Arts Bar is a café and bar located on the first floor above the Refectory at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), situated on the Wallisdown campus in Poole. It serves a mix of hot and cold drinks, light meals and snacks, catering primarily to students, staff and visitors of the university. This page covers what Arts Bar offers, who typically uses it, practical details about visiting, and how it fits into the local area.
What Arts Bar offers
Arts Bar provides a simple menu focused on convenience and quality for a campus setting. The drinks selection centres on Costa Coffee products, including espresso-based hot drinks, teas and cold beverages. Alongside these, the bar serves alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic alternatives, making it a versatile spot for both daytime refreshment and evening socialising.
Food options include a “grab and go” breakfast range featuring pastries, sandwiches and light snacks, suitable for a quick start to the day or a break between classes. Sweet and savoury items like cakes, muffins and crisps are available throughout the day. Seating near windows offers natural light and views of the campus, accommodating both quick stops and longer visits.
The venue’s layout and menu reflect its role as a university facility rather than a commercial café. The emphasis is on accessible, affordable choices that suit the rhythms of academic life, with a casual atmosphere conducive to study, meetings or informal gatherings.
Who uses Arts Bar
Arts Bar primarily serves the Arts University Bournemouth community. Students use it for coffee breaks, meals between lectures and socialising after classes. Staff members frequent it for informal meetings or to relax during breaks. Visitors to the university, including prospective students and guests attending events, also have access to the bar.
As a campus venue, Arts Bar is not designed as a general public café or bar. Its location within the university campus on Wallisdown Road means it is less convenient for those without a reason to be on site. Visitors are advised to check opening times and access arrangements before planning a dedicated visit, especially outside term time.
The bar’s clientele tends to be younger and arts-focused, reflecting the university’s creative courses. This creates a distinctive atmosphere compared to high-street cafés or bars in Bournemouth’s town centre or Westbourne district.
Location and access
Arts Bar is located at Arts University Bournemouth, Wallisdown Road, Poole, BH12 5HH. The campus lies approximately 2 miles north of Bournemouth town centre and about 1.5 miles from the Westbourne shopping area. The coordinates align closely with the university’s official address, confirming its position on the Wallisdown campus rather than in Westbourne.
The campus is accessible by car, with parking available on site subject to university regulations. Bus services run along Wallisdown Road, connecting the campus with Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. The nearest major railway station is Bournemouth, about 3 miles south, with onward bus or taxi options to the campus.
Visitors arriving from Bournemouth town centre can expect a 10 to 15-minute drive or a 30-minute bus journey. Walking from Westbourne is less practical, taking around 40 minutes due to the distance and road layout.
Opening times and seasonal variations
Arts Bar’s opening hours are aligned with the university’s academic calendar. During term time, it generally opens on weekdays from early morning until mid-afternoon, roughly 8am to 3pm. It closes on weekends and during university holidays, including summer and Christmas breaks.
Hours may vary slightly depending on university events or special occasions. The bar does not operate late into the evening except for occasional functions or private bookings. Prospective visitors should consult the university’s website or contact Arts Bar directly for up-to-date opening times.
The seasonal pattern means the bar is busiest during term weeks, with quieter periods outside these times. This schedule reflects its role as a facility primarily for students and staff rather than a commercial hospitality venue.
How Arts Bar fits into the local area
Arts Bar is distinct from Bournemouth’s high-street cafés and bars due to its campus location and university focus. It is part of the food and drink provision at Arts University Bournemouth, which supports the student experience on Wallisdown Road.
For those seeking a wider range of cafés, bars and restaurants in Bournemouth, the town centre and Westbourne district offer numerous options within a few miles. The seafront and Boscombe also provide popular venues for dining and socialising.
Arts Bar complements these by serving a specific community with tailored opening hours and a menu designed for campus life. It is not positioned as a destination for tourists or casual visitors to Bournemouth.
For more on local dining options, see the food & drink guide, or explore activities and attractions nearby in the things to do section.
Practical tips for visiting Arts Bar
- Confirm opening hours in advance, especially during university holidays.
- Access is easiest for those with business at Arts University Bournemouth; casual visitors should check visitor policies.
- The venue accepts card payments and offers Costa Coffee loyalty schemes.
- Seating is limited and informal, with a mix of tables and window counters.
- The bar does not provide full meals but focuses on light snacks and drinks.
- Nearby parking is available but may require a permit or payment during term time.
- Public transport options include several bus routes serving Wallisdown Road, with stops close to the campus entrance.
Related places and further information
Arts Bar sits within a creative university environment close to Bournemouth University, which has its own cafés and social spaces. The Wallisdown campus is a short journey from Bournemouth’s town centre, where a wider selection of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues await.
For those interested in cultural venues and events, the things to do section covers Bournemouth’s arts scene, gardens, museums and the seafront. The accommodation page offers options for staying nearby, including serviced apartments and hotels.
