Part of the Oceanarium, the Offshore cafe is a family friendly place to grab a coffee and some food in front of lovely views of the seaside.

The Venue
When you think of the Oceanarium, you may not automatically think of cake and baguettes, but the Offshore cafe, designed for both visitors of the Oceanarium and people by the beach, is a basic cafe with gorgeous views of Bournemouth’s sandy seafront.

The floor to ceiling windows let in all the light from outside, and the decor is kept light and fresh with pale wood tables and floors plus white walls to reflect the light around the room.

The only colour in the room is on the TV screen showing sea life swimming around quite happily, plus the bright blue sea within that feels as though it's part of decor.

The seats are well-spaced out, but there might be a queue beside your table if you’re near the counter as this place can get busy at peak times.

There are a few tables outside to allow customers to enjoy the fresh air, and on one side of the cafe there are glimpses of the queues for the Oceanarium, which might make you feel smug if you’re a parent who’s already managed that task and are finally allowed to take a break.

The People
Unsurprisingly, there are lots of families here as they’ve drifted over from viewing various sea creatures to sit down and have a break. They bring along the lively and slightly hectic vibe that small children always entail, which adds to the chatter around the room.

There are also plenty of locals who’ve wandered past and want to enjoy the views and, irrespective of age, everyone feels comfortable here as there’s no fuss or bother in this cafe.

The staff are as quick as they can to take your order, but at peak times there might be a bit of a wait.

The Food
A blackboard lists the food possibilities on offer, with delicious homemade cakes that are generous in their portions, such as a sweet Dorset apple cake for £1.99.

There are also lots of sandwiches and baguettes, with the usual fillings you’d expect, for £3 to £4.

The Drinks
They serve Costa coffee here so you’re guaranteed a half decent cup of coffee, with all the favourite variations such as a creamy latte or a chocolate fix with mocha. Prices vary with size and go from £1.60 to £3.

For something more refreshing there are also plenty of soft drinks and Kronenberg or Fosters to perk up your day.

The Last Word
Offshore Cafe is great for relaxing among an interesting crowd with a good coffee and great views of the sea. And you can always pop into the Oceanarium if you get bored.

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