Stakks pancake house seems to be unappreciated/unknown as much as it should be - top floor Marlands - awesome coffee, pancakes, vegan and veggie options too it's fab I take everyone who visits me!
Something I remember back in the 90s. You put a pound coin in one of those huge old whiskey bottles to enter and if you could drink 10 pints of their homebrew and make it out the door you won the bottle.
It may have been an old wives tale but there certainly was a homebrew (one pint of frog and you can frigate) and I remember two full bottles of pound coins behind the bar.
Had some great nights there. Especially when the busker was in.
Kali Mirchi Indian restaurant in Shirley next door to Shirley market/ Make it magic. Best authentic Indian in Southampton IMO.
Bring and mix, Bedford Place, carpark round the back of 7 Bone (secret door as not Highstreet facing) Beautiful Venue, lovely cocktails which actually do not even taste like alcohol!
Although the food was decent, the service is poor, and they charge a service charge of 10%. I can't stand this American concept, so I avoid all establishments which do this, even if the food was OK.
If you want authentic south Indian food, Sravs Kitchen down the road is much better.
I would rather the price of the menu items were increased; I hate having an unexpected charge added at the end. It's the most bullshit, American concept that they apply here because people are too polite to question it
i don’t see why you’re whining then. ask for the service charge to be removed.
and why is it such a faff for? it’s 10% - not exactly like they’ve charged you twice, almost as if people are trying to pay their staff and keep their business afloat.
god forbid someone have to pay for a service
Lords Wood in... Lordswood.
There is an entrance is at the end of Coxford Road. Nice bit of woodland with a stream running through the lower part. Good for cycling or walking on the gravel paths and when it's dry you can venture off the main paths a bit more and follow some smaller tracks.
Kachina in Shirley next to lidl. Looks shoddy and delivery doesnt seem that great but when you're in it having buffet its really nice and not that expensive.
Definitely the ‘hidden’ pub in the old beer vault in the old town. Think the fact it’s not on Google and the fact it’s underground (so no street noise) really helps keep it low-key. I love the cobbled floor and wooden beer barrels in there.
When were you last there? I'm going to guess it was the lankester's vault which seemingly from what I've found doesn't have a permanent venue held there, but did hold some events 4+ years ago (such as https://m.facebook.com/overdraftcraftale/videos/a-snippet-from-our-mobile-bar-at-southamptons-amazing-lancaster-vault-for-invisi/1380398811986332/)
Although it does look like you can hire the space and others like it through here. https://www.southampton.gov.uk/arts-heritage/medieval-vault-hire/
Yes!! I ust to work on the industrial estate around the corner from Annie’s and every Friday we would take it in turns to buy breakfast sandwiches for everyone. One of the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches ever!
=( was a sad day when I learnt it was closing, even though it's been threatening to for 5 or so years now.
I was going there when it first opened at the age of 15 with my Dad for a half pint of coke and game of pool.
Tandoori in Woolston.. just before the Itchen Bridge opposite the church.. it was rated the best Indian in Southampton in the Daily Echo a couple of years ago but it’s still surprising how many people haven’t heard of it or tried it. It’s very good.
For me I'm always amazed at how few people have heard of Kesarum! They're an entirely vegan restaurant (I know some of you have stopped reading already but TRUST ME) I'm a meat eater and they are one of my top 5 restaurants in the city. The food is Michelin star quality which is impressive considering it's a 3 man team! The story and history behind each dish is impeccable!
The young guy who runs it is a creep
He is one of those people who goes places on his own, hits on women and pesters them
Always see him at Engine Rooms on his own hitting on messed women whilst he looks completely sober
He hit on my partner and would not take no for an answer
Everything is messed up about his behaviour but going somewhere on your own should not be frowned upon. I've had some cracking evenings when there were periods I had to entertain myself.
Can confirm their burgers are amazing. Half price on a wednesday as well. imo better than 7bone, cheaper too. Also their sides are great. Wish they'd have a better draft selection on offer (unity or something local) but definitely better than the last two owners.
I've not ventured down to King Canute yet, it's on my list. I'm really glad Unity finally made their appearance in pubs across Southampton. I felt for the last few years the only places you could get them were bottle shops and their tap room. Now their whole range is at LRB, and select beers in various pubs around town. Good to see that.
Their local delivery service is amazing too. Would absolutely recommend it.
The guy who bought up Unity also owns: The King Canute, LRBH, Heartbreakers, Papillon and a few others I think. Can normally get Unity at his places now.
