There are few better ways to start a summer morning than breakfast overlooking the sea. Following its recent takeover by The Boathouse Group, we were kindly invited down to Urban Reef in Boscombe to experience the new breakfast menu, see some of the changes already taking place and find out what's planned for the...
27th August 2026
There are few better ways to start a summer morning than breakfast overlooking the sea.
Following its recent takeover by The Boathouse Group, we were kindly invited down to Urban Reef in Boscombe to experience the new breakfast menu, see some of the changes already taking place and find out what's planned for the future.
We were greeted as soon as we arrived by manager Sophie, whose friendly welcome set the tone for the morning. Inside, relaxed music played in the background while outside, the promenade was already coming to life, with people walking, running and making the most of the coastline.
One of the most noticeable recent changes is the newly extended open dining area, which reaches out towards the promenade. With the beach just metres away, it's a great spot for people-watching while taking in the sea views. The atmosphere throughout felt relaxed and unhurried, with a real mixture of families, couples, friends and solo diners.
Once we were settled at our table, our host Tommy came over to talk us through the breakfast menu.
Rather than simply taking our order, he explained the different dishes, pointed out some of the most popular choices and helped us decide based on what we fancied that morning. This was a small touch, but one that made the experience feel much more personal.
We started with a cold-pressed Berry Boost juice, an iced latte and water before choosing three very different dishes to share: Champion Eggs with smoked salmon, a Chia Pudding Pot and Mixed Berry Pancakes.
When everything arrived, we were genuinely impressed by the presentation.
The dishes were colourful and carefully put together, using fresh ingredients with plenty of attention paid to the smaller details. Sharing them turned out to be a good way to experience the menu too. The Champion Eggs offered something more indulgent and savoury, while the chia pudding provided a fresher option and the mixed berry pancakes took care of the sweeter side of breakfast.
Combined with an iced coffee, sunshine and the sea directly outside, we weren't in any particular hurry to leave.
Service remained friendly and attentive throughout, and looking around the restaurant, the same relaxed experience seemed to be shared by the other tables around us.
Urban Reef has been part of Boscombe's seafront since 2009, becoming a familiar spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks overlooking the beach.
The venue recently changed hands after being acquired by The Boathouse Group, joining a local collection that also includes The Boathouse at Christchurch Quay, SOBO Beach and Beach House Café at Mudeford Sandbank. The existing Urban Reef team has remained in place following the acquisition.
From what we saw during our visit, the intention doesn't appear to be to completely reinvent a venue people already know. Instead, the focus is on developing it.
Recent refurbishments have already taken place, alongside the extended outdoor dining area and refreshed food offering, with further menu development expected as the team settles into this new phase. Accessibility is also high on the agenda, with new ideas and options being reviewed to make Urban Reef easier for everyone to enjoy.
Food is only one part of what's planned for Urban Reef.
The team spoke to us about creating more reasons for people to come together at the seafront, with a growing programme of wellness events, acoustic music, live DJs and other community-focused events.
It's an approach that makes sense for the location. Urban Reef occupies a unique spot right beside Boscombe Beach, and using the space for more than traditional restaurant service could bring a different energy to the seafront throughout the year.
Next door you'll also find The Wood Oven, offering a more casual menu of wood-fired pizza, paninis, children's meals and other quick bites alongside cocktails, coffee and matcha.
And with Saltwater Sauna next door too, there's potential for a particularly good morning by the coast with a sauna followed by breakfast and coffee overlooking the beach. We can certainly think of worse ways to start a weekend!
What stood out most during our morning at Urban Reef wasn't really one particular dish or detail, but how everything came together.
The food was beautifully presented, the team were friendly and attentive and the beachfront location is difficult to beat. Around us, friends chatted over breakfast, families enjoyed the morning together and others simply sat with a coffee watching life along the promenade. It felt relaxed, welcoming and very much at home beside the sea.
Our visit came on a warm summer morning when Urban Reef's location naturally comes into its own, but we're equally interested to see how the venue develops as the seasons change.
With further menu ideas in the works, more community events planned and autumn and Christmas approaching, there's plenty of opportunity for Urban Reef to continue evolving under The Boathouse Group while holding onto the things people already enjoy about it.
For us, though, it was simply a very enjoyable morning by the coast full of good food, friendly service, an iced coffee in hand and one of the best breakfast views in Boscombe. We can't wait for you to experience it for yourself.
The Overstrand
Undercliff Dr
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH5 1BN
Last Updated: August 2026
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