Tucked along Christchurch Road in Pokesdown, at the eastern edge of Boscombe, The Bell is a proper community corner pub rather than a polished gastropub — the kind of place regulars pop into after work and visitors discover on the walk up from Pokesdown station. It trades on atmosphere and a packed events calendar rather than a fancy fit-out, and that seems to be exactly what keeps its local crowd coming back.
The pub
Inside, The Bell keeps things sociable: pool table, sports on the TV, and an events board that’s rarely empty. Through the week there’s live music, open mic nights, DJ sets and karaoke, plus occasional themed weekends and a charity event the pub calls “Bellfest.” It’s a pub built around doing things together rather than just drinking quietly in a corner, so evenings here tend to have a bit of buzz to them.
Drinks and food
The bar runs regular drinks specials, and food centres on Sunday roasts and BBQ cooking, with a covered outdoor BBQ area put to use for the latter. There’s no detailed printed menu published on the pub’s own site, so anyone after specific dishes or prices is better off calling ahead or checking on the day, especially around events when the food offering may flex to suit whatever’s on.
Where it is
915 Christchurch Road sits on one of Boscombe and Pokesdown’s main through-roads, an easy walk from Pokesdown railway station and within reach of the shops and cafes along the same stretch. It’s a residential, workaday part of Bournemouth rather than a seafront spot, which suits a pub built more for locals than passing tourist trade — though anyone staying nearby and after an evening out with some live music will find it a short trip.
Good to know
The Bell is dog-friendly and family-friendly, with a beer garden for outdoor seating and free wifi for anyone wanting to settle in. Opening hours run from midday on weekdays (10am at weekends) through to 11pm or later, stretching to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights — though as with any pub built around live events, it’s worth checking the website or giving them a call if timing matters for your visit.
