The Libertine sits on Alumhurst Road in Westbourne, a short walk from the village’s shopping parade and train station and an easy stroll down toward Alum Chine and the seafront. It’s a gastropub under the Young’s group, reopened in recent years after a full refurbishment that brought dark wood, rugs and a log burner into the main room, with a kitchen led by head chef Mark Hubbard built around seasonal ingredients from the south coast and southern England.
The pub
The interior leans into a “rustic charm” brief rather than the stripped-back, minimal look many refurbished pubs go for — think dark wooden tables, artwork on the walls and a log burner for the colder months, giving it a room that works as easily for a quiet weekday pint as a Saturday night out. One of the more distinctive features is The Forge: an 1851 working forge on the site that’s been converted into a private dining and events space, used for weddings, christenings and similar celebrations rather than everyday walk-in trade. For sport, six screens carry TNT Sports coverage, taking in Premier League, Champions League and Six Nations fixtures.
Drinks and food
The bar runs well-conditioned cask ales alongside newer craft keg beers, a wine list, cocktails and a rotating “no and low” alcohol selection for anyone not drinking. On the food side, the kitchen serves breakfast through to dinner, with dishes drawing on southern English produce — south coast scampi, Devon crab and Hampshire venison curry have featured on past seasonal menus, alongside pub staples and a Sunday roast. Breakfast is served mornings from Monday to Saturday, with prices for dishes such as the full English or smashed avocado on toast running roughly £8 to £14.50; the pub doesn’t publish set prices for lunch and dinner, so it’s worth checking current menus on the website before you visit.
Where it is
Alumhurst Road puts The Libertine right in the heart of Westbourne, close enough to the boutiques and cafés along the main shopping stretch to make it a natural stop before or after browsing, and close enough to Alum Chine and the beach to suit a walk down to the sea afterwards. The train station is a short stroll away too, making it a workable option without a car.
Good to know
Reported opening hours run Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to midnight, and Sunday 11am to 10:30pm, though as with most pubs it’s sensible to confirm food service times before a special trip. There’s outdoor seating for warmer days. The pub has picked up some local recognition, including a mention in The Sun’s Restaurant Awards and a highly commended nod in the Dorset Made Business awards.