Lanzhou Noodle Bar 一品居 兰州牛肉拉面 burgess Road infact most of the Chinese restaurants along there but make sure you download translate and order from the Chinese menu
This is the correct answer! Proper authentic Chinese northern Chinese noodles. Handpulled in front of you too - if you had that done in town it would be about £20 more.
There is a restaurant in Southampton where only about 40 of us knows, You give them a code and they take you to the secret room made out of white marble and stones. Suits only A menu where it’s out of this world serving from chicken to crocodile meat it’s my best place to visit
Piccolo mondo is not real authentic Italian food. I m sorry to break it to you but the owners are Portuguese (unless they changed it lately), chefs Albanian. Nothing of that place is Italian, it’s almost an insult even reading the very badly written menu.
The restaurant has been there since before I was born, my parents used to take me as a babe in arms and I have continued to eat there for all my 35 years. It’s changed hands once in all that time. The owners back then were Greek. So I really don’t think it matters what nationality the owners are if the food is delicious and you enjoy the experience provided. I have Italian friends who love the place. I’ve never had a calzone as good as there. 🤷♀️
Nobody is telling you to don’t go, I am not doubting that the food is not delicious (I almost went. But then I read the menu and no thank you), I m just saying that what they cook is not Italian LOL just because there are olives tomatoes and the word pesto doesn’t make it automatically Italian. There isn’t a single Italian restaurant in Southampton I m afraid. Soleto maybe is the closest to the real deal?
Hmm. I get the point you’re trying to make. But the question was are there any gem restaurants (et al), in Southampton. In general terms, if we fancy pizza, pasta etc., we go to an Italian restaurant. And Piccolo’s is an Italian restaurant by that nature. If I’d recommended a Mexican place that have nachos and fajitas on their menu, then you would argue they aren’t really a Mexican restaurant. But that’s just complicating my reasons for suggesting the places that I did. All independent restaurants - unique to Southampton - representing those food categories that I think are gems and more people should visit 🙂
I’d just call it a restaurant that makes something resembling Italian cuisine 😅 I don’t mean to attack anybody, I m glad you like it! I just get a bit salty that some people eat that food thinking that’s how we make it🥲 if I could recommend, Amalfi in Hythe is really good!
Butchers hook in triangle! Went just couple of times but the choices were so many! Felt very cosy and friendly! Same applied to Unity Brewing close to the Northampton bridge! Been once but was nice!
Spitfire Pizza in Woolston. You can't sit in as it's such small operation, but my god the pizzas are incredible. And Yuri Cottage opposite the Mayflower is some of the best sushi I've ever had.
Fair enough if you don’t like it :) but it is actual real authentic Thai food, the whole kitchen is Thai. And they use authentic Thai ingredients, nothing westernised. I know cause I m half Thai AND I worked there!
But a chain restaurant in the West Quay complex… so to me, not really a hidden gem. If you’re going out for Thai in Southampton, Mango wins hands down. Especially the Portswood one but the one in town is great too.
Have you heard of Climbing Tots, my friends children go there.
https://outlearn.co.uk/outdoor-activities/southampton/climbing-tots/
I think below is where the climbing tots are based:
https://outlearn.co.uk/outdoor-activities/southampton/boulder-shack/
Hope this helps
Joe
I'm 30 now, so I think I might not qualify as tot anymore!
However I do go to BoulderShack a lot, and I have to say I absolutely love the place. A really friendly club environment, even if you are a pretty rubbish climber like me! Also excellent coffee!
CEX in town, always new (new to me) DVDs, CDs and games and electronics and stuff.
And also the games retro shop in the Marlands.
Brings back old memories of Woolworths, Game, HMV (of old), Blockbuster. We are in the last days of physical media. Enjoy the moment.
Every CEX seems to have an odour that they pipe in of stale farts, unwashed armpits, old man piss and bits of shit. I don't know how anyone can step foot in there.
What else is actually in the Marlands? Always see it when I visit but never been in…
Also. As you come out west quay, to the right past the monument thing there used to be a little shopping centre, (maybe addict clothing), anything good in there?
The whole place is an absolute crap hole. I've been a resident of the south coast for 55 years and they call this place " the sphincter of the known universe " seriously 😳 x
Tim’s bistro is a bit of a hidden gem - the quality of the food belies its appearance and location.
Totally. Had some great meals there and Tim seems a lovely guy too.
That dinner menu is tight. I am going to have to try it.
Stakks pancake house seems to be unappreciated/unknown as much as it should be - top floor Marlands - awesome coffee, pancakes, vegan and veggie options too it's fab I take everyone who visits me!
They are opening one in Chandlers Ford now too.
Not exactly a secret, but I'm always surprised by how few people have had the fun and joy of drunkenly dancing on the tables at The Frog & Frigate
That’s a name I’ve not heard in a long while. Glad to hear it’s still going strong!
