THE Botanist will open next year, bosses at the restaurant chain have confirmed. 

Work to fit the fourth floor gap in the former shopping centre where the restaurant will be place will start later this year. 

Even though The Botanist showed an interest in opening a Bournemouth town centre restaurant in October 2022 when a licence application was lodged, work is yet to start. 

This is because the Bobby’s building has been undergoing significant £5.6million renovation work in the meantime, including roof reconstruction. 

Rod McKie, the non-executive chairman The Botanist’s operator New World Trading, said: "We have an attractive pipeline of new larger-format Botanist sites, with Bournemouth and Lichfield expected to open in 2025." 

Taking over 1,285 square metres, The Botanist promises to bring its signature “botanical charm and vibrant atmosphere” to Bournemouth. 

The Botanist’s new space will also feature a beautifully restored sun terrace, once home to the iconic Bobby’s tea rooms, offering customers views over the Lower Gardens.  

This outdoor space is set to become a standout feature of the venue, providing a unique and picturesque setting for diners, overlooking Bournemouth Square and gardens, adding to The Botanist’s distinctive offering at Bobby’s. 

A spokeswoman for The Botanist added: "We remain excited at the prospect of bringing The Botanist to Bournemouth and are continuing to develop plans, hopeful to start work on the bar and restaurant later this year."