A PUB in Westbourne is to become a jazz and blues bar after the previous landlord was given notice.

The Porterhouse in Poole Road was, until recently, operated by landlady Dawn McLachlan who spoke to the Echo in June about reopening the pub after lockdown.

At the time, she described the situation as “dismal” and that they “haven’t even reached 50 per cent of what we used to take in before Covid”.

Four months later, Dawn was given notice by pub operator Marston’s and had her last night on October 6.

Bournemouth Echo: Dawn McLachlan outside The Porterhouse in WestbourneDawn McLachlan outside The Porterhouse in Westbourne

She said: “We never recovered really after reopening, although things were looking up when restrictions were lifted, but too late for us as by then we were given notice.

“I think Marston’s felt a drastic change was needed but we were very limited with space and did the best we could. I think we’ve been left in the lurch a little bit.

“We’re technically homeless as we lived above the pub but this will give us time to recharge our batteries and make our next move in the new year.”

Of her time as landlady, Dawn said: “We absolutely loved it. We still had two years left on our lease so it’s a shame we weren’t able to finish it.

“I love people as I was really in my element behind the bar. I will miss The Porterhouse but I see it as when one door closes, another opens.

“I don’t like to dwell on the past and I truly wish the new landlords all the best, I hope they can make it work.”

New landlords Adam and Simona Sealey were chosen to take over the pub and have rebranded it as The Porterhouse Jazz and Blues Bar.

Adam said: “The Porterhouse is small and can’t compete with other pubs just as it is. We wanted to do something different as there’s great potential.

“Early feedback from locals is really positive and they’ve said it’s working. I think we were chosen to take this pub over as we also run The Bell which had a bit of a bad name and wasn’t making much money.

“We made it a live music venue and were able to turn it around into a place that makes money.

Adam added: “To the people of Westbourne I’d say come in and give us a try. We’ve got some great live music lined up and can’t wait to get started.”

The new Porterhouse will host live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with Monday evenings being an open mic night.