Pubs and Beer in Southampton: Steam Town Brewery, Eastleigh

Steam Town is newly opened in a former brewery. It's a little outside of Eastleigh, but close enough to the Itchen Way to make it a viable stopping place in Bishopstoke as an alternative to the Toby Garvery. I popped in at lunchtime during the week - not a busy time, and the restaurant side was empty. There were a few blokes of assorted ages having a drink. The lunch menu appears to be limited, especially for vegetarians, but there are halloumi sticks, which are always welcome.

The bar brews its own beer in a brewery visible through glass doors off the restaurant area. There are four active pumps, all offering Steam Town's own beers. In addition there are around ten kegs behind the bar. Difficult to see, but there is a blackboard to the left of the bar which lists all the beers on it. The kegs are from a selection of breweries - none of them are Steam Town. The bar does third pints, but only on the keg beers.

The place has been stripped back to bare brick to give a modern vibe, and there are occasional train themes to add more character - a station clock, train carriage seats in the restaurant, plus brewing/beer themes, such as using cut away kegs in the toilet.

Dogs are welcomed and "well behaved" children are tolerated it seems, though not exactly encouraged. I kinda liked the place, though it felt not quite finished, and a little soulless during my visit - it's probably warmer and friendlier in the evenings. They occasionally have live bands. It's certainly a place worth making a detour to check out as it does have character, and it does brew its own beers. If you're a dog owning, burger eating, beer drinker, you'll like it even more!