Save SOBO Beach forum
Updates &your voices.
News from the campaign, and what supporters are saying. Comments are added when people sign the petition. Bad language, links and allegations are held for review, and we remove anything inappropriate.
Great venue for the community to get together! Bournemouth needs a space like Sobo, it should have been there decades ago! It feels as soon as it has arrived, it might potentially taken away from the community who clearly appreciate Sobo and all it has to offer.
Bob, Poole · signed 19 hours ago
My dad takes his dog for a walk there :(
A supporter in Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
I helped to build it and know the amazing effort the operator has put in to make it what it is - a plenomenal asset to the BCP area for residents and tourists alike. I'm quite sure that if BCP Council put an end to it not only will they regret it, but their popularity will plummet even further (if that's actually possible). Stuart.
Stuart, Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
It's important to myself and my friends
A supporter in Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
SOBO Beach has evolved from a seasonal café into an essential, year-round community hub, offering far more than refreshments by the sea. Its unique character, quirky layout and welcoming atmosphere have made it a much-loved and irreplaceable part of the Southbourne community. SOBO Beach provides vital local employment and a social space for the community, supporting initiatives such as men’s mental health groups and beach cleans.
Alexis, Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
We have always visited Bournemouth and last year took the plunge in moving to the area. SOBO beach was definitely a factor when choosing where to buy. I honestly think that SOBO beach has that much of a positive impact and draws people to the area. This can only be a good thing for all the other local businesses.
A supporter in Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
I swim and coffee here
Malcolm, Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
Just visit it and you will see what an amazing place and location this is !
Simon, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
We have been here numerous times as an extended family and enjoyed fantastic coffees and breakfasts before playing on the beach for hours with the kids.
A supporter in Wareham · signed 19 hours ago
My favourite place to go, lovely place to go for drinks or snacks with friends! Super convenient and a great social spot. It’s made Southbourne 10 times better!
Hannah, Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
Great venue and setting ! Sunday sessions are brilliant, and always a warm Welcome with our fur babies
A supporter in Ferndown · signed 19 hours ago
Fabulous place and needs to stay!
Trish, New Milton · signed 19 hours ago
Lovely place to relax and enjoy being with family and friends. All ages enjoy the atmosphere.
Sarah, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
It's a fantastic place to hang out when ew visit friends in Southbourne.
Simon, the UK · signed 19 hours ago
I spend many days during the week and weekends at sobo beach meeting my friends after a swim. I have enjoyed the silent discos and themed nites. I particularly enjoy the winter days enjoying a warm drinks and goulash after a winter swim. There was a wellness festival that brought the whole community together that we all enjoyed in the summer. It is a community in itself and can’t see another organisation being able to emulate what the current owners of Sobo beach have created.
Melissa, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
Yes
Christopher, Ferndown · signed 19 hours ago
SoBo has improved the area of Southbourne in the past 4 years and is very much one of the reasons why so many people enjoy coming to Southbourne Beach. I believe the preferred bidder is backed by Richard Carr who is probably the least popular person in Dorset for all the right reasons. The current operators have been in hospitality in Christchurch and Bournemouth for over 40 years and this experience should be taken into consideration by BCP. More rent does not necessarily mean a better tenant.
Glenn, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
It is a vibrant venue that brings the community together to relax, and have a good time. The whole area will suffer without it.
Teresa, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
The whole family use it. Shame on the council, why are they so intent on destroying our town
Jocelyn, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
Favorite place to be, not like anywhere else
Reid, Boscombe · signed 19 hours ago
I cannot image being without this hub! We love Sobo Beach!! Pleeeease let our community keep this Gem!
A supporter in Christchurch · signed 19 hours ago
It’s a nice laidback place to visit with friends, somewhere Southbourne can be proud to show off.
Jacob, Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
The success of SOBO Beach is that it is an independent venue with a unique identity that is distinctive to all of the similar beach venues and operators. The procurement process employed is creating an homogonisation of the offer across the entire length of the beach that needs to be avoided oil favour of what people actually are saying they want to remain.
Mark, Poole · signed 19 hours ago
Friendly place open in all weathers and has transformed the area let’s hope this helps
Ryan, Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
I bring my grandchildren each week it’s a safe space for us, they love it and so does the rest of our family
Jacqui, Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
Always come for a drink here and it’s a lovely place to go with friends
Saskia, Boscombe · signed 19 hours ago
We use it year-round, after swimming, walking or bringing friends down for a drink
Tim, Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
My son volunteered at SOBO for his Duke of Edinburgh award, and the manager was incredibly supportive and welcoming throughout his litter-picking volunteering. From the doggy disco to men’s mental health groups, SOBO is a genuine community hub where all ages feel welcome. It has inclusivity, diversity, fun and soul. We don’t need another overpriced, beige establishment on the coast. We need places like SOBO. Bournemouth needs more character, more community and more SOBO!
Victoria, Southbourne · signed 19 hours ago
I don’t live local but visit when in the area great friendly atmosphere and community spirit
Pauline, the UK · signed 19 hours ago
Love the place the vibe the music its such a fun place
Carolyn, Bournemouth · signed 19 hours ago
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