Arts Bar Bournemouth is a café and bar located on the first floor above the Refectory at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), on the Wallisdown campus in Poole. Despite its name, it is not situated in the Westbourne shopping area but within the university grounds on Wallisdown Road. The venue serves as a social and refreshment space primarily for students, staff and visitors of AUB.
What Arts Bar serves and its atmosphere
Arts Bar offers a straightforward menu focused on convenience and quality. It serves Costa-branded hot and cold drinks, including espresso coffees, teas and cold beverages. The food menu features a selection of grab-and-go breakfast items such as pastries and sandwiches. There are also sweet and savoury snacks suitable for a quick bite between classes or meetings. During later hours, the bar serves alcoholic drinks including beers, wines and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic alternatives. This makes it a versatile venue for daytime refreshment or early evening socialising.
The seating area includes tables by the windows, providing natural light and views over the campus. This layout accommodates both brief visits for coffee and longer stays for conversation or study. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, reflecting its role as a university facility rather than a commercial high-street café.
The design of Arts Bar reflects the creative environment of the university. The décor is simple but welcoming, with artwork and student projects occasionally displayed. This adds a vibrant touch that celebrates the artistic community. This environment makes it a pleasant spot not only to grab a drink but also to soak up some campus culture.
Who Arts Bar is for and visitor advice
Arts Bar primarily caters to the Arts University Bournemouth community: students, academic staff and university visitors. It is integrated into the campus environment and supports the daily routines of those attending or working at AUB. While members of the public are welcome, the venue is not designed as a general public café or bar. Its opening hours and menu reflect the academic calendar and campus rhythms.
Visitors who are not connected to the university should check opening times and access arrangements before planning a visit. The bar operates mainly during term time and weekdays. The venue is not a late-night bar and closes early in the afternoon or early evening depending on the day.
For prospective students or visitors attending university events, Arts Bar offers a convenient and comfortable place to relax. It is also a useful meeting point for informal gatherings or quick refreshments during open days or exhibitions.
Location and how to get to Arts Bar
Arts Bar is situated on the Wallisdown campus of Arts University Bournemouth, with the address Wallisdown Road, Poole, BH12 5HH. This location is approximately 2.5 miles north of Bournemouth town centre and about 1.5 miles from the Westbourne shopping district. The campus is shared with Bournemouth University nearby, making it part of a wider educational area.
By car, Wallisdown Road is accessible from the A3049 ring road. Parking is available on campus for permit holders and visitors. Public transport options include local bus routes that serve Wallisdown Road. These connect to Bournemouth town centre and Poole. The nearest train station is Bournemouth, about 3 miles south, with onward bus or taxi connections to the campus.
For those travelling by bus, several routes run along Wallisdown Road. This makes it easy to reach Arts Bar from different parts of Bournemouth and Poole. Timetables and route details can be checked via local transport providers or the BCP Council website. Walking or cycling to the campus is also possible for nearby residents. There are safe pedestrian paths and bike racks available on site.
Arts Bar’s role within the university and community
Arts Bar functions as a social hub within the Arts University Bournemouth campus. It provides a convenient space for refreshment, informal meetings and socialising. It supports the university’s food and drink provision alongside other campus facilities such as the Refectory and student common areas. The venue contributes to campus life by offering a welcoming environment that encourages interaction among students and staff.
Although primarily a university facility, Arts Bar occasionally hosts events or themed days linked to university activities, exhibitions or student projects. This makes it a place where the creative and academic community can gather beyond formal teaching spaces. Its presence enhances the campus experience by combining practical catering with a relaxed social atmosphere.
The bar also plays a role in supporting student wellbeing by offering a comfortable space away from classrooms and studios. It is a popular spot for students to unwind, catch up on work or meet peers in a less formal setting. Staff often use the bar for informal meetings or breaks, making it an integral part of daily campus life.
Comparing Arts Bar with other cafés and bars in Bournemouth
Unlike many cafés and bars listed in Bournemouth’s town centre or Westbourne, Arts Bar is not a commercial venue open to the general public throughout the day and evening. It operates within the constraints of a university timetable and serves a specific community. Its menu is simpler and more focused on quick service rather than extensive dining or nightlife.
For those seeking cafés with broader opening hours, diverse menus or evening entertainment, the town centre and seafront areas offer many options. Nearby Westbourne provides independent cafés and bars with a more traditional high-street atmosphere. The Arts Bar’s strength lies in its integration with university life rather than its appeal as a standalone destination.
| Feature | Arts Bar | Westbourne Cafés & Bars | Bournemouth Town Centre Venues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | AUB Wallisdown campus, Poole | Westbourne shopping district, 2 miles away | Central Bournemouth, near seafront |
| Opening hours | Weekdays, term time, mornings to early afternoon | Varied, often all day and evening | Extended hours, including late nights |
| Menu | Costa drinks, grab-and-go food, bar drinks | Full café and bar menus, including meals | Wide range: cafés, pubs, restaurants |
| Audience | University students, staff, visitors | General public, locals, visitors | General public, tourists, locals |
| Atmosphere | Informal, campus-focused | Independent, community-oriented | Diverse: from casual to upscale |
Nearby places to visit and eat
While on the Wallisdown campus, visitors can also explore nearby facilities and amenities. Bournemouth University is adjacent, with its own cafés and social spaces. For a wider choice of food and drink, the Westbourne area is approximately a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute bus journey away. It offers a variety of independent restaurants, pubs and cafés.
Bournemouth town centre is accessible by bus or car within 15 to 20 minutes. It features a broad selection of dining and entertainment options. For outdoor activities and sightseeing, the town’s seven miles of sandy beaches and attractions such as Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium lie south of the town centre.
For more options on places to eat and drink around Bournemouth, see the food & drink guide. To plan activities and explore local attractions, consult the things to do section. For official information on Bournemouth’s beaches and seafront attractions, visit the BCP Council website.
Tips for visiting Arts Bar and the Wallisdown campus
If you plan to visit Arts Bar, it is advisable to check the university’s term dates and opening hours. The bar’s availability aligns with the academic calendar. During university holidays or weekends, the venue may be closed or have limited service.
Visitors should also be aware that the campus is an active educational environment. Respectful behaviour and quiet conversation are appreciated. The bar is not a nightlife venue, so it is best suited for daytime or early evening visits.
Parking on campus requires a permit or payment at designated bays. Checking parking arrangements in advance can save time. Alternatively, using public transport or cycling can be more convenient during busy periods. For public transport details and travel planning in Bournemouth and Poole, the BCP Council website is a useful resource.
Summary
Arts Bar is a university café-bar serving the Arts University Bournemouth community on the Wallisdown campus. It offers Costa drinks, quick meals and bar service in a relaxed, campus-centred setting. Its opening hours and menu reflect its role supporting students and staff rather than serving as a public high-street venue. Located in Poole, it is accessible by car and public transport from Bournemouth and Westbourne. For visitors seeking a more traditional café or bar experience, nearby Westbourne and Bournemouth town centre provide a wider range of options. For background on the university and local area, see the Arts University Bournemouth Wikipedia page.