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Image posted by peter ashworth
Submitted on Saturday, 21st June 2014
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Reviews of Aruba (Average Rating: 4½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about Aruba Bar & Restaurant
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.
On 28th January 2015
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Aruba Bar & Restaurant
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.
On 1st April 2013
- rating: 5
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about Aruba Bar & Restaurant
Aruba Bar and Restaurant is located at the start of Bournemouth pier and the fairly nondescript entrance was covered with scaffolding during my visit on Saturday afternoon making it even easier to miss. After scaling the stairs up to the bar area I was shocked at the vast size and the excellent views of the beach from the long balcony. The island bar in the centre of this barn like bar is surrounded with lots of standing room and there is seating around the walls. I didn’t spot any plasma screens or Sky Sports advertisements, but there was some dance music playing for the entertainment of the young crowd present. I didn’t see any hand pumps on the bar and the standard draught that I did see was all served in plastic glasses. There is a cocktail menu and the food starts at £10 for a main dish which seems expensive for what was available.
The location of this place is fantastic, but I’m the wrong side of thirty to properly appreciate it on a Saturday. Maybe it is more sedate during the week when more people are eating than drinking.
On 19th May 2012
- rating: 5
[User has posted 5228 recommendations about 5196 pubs]
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Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Car Park : No last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Darts : No last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Jukebox : No last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Live Music : Yes last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Micropub : No last updated 21 June 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Pinball : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Pool Table : No last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
- Real Ale : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Real Cider : No last updated 18 January 2015 by Quinno _
- Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 28 January 2015 by Pub SignMan
