please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Surprisingly busy for a hidden away residential area pub. Its near the university, but customers are very mixed, and few appear to be students or lecturers, though there are some. Four standard cask beers on offer, and a limited lunch menu. I had the lunch special, which consisted of two fish cakes dressed with a few salad leaves for £5. To be fair, it was tasty, though I had expected a bit more food to accompany it. A solid and attractive pub which is clearly popular. It's a sort of timeless place - I can remember pubs like this from the 70s - back then they would offer a ploughman's lunch or scampi in a basket. I asked about children, but the barmaid didn't know if they were allowed, which suggests she's not seen any children there. Apparently they are allowed, but not particularly welcome.
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This pub is well of the beaten track, albeit not far from the university. We also discovered that it's a fair walk from the football ground! Whilst the beer selection was poor and it was pricey, we enjoyed a liquid refreshment in the small outdoor and covered area at the rear, after the long walk. The beers were Gales HSB, Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Ringwood Best. Fizzy cider was Aspalls and Stowford Press. The interior seemed quite cosy though.
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Heineken is OK when the pipes are clean and the barrel relatively new but can be dodgy. Avoid drinking in the afternoons. The barmaid does everything she can to avoid serving (and anything other work). Known as Mrs. M (for Misery) Guts. Bit tired - could do with a spruce-up, but the evening bar staff are still the most attractive in Southampton.
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Stopped for a beer this afternoon as have previously considered this place to be better than the local competition. On previous visits the pub was always very busy, with good grub. It appears to of gone down hill since then.
Firstly, the bar staff member was very rude - Not the best start. The seats, carpets, walls and many of the fixtures looked filthy. We could smell an unpleasant smell from the loo's from where we were sat in the bar and moved to another area. . The beer tasted like the pipes were not clean and the glasses also looked dirty - I like old pubs with character, which are a bit rough around the edges but this was 'the pits'. The prices were not cheap and similar to some quite classy establishments with a much better selection of premium beers etc. Specials board didn't look particularly inviting but my previous comments put us off trying any food here again anyway.
Will certainly avoid from now on.
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My sincere apologies. It was the Crown at Shirley High Street, not this one which I'm sure is a true community pub.
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An English Defence League meeting was held in this pub last night.
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I have been going to this pub on and off for the last 7 or 8 years. The food, beer and bar staff are as good as ever - maybe the last poster just had a bad night. The food is geat value, decent pub grub and largish portions. Nice ales - including Landlord and Pride. So popular it can be worth reserving a table to be assured of eating when you want to.
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Unfortunately, this place has gone down hill the last year or so, with some very rude barstaff and smaller portions of food. Real shame given how lovely the interior and the selection of ales.
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I'm going to be a bit biased on this as I used to live a few doors down from this pub (10 years ago) but this is my favourite pub in Southampton by a country mile, and is generally one of my favourite pubs.
I always make a point of going here when I visit from London and am always impressed by the choice of beer on, especially the Ringwood Brewery ales. They also had TT normal on , as well as two other indies.
The pub is very cosy, with great bar staff, excellent VFM food, a real fire and comfy old furniture. It is equally welcoming during the day while just reading the paper over a quiet pint or during the evening when the pub is filled with a friendly bustle. The unintrusive clientele is made up of students and locals.
I cannot fault this pub and if you are looking for a decent friendly relaxing local this is the pub for you.
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Great pub not surprisingly frequented by loads of students from the nearby Highfield Campus. Beers are good and the food is even better, all at good value for money as well. Top class barmaids and cracking service. The furniture has seen better days but who cares!
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i ate at the crown inn last sunday and must say the food was delicious. has this place come under new management this year? alot better than the last time i visit. very cheap too. the bar staff were all very helpful and friendly (goodlooking too i might add :P). quick and sufficient service. i had never visited on a sunday before so did not know about the quiz. needless to say we all got involved but didn't win. nevermind.
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Top boozer! Great looking barmaids! Nice & cheap food! Reccomended!
anonymous - 10 Sep 2005 20:46 |
Great pub. Definitely a favourite of our families. Stunning barmaids who never fail to impress. Very friendly too. Favourite of mine would be the gorgeous Emily. The Germans abit of a plonker but we'll let that slide. Great food! Great atmosphere! Great beer (even if they don't do Fosters) and an all round brill pub. Would definitely phone and book a table if you plan on eating there though as it can get very busy in the evenings.
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Most spot on pub for both locals and students alike. Beers are good, bar maids are crackingly attractive, but let's hope the departure of DFC (or big Mark) doesn't signal the end of the superbly fine stream of bar maids.
They have some cracking furniture there including tables and chairs, though everyone's favourite is Ben. As much a part of the pub as the carpet that's worn through to the floor.
Absolutely top boozer though! Go there and eat for cheap!
anonymous - 8 Jun 2005 14:52 |
A good solid little pub with a friendly atmosphere and an open fireplace in cold weather. The food is good, and they have a reasonable selection of beers. It is a great place for University staff to go for lunch, and is certainly the nicest* pub within easy walking distance of the University's Highfield campus. The Crown caters for groups (but make sure you book about 24 hours in advance if you want to eat - they fill-up quickly!).
* It has the edge over the closer Stile pub - but it is a close thing
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Very good beer, attractive bar staff, good food and cheap, nice people drink there after taking their dogs for a walk on the common, university student haunt typically they take their mum's and dad's there to prove Southampton's not a den of iniquity, it is, but this is a superb refuge from the Burberry mob!
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very friendly pub with a good atmosphere. Very very popular. You must get there early if you want a table. Well cooked reasonably priced food. This pub is a firm favourite with my family for birthdays etc. They serve draught Hoegaarden which makes me happy. If you want to eat I would recommend phoning and reserving a table.
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lovely pub,friendly staff,go out of my way to get there on friday afternoons.great atmosphere.
p.s.does adding the e-mail entitle me to a free pint?
clint(the south african) - 10 Aug 2004 17:35 |
A nice pub with excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere. Does get a bit smoky when busy though. Could have 50 % more capacity and still be full on weekends!
Rob - 23 May 2004 19:11 |
Popular for lunch and in the early evening, attracts a lot of students and staff from the nearby campus.
Dr Nick - 16 Aug 2003 16:46 |
