Published on Friday 29 April 2022
Families, foodies, and fitness lovers will all find something to be excited about this Spring, with the arrival of six alfresco beach restaurants, a beach-based gym, and some spectacular public art.
As the resort gears up for the bank holiday weekend, residents are already enjoying the opportunity to have a Mediterranean feast with a sea view at the brand-new Beach Hut Bar and Grill at West Cliff. Further up the promenade, W Beach is back with a bigger menu and a relaxed Ibiza-style vibe.
On the east-side of Bournemouth Pier, Aruba’s Sunset Beach Club has also made a return and El Murino’s beach restaurant will be serving pizzas and drinks further along at East Cliff. Two more restaurants are also planned along our beautiful award-winning coast.
Two new pieces of art celebrating Bournemouth’s famous coastline will also greet beachgoers this summer. BCP Council have commissioned two local artists to revamp the environment around Bournemouth Pier Approach Flyover and Boscombe Land Train Garage on Undercliff Drive.
Cllr Beverly Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Vibrant Places says "Innovative and colourful art is a wonderful way of enhancing our beautiful seafront and we are delighted that two local artists have been involved. Rick Walker of Paintshop Studio & Gallery has completed a magnificent 104 ft mural on the Land Train Garage while Lauren Marina’s beautiful black and while vinyls look stunning wrapped around 16 pillars of the Pier Approach Flyover. In addition, the many new alfresco eating and drinking venues along the beach will bring extra joy to the seafront experience at Bournemouth and Poole for visitors and residents alike. "
Residents who want to look after their physical wellbeing can try Who Dares Gyms, who will now be offering open air classes and training sessions at East Cliff.
The new beach restaurants, art, wellness, and innovation projects represent a step change for our seafront and is all part of BCP Council’s plan to enhance, protect and conserve the area sensitively in consultation with the community.
Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Active Health, said: "We're trying some new venues and activities on the seafront, and with the Bank Holiday approaching and the Summer enticingly near, there is lots for everyone to enjoy.
"I'd encourage residents and visitors to come down, take a look for yourselves and have a great time."
Anthony Rogers, Head of Seafront at BCP Council, said: "There is more to do than ever before on our seafront, it’s better quality and it celebrates all that’s unique about where we live. There’s fun for everyone.
"Most people have a particular part of the beach they go to, but this summer they will have lots of new and exciting things to tempt them to explore further along the promenade.
"As a local myself I am proud of what the team have achieved in bringing in new things for local people to enjoy."
Vintage funfair rides are planned to for the pier this Summer, along with bungee trampolines, which are already up, and a new Big Wheel is back.
Later in the Spring a high-end temporary restaurant will open at Southbourne and will run for two summers before the permanent structure is completed in 2024, complete with sixteen new each Beach Lodges.
At Boscombe Pier the Prom Diner is also extending its brand-new terrace service to the sand with its Beach Diner.
Meanwhile artists and performers resort are ready to entertain and inspire with a series of exciting array of events, festivals, and activities this year as part of Festival Coast Live! 2022.
There will be live music, entertainment, and illuminations across the three towns, coastal villages, seafront area and beyond from spring right through to this winter, with events including Arts by the Sea and Bournemouth Air Festival.
Photo with kind permission of Paintshop Studio & Gallery (@paintshopstudio)