Delightful Wadworth's pub in Butlocks Heath just outside Southampton, near Netley. I came here shortly after moving to Southampton in 2015, and reviewed it for BITE:
Lovely country pub. Central bar serves several rooms full of nooks and crannies and redolent with character and atmosphere. Three cask ales from the very decent Wadworth brewery, with assorted rolls (£1 each) or hot meals depending on time of day. Good friendly, laid back ambiance. Child friendly Best pub I've yet come across in the Southampton area. This is going to be most people's idea of what a British country pub should be. Worth seeking out. Score: 8
I came back with Chrissie shortly after that, and we both loved it. Then new owners took over and it no longer did food, so there seemed little point in coming out to visit. A country pub without food is mostly only useful for locals. I then put it out of my mind. But out with Myles on one of our Lads Who Lunch trips, we went to the nearby Roll Call, but there was no space inside, and sitting outside was problematic as there were smokers. We drove past The Cottage, and I said it was a shame that they no longer did food, but Myles noticed a board outside advertising food, so in we went. And I'm glad we did.
The place is under new ownership, and they do a full cooked menu. I had the Mac N Cheese, which was rather overheated, so the cheese had liquified, and the pasta was a little sweet and lacking in character, but was, nevertheless, very, very tasty! I'll be honest and say that at the end I tipped up the dish and drank the remaining liquified cheese! Would it have been better not so overheated? Yes. But let's not quibble, it was enjoyable. I was tempted by the pudding menu, and had a home cooked brownie with lashings of custard. Again, very enjoyable, even if both the brownie and the custard were a little light on flavour I found it comfortable, and just what I wanted. As with The Roll Call nearby, sometimes honest home cooking is just what you want.
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| The opened up space, and Myles looking a little quizzical |
The place is under new ownership, and they do a full cooked menu. I had the Mac N Cheese, which was rather overheated, so the cheese had liquified, and the pasta was a little sweet and lacking in character, but was, nevertheless, very, very tasty! I'll be honest and say that at the end I tipped up the dish and drank the remaining liquified cheese! Would it have been better not so overheated? Yes. But let's not quibble, it was enjoyable. I was tempted by the pudding menu, and had a home cooked brownie with lashings of custard. Again, very enjoyable, even if both the brownie and the custard were a little light on flavour I found it comfortable, and just what I wanted. As with The Roll Call nearby, sometimes honest home cooking is just what you want.
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| The ambience |
The previous owners have opened up the space between the two main rooms (there is a third room on the left as you enter - though I've not been in there). This has taken away some of the charm and character. It no longer feels like a country pub when you go in, and I'm unsure what has been gained in terms of space. However, there is enough charm remaining for this to still be a pub worth visiting if in the area.
The beers are by Wadworth. There were three on offer during our visit: Horizon, 6X, and Henry's IPA. I had the 6X and the IPA, and both were in good condition. All in all a fine pub.
Date: Oct, 2021 Score: 8
77-79 Woolston RoadButlocks Heath
SO31 5FN
Mon-Sun: Noon to 11pm
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