Southampton is one of those lively cities where a casual drink can easily turn into a full evening out. Whether you’re a student studying at a nearby university, or looking for a fun evening with friends, Southampton has plenty of options.
Top tip: If you’re a student studying at university in the Southampton area, make sure you make the most of Southern railway’s Unizone discount, providing unlimited train travel between selected stations at a reduced rate.
Spend the day exploring the waterfront, shopping in the city centre, or walking through the Old Town, and by early evening the conversation usually shifts to one thing: where next?
The good news is that the bars in Southampton cover pretty much every mood. You’ve got independent breweries, stylish cocktail spots, lively late-night venues, and traditional pubs that have been pouring pints for centuries. Whether you’re planning a relaxed catch-up or a bigger night out, this is your ultimate guide to the best bars and nightlife in Southampton.
Read more: Southampton travel guide
Some of the best bars and pubs in Southampton worth knowing
CrackleRock Brewing Company
Often ranked highly by visitors, this is a go-to for craft beer fans. Expect rotating cask and keg ales, plus a surprisingly strong selection of spirits if beer’s not your thing. The staff are known for offering tasters, which makes it easy to try something new without committing straight away.
Address: Unit 2 30, High Street, Botley, Southampton SO30 2EA
Phone: 07565 553446
Official website: https://www.cracklerock.co.uk/
Mailroom Cocktail & Wine Bar
Found on Oxford Street, this is where you head for polished interiors, well-made cocktails, and DJs at the weekend. It strikes a strong balance between relaxed and lively.
Address: 37 Oxford Street, Southampton SO14 3FD
Phone: 023 8235 0260
Official website: https://www.mail-room.co.uk/
Crib
A Bedford Place favourite that mixes cocktails with shuffleboard and pizza. It’s ideal if you want something social and a bit interactive rather than just sitting at a table all night. This is one of the best things to do for students in Southampton.
Address: 3-4 Vernon Walk, Southampton SO15 2EJ
Phone: 023 8251 7198
Official website: https://thecrib.uk/
The Dancing Man Brewery
Set inside a converted historic building by the old walls, this chic brewpub and restaurant combines character with excellent house-brewed beers.
Address: Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AR
Phone: 023 8083 6666
Official website: dancingmanbrewery.co.uk
London Road Brew House
Located in the lively Bedford Place area, this rustic-chic microbrewery works well for groups, with its own beers on tap and a steady buzz most evenings.
Address: 67-75 London Road, Southampton SO15 2AB
Phone: 023 8235 1473
Official website: https://lrbh.pub/
Main nightlife districts in Southampton
If you’re trying to plan your night without fuss, location matters. Southampton’s nightlife is fairly concentrated, which makes bar-hopping easy.
Top tip: If you’re heading out with a group of three to nine people off-peak, you can save up to a third off your train travel with GroupSave.
Oxford Street
One of the most popular areas in Southampton, packed with independent bars and restaurants including Mailroom. It’s a strong choice for cocktails and a slightly more polished vibe.
Bedford Place
More casual and energetic, with places like Crib drawing in groups looking for fun, games, and affordable drinks.
Above Bar Street & City Centre
Ideal if you want variety in a compact area, with pubs, chains, and late-night venues all within walking distance.
Ocean Village
A bit more scenic, with marina views and a more relaxed pace earlier in the evening before things pick up later.
What are the best rooftop bars in Southampton?
Rooftop bars aren’t as common in Southampton as in bigger cities like London, but when the sun’s out, there’s still somewhere worth heading for a drink with a view.
Top tip: If you know which date you’ll be travelling to Southampton by train, snap up an advance fare for the cheapest tickets.
HarBAR on 6th: Rooftop drinks in Ocean Village
Easily one of the most talked-about rooftop bars in Southampton. Sitting above Ocean Village, HarBAR looks out across the marina, which makes it a strong choice for sunset drinks. Expect cocktails, small plates, and a slightly more dressed-up crowd.
Address: 5 Maritime Walk, Southampton SO14 3QT
Phone: 023 8110 3888
Official website: harbourhotels.co.uk
The Jetty Ocean Village
On the more luxurious end of the scale, this award-winning seafood restaurant, bar and grill is a great option for drinks with a view before or after dinner.
