Savour Delicious Flavours in Southampton

If you’re arriving in the morning, Southampton features great places for a pick-me-up with coffee and other favourite beverages.

The Nest Coffee House sources its coffee from Pelicano Coffee in Brighton, who brew their own blend for The Nest using beans from family-run coffee farms in Uganda and Guatemala. They offer plant-based milk at no extra charge, have a plant-based focus on its food menu, and everything made in the bakehouse is vegan.

While taste may be what matter most when it comes to good coffee, independent coffee shop meets gallery Coffeeology has mastered the art of making it look good as well. They serve coffee from local roasters, have a rotating selection of teas, all day breakfast, and freshly baked mini pizzas.

Specialty coffee roasters SOroast is worth stopping by if you want to stock up on beans to have at home. This shop’s coffee is freshly roasted, locally sourced and features eco-friendly packaging. Each of its coffee features origin stories if you’re interested in learning more about your fresh cup of coffee.

Southampton is a world-renowned port city, so naturally its restaurants and bars are influenced by cuisines from around the world. La Baronia in Portswood is a family-run Mexican restaurant and bar serving authentic cuisine with fresh ingredients. It has a selection of platos feurtes or main dishes featuring enchilada, carnitas, mole rojas, fajitas, and more.

For a taste of Northern Spain, Galacian steakhouse Carnicero is the place to be. It’s located near the Red Funnel ferry terminal and offers a fresh take on contemporary cuisine. Alongside award-winning steaks, the menu includes braised lamb shank, pan-seared duck breast and burgers.

If you’re looking for something more shareable but still Spanish, La Regata offers a wide selection of tapas including sardinas a la plancha, gambas al ajillo, and ensalada rusa. Spanish cured meats, chorizo, and Iberico ham are just a few of the other authentic Spanish dishes that pair well with a robust wine list.

The first Japanese restaurant to open in Portsmouth in 2009, Sakura now has a popular second location in Southampton. Known for its friendly service, knowledgeable staff, and cozy atmosphere. On the menu, find Japanese staples including ramen, rice, noodles, and an extensive selection of fresh sushi.
 

Explore Southampton’s Hidden Gems

Southampton offers endless entertainment, with a one-of-a-kind mix of history, art, and culture that comes with being a bustling port city. Beyond the popular attractions, here are a few places that fly under the radar but are worth checking out.

Southampton City Art Gallery is free to visit and is open every day except for Sunday. Located in the Cultural Corner, the art gallery first opened in 1939 and features a main hall showcasing a stunning internationally renowned permanent collection of artwork. This, along with rotating exhibitions give patrons a chance to enjoy paintings, sculptures, drawings, photography, and film. It’s located right next to the SeaCity Museum in case you want to add even more history to your day of exploring Southampton.

Dancing Man Brewery has two locations, the Wool House conveniently located near our ferry terminal and Raven Bine in the Carlton Crescent pedestrian area. The Wool House is in a 13th century warehouse, adding medieval magic to your enjoyment of craft ale, ciders, and restaurant menu. An evening at this location is made even better with our passenger-only Red Jet Funnel so you can leave your vehicle behind.

American sports bar 1st Base is the first baseball entertainment centre and bar in the UK. It features an indoor batting cage with virtual ball tracking technology that the professionals use. First, you’re given an introduction on how to use the cage, then a pitching machine will send balls your way and then you get to smash the balls as hard as you can. They also have a bar with beer, cocktails, and snacks to enjoy. 

Plan Your Crossing

Experience a comfortable and convenient crossing with Red Funnel. We make it even easier to get to Southampton from the Isle of Wight with our Island Resident offer. This exclusive offer gives Island residents a 15% discount on vehicle ferry travel, an unlimited offer available until 31st December 2024. 

Where will your next off-island adventure take you?