Inside an award-winning Dorset pub that gets overwhelming reviews on Tripadvisor

When we imagine pubs in Britain, we can often think of a quaint cottage in the countryside or a reliable town center pub on the corner of a main street. However, in rare cases you might find a more colorful establishment with unique decor, which is exactly how you might describe this pub in Boscombe. Chaplin’s Bar on Christchurch Road is a swanky pub that champions live music from local artists and small bands trying to catch a break, and has already been voted the UK’s best community at the Great British Pub Awards. But the accolades don’t stop there, as it has also won Best Community Pub in the South West and Best Entertainment Pub in the South West. It was also voted Campaign Pub of the Year for Real Ales (CAMRA), became the national winner for best bar none and received Bournemouth’s Bloom Gold Award winners. The pub’s interior decor is eclectic, with all manner of Charlie Chaplin memorabilia strewn from floor to ceiling. Read more: Tried MrBeast’s Burger restaurant and here’s how to order in Bournemouth However, as with any other business, the pub has been the subject of some pretty damning reviews on Tripadvisor, comments about rude staff and dress code customers to the quality of its beers. A comment made as recently as last month spoke of feeling left out after a mediocre meal, while others suggested the pub was better before the coronavirus pandemic hit. One customer was less happy with their experience, saying staff members were unsure when it came to serving drinks. A user called LindsayPoole said: “The slow ignorant waitress didn’t know what Cabernet Sauvignon is ‘because she doesn’t drink’, and that was the best she got. A drink and a pdq left, what’s wrong with these people? Just not in the same place at all since the pandemic, big disappointment.” Another Tripadvisor fan recognized the pub’s quirky interior, but overall felt Chaplin’s was overrated. The user, known as 14aaa, also felt the drinks were watered down and wrote: “Awful watered down lager and the worst wine I’ve ever tasted. Every time I end up sick. Beautiful decoration but avoid unless you want to see a live band. very overrated.” A user named RB echoed similar opinions and said: “I don’t like moaning, but the beer at the downstairs bar this weekend (7-8/9/18) was horrible, undrinkable, and the staff continued to serve it regardless. … I like the bar, but this was unacceptable.” We popped into this unique pub to see what it looks like inside, and it’s fair to say we were more than impressed. Take a look at our gallery to get an idea of ​​what the UK’s best pub has to offer. Have you ever been to Chaplin’s Bar in Boscombe? Leave a comment or email us your photos at news.dorset[email protected] You can stay up to date with the latest news near you with FREE Dorset Live newsletters – enter your email address at the top of the page or sign up for our newsletters here.

1. Life-size Charlie Chaplin statue

2. Hand painted walls

3. All the walls bear intricate paintings

4. Recently renovated dining room

5. A wall full of photos of Charlie Chaplin

7. The bar is great and the staff are very friendly

8. Colorful stairs lead to the Cellar Bar

9. Downstairs is the Cellar Bar where they have regular live shows

10. Stained glass windows separate sheltered and open seating areas

11. The stairs to the beer garden show a water feature and many different displays

12. The balcony has south-facing views over Bournemouth