Address: 5 Maritime Walk, Southampton SO14 3QT
Phone: 023 8110 3777
Official website: harbourhotels.co.uk
What are the best dog friendly pubs in Southampton?
If you’re heading out with your dog, Southampton has plenty of welcoming dog friendly pubs.
The Cowherds
Right on Southampton Common, this is a classic choice after a long walk. There’s outdoor space, water bowls, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for both dogs and owners.
Address: The Common, Southampton SO15 7NN
Phone: 023 8055 8405
Official website: vintageinn.co.uk
The Rockstone
This traditional pub prides itself on an exciting Asian-fusion menu. With craft beers and warm hospitality, this dog friendly pub in Southampton is very welcoming if you’ve got a four-legged friend in tow.
Address: 63 Onslow Road, Bevois Valley, Southampton SO14 0JL
Official website: https://therockstone.co.uk/
The Guide Dog
Known locally as a ‘real old gem of a pub’, the clue is in the name as to whether this is one of the best dog friendly pubs in Southampton. The Guide Dog is intimate and compact, but it boasts 11 handpumps and a patio, perfect for a pint with your pup.
Address: 38 Earls Road, Southampton SO14 6SF
Phone: 023 8063 8947
What are the best historic pubs in Southampton?
Southampton’s history runs deep, and a few of its pubs have been around long enough to prove it.
The Red Lion
Often claimed to be one of the most historic pubs in Southampton, The Red Lion dates back centuries. It’s located in the Old Town, making it a great stop while exploring historic sites.
Address: 55 High Street, Southampton SO14 2NS
Phone: 023 8033 3595
Official website: https://www.theredlionpubsouthampton.co.uk/
Duke of Wellington
This beautiful, traditional pub boasts a timber-framed exterior dripping with flowers. Another Old Town staple, the Duke of Wellington is full of character and a popular stop on pub crawls, especially as it claims to have the best roast dinner in Southampton.
Address: 36 Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2AH
Phone: 023 8033 9222
Official website: https://www.dukeofwellingtonsouthampton.co.uk/
The Grapes
The Grapes is considered one of the most famous and best historic pubs in Southampton due to its prominent location on Oxford Street and its historical connection to The Titanic. You’ll find a collection of Titanic memorabilia and pictures, alongside straightforward welcoming hospitality and quality drinks.
Address: The Grapes, 41-43 Oxford Street, Maritime Quarter, Southampton SO14 3DP
Phone: 023 8033 3220
Official website: https://www.thegrapessouthampton.co.uk/
What are the best cocktail bars in Southampton?
If cocktails are the main event, these are the best cocktail bars in Southampton.
1932
A speakeasy-style bar with a more intimate setting. Expect carefully crafted drinks and a slightly more exclusive feel.
Address: 194 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DW
Phone: 023 8000 2261
Reservations: https://1932.bar/
Orange Rooms
A long-standing favourite that mixes cocktails with a lively dancefloor later in the night.
Address: 1-2 Vernon Walk, Southampton SO15 2EJ
Phone: 023 8023 2333
Menu: orangerooms.co.uk
What nightclubs and late-night venues are in Southampton?
Once the bars wind down, Southampton’s nightlife keeps going.
The Hobbit
A unique venue inspired by Tolkien, combining live music, themed décor, and a buzzing late-night crowd.
Address: 134 Bevois Valley Road, Southampton SO14 0JZ
Popworld Southampton
A high-energy club playing throwback hits, known for affordable drinks and a packed dancefloor.
Address: 17 Lower Banister Street, Southampton SO15 2EH
Phone: 023 8033 4280
Official website: popworldparty.co.uk
What are the bars near Southampton Central Station?
If you’re intending to have a few drinks, going to Southampton by train is a no-brainer. These are the best bars near Southampton Central Station.
The Mayflower Village
Just a short walk from the station, this is a practical and lively starting point. Think table tennis, darts, and regular drink deals like two-for-one cocktails on Fridays.
Address: 22-26 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE
Phone: 023 8022 5687
Official website: themayflowervillage.com
The Titanic Pub & Kitchen
A classic option for quick, affordable drinks.
Address: Simnel Street, Southampton SO14 2BE
Phone: 023 8000 3203
Belgium and Blues
A good pick if you want something a bit more distinctive, with Belgian beers and live blues music.
Address: 184 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DW
Phone: 023 8022 5411
Official website: belgiumandblues.co.uk
