If you love nothing more than sinking a pint of real ale or trying out some local brews on a visit to somewhere new, then be sure to check out some of Southampton’s top real ale spots. From those where craft beer features a big part of the drinks menu and are recognised by CAMRA to those offering your traditional English pub experience. Delve into some of Southampton’s best pubs for a real pint.
Pubs in Southampton Old Town
One of the best places to start for a traditional pub experience in Southampton is in the heart of Old Town. Here, you will find several hostelries serving up real ale and the traditional pub experience including:
The Duke of Wellington, Bugle Street
Dating from the 12th century, the Duke of Wellington is one of Southampton’s iconic heritage pubs. Steeped in history, sit beside roaring log fires on a winter’s day or take in the stunning historical façade with its vibrant floral displays in the warmer months.
Part of the Wadworth Brewery, based in Wiltshire, The Duke offers Wadworth’s famous 6X ale as well as zesty Horizon and gluten-free beer, 6X Gold.
The Red Lion, High Street
This traditional pub has deep historical roots and is considered to be one of the oldest pubs in Southampton. Be impressed at the pub’s historic interiors including the fine timbered apartment known as Henry V’s Court Room. Look out for occasional live music, karaoke nights and live screenings of sporting events.
The Platform Tavern, Town Quay
Just a 9-minute walk from Ocean Cruise Terminal and 2-minutes from the Isle of Wight ferry terminal, The Platform Tavern is a popular pub and weekend music venue in Old Town. With regular jazz and blues sessions, sit sipping on a pint of IPA or pale ale – with changing guest brews to choose from. The pub also offers pub food classics including traditional roast dinners on a Sunday.
Dancing Man Brewery, Town Quay
The iconic Dancing Man Brewery was once a 13th century Wool House. Now a vibrant brewhouse with a quirky interior and large benches outside, Dancing Man Brewery has a large selection of craft beers available, including some which are brewed on site. Combine your visit with some food from the pub’s lunchtime and evening menu.
The Grapes, Oxford Street
Just a short stroll from Southampton’s historic waterfront, The Grapes is one of the city’s most characterful and historic pubs most famously linked to the Titanic. It’s tied to the well-known story of the three Slade brothers, who reportedly stopped here for a final drink before the ship’s maiden voyage in 1912 — only to miss departure by minutes. That twist of fate has become part of Titanic folklore, forever connecting the pub to one of history’s most talked-about voyages.
But The Grapes is far more than its past. Inside, you’ll find a warm, traditional feel with nods to its maritime history, while the bar serves up a well-rounded selection of real ales, wines and spirits. Sports fans are well catered for too, with big screens showing live fixtures throughout the week.
Pubs in the Bedford Place area
To the north of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, you’ll find the London Road area of our city. A popular area with students, here you’ll find several eateries and pubs. Some of the pubs offering a real ale experience in this part of the city include:
Raven & Bine, Carlton Cresent
If you’ve been to The Wool House, why not head to the Dancing Man Brewery’s sister pub, the Raven & Bine. Set in the pedestrian area of Carlton Cresent, expect a quirky interior with taxidermy and vintage art pieces. Sample some of the brewery’s own craft beers or sip on some of the carefully selected guest ales.
London Road Brew House, London Road
This prominent corner spot offers a wide range of beers, including house-brewed options when available, reflecting its status as a microbrewery pub. The pub also serves food alongside its drinks menu, making it a great all-round stop throughout the day. Sports fans can catch regular live screenings, while a late licence on Friday and Saturday nights keeps the atmosphere going into the evening.
The Cricketers, Carlton Place
A true Southampton institution, The Cricketers is one of the oldest independent pubs in the city. Stepping inside, you’ll find a traditional pub setting with plenty of character with dark wood interiors, comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere that suits everything from a casual pint to a full Sunday lunch. Well known for its real ales and succulent T bone steaks, The Cricketers also offers live sport and regular entertainment, making it a popular all-day venue. On a sunny day, grab a seat outside to enjoy a drink while soaking up the buzz of Carlton Place.
Shenanigans, Carlton Place
Bringing a different energy to the street, Shenanigans is an independent Irish sports bar known for its lively atmosphere and strong sense of community. A go-to destination for live sport in the city, it screens everything from football and rugby to boxing and GAA, often drawing in a lively crowd on match days. Alongside a wide drinks selection, including perfectly poured pints of Guinness, Shenanigans also hosts live music and regular events.
Other city centre independent pubs
Stein Garten, High Street
Stein Garten brings a piece of Bavaria to Southampton's high street with steins of German beers, and a selection of ciders, champagne and wines. If you're extra hungry, you can enjoy classic schnitzels, bratwurst and frankfurters. You can even take on their yard long stein dog if you're feeling extra adventurous to win a spot on their leader board - if you're quick enough. Próst!
Smokin’ Barrels, Oxford Street
A small but characterful independent bar known for its friendly atmosphere and carefully selected drinks list. Alongside a range of cask ales, IPA and beers, Smokin’ Barrels also offers guest ales to try. For night owls, their kitchen serves up smashed burgers, fish and chips and Turkish kebabs served until 1am.
The Queen Mary Pub, Canute's Pavilion
Formerly known as The King Canute, this Grade II listed pub is back with a brand new look! Offering a traditional setting with a great selection on beers and spirits, live sport and big menu of BBQ classics.
The Titanic, Simnel Street
The Titanic is a traditional Southampton pub with a strong reputation for changing cask ales and a relaxed setting. Its name also reflects the city’s historic links to the Titanic, making it a fitting stop for visitors exploring Southampton’s maritime past.
The Hobbit, Bevois Valley
A slightly quirky, much-loved pub, The Hobbit is known for its Tolkien-inspired theme, changing ales, and regular live music and events. Just outside the city centre, it’s a lively stop for people exploring Southampton’s pub and music scene.
Traditional pubs and local brewhouses just outside Southampton city centre
The Guide Dog, Earls Road
This traditional inn sits just outside the city centre, a short walk from the London Road area. Expect a wide-range of keg and cask ales including those featured by Eastleigh-based brewhouse Steam Town Brewery.
The Witch’s Brew Micro-pub, Shirley
This micro-pub is CAMRA accredited and has no main brewery ties. With gravity dispensed fresh cask ales, many of which coming from Hampshire microbreweries, this micro-pub is small but packs a punch when it comes to real ales.
Find your perfect pint
Whether you are visiting Southampton for a day or are here on a pre-cruise stay, discover your favourite traditional inn and your perfect pint spot!
If you are looking for other things to do in our city, such as places to eat or attractions to visit, explore our website further for more inspiration.
