No Smoke Without Fire
On the bustling Christchurch Road in Bournemouth, just a stone's throw from the seafront and the iconic Royal Arcade, Chaplin’s offers an exciting blend of vintage charm and modern allure. The whimsical bar pays homage to its namesake, Charlie Chaplin, merging the playful mischief of his era with contemporary sophistication. Whether you're after live music, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a gourmet dining experience, Chaplin’s has firmly established itself as a hub for food, drink and entertainment. We caught up with founder Harry Seccombe to discuss the exciting new developments taking place at Chaplin’s this autumn. From handcrafted rums to a sizzling Oktoberfest celebration, Harry shares his vision for the future of this much-loved venue.
The Firehouse Bar
Chaplin’s isn’t just about great food or live music—it's about creating experiences. Tucked away in their award-winning garden, the new Firehouse Bar brings steampunk to life, with a unique aesthetic inspired by Charlie Chaplin's 1916 comedy The Fireman. As Harry explains, “We wanted to create something that felt special—where every detail, every piece of décor, tells a story.”
The Firehouse is a visual masterpiece, born from the creative collaboration between our resident artist Vivien Hoffman and the technical expertise of Tom and Neil from Remade Spaces. With brass pipes and vintage gauges that evoke the industrial era, the space captures a sense of history. Every hour, on the hour, the pipes release a puff of steam, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere even further.
But what truly sets it apart is its carefully curated selection of house-infused rums and specialty spirits. “We’ve worked hard to create rums that reflect both the playful spirit of Charlie Chaplin and the craftsmanship that goes into everything we do here,” Harry says.
The Smokehouse
Alongside the firehouse, Chaplin’s is elevating its dining experience with The Smokehouse, a wood-fired BBQ that champions British ingredients. Using a custom built Ironbrand smoker and bespoke BBQ, fuelled by Dorset charcoal and sustainably sourced wood. The Smokehouse delivers a menu that is rich in flavour and creativity. From smoked meats, homemade sausages and inventive vegan dishes, every item is crafted with a focus on supporting British farmers.
At the helm is Head Chef Luke Jefford, whose accolades have made him a favourite in the Dorset culinary world. “Luke brings an unwavering passion and motivation for exceptional dining experiences, which is reflected in our evolving brand.” Says Harry. “His determined mindset has developed Chaplin’s into a place that is accessible to everyone’s tastes”.
Oktoberfest and The Smokey Ski Lodge
With autumn in full swing and winter fast approaching. Chaplin’s is set for a month-long Oktoberfest celebration. “We’re lighting the fires in the Smokehouse for a Bavarian inspired feast,” says Harry. “We’ll be putting our own spin on the classics with a particular focus on making everything in house, by our team of chefs”. Expect homemade Bratwurst, smoked pork knuckles and vegan delights like tofu schnitzels to grace the menu. “Moving out of October we’ll soon be moving on to our own unique take on an Alpine ski lodge. Something completely unique to the area and we’re all very excited about it!” As for drinks, beer lovers are in for a treat. “Local brewer Boscombe Brewing Co. has created a German-style Kolsch exclusively for us,” Harry explains. Other distinctive features that adorn the Firehouse shelves are house-infused rums and mulled cider to bring an edge to Oktoberfest celebrations”.
For Harry, it’s about staying true to the local community. “We have a deep-rooted commitment to the environment and local suppliers. That is reflected in our ethos when procuring drinks from local brewers or supporting local and British growers in their time of need”.
Looking Ahead
As Chaplin’s continues to evolve, Harry remains dedicated to the core values that have made the bar and restaurant such a success. “For us, it’s about creating memorable experiences,” he reflects. “Whether that’s through our food, our drinks, award winning live entertainment or the atmosphere we create, we want people to leave Chaplin’s feeling like they’ve been part of something special.” With the Firehouse bar adding a new dimension to their already vibrant venue and The Smokehouse offering an accessible culinary experience, Chaplin’s and its Modern Times restaurant offer a multifaceted experience that will continue to be at the forefront of the social scene.
As Harry put it, “At Chaplin’s there’s always been something special on the horizon. We’re committed to pushing boundaries and creating something unique, for everyone who walks through our doors.” Whether you’re a rum enthusiastic, a foodie, or simply looking for a good time, Chaplin’s is ready to welcome you with open arms – and maybe even a glass of rum in hand.
Website → chaplins-bar.co.uk
Instagram → @chaplinscellarbar
