Dicky's Bar & Brasserie is a modern neighbourhood brasserie located on Southbourne Grove, the main high street of the Southbourne suburb in Bournemouth. It opened in 2019 in a converted former telephone exchange building and combines relaxed bar service with full sit-down dining. The restaurant is known for its produce-led European cooking with a distinctive Dutch influence.
This page covers the food and drink on offer, the atmosphere and setting, practical details about location and parking, and useful tips for planning your visit. It also links to related local guides for exploring Southbourne and dining around Bournemouth.
What food and drink does Dicky's Bar & Brasserie serve
Dicky's offers a menu that changes seasonally, reflecting the best of local suppliers and fresh ingredients. The kitchen focuses on European dishes but includes a strong Dutch twist, which is unusual for a seaside brasserie in the area.
Bar snacks include Dutch classics such as bitterballen: crisp-crumbed croquettes filled with a creamy ragù, served with mustard mayonnaise. Another popular snack is frikandel sausage bites accompanied by curry sauce. These are ideal for sharing or as a starter with drinks.
Main dishes feature comforting European fare. Moules frites are a regular menu item, served with either the traditional garlic and white wine sauce or a curried sauce option. Chicken schnitzel also remains a favourite, prepared to order with a crunchy coating and served with seasonal sides.
Dicky's caters to dietary requirements with a separate gluten-free menu. The kitchen’s made-to-order approach means they can usually accommodate other needs if notified in advance. Checking the current menu on the restaurant’s website or asking when booking is advisable for specific dietary queries.
The bar serves a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. The cocktail list includes classic and contemporary recipes, designed to complement the food menu and the relaxed atmosphere.
What is the atmosphere and setting like at Dicky's Bar & Brasserie
The interior of Dicky's is smart but informal, with a cosy and well-dressed dining room that balances sophistication with a relaxed vibe. The former telephone exchange building has been thoughtfully converted to create a welcoming space with a proper bar area for drinks.
The décor features warm lighting and comfortable seating, suitable for both casual drinks and full meals. The bar area is lively in the evenings, making it a good spot for cocktails or wine before or after dining.
When weather permits, the outdoor terrace opens onto Southbourne Grove, allowing for al fresco dining and people-watching. The terrace is popular in spring and summer, providing a pleasant spot to enjoy the leafy high street atmosphere.
Dicky's suits a range of occasions, including date nights, social catch-ups, and unhurried lunches. The restaurant admits children aged 10 and over only, reflecting a more grown-up dining environment. The dress code is smart casual, encouraging a polished but comfortable style.
Where is Dicky's Bar & Brasserie and how to get there
Dicky's Bar & Brasserie is at 54/56 Southbourne Grove, Southbourne, Bournemouth BH6 3RB. Southbourne Grove is a leafy, village-style high street lined with independent shops, bakeries, delis and cafés. The brasserie sits close to the clifftop that overlooks Bournemouth’s long sandy beach.
The clifftop and beach are about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant, making it an ideal stop before or after a stroll along the seafront. Southbourne’s beach is quieter than Bournemouth town centre and popular with families and locals.
There is no dedicated car park for Dicky's, but free on-street parking is usually available along Southbourne Grove and neighbouring residential streets. At busy times, such as weekends or summer evenings, allow extra time to find a space.
Public transport options include local buses running along Christchurch Road, a short walk from Southbourne Grove. Bournemouth railway station is approximately 4 miles away, with taxi or bus connections to Southbourne.
What to know before visiting Dicky's Bar & Brasserie
Booking a table is recommended, especially at weekends and during peak seasons. Reservations can be made online or by phone for smaller parties. The restaurant often keeps some tables for walk-in guests, so it is worth enquiring in person if online availability is limited.
Opening hours vary seasonally, with later closing times in summer months. Checking the latest opening times and menu updates on Dicky's official website before visiting is advisable.
The restaurant’s smart casual dress code and minimum age policy for children mean it leans towards an adult clientele. This makes it less suitable for families with young children but well suited to couples and groups of friends.
Menus change with the seasons, so dishes vary throughout the year. Regular visitors can expect new specials alongside the staples like moules frites and chicken schnitzel.
How does Dicky's Bar & Brasserie fit into Southbourne and Bournemouth’s dining scene
Southbourne Grove is known for its independent shops and cafés, offering a quieter alternative to Bournemouth town centre. Dicky's complements this with a modern brasserie that combines casual bar drinking and proper dining in one venue.
The Dutch influence on the menu sets Dicky's apart from many other coastal restaurants, which tend to focus on classic British or French-style seafood and bistro dishes.
For those exploring Bournemouth’s wider food scene, Dicky's offers a local experience with a European twist, distinct from the larger seafront restaurants in Bournemouth town centre or Boscombe.
The brasserie’s location near the Southbourne clifftop and beach makes it a convenient dining option for visitors spending time outdoors. It also fits well with the village atmosphere of Southbourne, where independent businesses dominate.
For a fuller picture of dining options around the bay, see our food & drink guide, which covers restaurants, pubs and bars across Bournemouth and neighbouring areas.
What other things to do near Dicky's Bar & Brasserie
Southbourne’s clifftop and beach are the main attractions close to Dicky's. The sandy beach stretches for miles east and west, with walking paths along the clifftop offering sea views and access to nearby parks.
The area is quieter than Bournemouth town centre, making it popular for relaxed days out. Southbourne also has a small theatre and regular local markets on the high street.
For more activities and attractions in Bournemouth, the things to do section of this site provides details on gardens, museums, the pier and more.
Visitors can combine a meal at Dicky's with a walk along the coast or a visit to nearby Southbourne Village to explore its independent shops and cafés.