The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak

The Southampton Arms has been one that both my girlfriend and I visit as often as we can. The Southampton Arms serves real ale and cider, of a consistently high standard. A 'suggestions' sheet is helpfully nailed to the wall by the bar, where you can request favourites from private and micro-breweries. These suggestions are followed through, routinely, and it is a good indicator of the pubs' efforts that the sheet is so often full of names.

The staff are helpful, friendly and know what they're talking about. Equally, they offer tasters of the drinks, even if the bar is heaving with customers.

The atmosphere of the pub has a 'traditional' feel to it, meaning, I think, that it is not layered in multicoloured carpets and filled with gambling machines. The bar is simple, well lit, and uses only standardised hand pumps for the drinks, which gives it an uncluttered appearance. In addition, there are always LPs playing in the background, and on Wednesdays (also Sundays?) there is live jazz and other music, which never drowns conversation. Furthermore, the bar has the same feel throughout the day, whether it is busy or quiet. There are copies of CAMRA newsletters and fliers on the tables, as well as good quality food which is always welcome (as well as cheap). Saying this, the beer (c. �2.80) and cider (c. �3.20) is also cheap per pint. A flagon (about four pints) can be purchased to take home. This works out as a bit cheaper than buying the pints per pint.

Finally, there is outside seating, and plenty of it indoors.

23 Oct 2010 21:40