Bournemouth has some of the liveliest bars and pubs on the south coast of England - you really don’t have to dig deep to realise that there’s a real buzz about the place, making it perfect for bar crawls and any stag do in Bournemouth. Though, with so much to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Never fear, with our expert guidance you’ll be exploring the best bars in Bournemouth in no time.

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Smokin' Aces

This laid-back cocktail lounge has a cool “downtown” atmosphere and a super friendly team of bartenders. There’s no entry fee, no dress code, no VIP area - anyone is welcome in this fun and easy-going venue. They even offer every visitor their own bespoke cocktail, just tell the bartenders your favourite flavours and they’ll mix you up your very own signature drink. Enjoy these while listening to the live bands and DJ sets playing throughout the week.

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Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar

This is an award-winning alehouse, pub and restaurant all rolled into one. It’s a notorious favourite on the Bournemouth bar scene and massively popular with the locals. Sample some craft beers and real ales in their flowery beer garden or enjoy their hearty locally-sourced pub menu. The venue is also an intimate events space with jazz nights, open mic nights and other live entertainment acts on every night of the week.

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Bar So

This swish and swanky bar is definitely one of the classiest destinations in Bournemouth. The exclusive multi-level venue has an upmarket feel and a glamorous atmosphere thanks to the low-lighting and luxurious decor. Head here in the early evening to sip on champagne on the heated sun terrace. Then later on in the evening, get your mates onto the dancefloor and enjoy one of the big-name DJs that play here.

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Aruba

This easy-going bar overlooks Bournemouth’s award-winning beach and is a cool hangout spot for both tourists and Bournemouth locals. Even in winter, you’ll feel like you're on holiday in this bright venue thanks to the palm trees, lanterns and glittery disco balls. In the evenings the lights go down and the dance floor gets packed with revellers enjoying the DJs mix of club classics and pop hits. It's a real taste of the Mediterranean in the middle of the British southern coast.

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Le Chic

Dance and drink in a sea of neon colours at this lounge bar and nightclub located along the lively Old Christchurch Road. Inside you’ll find a stylish mix of colour-changing furniture and 3D wallpaper, with individually decorated VIP areas spread around the venue. Sip on one of the many vibrant cocktails on offer while the resident DJ mixes the best of funk, disco, soul and house.

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The Lost Paradise

This Bali-themed bar is a taste of tropical paradise set on Bournemouth’s popular Exeter road. The venue is the perfect mix of a late-night cocktail bar, barbeque restaurant and nightclub.You can kick off the weekend Island style at the venue’s famous Tribal Thursdays or, keep the weekend going at the venue’s Coco Loco Monday nights. So, grab a pineapple-clad drink and get on the dancefloor!

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The Firkin Shed

Renowned for being Bournemouth’s first ever ‘micro pub’, this small venue is a family-run freehouse which offers an incredible selection of real ales. All the ales served are from independent breweries, either located in Bournemouth or from further afield. So, you won’t find any bottles of beer in here, or any lagers - just fresh ale straight from the cask! (They do offer a large selection of ciders and wines too, but it’s really all about the beer at this place.)

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Brewhouse & Kitchen - Bournemouth

This well-loved bar is a top destination for beer lovers, serving its own fresh craft beers brewed onsite, as well as some top-notch beers on tap. They even cook with the beer, offering a hearty menu of pub classics and beer-inspired recipes. Boasting Bournemouth's biggest craft beer garden, it's the perfect spot for a cold one.

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We think a stag weekend in Bournemouth is a great option, and as for those who fail to make it through to closing time, you can always sober up at one of the many eateries found around town.