More International...

than the Eurovision.

 

Charminster has always had a large international and UK student community which continues to grow on a daily basis, it is also home to Bournemouth's largest Muslim community although, somewhat strangely, we've never found a Mosque here.

 

Although it lacks the 'Charm' the name would suggest, Charminster's ethnic diversity is evident and therefore adds a little 'Something' to tempt you in.  With it's wide ranging choice of restaurants sandwiched between the numerous Internet Cafe's and Kabab shops along the 'Strip', such as American, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Turkish, Moroccan, Chinese, Italian, Lebanese, Thai and Spanish - the list is seemingly endless and be it a good or bad thing, not a McDonalds in sight.  Seriously, if you cant find something to satisfy your taste-buds in Charminster then you have food issues.

 

Along with the wide variety of eateries comes the endless list of bars - not surprisingly a haven for foreign students and locals alike, from the traditional local haunt of the Five Ways and the international hang-out which is the Richmond Arms to International Socialite Bar 'Sebis' and Starz Diner, two venues that realise that a little effort on appearance attracts a certain type of drinker and as such they firmly position themselves away from the rest on offer and make a relaxing - if not slightly pretentious - alternative to town centre drinking.

 

Conclusions:

To be frank, we wouldn't really recommend Chaminster as a family-orientated region of Bournemouth, if you are looking for something to keep the whole family happy we'd recommend staying central to the town or heading to Tower Park where you'll find all you need to keep yourself and the little-ones more than occupied within the 200m radius.  If, on the other hand, you're after a pre or post-club drink, Charminster has all the bases covered and as Charminster isn't what you would call 'classy' prices arn't too shabby either.

 

 

UB Recomendations:

 

Best bar:                                                       Breeze Bar and Restaurant

Best bar on a budget:                                   The Richmond Arms

Best place to eat:                                          Breeze Bar and Restaurant

The best place to pull:                                   Havana

Best place to pull something with a pulse:   The Richmond Arms

Best Kabab:                                                   Anatolia Kabab