Southampton

The bustling port of Southampton is famous for its cinemas, nightlife, art gallery and shops and offers an international flavour to a culinary trail around Hampshire. 

Here you’ll find food from around the globe, with specialist shops as well as restaurants offering Thai, Indian, Greek, Spanish, Italian, American, Chinese, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Afro-Latino menus. 

Oxford Street and Bedford Place are among the liveliest areas and offer a wide choice of restaurants as well as popular bars and nightclubs.  Away from the city centre you’ll find more restaurants in Southampton’s suburbs while the Common is a popular park for walkers and runners and has an urban wildlife centre with a café and a large, family-friendly pub.

A choice of pubs and restaurants in nearby Hamble offer relaxed dining and some lovely river and marina views. Among them is the Jolly Sailor pub, where BBC1’s Howard’s Way was filmed in the 1980s. While you’re in the area don’t forget to visit the restored Bursledon Windmill, which still produces its own flour. 

Key Events

The Southampton Mela, in July, is a celebration of the city’s diverse cultures and communities. From Bollywood and Bhangra music to Polish dancing and Flamenco there’s plenty to enjoy, including a range of international foods.

There’s also an annual Southampton Beer Festival, at the Guildhall, celebrating real ales.