Without a hint of the Pacific, but a touch of English charm and a friendly manner, Cafe Pacifico is a reliable place for a toasted teacake.

The Venue
The bright blue awning outside catches the eye on Bourne Avenue, but when you step inside the vibrancy of the blue isn’t in sight. Instead, a classic design has been ushered in to create a more homely cafe environment.

Art deco details are dotted about, such as mirrors with marble borders and intricate ceiling details that create an elegant look. The colours of grey, cream and brown may sound dull, but look understated and appropriate for this basic style of cafe that’s aiming to be simple and low-key.

The few touches of old-fashioned detail add a touch of old-school class to the place, which seems to set the tone for the customers who are mostly of the generation who would appreciate the classic detailing.

The People
The elderly community of Bournemouth feel right at home here, with the elegant yet low-key design, informal staff and reliable yet basic food. They chatter among themselves, and many of them congregate together here to hold various meetings or mid morning social gatherings over a cup of tea.

Middle-aged locals and youngsters also wander in from time to time, and the fresh-faced staff add some youthful warmth to the place as well. The clinical corporate feel that many newer cafes have is, thankfully, absent, and instead this place harks back to a time when a toasted teacake wasn't served in a plastic wrapper.

The Food and Drink
The blackboard behind the counter displays a typical cafe menu with everything at an affordable price. There are lots of jacket potato fillings for £4 for a tasty lunch, plus many variations of baguettes for £4.50 and toasties for £4.

Though the range isn’t imaginative it's hard to get wrong, so the food tastes good. Homemade cakes (£1.95) are also a treat with a delicate sweetness that isn’t too overpowering. But for the ultimate bite to have with a cup of tea, the toasted teacake for £1.50 is the popular choice.

Drinks are nothing unique, with a simple list of coffees, teas and softies. For only £2 you can get a mega filter coffee for a proper caffeine kick, but everything else is £1.50 or under, which is a bargain.

The Last Word
Cafe Pacifico is a dependable place offering great value for money and a homely feel that makes their customers feel welcome.

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