The owner of Aruba, Bournemouth’s only beachside nightlife venue, says the traditionally quieter winter period will be a critical period for both the business and the recuperation of the industry.

Andy Price, Managing Director, pictured right, was speaking as Aruba launched an extensive autumn and winter events plan, including a new Christmas dining and drinking experience to maximise winter trade.

The new line up of events comes as Aruba celebrated a successful summer despite a delayed start to the season due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Tens of thousands of guests were welcomed through its doors between July 19 and September 30.

Andy, who gave his first interview in ten years to Dorset Biz News in August, said: “Trade was good over the course of the ten weeks of summer that we were able to operate without restrictions.

“People were glad to be back on a dancefloor and enjoying partying again.

“Despite the poor weather and the challenges that returning to normality brought, the summer was as successful as we could have hoped it to be.

“Having operated a very short peak season, we’re bolstering our autumn and winter offering to continue driving guests through the doors.

“We have far from recovered from the pandemic that hit our industry hard and so as far as we are concerned, the party is far from over.

“The winter will be a critical period for us and for the recuperation of the industry.”

In addition to Aruba’s various club night events including Beach Club Saturdays and the venue’s West End-style shows, it will also host an Oktoberfest Party on Friday and Saturday October 22 and 23 and is also working with Cocoloco for a huge Halloween event on Saturday October 30.

Aruba’s brand new Aprés-Sea bar will open for six weeks from Thursday November 18.

Described as bringing après-ski to the seaside, it is sponsored by Bacardi, Patron, Jäger and Moët and combines 80s retro vibes with traditional ski chalet favourites.

The venue will be transformed into a cosy ski resort bar that overlooks the English coast complete with fur throws and ski shot bar.

A new menu will launch for the season comprising roast boards, pictured, camembert and fondue.

Breakfast with Santa will return for Christmas, after the success of last year.

Launching with Aruba’s Après-Sea bar will be an exclusive collaboration with new local vintage store ‘Go To Marketplace’.

The store, based in Bournemouth Arcade, will offer ten per cent off all items for Aruba partygoers wishing to look as if they’ve just walked off the pistes of Val d’Isère.

Aruba is open from midday on weekdays and from 9am at weekends and also offers an extensive breakfast menu.

The venue is open until late every night, with events on most Wednesday to Sunday evenings.

Table and ticket bookings are advised.

• aruba-bournemouth.co.uk