The 10 Best Spots To Grab Craft Beers In Southampton
When you’ve just finished a day of lectures, the last effort you want to make is finding somewhere new to grab a drink. Is the new place cheap? Is it cool enough? Do they have a 2-4-1 night, and, honestly, does it beat the one at Yate’s? All the usual spots aren’t interesting anymore, but you might just be looking in the wrong place. Southampton has so many drinking spots, either with its own quirk, or is tucked away so only the true locals (which now includes you!) know of. Create your own version of BNO with the list below! Here are the best craft beers in Southampton.
1. BrewDog Southampton
Serving beers and burgers, we’re already hooked. This 18-tap, 2-floor house of craft beer is only across from Bedford, but still so many people are just starting to find out about it. Go there quickly and Instagram your raspberry beer (its delicious!) underneath the matching red neon sign and show that you got there first!
2. Sadler’s Brewhouse & Barbecue
Using the purest ingredients and traditional brewing methods, the finest quality beer is crafted here. The four ingredients are water, pure English barley, hops and yeast. The drink is simple, but not to be underestimated! Each style of beer has a variation of these ingredients, which slightly changes the brewing process and outcome of the pint. Meet you at the bar!
3. The Guide Dog Pub
Serving four regular beers and seven changing beers, this place is not only up-and-coming, but ever-changing. It will make any beer novice sound super experienced on their brews in no time.
4. The Bookshop Alehouse
Previously a bookshop, this relaxing atmosphere has not been lost. Along one of the walls inside, there is still a full bookcase. Grab a hand-pumped craft beer which is sourced from a range of brewers, from one of the kegs, or even the display fridge with ‘bag-in-the-box’ ciders. Pick a quiet spot and your favourite book for a really relaxing experience.
5. Platform Tavern
Beer brewed on-site, what more could you want! As soon as the Platform Tavern was renewed and back in use, their unique beers were extremely popular and outsold everything else. Once you’ve finished your day at uni, take a walk and head to the docks to enjoy a seafront, dancing-man pint.
6. London Road Brew House
A Southampton pub with the appeal of London style, it’s as though you’ve been transported north to the capitals city centre. With a similar mind-set as The Bookshop Alehouse, their guest craft brews are ever changing – which is something not to be missed! And whilst their in-house micro-brewery isn’t going anywhere, you can’t go wrong with another round!
7. The Rockstone
Serving 200 spirits, 9 hand pulls, 15 draft taps and a wide range of craft, local and specialised beers and ciders, these statistics are definitely eye-catching. In fact, we’re in the Rockstone with a pint already, come and join!
8. Brewhouse and Kitchen Southampton
A pub with two bars? Phew! We thought we were seeing double already. Showing off the copper brewing kit on the right of the two bars, it’s not only amazing to look at, but you can book a ‘Brewing Experience’ day. Here you can learn the art and science behind the craft.
9. The Alexandra Beer Emporium
Mistaken The Alexandra for a regular pub? Well it’s not at all. Walk inside and you’ll be surrounded by cult film memorabilia, themed pint cocktails and retro gaming. The only traditional pub in Southampton is a must-visit.
10. The Stables Southampton
Specialising in cider, theirs is still a high quality craft. Unwind with a cider tasting experience, where you are given a board with your choice of ciders to taste, and see how each one compliments your handmade pizza. If you want to know more about each of the ciders, join a tasting class with their Cider Masters.
So much crafted beer, so little time. With a tantalising list of the best craft beers in Southampton, you choose a place and get the group to join you. Opt for tasting boards, or choose a drink each and notice their qualities and differences in colour and taste – see if you can guess how each one’s brewed. Become experts by attending classes (or looking it up on Google, we won’t tell!)
Featured Image Source: weheartit.com
"Katherine Jette Evans BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup Design London | Southampton @kjemua"