Mayflower Village, Southampton

Mayflower Village has herringbone flooring throughout with seating across bifold doors at the front that open up onto the passing street, but not during my recent late Thursday evening visit when the sun had been set for a while. There’s raised seating in the rear corners to the left and right and the serving counter runs across the rear wall where premium keg was available alongside Camden Hells. The lone hand pump was being used to support a yellow bucket with “THE STAFF NEED HELP! THANK YOU” stuck onto it. This large bucket was actually blocking out a real charity pot that was sat behind, which is the most unclassy thing I’ve seen in a long time. My arrival coincided with the theatre next door kicking out, hundreds of people walking past without coming into the bar. I think the gangster rap playing in the background may have put some off. I’ll not be revisiting.

Another 'bottom of office block' bar, in this case trying to be a bit trendy with various designer decor and trimmings. It was a little strange being greeted by an odd bloke in a hat who ushered us through to the bar area as we were not eating. Sadly the solitary handpump was out of use, although we couldn't establish if this was temporary or permanent, leaving a couple of 'big name' craft options.

Official site of Mayflower Village - themayflowervillage.com

Official site of Mayflower Village - themayflowervillage.com

Previously Encore, this is part of the theatre complex, and is a fairly modern but nonetheless pleasant café bar which offers basic food. The main bar is open plan and has a mezzanine with dining tables. There is a large TV screen which was showing sport when we were there. There is also a function room and a games room. The food is mainly pizzas and burgers. There were three handpumps on the bar but only one ale on, Sharp’s Atlantic, which was fine. The staff were friendly enough, and it let quite comfortable even though there was a faint resemblance to an airport lounge. It’s the pub nearest the railway station, but I’m not sure I’d break a journey to come here if necessary.