THE REGENERATION of Bobby’s in Bournemouth will take an “exciting” turn next year with the opening of a unique restaurant. 

A new restaurant called The Botanist will be coming to the Bournemouth town centre department store 'mid to late next year'. 

Around 80 people will be employed in the area ahead of the opening and the restaurant will occupy Bobby’s fourth floor, formerly the tea rooms. 

Tim McCormac, property director at New World Trading Company which operates the Botanist, said it is an “exciting moment” for the business and the regeneration of Bobby’s as a “new lifestyle destination”. 

Bournemouth Echo: Botanist in Barnsley, south YorkshireBotanist in Barnsley, south Yorkshire (Image: The Botanist)

He added: “We can’t wait to open our doors next year and introduce the residents of Bournemouth to our unique feel-good offering. 

“Our stunning new venue also brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals join us, and we’ll be looking for a full team to run operations with around 80 jobs available, including both front and back of house roles.”

Read more: The Botanist restaurant could be coming to Bobby's Bournemouth

Nick Coupe of Verve Properties, representing Bobby’s, said he was introduced to The Botanist last year and believes it is the perfect fit for the famous building. 

He said: “When we set out on this journey to breathe new life into this iconic Bournemouth landmark, our objective was to retain and reinstate as many of the original features as we possibly could, in doing so acknowledging Bobby’s glorious past while looking to create a building to serve Bournemouth for years to come. 

Bournemouth Echo: Botanist in EdinburghBotanist in Edinburgh (Image: The Botanist)

“The fourth floor at Bobby’s was once home to the iconic Bobby’s Tea Rooms, with beautiful high-rise views over the town centre and lower gardens, ornate original crittall doors and windows and a truly special sun terrace that wraps around the façade.  

“It presented the perfect opportunity to refurbish and reutilise many of the original features that had been hidden for so long and return this space into an exciting food and drink destination once again.

Read more: The Botanist layout inside at Bobby's in Bournemouth

“When we were introduced to The Botanist, we were confident that we had found the right tenant to take forward our vision to deliver an exceptional lifestyle destination.   

“We are delighted to welcome them into the building and extremely excited for their opening next year.”  

The Botanist currently has a number of branches in towns and cities across the UK, including Alderley Edge, Cheltenham and Exeter.