Brewhouse & Kitchen — Restaurant in Southampton

Visited previously and had a great experience so thought we'd​ book again and wow what a totally different experience! Table booked​ for 4 people 9pm on Saturday night. Place was busy but we didn't have to wait long for our table. Given the menu and then the waiter who I'd just add was most apologetic and even embarrassed at times reeled off a list of food they'd run out of including ribs and hot dogs! 2 of the things we were planning to order. One of the reasons we were given was they were introducing a new menu on Tuesday which to be honest does not explain running out of ribs and hot dogs on what is probably their busiest night of the week and am sure both of these will be on the new menu! Anyway that aside we went ahead and started to run through our order mine being a burger with bacon, cheese and mushroom only to be told they had just run out of bacon! Ok so now this whole running out of food was starting to get silly! About 5 mins later a waitresses came and advised me they had found some bacon, little concerning as to where this came from but happy to have it. We didn't have to wait too long for the food to arrive but this was probably down to the fact the kitchen closes at 10pm so the chef's want to get home. Midway through eating my burger I found a long dark hair in the burger meat triggering the end of my meal! Waiter was extremely apologetic and informed me i would not be charged for my main. Again we tried not to let this spoil our evening. The table was cleared and we were asked if we'd like anything else from which we choose a couple of brandies (they don't have a choice only Courvoisier) , a Bailey's and i requested a liquor coffee! Yep you guessed it there was no coffee (this was at 11pm) the coffee machine had been turned off and put into cleaning mode. This was the final nail in the coffin! Bearing in mind they don't close til midnight. The other 3 finished their drinks and we requested the bill and a taxi. Then what i can only assume was the manageress brought the bill quickly reeled off some comment like 'i hear there were some problems with your food we have not charged you for a main and were sorry' she then hastily put the bill on the table which was on a saucer with 2 mints and quickly turned and left. Not giving us the chance to comment. Please note and yes this may seem pretty there were 2 not 4 mints on the saucer with bill, i can only assume they'd also run out of mints. I'd also like to add we never caused a scene and tried not to let it spoil our evening. I 'd also like to add that throughout the evening the waiting staff were great and i could not fault them. Such a shame as place has a great relaxing atmosphere but unfortunately we will not be returning to eat in...

Enjoyed this establishment on more than one occasion now. It's nicely decorated and of you have an interest in brewing, this place is for you. So having family visit, it was an easy decision to take them here to sample the different selections of beer. Honestly, this establishment would've received a better review if not for a rather bizarre online booking policy. If you enjoy craft beer and brewing I encourage you to visit the pub: The beer is great, the food is good. Hopefully this review will give upper management some feedback on a frustrating situation that I've never experienced in any other venue.

A brief summary of our experience below:

Sitting down at an empty table, we ordered drinks and food for four. Quitely drinking, chatting, swapping and rating drinks, the food arrives all at once in good time; excellent.

A brief moment later, someone drops a reservation card on our table whilst we are just about to eat. We've just received our food and we have under an hour to eat and leave the table.

Not put out as so far as the venue has been great, I politely ask the lady serving my next round of drinks if any other tables were available. There must've been a mix up and the staff hadn't reserved the table yet. Understandable. It's busy. A bit frustrating but not a major problem, we're here to try the beers. "There's a table in the other room for you" she said. "Thanks for the help" I reply.

Despite our meal becoming a timed eating experience, we finish and head to the available table just mentioned. Another round of drinks are ordered. 30 - 40 minutes later, someone is dropping reservation cards on tables. The very table we have just been put on, we are now being told we have it for a short time only: it's just been reserved online. Watching this unfold I get out my phone and search online. There it is. I've figured it out. It's 17:00ish and I'm already in the pub; I'm also online and I can reserve a table for 18:00.

At this point, any understanding has gone. This is poor. It only needs some common sense. What gives an online booker priority over an already paying, and eating customer?

A top tip and loophole that can be learnt, even exploited from my experience is as follows: If your in the venue without a seat, go online and book anyone you fancy. Watch as anyone sat at the table you want will be told they have a short time to leave. The table is reserved.

Your moral compass is questionable, but who cares? You have a...

I was always a bit worried about visiting this place as I thought it would be far too "trendy" and "hipster" a place. But I was so wrong, this place is perfect for any type of person.

I visited on Monday during Eat Out to Help Out, I thought it was going to be utter chaos as the restaurant was absolutely packed to the rafters. To begin with I felt very worried as I walked in I was greeted by a man who looked like he had mould growing out of his head. Hilarious to think a fully grown man could think a blue faux hawk is a good idea, especially when he is serving the general public. His tattoo's were also incredibly childish... I mean I love superhero movies, but come on mate, 2 sleeves? Grow up. I know it's more normal now-a-days but he looked extremely unprofessional and didn't even acknowledge me until he'd finished telling some kind of story to the customers at the table by the entrance. He then showed me to my table, finally when he had finished making stupid jokes and left I had chance to absorb the ambiance of the pub, and boy... was it rich and beautiful. You can tell love went into designing and laying out this pub. I had trouble using the app so instead went up to the bar to order my drinks, it was there that I was served by Luke, potentially the best bartender I've ever met. First thing he asked was if I required any recommendations to which I went with both his food and his drink recommendations. I had the women's day beer and the buffalo chicken burger and it was absolutely incredible.

I will be back, over and over again. By the end of my time in the pub I'd completely forgotten about the shoddy service at the start. Thank you...