99 Perk Bournemouth is an independent cocktail and wine bar located in Bournemouth’s Triangle, the area between the town centre and Westbourne known for its concentration of independent bars and restaurants. It offers a compact, intimate setting focused on a carefully curated cocktail menu rather than a large-scale venue or chain operation. This page covers the drinks on offer, the cocktail masterclasses available, practical details on opening times and booking, and how 99 Perk fits into the local nightlife scene.
The cocktail and wine menu at 99 Perk
99 Perk’s drinks menu is extensive and divided into sections based on the spirit base: rum, gin and vodka. Each section features a selection of signature cocktails that combine classic techniques with inventive twists. For example, the Piña Colada is served with a toasted marshmallow garnish adding a smoky sweetness, while the Chocolate Orange Martini includes a shot of espresso for a rich, layered flavour. For groups or lively nights, the “Breaking Bad” cocktail blends multiple spirits for a bold, party-friendly option.
Alongside these signature creations, the bar offers around two dozen classic cocktails such as Old Fashioned, Mojito, Negroni and Espresso Martini. The menu also caters well to non-drinkers, with every signature cocktail having a carefully crafted alcohol-free mocktail equivalent. This ensures that guests who prefer not to drink alcohol have a varied and interesting choice beyond standard soft drinks.
The wine list complements the cocktail menu with a selection of reds, whites and rosés, chosen to suit a range of palates and occasions. While 99 Perk is primarily a drinks venue, light bar snacks are available including mixed nuts, marinated olives and small plates designed to accompany the drinks rather than serve as a full meal.
Cocktail styles and ingredients
The bar places emphasis on quality ingredients and classic preparation methods. Cocktails are made with fresh juices, house-made syrups and carefully sourced spirits. The rum section includes Caribbean and Latin American styles, while the gin selection features both traditional London Dry and contemporary craft gins. Vodka cocktails range from crisp and clean to richly flavoured. This variety allows guests to explore different styles and find drinks suited to their taste.
Alcohol-free options
The alcohol-free mocktails are designed to mirror the flavour profiles of the alcoholic versions. For example, the non-alcoholic Piña Colada uses coconut cream and pineapple with toasted marshmallow flavouring, while the mock Chocolate Orange Martini combines chocolate and orange bitters with espresso. This approach makes 99 Perk a welcoming venue for mixed groups with varying preferences.
Cocktail masterclasses at 99 Perk
99 Perk offers cocktail masterclasses as an extension of its expertise behind the bar. These sessions are priced at £35 per person for groups of eight or more. The classes are hands-on and interactive, teaching participants how to mix, shake and garnish a range of cocktails from the menu.
Masterclasses take place either at the bar itself or can be delivered off-site to homes or offices in Bournemouth and surrounding areas. This flexibility makes them popular for private celebrations such as birthdays, hen and stag parties, as well as corporate team-building events.
Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a welcome drink, step-by-step cocktail making instruction, and tasting of the creations made. The classes cover the history of cocktails, the tools used, and tips for home bartending. Participants receive recipe cards to take home.
Booking and group options
Bookings for masterclasses are essential and can be made by contacting the bar directly. The minimum group size is eight, but larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice. Off-site masterclasses require additional travel arrangements and may have different availability.
Opening times, booking and location
99 Perk operates in the evenings only, open Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the bar closes at midnight, while on Fridays and Saturdays it remains open until 1am. Sunday closing time is 11pm.
The bar does not have an online booking system. Instead, table reservations are managed via text message. Guests should send their name, date, party size and estimated arrival time to the bar’s contact number to secure a table. This is especially recommended for weekends and larger groups to avoid disappointment.
Located in the Triangle area, 99 Perk sits close to Bournemouth town centre and is within a 10-minute walk of Bournemouth railway station. The Triangle is well served by local buses and has several car parks nearby, including the Gervis Place and Lansdowne multi-storeys.
Getting to 99 Perk from Bournemouth station
From Bournemouth railway station, 99 Perk is approximately a 10-minute walk. Exit the station onto Holdenhurst Road, turn left and continue along Holdenhurst Road until you reach the Triangle junction with Commercial Road. The bar is located on the corner of Commercial Road and Richmond Gardens, close to other independent venues.
Costs and typical spend
Cocktails at 99 Perk typically range from £8 to £12 each, with signature creations at the higher end of the scale. Wines by the glass start around £5.50. Bar snacks are priced between £3 and £6. The Shot Roulette, a set of 16 different shots for sharing, costs approximately £25.
Masterclasses are charged at £35 per person, with group minimums as noted above. There are no additional booking fees for tables.
99 Perk’s role in Bournemouth nightlife
99 Perk is a notable destination within Bournemouth’s Triangle, an area recognised for its concentration of independent bars and eateries. The Triangle acts as a bridge between the busier town centre and the more residential Westbourne neighbourhood, attracting a mix of locals and visitors.
The bar’s focus on quality cocktails and a relaxed, personal atmosphere distinguishes it from larger chain bars and clubs nearby. It suits those seeking a quieter, more intimate setting with expertly made drinks. The presence of alcohol-free options also broadens its appeal.
The Triangle is within easy walking distance of Bournemouth’s seafront and pier, making 99 Perk a convenient stop before or after a stroll along the beach. It is also close to other popular venues, allowing for a varied night out.
For further exploration of Bournemouth’s nightlife and dining, the site’s food & drink guide offers a comprehensive overview of restaurants, pubs and bars across the town. The things to do section provides information on events and attractions to complement an evening at 99 Perk. For background on Bournemouth’s history and area, see Wikipedia. For official information on local transport and parking, visit BCP Council.
Comparison of 99 Perk with other Triangle bars
| Feature | 99 Perk | Nearby Bar A | Nearby Bar B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Cocktails and wine | Craft beer and pub food | Live music and cocktails |
| Alcohol-free options | Full mocktail menu | Limited | None |
| Seating capacity | Small and intimate | Medium | Large |
| Booking method | Text message reservations | Online and walk-in | Walk-in only |
| Masterclasses | Available (£35 pp, groups 8+) | Not offered | Occasional events |
This table illustrates 99 Perk’s niche as a cocktail specialist with an emphasis on personal service and alcohol-free options, compared to other venues in the Triangle area.
For a broader view of Bournemouth’s attractions, including its seven miles of sandy beaches, see the Beaches section. The Visitor Information page provides travel and seasonal advice to help plan your visit. For more on Dorset’s wider appeal as a visitor destination, see Visit Dorset.