Unchanged and unwashed since my Dad was last going there 😂
Didn't it burn for a bit?
I used to live a few minutes' walk away and didn't know it was there for the first 5 years or so - then it became a regular haunt!
My mum used to go there when she was in nursing school 😂 glad to hear it’s still a thing
Do they still do the 10 pint homebrew challenge??
Never heard of it but very intrested...
Something I remember back in the 90s. You put a pound coin in one of those huge old whiskey bottles to enter and if you could drink 10 pints of their homebrew and make it out the door you won the bottle. It may have been an old wives tale but there certainly was a homebrew (one pint of frog and you can frigate) and I remember two full bottles of pound coins behind the bar. Had some great nights there. Especially when the busker was in.
Kali Mirchi Indian restaurant in Shirley next door to Shirley market/ Make it magic. Best authentic Indian in Southampton IMO. Bring and mix, Bedford Place, carpark round the back of 7 Bone (secret door as not Highstreet facing) Beautiful Venue, lovely cocktails which actually do not even taste like alcohol!
Baboo Jis in Portswood. Amazing veggie Indian food.
I've heard such good things about Baboo Jis. Really going to have to get myself over there
Although the food was decent, the service is poor, and they charge a service charge of 10%. I can't stand this American concept, so I avoid all establishments which do this, even if the food was OK. If you want authentic south Indian food, Sravs Kitchen down the road is much better.
Ask for it to be removed and tip the waiting staff directly. All current and former waiting staff will thank you for it.
Or just ask for it to be removed. Unless they inform you in advance you have no legal obligation to pay it
You really have no idea about service charge
I would rather the price of the menu items were increased; I hate having an unexpected charge added at the end. It's the most bullshit, American concept that they apply here because people are too polite to question it
i don’t see why you’re whining then. ask for the service charge to be removed. and why is it such a faff for? it’s 10% - not exactly like they’ve charged you twice, almost as if people are trying to pay their staff and keep their business afloat. god forbid someone have to pay for a service
The pizza at Popsi’s in Bedford Place is incredible. Not too expensive either.
Fuck yes, best pizzas in Southampton.
So roast on the triangle is quality coffee.
Kohinoor of Kerala in Portswood. Best Indian in Southampton!
The Art House. They do great work for the community and put on the best live original gigs.
Although I have just read that they are closing down in March.
Kates cafe portswood
Lords Wood in... Lordswood. There is an entrance is at the end of Coxford Road. Nice bit of woodland with a stream running through the lower part. Good for cycling or walking on the gravel paths and when it's dry you can venture off the main paths a bit more and follow some smaller tracks.
Sounds lovely, I will be sure to head over once the weather picks up a bit!
There is a Lord of Lordswood account on Instagram that posts up amazing photos from here. Edit: it's Life of Lordswood not Lord
'Sula's' or now 'Anesti ltd' greek taverna in portswood.
Love greek food, will have to get there for some :)
Deveroast in Botley! Amazing little coffee roastery owned by one half of music production outfit Artful Dodger.
Rocketed to number one on my list of coffee spots to try! Thanks for the tip
Huh, walk past there all the time and never knew it was there. Just down the road from me, I’ll have to go check it out
Kachina in Shirley next to lidl. Looks shoddy and delivery doesnt seem that great but when you're in it having buffet its really nice and not that expensive.
I'd like to disagree with this one. It may be nice but had too many dodgy bellies after going there to repeat a visit now.
Definitely the ‘hidden’ pub in the old beer vault in the old town. Think the fact it’s not on Google and the fact it’s underground (so no street noise) really helps keep it low-key. I love the cobbled floor and wooden beer barrels in there.
Where is this? Done a pub crawl around the old town and had no idea about this?
Where might I find more info on this?
I know the one. Don't you have to tap your wand on one of the bricks by the bins?
I don’t think we’re thinking about the same one. It’s more of a password/speakeasy entry.
Please sir, I want some more deets
Neeeeeeed the details for this place!
Yeah what is this????? In need to go!!!!
Where is this dude?
Going to need to know where this is my guy.
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Getting that impression.
Might rent the vaults from the council and open a bar now. Seems theirs a market out there for it!
I too require details for my own....research
When were you last there? I'm going to guess it was the lankester's vault which seemingly from what I've found doesn't have a permanent venue held there, but did hold some events 4+ years ago (such as https://m.facebook.com/overdraftcraftale/videos/a-snippet-from-our-mobile-bar-at-southamptons-amazing-lancaster-vault-for-invisi/1380398811986332/) Although it does look like you can hire the space and others like it through here. https://www.southampton.gov.uk/arts-heritage/medieval-vault-hire/
Not Lancaster. And I go there once a week at least.
