The ultimate cheap bar that helps students make their loans go further. Yates is the place for an inexpensive round of drinks to kick off your night.

The Venue
Cut off from the busy Christchurch area, a stairway leads you to an impressive old building with a lovely courtyard outside with views of the nearby green.

This secluded area is fabulous to sit in on a summer’s day - it's peaceful enough to relax in, but not so quiet that you feel like you're the only one there. This may not be what you expect from Yates, but, if you're missing that feeling, step inside and you could be in any Yates in the country.

Plain wood and warm orange and red tones make this large bar feel cosy, with a long bar and high ceiling to emphasise the space. There is plenty of seating with simple tables and chairs, which are functional rather than decorative.

The People
Bournemouth students are fans of Yates for one reason, and one reason only - it's cheap. It's also a casual boozer that, unlike other pubs, isn't a magnet for depressed old men.

The friendliness and familiarity of the place is encouraged by customers and staff alike during the day and, although the bar isn't brimming with character, the regulars keep it full of life.

Outside is even nicer, with an informal serene feeling where all you can hear is young people chatting and laughing together, which makes a refreshing change from the grime and chaos of most bars.

Fridays and Saturdays nights are when this place springs to life, with a DJ in the evening. Bar staff get in the mood by dressing up for events such as halloween, Christmas, St Patrick's Day, etc.

During the weekend, sport is shown all day on the bar's seven screens, which can create a lively atmosphere depending on who's winning.

As the drinks are cheap and cheerful, it isn’t a sophisticated bunch who frequent this bar, but Yates isn’t about class and elegance. Here it's all about laidback boozing and cheap drinks so, as the night rolls on, expect to see a few lads 'cutting loose'.

The Food
Pub grub of the usual standard is on offer with breakfasts for around £3.95, light bites such as chicken strips for £3.75, chips with sauces like chilli con carne for £3.40, lasagne for £5.95, salads, jacket potatoes, panini, and baguettes.

To bust your gut on a budget you can go for the burger and a drink deal which is around £5, plus there are cheap main meals such as British steak and ale pie for £6.95 and fish and chips for £5.75. They also do a Sunday roast for £6.45.

The Drink
Prices are what makes Yates popular with the young people of Bournemouth. Fosters, Becks, Strongbow, Guinness and John Smiths are on tap for around £2 to £3 a pint.

But for something that’s a real bargain the wine is a must. Echo Falls wine for £7.95 to £11.95 a bottle is very cheap, however, the taste isn’t great so you’ll need a stomach of steel and palate of pap.

Double measure spirits are also good for £4.05, with only 50p extra for a mixer. These prices are, however, lethal to those who know no limits and there are few stumbling mumblers to be found at the doors come closing time.

The Last Word
For a night where all you want to do is drink the prices at Yates make it a preferable stop off, but don’t expect anything fancy.

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