The Nightjar

Cloaked behind a modest entrance, this charming chain pub (if such a thing ever existed!) offers an array of real ales and a charming beer garden in which to enjoy them.

The Venue
Although now under the ownership of the Ember Inns chain, this accessible yet suitably classy gastropub retains most of its age-old enchantment. Upon entry, you are instantly greeted by the taps at the bar – not a bad thing at all!

The pub is stylish and comfortable, and it's what you expect of a chain venue. However, this tasteful interior is no doubt at the expense of its former traditional and more personal decor.

Outside there's a well equipped beer garden and this gets full on a warm summer’s evening. Smart patio heaters and a well arranged timber-decking area make for a garden with all the right qualities. Perhaps though, one or two of the heavy timber tables could benefit from replacement as they're a bit like see-saws. Essentially, the Nightjar is a smart venue in a leafy location situated just a stone’s throw from the beach.

The People
Found in a hidden corner of one of the south coast’s most exclusive locations, the commonly abbreviated ‘Jar’ attracts an assortment of clientele.

Sunday nights witness a clash of youth vs. experience in what is always a hotly contested quiz – and it's testament to the fact that this pub is popular with all ages. However, while the well-priced food may attract young families, Ember Inns' policy bans under 14s from the pub. This is very much an older, more relaxed atmosphere.

Big events in the Nightjar calendar, other than the Sunday and Wednesday pub quizzes, include Christmas Eve and Easter weekend. This is where you'll find most of Bournemouth and Poole’s 18 to 24-year-old population fighting for a place at the bar, as do plenty of older locals!

Staff are generally easy-going and happy to engage in cross-bar banter for the best part. However, some can be less than helpful concerning food and cutlery.

The Food
Dining here is, without doubt, very reasonably priced. Only 200 yards away, in the village, restaurants and bars are charging more than twice as much for similar food. However, the basic nature of many of the dishes, the way in which they are served and, to a certain extent, the price of them, all suggests that the Nightjar isn't the top destination for an impressive evening meal out.

Most dishes weigh in at around the £5 to £8 range, and a particular special is the Nightjar goan chicken curry (£6.95). The curry is pleasantly spicy, and is well presented in a large authentic steel rice bowl on a wooden serving tray.

The chilli bowl (£4.75) is another local favourite with a side of chips (£1.35). However, this simple food is perhaps the limit to the extent of the chef’s specialities because the steak can be dry and the lasagne is fairly boring and flavourless.

The Drink
The choice of beer is extensive. From the standard commercial lagers on tap such as Stella and Grolsch (£3 a pint) or Carling(£2.60), to locally sourced and famous ales like London Pride (£2.70) and Ringwood Best (£2.80). All are well-priced.

Alternatively, choose from the Drink Pink cocktail menu for a sweet tipple and a donation to Breast Cancer Research. The wine list, too, is fairly large, with cheap Australian Chardonnay (£8.49 a bottle) as well as rich and ripe Spanish reds (from £10.95 a bottle). Cocktails and spirits are somewhat limited though and it's a reminder that the pub is part of a chain.

The Last Word
Head over to the Nightjar for a well-priced pint, a bustling atmosphere and an unbeatable location.

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