The Station — Restaurant in Southampton

Large Victorian corner location pub which is claimed to have been built around 1880 to serve the nearby station which opened in 1866. The Cobden Bridge Brewery which appears to have first owned it, opened in 1890, and the first buildings in the area, other than the station, were built in 1890, so perhaps there was a mistake in the date?

The Cobden Bridge Brewery was bought by Fullers in 1898, who sold the pub to Courage in 1920. The Spirit Group acquired the pub in 2003, and currently run it under the John Barras brand.

It is a solid building, but the original brickwork has been covered in render, and rather ugly and distracting blue signs have been put up, so the sense of the pub's past has been lost. Inside all the downstairs rooms have been knocked into one, and extended into what appears to have been originally a separate building at a slightly lower level - this is now used as the family dining area, though children (and eating) are allowed in all areas. There is some sense of the original Victorian hotel left in little places - the large windows, the door entrances, etc, but mainly what is left is a large space. When there are not many customers this can feel a little hollow and lacking in atmosphere, but when people turn up, there's a warm buzz of conversation.

Board games are provided for children, but they are missing many parts, and most are due for replacement. Two cask ales: the regular Hobgoblin, and a guest, which on our visit would have been Speckled Hen, but it was off. Background music is not too loud, and on our visit was varied and pleasant, including music by Curtis Mayfield. Food is fairly standard pub grub, but we waited a disproportionate amount of time for our order on a quiet afternoon, and it had to be chased up. One plate was cold, and the food on it was rapidly cooling.

Overall an OK pub. There's nothing much to commend it, but nothing here to put people off. If waiting here for a train, be cautious about...

I’ve lived nearby but haven’t been inside this pub for years. Wow! What a difference the new manager and her team have made! I just popped in for a meal and found the best food I’ve eaten for a long time. This isn’t just pub food, it’s gourmet standard, equal to the best restaurants within a 50 mile radius. The chef is outstanding. With a regularly changing menu it’s unlikey you’ll get bored eating here. Whether you’re alone or you want to bring the family you will find something on the menu to please everyone. Don’t be put off because it’s a pub. The restaurant section functions as a dedicated restaurant so bring the kids - they’ll love it. Moving to the pub section, I found it friendly and welcoming. The bar staff are extremely efficient so service is great. My favorite barmaid is Sam (Samantha) who’s demonstrated an amazing memory for orders but all the staff are great fun. Youngsters flock to the bar weekends before heading off to the late night clubs in town so it can get busy between 7.30 and 9.30pm. Whether it’s for a group party or a quiet drink with a friend you’ll find there’s a spot in this place that’s just right for you. Don’t delay, go see...

Fantastic! Went with family for a birthday meal for my wife, Lip smacking Starter platter having crispy chicken wings and strips, Cheesy Nachos, Toasty Garlic bread and Crunchy onion rings. Daughter had the kids menu deal, Tomato pasta with side veggie, a fruity drink, and a brownie and ice-cream dessert for just £4.99, Good quantity, couldn't finish it all.. and the colouring kit and make your own Bottle bunny that came with the meal was an added bonus! She loved it! Birthday girl wifey had the Sirloin steak.... I sneaked a bite and it was cooked just as we liked it .. so soft and buttery... Chips cooked absolutely right, crunchy outside, creamy inside. My steak sandwich... Mind blowing!.. couldn't finish it and had to take most of it home. Yummy Honeycomb and Brownie ice-cream, Helps supports the Macmillan nurses, A good deed with a great treat! Service is top notch... Fantastic experience, would love to...