In the lively hub of Westbourne in Bournemouth, you will find The Libertine, a typical British boozer serving up wholesome, comforting and homely pub classics.
The interior of The Libertine’s bar area and dining room takes its cue from the charm and eclecticism of Bournemouth itself, which means you can expect to come across a room filled with quirky reclaimed furniture and suspended vintage light fittings. There are elements of refined style too though, such as the black and white flooring by the bar and the cosy purple-hued booths, which are great for group dining.
It’s not all about the inside either, as The Libertine also benefits from a covered outdoor area, affectionately known as The Forge. The outdoor space features hefty communal tables and there’s an open wood burner which comes alive during the winter season to keep anyone heading outdoors cool.
When it comes to the food at The Libertine, the menu specialises in wood-fired pizzas and charcoal oven steaks. You can begin your meal with starters such as pork and chorizo Scotch egg or a toasted crumpet topped with Marmite and glazed short-rib. Hearty mains take the form of a stacked bacon and cheese burger and grilled seabream with brown crab risotto, while you can pad out your meal with sides such as triple-cooked chips and mac ‘n’ cheese topped with chorizo.
From the menu of 21-day aged steaks, you can choose cuts of sirloin, ribeye or rump, while pizzas arrive topped with the likes of salami, Korean spicy chicken and smoked pork belly. To finish things off on a sweet note, tuck into one of The Libertine’s traditional desserts – think apple crumble topped with clotted cream and vanilla custard, or instead enjoy a gooey chocolate brownie, finished off with dark chocolate mousse, caramel sauce and honeycomb.