If you are after tapas in Bournemouth, Bodega Tapas is the name that comes up. It is a Spanish bar and restaurant run by the Quay Hospitality Group, with two sites in Dorset: one in Southbourne and another in Christchurch. The Southbourne one is the one to know for a night out, sitting at 81 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QX, while the Christchurch branch is over at 12 Wick Lane, BH23 1HX.
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The menu is built around tapas and small plates, both traditional and a bit more contemporary. You will find patatas bravas with smoked aioli, gambas al ajillo, ribs, jamón ibérico, chorizo, embutidos, artisanal cheeses and seafood specials. The general advice is to go for two or three tapas a head, and there are sharing boards, dishes of the day and Spanish-inspired desserts too, like a Basque cheesecake with orange zest. To drink, there is Rioja Tempranillo, Galician Albariño, draught beer, sangría, sherry, vermouth and cocktails, including an Espresso Martini made with Licor 43. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and some dishes can be adapted to dietary needs, with allergen information kept at each site.
The brunch is what a lot of people come for. The Famous Bottomless Brunch runs for 90 minutes and covers unlimited Cava, sangría or Estrella, alongside Spanish tapas, cured jamón ibérico, chorizo, lomo and salchichón with pan con tomate, Spanish artisanal cheeses like Manchego with quince paste, Picos Blue with honey and goat cheese with Oloroso, olives, bread, gambas Pil Pil, Spanish garlic sausage, Padrón peppers and patatas bravas. It is a big spread, and the Southbourne site builds a bit of a scene around it. There is a Funk & Soul Mashup brunch on Saturday 5 September from 12:00 to 15:00 with live music and a DJ, a Big T’s Honky Tonk edition on Saturday 3 October, and a Day of the Dead brunch on Saturday 31 October, both at the same midday slot. For bigger groups, they also do tailored menus and private dining for celebrations and corporate events.
Opening hours differ by site. Bodega Southbourne runs Tuesday to Thursday 17:00 to 23:00, Friday 15:00 to midnight, Saturday 12:00 to midnight and Sunday 15:00 to 22:00, with Monday closed. Bodega Christchurch opens Tuesday to Thursday 17:00 to 23:00 and Friday 17:00 to midnight, with Saturday 12:00 to midnight and Sunday and Monday closed. Southbourne carries a 4.3 out of 5 rating from around 80 reviews, with a typical bill landing somewhere between £30 and £40, and Tripadvisor gives it five stars.
The feedback is a mixed bag, which is worth knowing before you book. Noah Masson described it as horribly short-staffed and Louise Kazemi flagged issues with the service and how the menu was explained. On the other hand, Sophia Riley praised the ribs and the friendly staff, Faith Marie loved the bottomless brunch, Maxine Pashley called the tapas delicious, B Monkhouse appreciated the fresh food and the service from Charlie and Josh, and Rebecca Doddrell described the food as exceptional and gave a shout-out to Sam. There are also positive notes on the wines and the negronis. For enquiries, the general email is info@bodegatapas.co.uk.
