AN AWARD-winning Bournemouth gay bar says it is rejuvenating the town’s scene and bringing the “pink pound” back to Dorset.

DYMK (Does Your Mother Know) has been named Best Pub in the South West by the Pink Paper after only eight months in business.

Manager David Southam said it was luring back customers to Bournemouth after a “huge drop off” during the past few years. The Poole Hill venue used to be the Punch and Judy pub and the owners spent over £120,000 to give it a new interior.

Mr Southam, 38, said: “Bournemouth was always known as the place for visits by rich, gay Londoners. A lot of them had second homes in Sandbanks. They are starting to come back now.

“A lot of venues had really gone downhill.

“We realised there was a market for a clean, upmarket venue serving prime drinks with prime service.

“We don’t do cheap spirits. People are starting to visit, especially to come here.”

The Pink Paper sent out mystery shoppers who selected it as one of the top five venues, and then readers voted it into top spot.

DYMK’s resident drag hostess Sheila Tackya is played by Samuel Compton, 26, from Westbourne.

He said: “I don’t do the old cabaret cruise diva style. It’s a bit younger, funkier.

“Even when I am off stage I go round and talk to people and be friendly. They appreciate that.”