This is a large Greene King Hungry Horse on the outskirts of Southampton, not far from the airport. We've been here a few times (though not for a while), and I was surprised I hadn't reviewed it before.
I don't think I've been back here since it was refurbished in September 2017, and I'm struggling to remember what it was like previously. It has been nicely done, but I struggle to see the original character of the pub within the overall family pub rustic English charm style that is so common these days. Once inside you could be anywhere in the UK, and in any building, 300 year old pub or 6 month old airport. My memory is of a place that felt more natural and organic, yet a bit run down, and less popular. Today it is busy, and there's a warm communal atmosphere. Popular music plays, but quiet enough that conversation buzz can be heard all around. I like it. There's plenty of seating at the rear, and an upper floor seating area. The outside courtyard beside the Monk's Brook stream has the potential to be pleasant in summer, but smokers are allowed to use it.
The bar area is split in two. All casks are from the Greene King range. Four pumps on the right, with three of this repeated on the left. The food menu - which is what people come for - is good value popular food decently cooked. I was very pleased with my meal. I had the over 60s special, so I had a tasty and satisfying two course meal and a pint of Speckled Hen for exactly £8.
It dates from the early 18th century, although parts of it are thought to date back to the 15th century. It has been a public house since about 1850 and was previously a doctor's residence. It was named after the Fleming family, who owned much of the land in the Swaythling area. The side extension dated 1903 replaces an earlier side building.
This is a decent place if you live locally. To be fair there's not a lot to encourage outside visitors because there's nothing special here, but there is a nearby river walk which might be worth exploring.
Date: Nov 2018 Score: 6
Returned with Myles for lunch. Place is popular and busy, though we found the upstairs to be quiet and relaxing. Good value meals. Decent cask beers. There was a deal on BrewDog's Brewgooder Clean Water Lager, so we got that. I'm quite happy coming back here. It's an OK place.
Date: April 2019 Score: 6
We had a cracking family Christmas party here in December 2019. The staff made a few errors, but the manager for the day put things right, which is always a good thing. I'd be quite happy to use them again for a large party.
Date: Dec 2019 Score: 6
High Road
Swaythling
SO18 2QN
Open 11-11
Food 11-10 (Sun&Sat 10-10)
Myles and me chewing on our chips during a Lads Who Lunch visit.
Service was friendly, but very slow and a bit remote during a Lads Who Lunch visit in Feb 2022. It was a Mystery Shop, so we were, as always, very limited in our choice of food and drink. The Greene King menu is unadventurous in range and rather plain in its cooking - frozen chips and instant mash with meat "loaded" with cheese is the order of the day, but an observant diner can pick out some healthier and less environmentally damaging options than loaded burger and chips (such as the Mexican spiced pulled jackfruit with Ancho chilli sauce. Served with Mexican rice and salad garnish) - sadly, the Mystery Shopper criteria specifically forbids veggie or healthy options. Despite some shortcomings, we felt reasonably satisfied with the visit.
Date: Feb 2022 Score: 5
High Road
Swaythling
SO18 2QN
Open 11-11
Food 11-10 (Sun&Sat 10-10)
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Greene King pubs in Southampton |
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