Punch & Judy

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Venue Image
31 Poole Hill,
BOURNEMOUTH,
BH2 5PW

01202 290016 

The ViewBournemouth Review

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Review byNeda Hashemi15/07/2008
Famous booze-related quotes are scrawled above the bar of the Punch and Judy, and this is your typical laidback pub complete with traditional detail and a mixed crowd.

The Venue
Punch and Judy has an old-fashioned style with a slightly new edge. Cream, that tried and tested colour scheme, covers the walls and there's dark wooden panelling, and the furniture is basic but not as worn out as most pubs. The space is large so a pool table has been added for some entertainment instead of the usual fruit machines.

A few classic leather sofas look irresistibly comfortable but the fireplace next to them that should be giving out a warm glow actually gives out an eerie red light. A few pieces of artwork are scattered around the walls showing off the Bournemouth seaside, which sounds quaint but looks rather dull.

A few quotes have been painted above the bar by legendary figures such as Hemmingway and Churchill, such as this Hemmingway classic - 'Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk – that will teach you to keep your mouth shut’. It's a humourous touch that customers should, but probably don’t, take heed of.

The People
The crowd here don't differ much from the usual collection of characters you get in any pub. There are a few bored old men sitting depressed in the corner, a few young souls enjoying a cheap pint and relaxing, and a few people in between who want somewhere peaceful to drink.

The atmosphere can be quiet at times which is emphasised by the amount of empty space, but the people are friendly enough not to intimidate, so most locals feel happy wandering in from the street to have a swift pint on their way.

Some regulars clearly feel at home here, with lots of corners to hide in or familiar faces to see, but there is little to excite or attract many new customers.

The Drink
The classic pub favourites are on tap, such as Abbots Ale and Greene King IPA for £2.95 a pint, with other beers including Fosters and Carling also available.

The wine is exceptionally cheap with £2.90 for a glass and bottles from £9, which makes it a good choice for students on a budget or workers feeling the pinch, though you pay for the quality you get.

The Last Word
Punch and Judy evokes none of the crazy fun that the infamous puppet show did, but instead offers a comfortable pub for locals to enjoy a quiet pint.
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