Decent English pub near So'ton! Emergency, Sunday 5th Oct!

[deeen]

Right, I'm entertaining a Portuguese family tomorrow, and I want to treat them to a good old traditional English pub. Preferably within 30 mins of Southampton centre. I haven't lived there for 20 years, so any ideas?

No poncy gastropubs, au contraire pool or darts (or best of all, bar billiards) good, but must be reasonably civilized as we will be a mixed family group (18 - 50), possibly even a 1 week old in tow! The kind of bar where strangers walk up to the bar and chat to each other would be great.

Must have plenty of traditional English about it (including real ale) to impress the foreigners, so as different from a European bar as possible!

I used to like the Master Builder, but not even sure if it's still there... anyway 24 hours notice, by the power of Pistonheads, where should we go?

[trando]

Try the The King's Head in Hursley. Good food and they always have a decent selection of real ales on. Suggest you ring though if you are planning on eating as it's not huge.

[Back to the top]

Empress of Blandings is pretty decent on a Sunday lunchtime - or at least it was last time I was in there - not far from m27 towards new forest
http://empressofblandings.co.uk

[Jayyylo]

As a student down there we used to enjoy ale's in The Crown Inn in just off Southampton Common. Other than that I'd suggest heading to the New Forest for a decent pub and depending on budget I've heard good things about The Pig in Brockenhurst.

[rehab71]

The Platform Tavern in town? Bloody great pub!

Might even have a band on.

[rehab71]

Couple of others I've thought of, The Plough in Sparsholt orThe Lamb at Nomansland?

Tip - book for both!

[spikeyhead]

The Jolly Sailor, though I've not been in there for ten years so it may have changed a bit. There's another pub down the road that's also supposed to be good.

[deeen]

Brilliant - 6 replies already, thanks! The Jolly Sailor and Empress of Blandings bring back hazy memories... The pubs in town look interesting, maybe we can avoid driving!

Not really looking for food, but as a family group hoping to at least find a table to sit together. Weather looks ok for today now, so could even sit outside!

Thanks again for all suggestions!

[Thunderace]

Cheriton Pots, brewery on site and plenty of outdoor seating

Hampshire Bowman

[trashbat]

I second the Hampshire Bowman, about 40 mins from Soton but worth it. There's nothing close to that sort of thing within the city IMO. If you can cope with sitting outside you won't need to book. Otherwise maybe, maybe not.

The Shoe at Exton is also good but probably full now.