Highfield, Portswoodback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I've never been a particular fan of the Brewhouse & Kitchen chain. But, I still tend to give them an occasional try. This branch seemed very well appointed at first sight. There appears to be a focus on dining. 4 of their ales are on - On Le Tiss, Speedwell, Walk The Line & Wondership. There was no real cider, just 2 keg options. Service was fairly abysmal. A round for 5 of us came to £26.45 We didn't dare ask the young barmaid for a CAMRA discount, as she was already in a Tiss (excuse the pun). One of my options was a keg stout - Double Tide 8am Craft Stout. Somebody else had ordered a half and another had ordered a pint. The second half poured looked more like a chocolate milkshake. The barmaid had to confirm with us that we didn't want it and that we also no longer wanted a further pint! After waiting what seemed like an eternity for the half to be voided from the till by a manager, we settled up and sat down, only to contemplate that £26.45 for 5 pints sounded very expensive by Southampton standards. My colleague went to the bar to query it and discovered that the pint of stout had been charged and another half had been charged as a pint. So, we'd effectively been charged for 6½ pints instead of 5. Very poor service and the pub is a fair way from any public transport at weekends. So, all in all, I doubt we'll ever be back. A big disappointment.
|
Now firmly established, Excellent range of 5 beers brewed on the premises, Black IPA to Golden Ale. Very busy and although we didn't eat there were plenty that were.
|
Recently reopened as part of the Brewhouse & Kitchen chain. Smart and modern décor like an upmarket Harvester and friendly service. Like others in the chain, the beers are brewed on the premises, making it Southampton's second brewery after Dancing Man. Tried the Christmas Ale & Walk the Line IPA. Both were fine if a little lacking in body and complexity but, as they've only just commenced brewing, things should improve. Lots of people were eating so maybe the food is good. Certainly worth a look.
|
Since Salimi1989 reviewed The Highfield in 2010 it's had something of a chequered career, then closed quite suddenly. The new gaffers also have The Drummond, nearby, and are making a good fist of rebuilding the pub's previously excellent reputation. If The Drummond is anything to go by, they deserve to succeed - it's already once again a nice friendly place with a good quality, if somewhat limited menu (they're waiting for some work on the gas in the kitchen). It's a bit far for me to make it my local, but I drop in when I'm passing.
|
This pub has had some bad reviews from the past owners. However, I would like to inform you all that this pub is indeed under new management, a very nice couple who seem to have the right ideas. I was in the pub the other day and will MOST DEFINITELY come back there again. The new food on the menu is to die for and the place is fresh, decent people come there and service is impeccable. Definitely recomend this
|
New land-lady very rude and unfriendly. Used to go to the pub at least weekly. Will not go back.
|
A small but friendly pub. Not usually a lot going on but good to go to of an evening to chill
|
Nice replacement for the Stile (was in halls near there, now live up the road from The H), and I'm glad the new landlord moved with me, as it were.
Nice beer, good staff, clean, great food, and shows the Spanish league
|
I visited this pub whilst passing through Portswood one weekday lunchtime, was peckish so bought an Echo from the nearby newsagents and went in. Excellent pint and the 16oz rump steak meal (8 quid something) is only some 90p more than the 8oz equivalent, it was cooked to absolute perfection. A nice independant pub with their own menu, would definately go there again.
|
I went upto the bar in the highfield and ordered two drinks. The barman went to make one, the manager the other. They were both so busy chatting to each other and ignoring me, that they gave me the drinks and i stood there for 5 mins whilst they wandered off to chat at the other end of the bar. Each presumed the other had taken payment, so in the end i wandered off with my free drinks.
Every smoking table had a full and overspilling ashtray on it whether the table was occupied or not. The floor was dirty, the toilets run down, it always appears to be understaffed, and the only time i have eaten there the food was cold.
|
Andy the new landlord has recently moved to the Highfield from the Stile. Lets hope he brings the same hospitality and good atmosphere that he had at that pub with him
|
Good beer garden, good value food. Worth a visit on a summers afternoon but can get very busy.
Alun - 20 Oct 2003 13:35 |
|
