Intense is a casual café-bistro located on Poole Road in Branksome, on the Poole side of the Bournemouth conurbation. Known locally as Intense UK Bistro, it specialises in all-day breakfasts and brunch with a focus on hearty, fusion-inspired dishes. This page covers the menu offerings, practical details including opening times and accessibility, the café’s local context, and who it suits.
What kind of food does Intense serve
Intense offers a menu that centres on classic breakfast and brunch dishes with a distinctive international twist. The full English breakfast includes traditional components such as eggs, sausages, bacon, mushrooms, beans and toast. Alongside this, continental breakfast options feature pastries, fruit and lighter choices. The brunch menu extends to favourites like eggs Benedict, pancakes and avocado on toast.
The café is particularly noted for its fusion-style burgers, which add a global flavour to familiar comfort food. The Flamenco Burger, topped with chorizo and spicy sauce, is a popular choice among regulars and reviewers. Other cooked-to-order dishes include kebabs and grilled plates with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Seasonal specials often appear, reflecting the independent nature of the kitchen and the availability of fresh ingredients.
Intense’s food is designed to be filling and satisfying, making it suitable for a substantial breakfast before a morning walk or a casual lunch. The emphasis is on hearty portions and bold flavours rather than fine dining or delicate presentation. The menu changes periodically, so checking the latest offerings before visiting is advisable.
Where is Intense located and what is the setting
Intense is situated at 101 Poole Road, Branksome, just over a mile from Poole town centre and about 4 miles west of Bournemouth town centre. Poole Road is a busy commercial street running through Branksome, lined with a mix of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The café sits close to the junction with Westbourne Road, a main route connecting to the A35.
The immediate area is a suburban neighbourhood with a residential mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses alongside modern flats. Branksome railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk away, providing rail links towards Bournemouth and Poole. Several bus routes run along Poole Road, connecting the area with the wider conurbation.
Intense has a relaxed, informal interior with simple seating and décor. There is limited outdoor seating on the pavement outside, suitable for warmer weather. The café’s location on a busy street makes it convenient for locals and visitors travelling by car or public transport.
When is Intense open and what facilities does it offer
Intense is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday, it opens for breakfast and brunch service from around 8am until early afternoon, typically 2pm. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, it remains open later, usually until 9pm, serving a more extensive menu including burgers and grilled dishes.
The café is family-friendly, offering a dedicated children’s menu with smaller portions and simple dishes. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, with level access from the pavement and space inside to accommodate mobility aids. Dogs are welcome both inside the café and in the outdoor seating area, making it a pet-friendly option.
Takeaway and delivery services are available, with many customers ordering through popular delivery apps. This suits those who want the food without dining in or prefer to enjoy it at home. Payment options include card and contactless, with no cash-only restrictions reported.
How does Intense compare with other local cafés and bistros
Intense sits among a cluster of independent food and drink venues along Poole Road and in the wider Branksome area. Nearby cafés range from traditional English tea rooms to modern coffee shops and casual dining spots. What sets Intense apart is its focus on all-day breakfast and brunch with a fusion edge, particularly the international-style burgers and grilled dishes.
| Feature | Intense | Typical Local Café | Chain Café |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu focus | All-day breakfast, brunch, fusion burgers | Traditional breakfast and lunch | Standardised coffee and snacks |
| Opening hours | Tue-Sun, mornings and some evenings | Mostly daytime only | Extended hours, often daily |
| Seating | Casual indoor, limited outdoor | Varies, often indoor only | Indoor seating, some outdoor |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance | Varies | Usually accessible |
| Pet friendliness | Dogs welcome inside and out | Often no dogs inside | Usually no dogs inside |
| Takeaway/delivery | Available | Sometimes | Widely available |
Intense is less formal than some bistros but offers more substantial meals than many coffee shops. It appeals to those seeking a casual dining experience with a distinctive menu rather than standard café fare.
Who is Intense suitable for
Intense suits a range of visitors looking for a relaxed meal in a local setting. It is popular with families, thanks to the children’s menu and welcoming atmosphere. The hearty portions and filling dishes attract those wanting a substantial breakfast or brunch before exploring the area.
The café also appeals to workers and residents nearby who want a casual spot for takeaway or a quick sit-down meal. Its pet-friendly policy makes it a convenient choice for dog owners. Evening service on some days provides a casual option for dinner, especially for those who enjoy burgers and grilled dishes.
Visitors unfamiliar with the area will find Intense a straightforward choice for breakfast or brunch near Branksome railway station and the Poole Road shopping area. It is not a fine dining venue but offers reliable quality and a friendly atmosphere for a casual meal.
How to get to Intense and local transport links
Intense is accessible by car, public transport and on foot from nearby neighbourhoods. There is limited on-street parking on Poole Road and side streets, with some pay-and-display bays nearby. The closest large car parks are in Poole town centre, about a mile east, or at Bournemouth town centre, approximately 4 miles west.
Branksome railway station lies about 0.7 miles south of the café, a 15-minute walk via Westbourne Road and Glenferness Avenue. Trains run regularly between Poole and Bournemouth, connecting to wider rail services. Several bus routes serve Poole Road, including numbers 6, 7 and 16, linking to Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding suburbs.
Cyclists can reach Intense via local cycle paths running through Branksome and along Poole Road. The area is generally flat and suitable for cycling. Pedestrians from nearby residential streets find the café an easy walk, making it a convenient local meeting place.
Nearby places to visit and things to do
After dining at Intense, visitors can explore the surrounding area or head into Poole or Bournemouth for more activities. The café is close to Branksome Chine, a wooded valley leading to the coast with walking trails and green space. Poole Park, about 2 miles east, offers lakes, playgrounds and sports facilities.
For a wider range of attractions, the town centres of Poole and Bournemouth are within easy reach by public transport or car. Bournemouth’s seven miles of sandy beaches are approximately 4 miles away, along with the Bournemouth Pier, Oceanarium and extensive gardens. The things to do section on this site provides detailed guides to local attractions and activities.
Food enthusiasts can explore more independent cafés and restaurants along Poole Road and in the Branksome area by browsing the food & drink guide. For accommodation options nearby, see the where to stay page.