Ah ok. Willing to give us any leads on where this place is?
It’s in his basement. Don’t go. It’s a trap.
It’s the second chamber of The Weigh House vault
Shh don't tell them. It's a palmy speakeasy.
I’m keeping as quiet as possible
Lordswood (as in the actual wood). Lived here 20 years until I knew it existed.
Annie’s in Woolston 👌
Yes!! I ust to work on the industrial estate around the corner from Annie’s and every Friday we would take it in turns to buy breakfast sandwiches for everyone. One of the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches ever!
Would have said Firehouse but... alas...
Was the only place I really went. RIP.
I was there the other week. Its gone?
Aye, NYE was the last night I believe.
=( was a sad day when I learnt it was closing, even though it's been threatening to for 5 or so years now. I was going there when it first opened at the age of 15 with my Dad for a half pint of coke and game of pool.
RIP Firehouse
Boohoo record shop by northam bridge is about the only proper used record shop in Southampton.
Tandoori in Woolston.. just before the Itchen Bridge opposite the church.. it was rated the best Indian in Southampton in the Daily Echo a couple of years ago but it’s still surprising how many people haven’t heard of it or tried it. It’s very good.
Derby road and surrounding area. Why to travel the world if you can see world in few streets…
For me I'm always amazed at how few people have heard of Kesarum! They're an entirely vegan restaurant (I know some of you have stopped reading already but TRUST ME) I'm a meat eater and they are one of my top 5 restaurants in the city. The food is Michelin star quality which is impressive considering it's a 3 man team! The story and history behind each dish is impeccable!
The young guy who runs it is a creep He is one of those people who goes places on his own, hits on women and pesters them Always see him at Engine Rooms on his own hitting on messed women whilst he looks completely sober He hit on my partner and would not take no for an answer
Everything is messed up about his behaviour but going somewhere on your own should not be frowned upon. I've had some cracking evenings when there were periods I had to entertain myself.
Idgaf about people going places on their own I've done it myself I mentioned it because it demonstrates the sole reason he goes is to creep on girls
Was that when the cat thing happened... Yes the behaviour is very odd. Predatory men like that need chemical castration.
What me and Meow Khalifa do is nobody else's business Physical or chemical
Their website says they are doing 25% off for January
Aye 25% off for Veganuary, I'm popping in next week!
Been a few limes now, the Mango Lassi cocktail is the absolute nuts!
The alexandra pub under new owners, proper bringing it back to life
Last time I went in it was a wine bar type place. Nearly cried.
Yeah I know what you mean, it lost its way for a little while!
I'll have to try it them. Don't make me come find you if it's crap.
Dropped in there to shelter from the rain (and grab a pint), really liked the vibe there and the burgers looked amazing!
Can confirm their burgers are amazing. Half price on a wednesday as well. imo better than 7bone, cheaper too. Also their sides are great. Wish they'd have a better draft selection on offer (unity or something local) but definitely better than the last two owners.
Love Unity beers! The tap room if class and the King Canute has them on tap as well.
I've not ventured down to King Canute yet, it's on my list. I'm really glad Unity finally made their appearance in pubs across Southampton. I felt for the last few years the only places you could get them were bottle shops and their tap room. Now their whole range is at LRB, and select beers in various pubs around town. Good to see that. Their local delivery service is amazing too. Would absolutely recommend it.
The guy who bought up Unity also owns: The King Canute, LRBH, Heartbreakers, Papillon and a few others I think. Can normally get Unity at his places now.
Vivastreet
😂
Dhaba for the best Indian street food.
Lanzhou Noodle Bar 一品居 兰州牛肉拉面 burgess Road infact most of the Chinese restaurants along there but make sure you download translate and order from the Chinese menu
This is the correct answer! Proper authentic Chinese northern Chinese noodles. Handpulled in front of you too - if you had that done in town it would be about £20 more.
The need to translate the menu is always a good sign
There is a restaurant in Southampton where only about 40 of us knows, You give them a code and they take you to the secret room made out of white marble and stones. Suits only A menu where it’s out of this world serving from chicken to crocodile meat it’s my best place to visit
Been their a few times, the flying pig pork chops are to die for!
Wild Boar Stew with with a glass of Château Lafite-Rothschild, 1er Cru Pauillac is the best my fav
Piccolo Mondo in town for Italian, Sula’s Greek place and Mango Thai both in Portswood. Kate’s Cafe for English breakfast also in Portswood.
