Dicky's Bar & Brasserie, Southbourne

Southbourne Grove has the feel of a high street that quietly does its own thing, and Dicky’s is one of the reasons people linger on it after dark. The building was once the local telephone exchange; since 2019 it has been a brasserie and bar, and what separates it from the row it sits in is a Dutch streak running through an otherwise European menu.

The food

The cooking is brasserie at heart — plates built for an unhurried table, with seafood a recurring presence. The Dutch influence is the distinguishing note. Bitterballen, the crisp-crumbed meat croquettes eaten with mustard, turn up as a starter; frikandel sausage bites and a Dutch-style steak carry the theme further. The kitchen works with local suppliers and changes its menu with the seasons, so the specifics move through the year rather than staying fixed. Gluten-free choices are marked on the menu.

The setting

Inside, the old exchange has become a room that reads as modern and comfortable rather than showy. There is a proper bar, open from around midday, pouring cocktails, wine and beer, and you can sit at it with a drink without ordering food. The mood is grown-up. It stretches comfortably across casual drinks, a business lunch, a quick weekday meal or a slow romantic dinner, and at the time of writing it does not admit children under 10 — which tells you plainly where it pitches itself.

Where it is

Dicky’s is at 54/56 Southbourne Grove, in the heart of Southbourne at the eastern end of the bay. The clifftop and Southbourne Beach lie a short walk south, which makes the restaurant an easy end to a day spent along that quieter stretch of coast. The Grove itself carries most of the neighbourhood’s independent shops and places to eat, so there is no need to travel back into town for an evening out.

Good to know

Book ahead for evenings and weekends through the restaurant’s own system; the bar takes walk-ins for drinks. The venue notes free parking around the Grove and in the side streets, though spaces go quickly when it is busy, and a discretionary service charge applies to larger groups. In warmer weather there is an outdoor terrace with a few tables out on the Grove itself. Hours shift with the season, so confirm current times before you set out. For what else is close, see our restaurants guide and the map of Bournemouth.

Dicky's Bar & Brasserie — good to know

Where is Dicky's Bar & Brasserie?

Dicky's is at 54/56 Southbourne Grove, in the middle of Southbourne, a short walk back from the clifftop at the eastern end of Bournemouth bay. It sits among the Grove's run of independent shops and restaurants.

What kind of food does Dicky's serve?

It is a European brasserie with a Dutch accent. Alongside familiar brasserie plates you will find Dutch dishes such as bitterballen, frikandel bites and a Dutch-style steak. The menu changes with the seasons, so expect it to shift through the year.

Does Dicky's take bookings?

Yes. Tables can be reserved through the restaurant's own booking system, which is worth doing for evenings and weekends. The bar is also open for walk-in drinks from around midday if you would rather perch with a cocktail first.

Is Dicky's suitable for children?

It leans towards adults. At the time of writing the brasserie does not admit children under 10, so it suits couples, friends and business lunches more than young families. Check the current policy when you book.

Is there parking near Dicky's?

The restaurant notes free parking around Southbourne Grove, on the street and in the side roads nearby. Spaces fill up on busy evenings, so allow a little time. Much of Southbourne is walkable, too, if you are staying close.

What are Dicky's opening hours?

It generally serves from late morning through to the evening, seven days a week, with the bar opening around midday. Hours can change with the season, so check the current times before you travel.

Dicky's Bar & Brasserie