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Sonny's Speakeasy — Bars in Bournemouth

Sonny's Speakeasy

BarsBournemouth

4.8 out of 5 stars4.8(186 reviews)

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Quick info

+44 120 293 31 80
224-226 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1PE, United Kingdom
£10–30

About Sonny's Speakeasy

Sonny's Speakeasy is a Prohibition-style bar in Bournemouth, found at 224-226 Old Christchurch Rd and run as a speakeasy rather than a pub. Live jazz and swing music plays three nights a week, and the setting stays quiet enough for guests to talk and hear each other. The drinks list includes a Manhattan and a cherry noir, with a whisky selection and a reported secret whisky bar. Happy hour drinks run between 6 and 8. For food, the bar serves cheese and charcuterie boards, including a cheese taster that comes with a house-made sauce or jam. Staff bring drinks to the table, and the owner greets guests personally. Card games are on hand, and there is space for dancing and singing. Dogs are welcome.

Good to know

  • Reservations
    Accepts reservations
  • Parking
    Free street parking · Paid street parking · Parking
  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair: entrance, restroom

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Reviews

4.8/5
186 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention live jazz music, happy hour drinks, cherry noir cocktail and charcuterie and cheese board.

5★
171
4★
8
3★
1
2★
1
1★
5

Customer Review Summary

Live jazz and swing singing draw the most mentions, with reviewers praising the live sets and the relaxed, unhurried feel compared with a pub. Cocktails come close behind, with a Manhattan and the cherry noir singled out, and several mention the happy hour drinks. The owner features in nearly every review, greeting guests, chatting about the bar's backstory, helping choose drinks and personally checking on tables. Reviewers also credit the waitresses and host for attentive service. A cheese taster served with a house-made jam and a larger charcuterie and cheese board for a birthday get specific praise, and one reviewer was surprised with live music on a night it is not normally played. Others say the volume allows conversation, with quiet room for card games, and one party of 22 was given its own area. A few suggest booking ahead because the bar fills up quickly, and one mentions a rumoured secret whisky bar. No complaints appear, and the reviews close on guests planning to return as regulars.

Featured reviews

  • Vince
    “Sonny himself saw us in and greeted me and my girlfriend. What an epic experience! I would really recommend this place to anyone looking for a chilled vibe with absolute class and a respectable crowd.”
  • andrei
    “The wntire atmosphere was beautifull and the service too, the owner sonny, ali at the front and the singer will were amazing, the cocktails were amazing especially the cherry noir. Me and my mother had a lovely chst with the owner sonny and some of the best conversation i have had in years. Their cheese taster was amazing with some sauce/jam that was made by the server. I would reccomend this place to anyone who enjoys jazz and slow music and amazing drink, especially between 6-8 when the happy hour is. This is a very good and relaxing bar im not usually for loud music anr dancing so this relaxing spot was perfect for me.”
  • Rebecca Pearce
    “My husband Phil and I came upon this place after having looked for a venue in Bournemouth that would allow us to enjoy a drink along with some live music within a more sophisticated establishment. From the very start we were warmly welcomed in by the owner Sonny and treated incredibly well by all of his staff. We had booked a table prior to our visit, which I would recommend as it soon fills up. It was lovely to talk to Sonny and listen to the backstory of how Sonny's Speakeasy came about. We enjoyed some wonderful entertainment by a gentleman named William Pearson who's performance and engagement with the customers was great. We will definitely make Sonny's Speakeasy a place to visit again.”
  • M B
    “We chose this venue to meet up with family & friends for our daughters 18th birthday as she wanted to go to a jazz bar. We were impressed as soon as we arrived by the warm welcome, the gorgeous decor, atmosphere and happy hour drinks. Sonny did everything to make the evening special from arranging a larger mixed chacuterie & cheese board and surprising our daughter with live music as a special treat. It was a Tuesday night and live music is normally played on Thursday, Friday & Saturday so it made the evening even more enjoyable. Will Pearson performed an amazing set and we are forever greatful. We will now be regular visitors and can't wait to visit again.”
  • Kim Parry
    “Sonny’s Speakeasy was brilliant. Sonny allowed us to book at area for 22 of my guests to sit. The waitress service was top notch and a varied drink selection. The music, singing and ambience was fantastic and really special. It was so nice to be able to hear ourselves talk! Thank you so much for looking after us - we will be back”

Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Highlights

“Sonny's Speakeasy is a hidden gem in Bournemouth, offering a vintage, Prohibition-era atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, this intimate bar features live jazz and a cosy ambiance that transports you back in time. With its mix of classic and contemporary drinks, Sonny’s is the perfect spot for a night of elegance and relaxation.”

  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Happy hour drinks

Amenities

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Free street parking
  • Accepts reservations
  • Dogs allowed
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Show more amenities
  • Alcohol
  • Cozy
  • Beer
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Table service
Offerings· 3
  • Cocktails
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
Parking· 2
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
Dining options· 1
  • Seating
Highlights· 3
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Live performances
Crowd· 1
  • Groups
Facilities· 1
  • Restroom
Atmosphere· 3
  • Casual
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
Accessibility· 1
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Location

Bars near Sonny's Speakeasy

Sonny's Speakeasy
£10–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleTakeout
4.8186
  • 0 mi£10–50ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating

    karaoke room, bottomless brunch, gluten free pizza

  • O'Neill's4.42,894
    0.1 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingTakeout

    breakfast baps, irish breakfast, live music and karaoke

  • 0.1 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating

    drag bottomless brunch, pizza, dj music choices

The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.

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