Business Details
Award-Winning Bar & Live Music Venue in Bournemouth
Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar is an award-winning entertainment destination in Boscombe, Bournemouth, where vintage charm meets modern flair. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin's iconic era, we offer a unique blend of live music, casual drinks, and exceptional dining experiences. Our venue includes The Cellar Bar, Modern Times lounge, Smokehouse, and Firehouse bar, each delivering distinct atmospheres and culinary delights. Head Chef Luke Jefford brings Michelin-recognised expertise to our Smokehouse, focusing on sustainable local produce from Dorset and Hampshire.With live music seven days a week, including regular events like Solid Air Acoustic Adventures and Rubber Soul showcases, we provide a vibrant social hub for locals and visitors alike. Our commitment to quality extends to hand-crafted rum, smoked delicacies, and interactive quiz nights that foster community engagement. Located near Bournemouth's seafront and Royal Arcade, we combine historical inspiration with contemporary innovation to create unforgettable experiences.
Services
Live Music Events
Award-Winning Dining
Smokehouse Cuisine
Craft Cocktail Bars
Private Events Hosting
Highlights and features
- We host live music events seven days a week with diverse genres
- Our Michelin-recognised chef delivers sustainable, locally-sourced dining experiences
- We combine historical inspiration with contemporary bar innovations
- Our multiple venue spaces cater to varied entertainment preferences
- We maintain Boscombe's cultural pulse through regular community events
What people say
Award-winning entertainment
Vibrant atmosphere
Sustainable local produce
Talented musicians
Unique character
Services
Live Music Events
Our venue hosts live music seven days a week featuring diverse genres and talented performers. From acoustic adventures to Caribbean sounds, our regular events programme showcases both emerging and established artists in intimate settings. The Cellar Bar's weekly showcases maintain Boscombe's cultural vibrancy while our garden provides an alternative performance space for special occasions.
Award-Winning Dining
Head Chef Luke Jefford delivers exceptional culinary experiences with Michelin-recognised expertise. Our menus feature sustainably sourced produce from Dorset and Hampshire, prepared using traditional and contemporary techniques. The Modern Times lounge offers refined dining while the Smokehouse specialises in grilled and smoked delicacies using locally-sourced hardwoods and charcoal.
Smokehouse Cuisine
Our Smokehouse features handmade BBQs and Ironbrand smokers fuelled by sustainable local logs. We specialise in slow-cooked meats and smoked dishes using native breed livestock from regional farms. The menu changes seasonally to reflect available produce while maintaining our commitment to environmentally responsible sourcing practices.
Craft Cocktail Bars
The Firehouse bar offers hand-crafted rum and signature cocktails in a distinctive setting. Our mixologists create innovative drinks using premium spirits and house-made ingredients. Each bar space maintains its own unique character while delivering consistent quality across our multiple award-winning venues.
Private Events Hosting
We host special events from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations in our versatile spaces. The Cellar Bar and garden accommodate different event types while our regular programming ensures a vibrant atmosphere. Our team supports event planning for both private functions and public showcases across music, arts, and cultural domains.
People
Luke Jefford
Head Chef
Michelin-recognised chef with expertise in sustainable cuisine, specialising in foraging and local produce. Leads The Smokehouse's culinary direction while maintaining environmental responsibility in menu development and sourcing practices.
Questions
What live music events are available at Chaplins?
We host live music seven days a week including Solid Air Acoustic Adventures on Mondays, Romeo & Friends on first Tuesdays, Cherry Bomb showcases on last Tuesdays, and Rubber Soul Thursday showcases. Sunday Sessions and Free Flow Jams provide additional weekly entertainment options.
What dining options does Chaplins offer?
Our dining options include The Smokehouse with sustainably-sourced BBQ and grilled dishes, Modern Times lounge offering refined dining, and Firehouse bar serving hand-crafted cocktails. All menus feature locally-sourced ingredients from Dorset and Hampshire producers.
How can I book a table at Chaplins restaurant?
Restaurant bookings can be made through the 'Dining' tab on our website. We recommend reserving tables in advance, particularly for weekend evenings when our Smokehouse and Modern Times venues are most popular.
What sustainability practices does Chaplins implement?
We prioritise sustainability through locally-sourced produce from Dorset and Hampshire farms, environmentally responsible cooking methods using sustainable hardwoods, and supporting regional musicians to reduce travel requirements for our entertainment programme.
Where is Chaplins located and what are the opening hours?
Chaplins is located at 529 Christchurch Road, Boscombe BH1 4AG. Our bar opens daily from 11:30am, with extended hours until 3:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Smokehouse kitchen operates Wednesday-Sunday with varied serving times.
Reviews (6)
Adam Ski Hart
Jan 14, 2022
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Basically, it's just superb, an oasis of musical creativity and endeavour. a brilliant place, can't recommend enough (stays open late too).
Tim Heywood Hopefm
Nov 11, 2021
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The hidden gem of Bournemouth. One of the last bastions of original local music in the area. Good real ales downstairs, good cocktails upstairs. Always a friendly crowd. And that garden, amazing. Food in the restaurant also good. Also feels like a safe place, many friendly security people on hand.
Matt D. Griffiths
Oct 15, 2021
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Amazing place & great live music 🎵 Friendly staff…beer garden 🪴 inclusive ‘safe space’ Mimi Come’See’Me x
Pamela Pereira
Jan 26, 2020
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The bar changed its name (maybe also the owner). The bartender is an arrogant jung boy. The one serving the tables was a very nice and friendly person, but because of the bartender I don't feel like coming back or telling any friend to go there.
Hilary Battson
May 26, 2019
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I was lucky enough to visit this place with my friends who highly recommended it. I know why! Awesome cocktails, great team behind the bar - overall ambience was spot on. Really cool little gem
Michael Hofmann
Sep 09, 2018
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Great cocktails and a great location. The Old Fashioned we ordered was very well made. I even had to water it down with the ice since the bourbon taste was too strong. Service was friendly but things could be organized more efficiently, especially on a busy weekend night.
