Brewdog, Bedford Place

Modern craftbeer bar. Keg beer. Industrial chic. BrewDog's beers and style of marketing and production does not on the whole suit me, though I do find some of their beers quite palatable even if the marketing is not. The BrewDog bar in Camden I didn't like at all. Very noisy, clashing, hot, crowded, expensive, and with beers that I mostly did not want to drink. So I wasn't expecting much of BrewDog Southampton, but I have been charmed.

The ambiance

Three visits so far. I like it. Buzzing and vibrant. Large number of beers on offer, mostly from BrewDog, the owners, and all keg, though "Live Dead Pony" is unfiltered. I first visited when I did a crawl down from Portswood to see as many of the new bars that had opened in Southampton as I could in one day. I had the Live Dead Pony that day, and a long chat with the very knowledgable barmaid. She seemed a bit upset when I mentioned that one of the other craft bars had been talking about how expensive the beers were, and she wanted to know if it was the Bookshop who said that. Seems there must be some kind of relationship there, as I had been shown a priced bar menu which I assume had come from her in the first place.

Piers brewing up a dog

Second visit was with my son (we had Elvis Juice and Ace of Equinox), and Piers also enjoyed the place.

Ian, enjoying his Berliner Weisse

Third  visit was with Ian on the November 2016 pub crawl when we had Flying Dog Berliner Weisse, and Beavertown Tropigamma.

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***

Pubs in Bedford Place

November 2016 Pub Crawl

The Star Inn, Romsey

Just on the outskirts of Romsey town centre, and a stone's throw from where Strongs Brewery used to be, we found The Star.  A solid, traditional looking pub from the outside, with a certain timeless quality, though looking a little tired. And awkwardly placed,  on the corner of a busy road into the town centre.

Three local beers

Inside is a contrast to the outside, as it appears vibrant, modern, quirky, and very welcoming. The two main rooms have been rather successfully knocked through creating a versatile space. There is a huge fireplace on the right that is a delight to sit in front of on a crisp November afternoon. There were several well kept local beers on offer, and friendly advice from the landlady.  We had Red Cat Macavity,  Flack Manor Wolfie T, and Bowman's Wallops Wood.

Warm fireplace and folky ambiance

Small backyard for smokers, and accommodation with breakfast is also offered, so this really does have the feel of a traditional inn.


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The Gamekeeper, New Forest

Homely backwater pub. More a local's pub than for visitors. Quite casual, care worn, and with brushed nylon seat covers, so of limited interest, and likely to be avoided by the middle classes. Wadworth beer and food at average prices.

Wadworth Pubs in Southampton

The Happy Cheese, New Forest

Large, pleasant, and clearly popular pub with some rustic charm. Decent menu with child and veggie options. Three cask beers available. We liked it, great service, but on the whole felt it was more restaurant than pub, and some of the rustic features look a little too casual or new-old rather than solid or authentic.

We returned a little later, and I have to say I really like this place. The service is impeccable. Warm, friendly, helpful. Lots of children and dogs. A great range of ice-creams are offered. While it is true that some of the furniture could do with replacing, and that there is a vague feel of this being an extended mobile home rather than a venerable pub, these are really minor quirks. The pub has so much charm, and so much to offer, that I can imagine us coming here again.

The Angel, Lower Southampton

Corner location pub somewhat isolated on the wrong side of Southampton's central parks. I dropped in here after doing the Southampton Half Marathon. The staff and customers were moaning about how the marathon was making things awkward to move around Southampton, until they noticed my medal, then they became quite positive about the event, and were asking me friendly questions.

Crisps and Guinness after the
2016 Southampton Half  Marathon

The pub looks a little bit run down and scruffy, but it was friendly enough. It has had a poor reputation for some years, which the new landlord had intended to sort out - but he got arrested in Nov 2016 for being involved in a knife attack at the pub.  It is owned by Admiral Taverns, who also own the Waggoners Arms, and the Juniper Berry. They are currently looking for a tenant.


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Juniper Berry, Lower Southampton (Closed)

Large and interesting looking mock Tudor pub in the historic tourist area of Southampton. Stands where Jane Austen's house used to be, overlooking what was then the quay. Serves one cask beer. No food. 

The interior is dark and atmospheric with lots of wood panelling, though it can be chilly sitting near a window. And that sums up the general ambience we felt: gloomy and chilly. There's a lot of promise here, and we enjoyed the visit, but the place felt it needed more light and warmth. A couple of chaps sitting on stools by the bar were the only other customers.  On another night it could perhaps be jollier, but the limitations on interesting beer, the lack of food, and the slightly out of the way location inhibits a return visit, though I'm keen to do so as I think this pub could be interesting. 

Date: Jan 2018   Score: 5 


When shopping with the family in November 2023 I felt a bit tired, so left the girls and came in here for a drink and a sit down. There was only lager (and I think Doom Bar?) available, and the seats were uncomfortable, so I didn't stay long, and wasn't impressed. There were hardly any people. It's an awkward pub in an awkward location. And I've just heard that it is now closed. It wasn't making enough profit to keep up with maintenance. 

Jan 2024   Score: 3 

Owned by Admiral Taverns.

36 Upper Bugle Street, SO14 2EE

Opens at 12  Closed 

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The Waggoner's Arms, Portswood (Closed)

The Waggoner's Arms is just round the corner from the Drummond. I thought this had closed down because it looks so run down outside, never has the door open, and several other nearby pubs have closed, but I was wrong. It's old and worn, but still open for business. [Not any more!]

The ambiance

It is warmer than the Drummond, has better banter, and the Ringwood is in better condition, but there is no food and no women. This is a proper old man's pub. All in all I enjoyed it. I am an old man after all, and the place is warm and friendly, and we had a bit of a chat. There is a back beer garden with play equipment for children.

It's been a pub since at least 1871. It is owned by Admiral Taverns, who also own The Angel and the Juniper Berry.


Date: Jan 2017   Score: 4


Closed down in May 2018.


264 Portswood Road
Southampton
SO17 2LE

Closed. 


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Portswood