“Locals buzzing, laughter in the air, and the all-important question floating around: “What’s everyone drinking first?”
If you know me, you already know my stance on ultimate night-out combos: gin & pizza. Nothing else even comes close.
So when I got invited along to the VIP launch of Doughbox’s brand-new permanent kitchen inside the Conker Taproom — before their big public opening on Friday just gone — I obviously had to be there. And yes… every single bite and sip was totally worth it.
Walking in, the vibes were exactly what you want for a Friday night: locals buzzing, laughter in the air, and the all-important question floating around: “What’s everyone drinking first?”
Meeting Rupert — The Owner
One of the absolute highlights was meeting Rupert Holloway — the legend behind the Conker brand.
It was amazing hearing him so genuinely passionate about his gin and how he’s levelling up to keep up with the crazy fast-changing hospitality scene. No corporate waffle, just honest enthusiasm about what he’s building and how he wants to keep it local, creative, and bloody delicious. You could feel that energy everywhere in the space, and it totally rubbed off.
The Food: A Proper Pizza Party
Now, the pizzas… wow. Just wow.
Doughbox’s menu is stacked with bangers, but here are my top picks from the night:
- The Meat Beast — chaotic in the best possible way.
- The Spicy — a little kick, a lot of flavour.
- Pepperoni — classic, crispy, perfectly balanced.
- BBQ Chicken — smoky, sweet, dangerously moreish.
- Margherita — simple, clean, totally addictive.
And don’t even get me started on the cheesiest garlic bread EVER. I’m convinced it should come with a warning label — stretchy, golden, unapologetically loaded, and impossible to share.
Everything came out of the Gozney with that perfect crust — crisp edges, soft inside, the kind of base that makes you quietly whisper, “Yes… this is it.”
Drinks of the Night
Because duh, we’re in the Conker Taproom — gin is a must.
Top three of the night:
- Raspberry Collins — fruity, refreshing, dangerous.
- Rio Spritz — bright, bubbly, holiday vibes in a glass.
- Raspberry Gimlet — sharp, smooth, unreal.
Some were purchased, some were gifted, all were demolished. And yes… they went down far too easily, but zero regrets.
Local Perks: Walking Distance Heaven
One of the best bits? It’s literally a short stroll from my house. No taxis, no faff — just pure pizza and gin joy.
And yes, I’ve already got my March comedy night tickets booked.
Imagine it: pizza → cocktails → comedy → home in under 10 minutes. Dorset living at its finest.
Doughbox at the Conker Taproom is the kind of local collab that just works. Amazing food, banging drinks, friendly vibes, and that proper local feel that makes you want to keep coming back.
So seriously… get yourself down there. Bring your mates, bring your appetite, bring your sense of adventure.
And the only question left: Gin first or pizza first?
I’m still undecided, and I’ll happily hear your arguments.
Price: ££ / Where: 163 Stourvale Road, Southbourne, Dorset, BH6 5HQ / Phone: 01202 430384 / Website: www.conkerspirit.co.uk
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