurant that resembles a glasshouse more than a typical high street dining spot. Among the town centre's dining options, it stands out as one of the more theatrical, and one of only a few with a genuine roof terrace.
Food and drink
Seasonal vegetables, fruit, spices and herbs form the base of the kitchen's menus, producing a range wider than the botanical branding might imply. Its signature dish, the hanging kebab, arrives at the table on a suspended skewer with garlic flatbread, rocket and houmous. On Sundays, roasts come with garlic herb potatoes and bottomless Yorkshire puddings, and weekdays bring a shorter lunch menu suited to anyone in town during the afternoon rather than the evening.
Rather than being tucked away, vegan and vegetarian dishes run throughout the main menu, a gluten-free list is available, and younger diners have their own Seedlings menu. Drinks carry equal weight to the food: the cocktail list, a feature of the brand since it launched in 2012, draws generously on fresh herbs and botanicals, supported by draught beer, cider and a solid wine selection. As menus and any bottomless brunch slots shift throughout the year, check the website before heading over.
Spaces inside and out
Effectively, three venues exist under one roof. The main dining room serves as the showpiece, full of foliage and archways, including a semi-private tunnel of hanging plants that groups can book for celebrations. Past it lies a spacious bar and lounge with soft seating, equally suited to a drink or a full meal. Beyond that sits the roof garden, strung with festoon lights and heated by fire pits, offering outdoor dining with the town laid out below.
A soundtrack accompanies the weekends. Every Friday and Saturday evening brings live music, from acoustic duos and trios to full bands, plus a monthly musical bingo night that draws a lively turnout. As the night progresses, the venue shifts gear, moving from a relaxed lunch spot into somewhere noticeably busier after dark.
Location
Level four of Bobby's on Commercial Road, right on Bournemouth Square (BH2 5LP), is where The Botanist sits, with two lifts taking you straight there. A short walk covers the distance to the Lower Gardens, the Pavilion, the pier and the beach, and the location suits the shops of the town centre well. Both Bournemouth railway station and the main bus interchange are close by, and plenty of public parking sits nearby, none of it belonging to the venue itself. See our Bournemouth area guide for more on getting around the centre.
Good to know
Wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms are provided, and the fourth-floor position isn't an obstacle thanks to lift access. The bar and outdoor spaces welcome dogs. Booking online is advisable for weekend evenings, Sunday lunch and event nights, and becomes essential if you want the semi-private area reserved for a group. The venue accommodates a wide range of visits, from a quiet weekday lunch through to a birthday celebration finishing on the roof.
Browse our food & drink guide for more nearby places to eat and drink. Contact The Botanist directly for current menus, opening hours and bookings.