Mbunto Cocktail Bar Bistro (formerly Bitterne Park), Bitterne

The old Bitterne Park (Hotel) reopened in 2021 as a Cocktail Bar / Bistro with food, under the name Mbunto (styled mbunto) which the owners said was the name of an  African businessman they admired, though the website says its an African word about togetherness - the literal translation being "I am who I am because of who we are".  

Myles and I visited in September 2021 as part of our Lads Who Lunch. I was impressed by the way the place had been, at last, uplifted, and some of its potential was being realised. 

The draught beers are all keg. I noted two I hadn't had before: Portland, a harmless attempt at a "craft beer" by Adnams, and the house beer - mbuntu Pilsner Lager, which I was told was a rebadge of another beer, but I can't remember which beer it was (Carlsberg, or something like that). 

The menu is interesting with an African edge. There are veggie options. I had a Plantain Katsu Curry with rice and curry sauce. 

The place was empty on our lunchtime visit, but looks promising. They are perhaps aiming more for an evening crowd.  All in all we quite liked it. 

Date: September 2021    Score: 6 

2 Cobden Avenue 

SO18 1FX 

Open: Tue - Sun: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (12.30am weekends)

Lunch : Tue - Sun: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Dinner : Tue - Sun: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (12.00 weekends)

* Website 

* WhatPub 

Large Enterprise Inns pub just off Bitterne Triangle. Was called Bitterne Park Hotel on my first visit a year or two ago. Now just called Bitterne Park. Large place with lots of potential as a family pub serving food, but on both my visits there was an echoing lack of atmosphere, and no food available. Two casks.

Two casks on offer

Interior space with potential for live acts

There's been an Investment Opportunity sign outside for a while. Driving past this July 2017 there are workers removing fixtures. Not sure if the place is being done up or closed down.


Bitterne Park Hotel

2 Cobden Avenue 

SO18 1FX  

Enterprise Inns  - Child accepted  - No meals
 11-11 Mon-Fri; 12-11 Sat-Sun

*  WhatPub

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Pubs in Bitterne

Enterprise Inns (Ei Group)