Battistinis 2010 Open Weekend Party - Bournemouth 26-27th JuneIf you are not familiar with Battistinis then think American Chopper and the OCC transplanted in Bournemouth (well kind of

)! Their open weekend is an annual event but this year finds them in new premises and celebrating 20 years of existence.
Parking is pretty dire (no handy pub car parks to park and drink in this time) but the actual shop is quite nice. They have teamed up with the Ace Cafe to sell their products plus they have a cafe inside that is supposed to be like theirs. I can't say I could see that but hey a new cafe in a bike shop with regular live music can't be bad. They also seem to be branching out into Hot Rods (perhaps they always did and I just wasn't aware of this) so there should be something for everyone. Entry is also free so can't be bad.
Andy who is often at events selling clothing (most recently at Pete's do at the New Forest) has a space in the shop and though as with most bike shops, the clothing is quite expensive, there is a good variety plus the Ace Cafe stuff as previously mentioned.
The workshop is at the back of the shop but I haven't a photo of this as just as I was going to snap a bike being worked on they rushed up and said no photos (even though I had already obtained permission from Pops Battistini). It turns out it is a very special bike that no-one can take a photo of until the buyer has seen it. It was very pretty. Very pink and called Patience (perhaps it is for one of Take That

!) with some lovely but very over the top finishing which also made me think it could be for someone in the circus or vaudeville.
The full address is Battistinis Custom Centre, 1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6DY (phone 01202 437400)
Battistinis web sitePhotos from last year's event hereSome photos I took on my visit:
The outside of the shop - not very obvious so you will have to look hard if you go:








