Mayflower Village (previously Encore), Southampton

Now called Mayflower Village, and much nicer. The place has been bought from Greene King by UrbanVillagePubs and been revamped. Pizza deals £8 for a pizza and a house bitter or glass of wine. Three casks ( only one available on our visit), with six "craft" kegs and a selection of bottles in the glass fronted fridge which are worth looking at. The pizzas were yummy and interesting, and just the right size for lunch. Yeah, we like it.

Date: Sept 2019. Score: 7

Built into the ground floor of a modern block on Commercial Road next door to the Mayflower Theatre, and close to the Central Station, this is a popular pub frequently packed with Saints supporters on match days and families on panto days. Acquired by Greene King during their purchase of the Spirit Pub Company from Punch Taverns, it serves two or three beers from the Greene King range, plus, on our visit, a Hogs Back keg lager. The pub works around the limitations of its awkward space, utilising separate areas to create a feeling of intimacy in places, though the need for supporting pillars in a narrow space does mean that moving around the central area can be awkward, and getting into the cubicle in the gent's toilet is not for those who are a little bit large.

There appeared to be a shortage of kitchen staff over the Christmas period, as the pub was operating a restricted menu, which meant that vegetarians wouldn't be able to eat, unless they were content with simply a bowl of chips. And, even then, there was a 40 minute wait. Customers were understandably frustrated as the next nearest pub is about a ten minute walk away.

Those who did decide to order and wait appeared to get a typical Greene King pub meal. Nothing fantastic - a bit stodgy, but generally cheap.

There is nothing here to attract a repeat visit. The pub has no charm or character, gets a bit crowded, and is unreliable for food, which when served is unremarkable. If planning to eat in a pub before the theatre it may make more sense to allow a little extra time to eat in a pub a little further away.


Date: Dec 2016   Score: 4


22 Commercial Road 
SO15 1GE

Open: Noon to 11pm
Meals: Noon to 9pm
Family friendly

* BITE
* WhatPub 
* MayflowerVillage
* Trip Advisor (Encore)