Bournemouth celebrates a significant milestone in the town's ongoing revitalisation with the official opening of 'The Botanist, Bournemouth' on Friday, 23rd May 2025. This landmark new venue is not just a destination for dining and drinks; it is a powerful symbol of our town centre's strategic urban renewal and a new chapter for our visitor economy.
Located on the fourth floor of the iconic Bobby's building, The Botanist's arrival marks the successful re-occupation of one of Bournemouth's most cherished landmarks. The building itself has been undergoing a meticulous, multi-million-pound regeneration project, with a core ethos of "localism, community, and experience". This extensive work has focused on restoring the building’s original architectural grandeur from the early 20th century, including the reinstatement of its 1933 front entrance designs and the repair of its famous copper domes. This approach ensures that the town's future is built upon its rich heritage, creating a destination that is high-quality yet inclusive.
New World Trading Company, the operator behind The Botanist, has chosen Bournemouth for its 25th site, a testament to the town's growing appeal. Spanning an impressive 1,285 square metres, the new venue has created approximately 80 new jobs for the local community. This tangible economic benefit directly supports the BCP Council's vision for a more diverse and thriving job market, as outlined in the Bournemouth Town Investment Plan.
The venue’s brand and offerings align perfectly with our tourism strategy to evolve the destination "beyond the beach" and cultivate a resilient, year-round appeal. The unique, biophilic and botanical design, featuring live and artificial plants including five custom-made olive trees nearly three metres tall, creates an authentic and immersive experience. The beautifully restored sun terrace, once home to the historic Bobby's Tea Rooms, now offers guests a stunning new perspective with views over the Lower Gardens and Bournemouth Square.
With a focus on an upscale, all-day offer, The Botanist is attracting a higher-spending customer base, which is a key objective for our destination. The venue provides a diverse array of activities to enhance the town's leisure portfolio, from its signature hanging kebabs and creative cocktails to live music performances every weekend and unique events like 'Botanist Bingo'. The arrival of a well-respected anchor tenant like The Botanist is part of a ripple effect of high-calibre businesses choosing Bournemouth, signalling a new era of confidence in the town's future.
The opening of 'The Botanist' is a clear validation of the collaborative work between the public and private sectors to deliver a vibrant and sustainable destination for both residents and visitors. It stands as a powerful symbol of a town centre that is flourishing, successfully reimagining its future by building upon its rich heritage.
