We celebrate some of those that have recently exploded onto the scene and remember those that have sadly closed their doors.

Opened

Bigwigs

BigWigs bakery opened its second store in Westbourne in May, a little more than a year after the Tuckton branch launched.

The store sells a range of products including hot foods.

Their brunch bun has become incredibly popular among locals.

Moka Pot

In May, Moka Pot celebrated the opening of its newest café in Bournemouth town centre’s Burlington Arcade, after already operating a popular cafe in Westbourne.

Moka Pot was created by brothers Flavio and Pappalardo who partnered with Nathan Muir to bring together flavours of Sicily and England.

M’s Bakery

M’s Bakery opened in Christchurch town centre in June, following the success of their family-run store in Pokesdown

The store in Saxon Square serves freshly prepared sandwiches, artisan bread, pastries, and cakes.

The power pair behind the bakery are Marta and Istvan.

Closed

Bransgore Country Market

Bransgore’s only butcher closed in October after 12 years due to the economic crisis.

Bransgore Country Market was forced to shut due to increasing energy costs as well as the rising cost of meat.

The family-run business announced that it would no longer be “viable” to remain in business

Ringwood Surplus Store

The family-run Ringwood Surplus Store will cease trading on Christmas Eve (December 24) after 55 years of business in Meeting House Lane.

The hardware shop was opened in 1967 by John Chambers and his wife Sue. The business was eventually taken over by their daughter Nicki, who cited the dominance of the online market as the primary reason for closure.

The Chambers family also founded the Verwood Surplus Store in Ringwood Road, which will remain open.

Gio’s

Gio’s in Bournemouth town centre shut its doors at the beginning of October after struggling to stay afloat due to a “growing list” of problems the town centre is facing.

The restaurant opened its doors in October 2021 and the food represents the owner’s heritage being South African Italian-Portuguese.

Wild Fish and Chips

Wild Fish and Chips on the corner of Old Christchurch Road and Fir Vale Road closed early October.

Its owner cited spiralling prices and dwindling customers as the reason.

Tarek Rehima opened his business in 2020 and said trade was “fantastic” for the first two summers – but said tourists left the town centre’s restaurants in favour of the new temporary ones along the seafront during the summer.