On Exeter Road, just off the Square, sits one of central Bournemouth's largest and liveliest pubs, The Moon in the Square. Occupying two floors of what used to be a department store, it has poured pints on this site since 1994 and pulls in a fairly even mix of shoppers, day-trippers, ale enthusiasts and weekend groups. Come early for a fry-up and coffee, or later when the room is at its most lively.
The food
As with any Wetherspoon, variety matters more than fine dining here. Breakfast opens proceedings, then a wide-ranging all-day menu takes over: burgers, grills, curries, pizzas and lighter dishes, plus vegan and vegetarian choices and something for children. Lavazza coffee, freshly ground, runs throughout the day, so it doubles as a handy stop mid-shop as well as somewhere to drink. Ordering can happen at either bar, or you can send food and drink to your table using the Wetherspoon app. Since menus and pricing shift often, checking online first is a good idea.
What really stands out, though, is the drinks selection. Fifteen handpumps operate between the two bars, and Cask Marque accreditation reflects the condition the cask beer is kept in. Guest ales come and go, cider festivals turn up on the calendar, and craft keg, wine and spirits cover everything else.
The setting
Choice runs through the layout. Downstairs is the bigger of the two bars, split into three separate zones, with ten handpumps and a dedicated family dining area. The upper floor is smaller and generally quieter, with five further handpumps and, the real highlight, a rooftop patio that gets the afternoon sun over the rooftops of the town centre. Down at street level, pavement tables suit anyone keen on people-watching. Sport plays on screens throughout, and although weekday afternoons stay calm, Friday and Saturday nights liven up considerably, hen and stag parties included.
The building itself carries some history. Victoria Villa and Library once stood on the site, the former home of Bournemouth's first mayor, and the pub borrows its name from George Orwell's essay describing his fictional perfect pub, The Moon Under Water.
Where it is
Connecting the Square to the seafront, Exeter Road gives the pub about as central a position as you'll find in town. Just a few paces away, the Lower Gardens begin, the Bournemouth International Centre sits round the corner, and the pier and beach are a short walk downhill. The Square is where the buses gather, and getting to Bournemouth railway station takes roughly fifteen minutes on foot. Several car parks lie nearby, though in summer, walking often wins out for speed.
Good to know
Simply arrive and grab a table, no booking required. Both step-free access and baby changing facilities are on offer, and free Wi-Fi covers the pub. Under-18s need an adult with them and can only stay until the evening cut-off, so double-check the current policy if a late family meal is on the cards. Hours can move around, particularly around holidays and major local events, so it's worth checking the pub's page before setting off.
For a central, reliable spot open most of the day, this pub slots easily into a visit. Browse our food and drink guide for further nearby options, or combine a pint here with the rest of what the town offers via our things to do guide.