The Colour Bar is a cocktail and wine bar located in Westbourne, a vibrant suburb of Bournemouth on the Dorset coast. It offers a diverse menu of drinks and light bites in a relaxed, stylish setting. This page covers what to expect when visiting The Colour Bar, its location and surroundings, how it compares to other local venues, practical details for planning your visit, and the type of experience it suits best.
What The Colour Bar is like inside and out
The Colour Bar occupies a ground-floor space on Westbourne’s busy commercial street, close to the junction with Poole Hill. The interior combines contemporary design with cosy touches, featuring low lighting, comfortable seating, and a long bar counter where expert bartenders prepare cocktails to order. The colour scheme includes muted blues and greys, with splashes of vibrant artwork on the walls that give the venue its name.
The bar offers a selection of wines by the glass and bottle, alongside a cocktail menu that includes classics such as Negronis and Martinis, as well as house specials crafted with seasonal ingredients. Light snacks and sharing plates complement the drinks, with options like charcuterie boards, olives, and artisan breads. The atmosphere is lively but not noisy, making it suitable for both casual drinks and small group gatherings.
Outside, The Colour Bar has a modest frontage with a few tables on the pavement during warmer months, allowing guests to enjoy the street scene of Westbourne. The area is known for its independent shops, cafes, and other bars, creating a neighbourhood feel within a short bus or taxi ride from Bournemouth town centre.
How The Colour Bar fits into Westbourne and Bournemouth’s food and drink scene
Westbourne is one of Bournemouth’s key dining and nightlife districts, popular for its mix of independent and chain establishments. The Colour Bar stands out for its focus on quality cocktails and wine, appealing to visitors looking for a more refined drinking experience compared to some of the larger pubs and clubs in town.
Compared to venues in Bournemouth’s town centre or along the seafront, The Colour Bar offers a quieter, more intimate setting. It is less tourist-focused than places on the seafront, attracting a mix of locals and visitors who appreciate craft drinks and a relaxed pace. This makes it a good choice for those who want to combine a night out with exploring Westbourne’s boutique shops and eateries.
The bar is part of a wider cluster of food and drink options in Westbourne, including Italian restaurants, tapas bars, and coffee shops. It complements these by providing a dedicated space for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner cocktails. For a fuller overview of dining in Bournemouth, see the Food & Drink guide.
How The Colour Bar compares to other bars in Bournemouth
| Feature | The Colour Bar (Westbourne) | Bar So (Royal Exeter Hotel) | Bar Republiq (Old Christchurch Road) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drink focus | Cocktails and wine | Cocktails and late-night club | Cocktails and nightclub |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed, intimate | Energetic, late-night | Small, Manhattan-style |
| Location | Westbourne | Near seafront | Old Christchurch Road |
| Food options | Light snacks and sharing plates | Bar snacks | Limited food |
| Opening hours | Early evening to late | Late-night | Late-night |
| Suitable for | Small groups, couples | Partygoers, clubbers | Cocktail enthusiasts, clubbers |
The Colour Bar’s focus on cocktails and wine with a quieter atmosphere contrasts with venues like Bar So and Bar Republiq, which cater more to a late-night crowd with DJs and dancing. It is more comparable to bars such as 99 Perk or the Arts Bar, which also emphasise quality drinks and a relaxed environment.
Getting to The Colour Bar and parking options
The Colour Bar is on Westbourne’s main shopping street, approximately 1.5 miles west of Bournemouth town centre. It is accessible by bus routes running along Westbourne Road and Poole Hill, with frequent services from Bournemouth railway station and town centre stops. The journey takes around 10 to 15 minutes by bus.
For those travelling by car, there are several public car parks nearby, including the Westbourne Road Car Park and the Branksome Recreation Ground Car Park, both within a five-minute walk. On-street parking is available but limited, with restrictions during weekdays and weekends. Cycling is also an option, with bike racks located on Westbourne Road.
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop off directly outside the bar. Bournemouth railway station is about 2 miles east, with regular trains connecting to London and other regional centres, making The Colour Bar accessible for visitors arriving by train.
Costs and booking at The Colour Bar
Drinks at The Colour Bar are priced in the mid-range for Bournemouth. Cocktails typically cost between £8 and £12 each, depending on the ingredients and complexity. Glasses of wine start at around £5, with bottles available from approximately £20. Light snacks and sharing plates range from £5 to £10.
The bar accepts walk-in customers but recommends booking a table for evenings and weekends, especially for groups of four or more. Booking can be made by phone or through their website, which also provides the latest menu and opening hours. The Colour Bar is open from early evening until around midnight, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Who The Colour Bar is best suited for
The Colour Bar suits visitors seeking a relaxed, stylish venue for cocktails or wine in a neighbourhood setting. It is popular with couples and small groups who prefer a quieter atmosphere than the busy seafront or town centre bars. The bar’s focus on quality drinks and light food makes it suitable for pre-dinner drinks or a casual night out.
It is less suited to large parties or those looking for late-night dancing, as it closes earlier than some of Bournemouth’s nightclubs and does not have a dance floor. The location in Westbourne also appeals to visitors interested in exploring local shops and restaurants in a village-like atmosphere.
For a broader view of Bournemouth’s nightlife options, including pubs, clubs and cocktail bars, see the Things to Do: Attractions and Food & Drink sections.
