TONIC Social opened its doors in Bournemouth last week to provide a new scene for casual drinks, light dining and curated playlists.

Featuring an island bar and large sliding doors, the environment is designed to seamlessly connect inside and outside areas together under a central pergola.

THAT Group’s head of creative, Louise Curnuck, sums up the idea behind this new venture:

“The group wanted to invest in creating their own independent brand that would provide the neighbourhood with somewhere they could call ‘their local’.

“A place to relax, a place to take friends, a home from home for socialising. The design is human-centric lead, a welcoming backdrop for any social scene, the luxury will be in its simplicity.”

The brand concept is heavily rooted in Bournemouth, explains Guy Habgood, THAT Group’s Brand Creative.

“Two names stuck out as champions of the town; Lewis Tregonwell & Augustas Granville.

“Granville, through his book ‘The Spas of England’, promoted the area as a health destination. His focus was drawn to the sea, the fresh air and the many hundreds of pine trees which Tregonwell had previously planted in anticipation of a surge of visitors. Times have most definitely changed.

Social wellbeing and a healthy attitude to food and drink are a common thread throughout the concept – without being a ‘health’ destination, the focus is on both fun and relaxation in equal measure.”

Tonic Social is located on Exeter Road beneath the Hilton hotel.