The Cricketers Arms, Woolston

Large Marston's roadside pub near the roundabout leading to the Itchen Toll Bridge into Southampton. It's a little run down. It no longer does food, and there's an air of neglect about the large echoing back room, which has a stage and dance floor. Pool table and large TV screens in the front room. Two cask ales on offer - Pedigree and BoonDoggle. Decent condition. Children welcome. Smokers use the entrance lobby on damp days. The place is not attractive, comfortable or charming, but it does serve beer, and is not offensive.

Date: Nov 2014   Score:  3

This Marston's pub has had several names over the years. When we moved to Woolston two years ago it was called The Bridge, and despite what it said outside, it didn't do food. It was a little run down and in need of some TLC. It had a particular problem with smokers hanging around the door. It was then closed for  several months while it underwent what appeared to be a major overhaul. I tried it shortly after it reopened and the large back room is now shut off, and Marston's are doing food again. The place was cleaner, but still had problems with smokers standing in the doorway so smoke blows into the pub. They have a children's menu, so there is an intent to attract families, but despite the refurbishment, it's still a pub I'm not that comfortable taking my daughter into because of the smoke. At least previously you could go into the back room to escape the smoke, now that's closed, there is no escape. I'm not comfortable eating food in a smokey atmosphere.

Date: April 2016   Score: 3 1/2

Back to not doing food, but new managers due in a couple of months when it is hoped food will start up again. £3.20 for Hobgoblin, £2.85 for Carlsberg. Pool table requires a deposit for the cues; games are £1 a go. Music playing moderately loud. Some chit chat among the customers. Nobody (yet) smoking by the door. Pleasant relaxed atmosphere. Normal and unremarkable pub.

Date: Nov 2016    Score: 3 1/2

As part of the Covid precautions, the front of the pub is roped off so customers are funnelled into the old backroom which opens onto the car park T the back which has tables for smokers and a raised wooden desk for others. No cask available so I settled for a Thatchers cloudy cider. It's early Tuesday evening, but there's around 18 or so customers.

From the back you can see how the pub has been extended over the years. There appear to be around four or five separate single storey extensions.

Date: Sept 2020.  Score: 4

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Pubs in Woolston

Marston's pubs in Southampton