Banana Lounge, Ocean Village

Not a pub, but a restaurant with a bar area where you can just have drinks. Banana Wharf is a modern diner in Ocean Village. Large windows provide a view over the yachts in the harbour, and also across the water to Woolston Sewage Works. It's a little more bland and prosaic looking inwards, so if you're bringing someone here for a special meal, be considerate and give them the seat facing out. Myles and I came on a Friday lunchtime. The place was mostly empty so we weren't seeing it at its best, but even so, there is a bland coldness about the interior that is not inviting. There is little in the way of style or quirkiness, such as with the nearby Maritimo Lounge, nor any cosy warmth. It feels like a modern office space. Matters are not helped when, even empty, you have to stand at a podium to wait to be directed to a table. Each to their own, but I prefer to sit myself, but I suppose they wish to create an upmarket feel. The prices are a tad high for everyday eating, but are not excessive, and the lunchtime menu was very inviting, and if accompanied by the £1 soft drink deal, offers reasonable value.

The dated decor in the bar area

I really enjoyed my squid. Myles had the fish finger wrap, which came with chips (why not offer a salad as an option?), and was pretty average.

Myles with the fish finger wrap, and a view
of Woolston Sewage Works over his right shoulder

We didn't find anything special to like about the place,. On the plus side I really liked my Salt & Pepper Squid and fully recommend that, on the negative side we found the decor to be old fashioned, and the general ambiance to be cold and functional. On the whole the place is kinda average. If you come here with appropriate expectations I can't see anyone being disappointed, but this isn't the place to bring your special one for a date, nor is it the place to bring friends for a good night out. Business meals on expense accounts is what this place is best suited for. Nobody is going to be distracted or get the wrong idea, and the service and the food is not going to disappoint or embarrass anyone.

Date: Feb 2020   Score: 5



Ocean Village,
Southampton
SO14 3JF


* TripAdvisor
* WhatPub
* Banana Wharf