Sharkey's Sports Bar is a lively venue on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth’s East Cliff area. It offers a casual setting for watching live sports, enjoying drinks and sharing bar food. This page covers what to expect at Sharkey's, how it compares to other bars nearby, practical details for visiting, and who the venue suits best.
What Sharkey's Sports Bar offers
Sharkey's Sports Bar specialises in live sports broadcasts, with multiple screens showing football, rugby, cricket and other major events. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of seating options including booths, high tables and a central bar area. It serves a range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails alongside a menu of classic pub and bar snacks such as burgers, wings, nachos and loaded fries.
The venue often hosts quiz nights, live music and themed sports events, making it a social hub for local sports fans and visitors. Its location on Old Christchurch Road places it within walking distance of Bournemouth town centre and the seafront, making it convenient for an evening out after a day on the beach or exploring the town.
Food and drink selection
Sharkey's menu focuses on approachable bar food with generous portions. Popular dishes include the 8oz beef burger, chicken wings with various sauces, and vegetarian loaded nachos. The drinks list features local ales alongside international lagers and a cocktail menu with classics such as mojitos and espresso martinis. Happy hour deals run on weekdays, typically from 5pm to 7pm, offering discounted drinks.
Sports coverage and events
The bar screens live sport on large HD TVs positioned throughout the venue, ensuring good views from most seats. It covers Premier League football, Six Nations rugby, international cricket, and major tournaments like the World Cup and Wimbledon. Special event nights often include themed decorations and promotions tied to the sport on show.
How Sharkey's compares to other Bournemouth bars
Old Christchurch Road is known for its diverse nightlife, with several sports bars, cocktail lounges and pubs within a short walk. Sharkey's stands out for its focus on live sports in a casual setting, compared to some venues that prioritise cocktails or music.
| Feature | Sharkey's Sports Bar | Chaplins & The Cellar Bar | Bar Coast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Live sports and bar food | Alehouse, cocktails, live music | Late-night cocktails and DJs |
| Location | Old Christchurch Road, East Cliff | Old Christchurch Road, East Cliff | Old Christchurch Road, East Cliff |
| Seating style | Mix of booths, high tables | Pub-style seating, garden area | Cocktail lounge, dancefloor |
| Typical crowd | Sports fans, casual groups | Music lovers, ale enthusiasts | Clubbers, cocktail drinkers |
| Food options | Burgers, wings, bar snacks | Pub food and sharing plates | Small plates and sharing food |
| Live sport coverage | Extensive on multiple screens | Limited or none | None |
Sharkey's is a practical choice for those prioritising live sports coverage and a straightforward menu, rather than a late-night club or cocktail bar experience. It complements the wider food and drink scene in Bournemouth, which includes venues featured in the food & drink guide.
Getting to Sharkey's Sports Bar
Sharkey's is located at 21 Old Christchurch Road, BH1 1JZ, on Bournemouth’s East Cliff area. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station, heading south along Holdenhurst Road and then turning onto Old Christchurch Road. The town centre and seafront are within a 5 to 10-minute walk, making it accessible from many central hotels and apartments.
Public transport options include several bus routes running along Old Christchurch Road and nearby roads, connecting to Poole, Boscombe and other parts of Bournemouth. There are pay-and-display car parks within a short walk, such as the Central Car Park on Exeter Road, about 7 minutes away on foot.
For those arriving on foot from the beach, Sharkey's is roughly a 10-minute walk inland from Bournemouth Pier along Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road. This makes it convenient for combining a visit to the bar with time on the beach or a stroll through the town centre.
Accessibility and opening hours
The venue has step-free access and accessible toilets. Opening hours generally run from midday until midnight or later on weekends, with live sports events often extending hours. It is advisable to check Sharkey's website or contact them directly for the latest opening times, event schedules and table bookings.
Cost and value at Sharkey's Sports Bar
Prices at Sharkey's are competitive for a central Bournemouth venue. Drinks such as pints of lager or ale typically cost between £4 and £5.50, with cocktails priced around £7 to £9. Bar snacks range from £5 for smaller items like fries or wings to £10 or more for burgers and loaded dishes.
Happy hour offers on weekdays reduce drink prices by around 20 to 30 per cent. Food portions are generous, making Sharkey's good value for groups or sports fans seeking a casual meal and drinks without premium pricing.
Who Sharkey's Sports Bar suits best
Sharkey's primarily attracts sports enthusiasts looking for a venue to watch live games with friends or fellow fans. The casual, friendly atmosphere suits groups, couples and solo visitors who want a straightforward sports bar experience without the formality of a restaurant or the intensity of a nightclub.
The bar is family-friendly during daytime hours but becomes more adult-focused in the evenings, especially during major sports events or quiz nights. Visitors staying in central Bournemouth or nearby neighbourhoods such as East Cliff, Boscombe and Southbourne will find Sharkey's convenient for an evening out.
For those interested in other nightlife options, the nearby Chaplins & The Cellar Bar offers live music and cocktails, while Bar Coast provides late-night dancing and crafted cocktails. For a broader selection of Bournemouth's bars and pubs, the food & drink guide provides detailed listings.
Sharkey's Sports Bar is a practical choice for visitors seeking live sports coverage in a relaxed, central location on Bournemouth’s East Cliff. Its mix of drinks, bar food and events complements the wider range of attractions and dining options nearby, including the town centre and seafront. For more about Bournemouth’s beaches and outdoor activities before or after your visit, see the Beaches and Things to Do sections.