Welcome to the Urban Guild. My venues are nothing without you. You lovely humans bring them to life, animate them and create the soul that ensures people love to return. Thank you. Before we find out more about each other, let me just run through how it all began...

In 1997 I finished studying my degree in Leisure Management, threw a backpack over my shoulder and went off to see the world. Wherever I travelled - Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean - I found that people of every nationality pretty much loved the same thing...

A big smile, time spent with family or friends, some food, a drink and a place to sleep.

Over two years the kindness, friendliness, optimism, love of life attitude and memories created by hundreds of random points of human contact carved my destiny for a life in hospitality.

Back in England I headed to London to continue my adventure. With an eclectic mix of cultures, incredible energy and lust for life where anything is possible, London further inspired my love of smiles and the diversity of humanity.

In 2005 with dreams of a family and longing for the sea, it was time to head back to my hometown, Bournemouth. But it was impossible to find bars, restaurants and hotels that matched the optimism of life on the road, the big grins, flip flops, happy teams and happy customers. Where was the inspired, energetic, creative environment where the wonders of people and the world could be embraced and shared every day?

And that’s how it started. I built it. The design, decadence and quality of London meets the relaxed grin of feeling the sand and sea between your toes...

Urban Beach was born.

Now, with a restaurant, cafe, bar, craft beer and farm thrown into the mix, the Urban Guild is very much established, we even have a loyalty card. I don’t know where the adventure will take us next, but I do know people, smiles and hospitality will be at its heart.
Owner