The Anchor, Seatown

In about 2005 the pub changed hands and went downhill a bit. Recent visit (2, 3 & 4 June 2010) showed that it's very much improved. Beer (Palmers Best and Copper) well kept and the staff were friendly and very hard working. I was told that they've got a new chef and he certainly produced some good food: crab & nutmeg gratin; butterfly chicken breast with cider, cream and tarragon, baked cod with chorizo (it worked). lighter meals such as squid also good. definitely worth returning to.

5 Jun 2010 11:19

Duke of Wellington, Southampton

Visited a couple of weeks ago (early Oct 09). Bitter was heading for sour and the food was very disappointing. I've eaten Steak and Ale pie and its variants all over the country and this is one of the worst. Creamy mash potato was just lumpy and pastry was bendy because it had been microwaved. Kitchen clearly didn't possess a peeler for carrots. Clientele strange! Shame because it looks good and Southampton doesn't seem to have a great deal else to offer.

26 Oct 2009 22:24

Cormorant, Portchester

After a wander round the castle, we were hungry and this was first pub we saw. Food (Cod & Chips and Steak & Mushroom pie) was traditional rather than adventurous but it was tasty and plentiful. Service was efficient and friendly and beer (Ringwood) was well kept. We would go again.

The menus on display outside weren't as interesting as those on inside for some reason.

26 Oct 2009 22:16