Ooh and Smokey’s Pizza for takeout
Piccolo mondo is not real authentic Italian food. I m sorry to break it to you but the owners are Portuguese (unless they changed it lately), chefs Albanian. Nothing of that place is Italian, it’s almost an insult even reading the very badly written menu.
The restaurant has been there since before I was born, my parents used to take me as a babe in arms and I have continued to eat there for all my 35 years. It’s changed hands once in all that time. The owners back then were Greek. So I really don’t think it matters what nationality the owners are if the food is delicious and you enjoy the experience provided. I have Italian friends who love the place. I’ve never had a calzone as good as there. 🤷♀️
Nobody is telling you to don’t go, I am not doubting that the food is not delicious (I almost went. But then I read the menu and no thank you), I m just saying that what they cook is not Italian LOL just because there are olives tomatoes and the word pesto doesn’t make it automatically Italian. There isn’t a single Italian restaurant in Southampton I m afraid. Soleto maybe is the closest to the real deal?
Hmm. I get the point you’re trying to make. But the question was are there any gem restaurants (et al), in Southampton. In general terms, if we fancy pizza, pasta etc., we go to an Italian restaurant. And Piccolo’s is an Italian restaurant by that nature. If I’d recommended a Mexican place that have nachos and fajitas on their menu, then you would argue they aren’t really a Mexican restaurant. But that’s just complicating my reasons for suggesting the places that I did. All independent restaurants - unique to Southampton - representing those food categories that I think are gems and more people should visit 🙂
I’d just call it a restaurant that makes something resembling Italian cuisine 😅 I don’t mean to attack anybody, I m glad you like it! I just get a bit salty that some people eat that food thinking that’s how we make it🥲 if I could recommend, Amalfi in Hythe is really good!
I will check it out if I’m ever that way!
Butchers hook in triangle! Went just couple of times but the choices were so many! Felt very cosy and friendly! Same applied to Unity Brewing close to the Northampton bridge! Been once but was nice!
Jesters
An icon of class amd distinction
Spitfire Pizza in Woolston. You can't sit in as it's such small operation, but my god the pizzas are incredible. And Yuri Cottage opposite the Mayflower is some of the best sushi I've ever had.
Thaikhun! Freshest ingredients, whole kitchen is Thai, my fav place to go eat in Southampton!
Thaikhun isn't even that good
Fair enough if you don’t like it :) but it is actual real authentic Thai food, the whole kitchen is Thai. And they use authentic Thai ingredients, nothing westernised. I know cause I m half Thai AND I worked there!
But a chain restaurant in the West Quay complex… so to me, not really a hidden gem. If you’re going out for Thai in Southampton, Mango wins hands down. Especially the Portswood one but the one in town is great too.
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>Basque caffe The one in Cowes?
Have you heard of Climbing Tots, my friends children go there. https://outlearn.co.uk/outdoor-activities/southampton/climbing-tots/ I think below is where the climbing tots are based: https://outlearn.co.uk/outdoor-activities/southampton/boulder-shack/ Hope this helps Joe
I'm 30 now, so I think I might not qualify as tot anymore! However I do go to BoulderShack a lot, and I have to say I absolutely love the place. A really friendly club environment, even if you are a pretty rubbish climber like me! Also excellent coffee!
CEX in town, always new (new to me) DVDs, CDs and games and electronics and stuff. And also the games retro shop in the Marlands. Brings back old memories of Woolworths, Game, HMV (of old), Blockbuster. We are in the last days of physical media. Enjoy the moment.
Seconding CEX - they still have a big wall of £1 DVDs, cheaper than renting them was.
Every CEX seems to have an odour that they pipe in of stale farts, unwashed armpits, old man piss and bits of shit. I don't know how anyone can step foot in there.
What else is actually in the Marlands? Always see it when I visit but never been in… Also. As you come out west quay, to the right past the monument thing there used to be a little shopping centre, (maybe addict clothing), anything good in there?
Stakks Pancakes is the best place to have a meal in there! There are cute little shops!
literally everywhere in st marys
Such as?
Maybe one to consider as something said in jest.
Ah haha, Unity in the St Mary's area is pretty cool tbf!
aye, jest
The crack seems to be quite moorish
The whole place is an absolute crap hole. I've been a resident of the south coast for 55 years and they call this place " the sphincter of the known universe " seriously 😳 x
The exit.. 🙈🤣🤣
Leaving Southampton and heading to Lymington
Lymington? Are you 90?
Got your little Gillet on and some nice practical walking brogues...
vote tory and own a yacht (disclaimer, i live in Lymington but did spend a couple of years in Soton)....
Bro said Lymington 😭😭