Fine Wines, Whiskey, Cocktails & Jazz in Bournemouth | Sonny's Speakeasy

Tucked away on Old Christchurch Road in the heart of Bournemouth, Sonny’s Speakeasy Bournemouth offers a different kind of night out in the town centre.

Inspired by the intimate drinking clubs of the Prohibition era, Sonny’s brings together fine wines, an extensive whisky collection and classic cocktails with comfortable surroundings and a changing programme of live jazz, swing, cabaret and entertainment.

Created by Sonny Rajput after spending 30 years entertaining people in Bournemouth, the idea was to offer something different from the town’s busier nightlife, somewhere you can enjoy a good drink, have a proper conversation and settle in for the evening.

Step inside and Sonny’s feels deliberately removed from the pace of the surrounding town centre.

But what exactly is a speakeasy bar? The term dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States during the 1920s and early 1930s, when the sale of alcohol was banned and secret bars operated discreetly behind unmarked or hidden entrances. Customers were expected to keep quiet about where they were, helping these underground drinking spots remain hidden.

Today, speakeasy-style bars take inspiration from that period. They favour intimate surroundings, carefully chosen drinks, understated entrances and a sense of discovering somewhere a little different from the typical bar experience.

That influence can be seen throughout Sonny’s Speakeasy Bournemouth. Deep Chesterfield armchairs, comfortable sofas and the occasional chaise longue help create the feel of an old-fashioned drinking club, with easy-listening music setting the tone on quieter evenings.

Live music in Bournemouth is a big part of what Sonny’s is about, with performances every Friday and Saturday alongside special events and showcase nights.

The programme moves between live jazz, 1950s swing, rock ’n’ roll and cabaret, with Sonny’s house acts including William, Nicole & Simon and Gem Rose, as well as visiting musicians and performers throughout the year.

Jazz feels particularly at home in the intimate surroundings. Aliya 5 are among the regular performers, bringing together experienced musicians and a female vocalist for classic jazz standards and songs associated with artists including Frank Sinatra and Nina Simone.

Sonny’s has also welcomed artists from further afield. In July 2026, Indian singer-songwriter Osho Jain performed at the venue as part of his UK tour, showing that the programme isn't limited to one particular style or local acts. 

Then there are the Sonny’s Showcase nights, which bring multiple performers together for an evening of live music, cabaret and later DJ sets. Previous line-ups have included Love Day, Lottie, Nocturnal Butterfly, Simon Lane and the Cabaret Show Girls, giving the nights more of a variety-show feel. 

The drinks collection is a major part of the Sonny’s Speakeasy experience, and wine has been central to the idea behind the venue from the beginning.

Rather than offering a standard bar selection, Sonny’s has built a varied cellar that gives wine lovers plenty to explore. The list moves from approachable favourites through to more distinguished bottles from well-known wine regions, with choices including Chablis, Sancerre, Barolo and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

There’s a strong Champagne selection too, ranging from established houses to prestige bottles such as Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal, making Sonny’s as suited to a special occasion as it is to sharing a bottle over an evening with friends.

Whisky is another speciality. The bar has a carefully curated collection featuring premium, rare and limited-release options, while dedicated tasting experiences give enthusiasts the opportunity to explore particular producers and styles in more depth.

For cocktail drinkers, the emphasis is on recognisable classics alongside Sonny’s own creations. Expect drinks such as the Old Fashioned, Negroni and Manhattan, all fitting naturally with the old-school speakeasy surroundings.

Food at Sonny’s is designed to sit alongside the drinks rather than turn the venue into a conventional restaurant.

Cheese and charcuterie boards are at the heart of the menu, with individual cheeses and cured meats alongside larger sharing boards.

The current selection includes cheeses such as Dorset Red, Charcoal Cheddar and Truffle Wordsworth, with cured meats including prosciutto, pastrami, Dorset chorizo and wild venison salami.

There are smaller bites too, including stuffed vine leaves, Mediterranean feta salad, breaded Camembert, olives and other bar snacks.

It's food designed for grazing, to find a comfortable spot, choose a bottle of wine or a few drinks and order something for the table.

Stay up to date with the latest news from Sonny's Speakeasy through their website and social media.

Images sourced via Sonny's Speakeasy directly.

Last Updated: October 2026