The Kitchen Club is a restaurant located in Southbourne, Bournemouth, at Riverside Avenue, BH7 7ES. It offers a varied menu of contemporary dishes in a relaxed setting close to the Dorset coast. This page covers what to expect from The Kitchen Club, its location and surroundings, menu highlights, practical information for visitors, and how it fits into the wider Southbourne dining scene.
What The Kitchen Club offers in Southbourne
The Kitchen Club serves a diverse menu with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and modern British cuisine. The restaurant’s interior combines a casual atmosphere with stylish décor, making it suitable for both casual lunches and evening dinners. The kitchen focuses on quality and flavour, offering dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Southbourne’s location near the coast means many ingredients are sourced locally, with an emphasis on Dorset seafood when in season. The Kitchen Club also has a selection of wines, beers and cocktails to complement meals. The venue occasionally hosts special events such as wine tastings and themed evenings.
The restaurant’s setting on Riverside Avenue places it within easy reach of Southbourne’s beachfront and local amenities. It is a popular choice for diners looking for a quality meal near the sea without travelling into Bournemouth town centre.
Location and surroundings of The Kitchen Club
The Kitchen Club sits on Riverside Avenue, a street running parallel to the coast in Southbourne. It is approximately 2 miles east of Bournemouth town centre and 1 mile west of Hengistbury Head, a notable nature reserve and coastal headland. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Southbourne beach, one of Bournemouth’s quieter sandy stretches with family-friendly facilities.
Southbourne itself is a suburb of Bournemouth known for its village feel and independent shops, cafes and eateries. The area around Riverside Avenue includes a mix of residential properties and commercial premises, with a number of other restaurants and bars nearby. Parking is available on-street and in nearby car parks, though spaces can fill up during busy periods.
Visitors to The Kitchen Club can combine dining with a stroll along Southbourne’s beachfront promenade or a visit to the local shops on Southbourne Grove, about 10 minutes on foot. The area is well served by local buses connecting to Bournemouth town centre and Poole.
Menu highlights and dining experience
The Kitchen Club’s menu changes seasonally to reflect available produce. Starters include options such as Dorset crab salad, charcuterie boards and seasonal soups. Main courses range from pan-fried sea bass and slow-cooked lamb shoulder to vegetarian risottos and vegan dishes.
The restaurant offers a set lunch menu on weekdays, providing a choice of two or three courses at a fixed price, typically around £15 to £20 per person. Evening dining is à la carte, with mains generally priced between £12 and £25. A children’s menu is also available, making the venue suitable for families.
Desserts include classic British puddings alongside lighter options such as fruit sorbets. The Kitchen Club’s bar serves a selection of wines by the glass, local craft beers and cocktails, with staff able to recommend pairings.
The dining room has a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of tables for couples and larger groups. The décor features natural materials and soft lighting, creating a comfortable environment for meals throughout the day.
Booking, opening hours and practical details
The Kitchen Club is open for lunch and dinner six days a week, typically from midday until 9.30pm. It is closed on Mondays. Booking a table in advance is recommended, especially at weekends and during holiday periods.
The restaurant can be contacted by phone or through its website for reservations and to check the latest menu and opening times. It is accessible for wheelchair users, with step-free access and accessible toilets.
Parking options include on-street bays on Riverside Avenue and nearby side streets, usually free outside of controlled hours. Southbourne railway station is about 1.5 miles away, with regular train services to Bournemouth and Poole. Local bus routes run frequently along Christchurch Road, connecting Southbourne to the wider Bournemouth area.
How The Kitchen Club fits into Southbourne’s food scene
Southbourne offers a range of dining options, from traditional fish and chip shops to contemporary bistros and international cuisine. The Kitchen Club is part of this diverse food scene, providing a modern British menu with a focus on quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
Other nearby eateries include casual cafes, seafood restaurants and pubs, making Southbourne a convenient destination for a full day of eating and exploring. Visitors can combine a meal at The Kitchen Club with a visit to Southbourne’s beach, local shops or the nearby Hengistbury Head nature reserve.
For those interested in exploring more of Bournemouth’s dining options, the site’s food & drink guide offers detailed listings across the town, including restaurants, bars and cafés. The Kitchen Club is a good choice for those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience close to the coast.
Accessibility and suitability for different visitors
The Kitchen Club caters well to a range of visitors. Families with children can make use of the children’s menu and the nearby beach for a day out. Couples and groups seeking a quiet meal away from the town centre will find the restaurant’s setting and ambience appealing.
The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options, and staff are able to accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. The restaurant is suitable for casual dining as well as special occasions, with a flexible layout that can accommodate small private events.
Southbourne’s coastal location means visitors can easily combine a meal at The Kitchen Club with outdoor activities such as walking along the promenade or visiting local parks. The restaurant’s proximity to public transport and parking makes it accessible for both locals and visitors arriving by car or train.
Nearby attractions and activities to combine with dining
Southbourne beach is a key attraction near The Kitchen Club, offering a quieter alternative to Bournemouth’s main beaches. It has a sandy shore, a children’s play area and seasonal lifeguard cover. The beach is about a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Hengistbury Head, around 20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride, provides coastal walking trails, birdwatching and views across Poole Harbour. The area is managed by the National Trust and is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
For indoor activities, Southbourne has independent shops, galleries and cafés along Southbourne Grove. Bournemouth town centre, 2 miles away, offers a wider range of attractions including the Bournemouth Pier, Oceanarium and theatres. Visitors can plan a day combining dining at The Kitchen Club with exploring these nearby destinations.