The Colour Bar is a cocktail bar and lounge located in Westbourne, a popular suburb of Bournemouth on the Dorset coast. It offers a varied drinks menu, including classic and contemporary cocktails, in a relaxed setting with a colourful interior. This page covers what to expect when visiting The Colour Bar, its location and accessibility, the atmosphere and clientele, and how it compares to other venues in the area.
What The Colour Bar is like
The Colour Bar is a mid-sized venue on Westbourne’s busy Poole Road, known for its vibrant décor and creative cocktail list. The interior features bold colours and modern furnishings, creating an inviting space for evening drinks or weekend socialising. The bar specialises in cocktails, with a selection of spirits, wines and craft beers also available. The menu includes signature drinks alongside classic favourites such as Negronis, Margaritas and Espresso Martinis.
The venue often plays a mix of contemporary and retro music, with a sound level suitable for conversation. Seating includes high tables, booths and a small lounge area, accommodating groups from couples to parties of around 15. The Colour Bar has a licence to stay open until 1am on weekdays and 2am on weekends. It does not serve food but encourages guests to visit nearby restaurants in Westbourne’s dining district.
Drinks and menu highlights
The Colour Bar updates its cocktail menu seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. Popular choices include the “Westbourne Fizz”, a gin-based cocktail with elderflower and lemon, and the “Spiced Rum Punch” served in a large glass for sharing. The bar also offers a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails, catering to all preferences.
Interior and atmosphere
The décor is a key feature, with colourful wall art, neon signs and plush seating. The lighting is dimmed in the evenings to create a cosy yet lively atmosphere. The bar is popular with locals and visitors seeking a stylish but unpretentious night out. It is especially busy on Friday and Saturday nights, with a steady flow of customers throughout the week.
Where The Colour Bar is in Westbourne
The Colour Bar is situated on Poole Road, the main street running through Westbourne village, approximately 2 miles west of Bournemouth town centre. This location places it close to the coast, with Bournemouth’s beaches reachable within a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Westbourne is known for its independent shops, cafés and restaurants, making it a popular area for dining and nightlife. The bar sits near other venues such as the Ludo Lounge and Camden, providing options for a pub crawl or an extended evening out.
Getting to The Colour Bar
Westbourne is accessible by several bus routes from Bournemouth town centre, with stops along Poole Road within a minute’s walk of The Colour Bar. The nearest railway station is Bournemouth station, about 2.5 miles away, with taxi or bus connections available. For drivers, limited street parking is available nearby, with additional parking in the Westbourne car park on Stourwood Road, a 5-minute walk from the bar.
Nearby amenities
Westbourne offers a range of dining options, from casual cafés to fine dining restaurants. Notable nearby venues include Cristallo, an Italian restaurant on West Cliff Road, and Bamboo, a Brazilian and Pan-Asian restaurant on Commercial Road. For those interested in continuing the evening, several cocktail bars and pubs line Poole Road and adjoining streets.
How The Colour Bar compares to other bars in Bournemouth
The Colour Bar stands out for its focus on cocktails and its vibrant interior design. Unlike larger nightclubs or traditional pubs, it offers a more intimate and stylish environment suited to relaxed socialising. Its location in Westbourne provides a quieter alternative to the busy seafront bars while still being close to Bournemouth’s main attractions.
| Feature | The Colour Bar | Bar Coast (Seafront) | Bear's Bar (Holdenhurst Rd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speciality | Cocktails and lounge | Late-night cocktails and DJs | Rock and alternative music |
| Location | Westbourne village | Bournemouth seafront | Holdenhurst Road |
| Atmosphere | Stylish, colourful, relaxed | Lively, late-night club | Alternative, live music venue |
| Opening hours | Until 1am weekdays, 2am weekends | Until 3am weekends | Until midnight most nights |
| Food served | No | Sharing plates and snacks | No |
The Colour Bar is well suited to visitors who prefer a cocktail-focused venue in a neighbourhood setting rather than a large club environment. It complements the broader nightlife scene in Bournemouth, which includes venues like Bar Republiq on Old Christchurch Road and the multi-level Bar So near the seafront.
When to visit The Colour Bar
The bar is open daily from early evening, typically around 5pm, and is busiest on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekday evenings see a steadier but quieter crowd, making it suitable for after-work drinks or a quieter night out. Seasonal events such as cocktail masterclasses or themed nights are occasionally held, with details available on The Colour Bar’s social media or website.
Westbourne’s location means the bar benefits from visitors combining evenings out with dining or coastal walks. Summer months bring more tourists to the area, increasing footfall, while winter offers a cosy retreat from the cooler weather.
Who visits The Colour Bar
The clientele at The Colour Bar is diverse, including local residents, professionals, and visitors to Bournemouth. The venue attracts an adult crowd, typically ranging from mid-20s to 50s, with groups of friends, couples and small parties common. The relaxed but stylish atmosphere appeals to those looking for a quality cocktail experience without the intensity of a nightclub.
The bar is not specifically family-oriented and does not serve food, so it is better suited to adults and those without young children. It is popular with locals who appreciate Westbourne’s village feel and visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the town centre nightlife.
Other things to do nearby
Westbourne offers a range of activities beyond its bars and restaurants. The area is close to Bournemouth’s seven miles of sandy beaches, including Alum Chine and Boscombe Beach, both reachable within 30 minutes on foot or a short bus ride. For a broader selection of attractions, the nearby Bournemouth town centre provides museums, gardens and the iconic Bournemouth Pier.
For those interested in exploring more of the local area, the Things to Do section of this guide covers attractions, gardens and days out in and around Bournemouth. The Beaches page details the coastline’s sandy stretches and facilities. Visitors can also consult the Food & Drink guide for a comprehensive overview of dining and nightlife options across the town.