China Lounge is a small, family-run Chinese restaurant tucked into Woodside Road in Southbourne, a short walk from the shops and cafés along this stretch of the Bournemouth coast. It's the kind of neighbourhood spot locals rely on for a reliable takeaway or a relaxed sit-down meal, rather than a destination restaurant.
The food
The menu sticks to the classics rather than chasing trends: chow mein, sweet & sour dishes, curries and a run of set menus built for two people to share several plates. It's straightforward, generously portioned Chinese cooking, made in an open-plan kitchen the restaurant says is "maintained to the highest standards." As with any Chinese kitchen, dishes contain a range of allergens, including gluten, crustaceans, egg and fish, so it's worth asking staff if you have dietary requirements.
Eat in, takeaway or delivered
China Lounge is fully licensed, so you can eat in with a beer or wine alongside table service, or order to take away. Home delivery runs the same hours as the restaurant, with a small delivery charge that rises slightly the further you are from Woodside Road, and there's a separate lunchtime collection window on weekdays for those who don't fancy the evening rush. Regulars are rewarded too, with a simple points scheme that knocks money off future orders.
Good to know
It's open every evening of the week, including bank holidays, and only closes over Christmas and Boxing Day, useful to know if you're after a curry on a quiet Tuesday or a Sunday night in. Call ahead to check current hours and to book a table, especially at weekends.
For more Chinese restaurants and other places to eat nearby, browse our food & drink guide, and see our things to do guide for ways to fill the rest of the day in Southbourne.