Aruba, Bournemouth

I will always the remember this place as the Showbar, which was its nightclub guise in the late 90's and early 00's when it played host to many a memorable evening in my formative drinking years. Somewhere along the line, the place has been given a complete revamp and on a recent visit I was initially struggling to equate today's venue with the one I used to spend so many evenings in. The bar has a great location at the entrance to Bournemouth Pier, but the one thing I never appreciated on dark, noisy club nights here, was that the windows open out to a wonderful balcony which gives great views down the pier and along the stretches of golden sand to either side. A day time visit gives you the chance to enjoy these views either from the balcony of from the many window-side seating options that run around the perimeter of the room. The place has been fitted out with a huge central servery, with the former bar area on the front wall now reclaimed and used as additional seating space. The room is bare boarded throughout with a complex looking metal ceiling structure above, from which various lanterns, glitter balls, swing chairs and other such decorations hang. Comfy sofas around standard size and low tables occupy two sides of the room, whilst over to the right there is a formal dining area which is reserved exclusively for those wanting to eat. The space is partly roped off, but its not that clear that you can't just grab a window seat here for a quick drink. The open kitchen can be viewed from this end of the room. The servery, which stands on the former dancefloor, has a mirrored bar back and a nice wine-rack style system for displaying their spirit bottles. Old trunks have been stacked on the canopy and there were several trees in large pots on the corners of the counter. Music played at a sensible level on our lunchtime visit but I suspect it's a very different story in the evening and, despite the awkwardly positioned bar, there is still plenty of room for people to throw some shapes. Sadly there are no ales available, although that is perhaps to be expected. A few mainstream lager and cider options have to suffice and boards above the bar detailed a decent cocktail list. As I was driving, I opted for a hot drink instead, having just enjoyed a bracing winter's walk along the promenade from Sandbanks. I was a little disappointed to find that this place had become a fairly non-descript bar and restaurant, but it was equally pleasing to see that they were finally capitalising on its finest asset - its location. I suppose there will always be a good deal of passing trade here, especially in the summer months, so there isn't much need to strive for excellence. It was nice to be back in one of my favourite old haunts, but I think I'll remain content with happy memories and don't envisage making a return.

Great location directly above the entrance to Bournemouth's pier. Light and airy inside, with fine views from the front windows and balcony. Substantial island bar. No real or even keg ale, but bottled offerings include Spitfire plus (unexpectedly) Einstock White Ale and Toasted Porter (£4.00) from Iceland.

Official site of Aruba - www.aruba-bournemouth.co.uk

Official site of Aruba - www.aruba-bournemouth.co.uk