Thanks to a Southampton Expert, John Bull

[Been There, Planning That]

Many months ago when we were in full planning mode, I asked for advice on our extended stay in Southampton. I couldn't find the thread, but many generous experts offered help.

 

We're into our fourth of eight days staying at the Dolphin in the centre of the city. Thanks to John's advice we've made daily trips by train to Salisbury, Portsmouth Harbour and Winchester. We've dined at restaurants he suggested and often rely on my cut and pasting of advice.

 

With much thanks,

 

Ruth

[John Bull]

Glad you're enjoying your time here, hope our fickle weather hasn't interfered to much.

 

Add a new old-town pub to the list, opened this year.

The Wool House, a stone-built 14th century wool store, was the home of the maritime museum &, after it was vacated due to the new Sea City museum opening at the top of Above Bar, it has been converted to a pub with micro-brewery behind the bar.

Tastefully-converted interior, does pub-grub (pie & mash etc) rather than a full menu, and real ale.

Located along Town Quay, at the bottom of Bugle Street (Duke of Wellington is in Bugle St) & opposite the Isle of Wight terry terminal

http://dancingmanbrewery.co.uk/site/wool-house-history/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186299-d7761599-Reviews-The_Dancing_Man-Southampton_Hampshire_England.html

 

JB :)

[Been There, Planning That]

Weather has been incredible. I packed too heavy outfits for this portion of our pre cruise adventure BUT I ventured out to the New Forest without my gortex jacket for the first time and of course a shower pulled us in from the upper deck of the Hop on Hop Off New Forest Bus. Bob of course had his jacket tied around his waist.

 

You're a CC gem.

 

With thanks again,

 

Ruth

[Crown Vic]

Weather has been incredible?..

You're a CC gem. With thanks again. Ruth

 

Ruth, JB is a veritable font of knowledge and well recognized on CC for his willingness to share his information in a clear and concise way. Being an ex-pat, I always enjoy and learn from his postings.

 

If you are in Portsmouth, suggest trying the Lady Hamilton pub located on The Hard near HMS Victory and the dockyard. Excellent food and pretty good beer. Enjoy the rest of your trip...

 

(BTW, southern Ontario weather this week is dry,hot, hazy and humid with temperatures hovering around 30...)...

[Been There, Planning That]

We had a FULL day in Portsmouth Harbour and unfortunately missed that pub.

 

Today we're off to our second full day in the New Forest, having enjoyed Beaulieu and Exbury yesterday.

 

I gather NO ONE spends 8 days in Southampton, but we're loving the convenience of great rail and bus service.

 

Ruth

[cynbar]

JB, we'll be taking a Princess British Isles cruise next May and I have been reading your posts, thanks for taking the time to help visitors to your city. I do have what may be an odd question, though --- can you get a mixed drink or wine in a pub, or just beer? I'd love to try a pub but DH is not much of a beer fan.

[Bob++]

There are a very small number of specialist real ale pubs that serve only beer and soft drinks, but the vast majority serve a wide range of drinks; alcoholic and non alcoholic. I am 100% confident that DH will find something to drink.

[John Bull]

JB, we'll be taking a Princess British Isles cruise next May and I have been reading your posts, thanks for taking the time to help visitors to your city. I do have what may be an odd question, though --- can you get a mixed drink or wine in a pub, or just beer? I'd love to try a pub but DH is not much of a beer fan.

 

There are a very very few premises with limited licences - as Bob's post probably some "real ale" bars though I don't know of any, but mainly Wine Bars. The only alcohol they can sell is wines and beers, but there are just two or three in a city the size of Southampton.

And most restaurants can only serve alcohol with meals.

 

But 99% of pubs, no worries.

Beers, wines & spirits (liquor), and soft drinks.

And many also serve coffee, though few do iced coffee.

But only the more "hip" or up-market places mix exotic cocktails.

Draught & bottled Guinness and lager beers are served chilled. But ales & bitters are served at room temperature, something which amuses Americans and infuriates Aussies :D

 

Just to confirm answers on another thread, no raised eyebrows if you order anything other than beer.

And yes, wine by the bottle is usually cheaper than wine by the glass though it's difficult to figure since there's no standard size for a "glass" of wine. Can be 125ml (6 to the bottle), 175ml (4 to the bottle) or 250 ml (3 to the bottle).

 

Brits don't tip bartenders. If, in a quiet pub or hotel bar, you get chatting to the bartender & between you sort out half the world's problems then it's usual to buy him a drink, but that's as far as it goes.

 

JB :)

[cynbar]

Thanks! As long as DH can get a Scotch and soda (or water will do), he'll be very happy in a pub so that's where you'll find us.