This is a typical JD Wetherspoons with mediocre decor, cheap drinks and cheap food. But the combination is irresistible, which means this gigantic boozer is always buzzing on a Friday night.

The Venue
As the name suggests, this pub is situated on the main square so it's slap bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

This ideal location means that there’s so much traffic passing by that the pub is almost always busy. Inside, the bar accommodates for this well, with spacious seating spread over two floors and plenty of nooks and crannies to hide away in.

The decor has some classic character. There's an art deco ceiling, wooden beams and panelling, and bordered mirrors embedded in the wall creating a feeling of space and adding a touch of style. And of course there’s the Wetherspoons signature - a tacky carpet print.

The colours of cream, brown, red and blue, along with soft lighting, create a cosy bar that could potentially create a gloomy atmosphere but somehow adds warmth instead.

The People
Expect a lively, jovial atmosphere at most times of the day, with everyone from groups of students to little old ladies enjoying a civilised drink together, with a few children scattered around because of the family friendly feel.

The laidback vibe seems to ooze from the walls of this place and all the customers tend to be ultra-chilled, except when the bar service becomes extremely slow, as is so often the case at busy times.

All different ages rub shoulders here, creating a welcoming feel which is rare for such a large space.

The Food
With typical pub grub on offer at low prices this is a great place for grabbing a bite to eat. The famous beer and burger combo for £4.59 is a popular choice, and there are also lots of simple British dishes, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, grills and salads to choose from.

Nothing on the menu is particularly thrilling or extraordinary, and you’ll have to be content with a dependency on the deep fat fryer when you size up most dishes, but everything is under £9.

The Drinks
The broad selection of drinks on offer come at rock bottom prices, which makes drinking at The Moon in the Square far too easy. Real ales are on tap such as Marston’s Pedigree and Abbot’s for only £1.85 a pint, with Carling, Fosters, Stella and many more on tap for £2.29 to £2.69 a pint.

The selection of bottled world beers is also popular, with rarities such as Efes and Kozel, with a few regulars like Peroni and Leffe, all for £2.10.

The wine list, however, is extremely limited, with only a handful to choose from, but the prices are low at £8.31 to £14.39 a bottle. Spirit choice is also sparse with only the pub basics on hand, but at £1.90 to £2.15 a shot, it’s reasonable enough.

The Last Word
The Moon in the Square is not a spectacular pub, but if you’re after one of the cheapest drinks and bites to eat in Bournemouth then you know the drill.

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