Southampton, a city with a strong maritime history and medieval past, offers a distinctive setting for its venues. From the remains of Roman Clausentum to its key role as a major port, the city’s past is visible in its buildings and the atmosphere of its spaces. Here, you'll find establishments within old buildings, like timber-framed structures recalling Tudor taverns, alongside more recent adaptations of industrial buildings. This mix creates a unique atmosphere, where history is part of the city’s present-day life. Wander through the historic **Old Town**, where medieval walls and lanes frame pubs and eateries, each with a story of the past. Contrast this with the modern look of **Ocean Village**, with waterside bars and restaurants, reflecting the city’s link to the sea. Meanwhile, **Oxford Street** presents a different side, with Victorian buildings now housing a range of dining and social venues. Each area adds its own character, from the historical to the new. Our listings are maintained to reflect what’s happening in Southampton, so you have current information as the city changes. Whether you are looking for a traditional pub with a view of Bargate or a modern place overlooking the marina, the city’s venues are as varied as its history.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Museum
Southampton Museums and GallerySouthampton Museums and Gallery is a museum on Havelock Road in Southampton’s Old Town. This area has a historic feel and provides a quieter setting away from the busy city centre. Southampton Museums and Gallery is known for its varied collections—covering fine art, natural history, and archaeology—giving a broad look at the region’s cultural heritage.
View Info →Culture & Arts
The Art House CafeThe Art House Cafe is a cafe on Above Bar Street, in central Southampton. This places it among the city’s commercial and cultural areas. It’s known for its programme of Culture & Arts events alongside food and drink.
View Info →Bar Venue
HeartbreakersHeartbreakers is a bar venue on Hanover Buildings in Southampton. This area has an urban feel, close to the city’s activity. Heartbreakers Southampton is known for its pie, alongside an extensive drinks menu.
View Info →Cinema
Harbour Lights PicturehouseHarbour Lights Picturehouse is a cinema in Southampton’s Ocean Village, known for its waterside atmosphere and modern developments. This independent arthouse cinema shows a diverse range of films. Locals and visitors go to watch the latest releases or enjoy classic cinema, with food and drink available.
View Info →Business Improvement District
Health & Social WorkHealth & Social Work in Southampton supports initiatives within the city as a Business Improvement District. This Southampton venue focuses on professional development and networking. People use Health & Social Work for meetings, training, and projects, with food and drink available.
View Info →Board Game Café
Board in the CityBoard in the City is a board game café on Onslow Road, in Southampton. This venue occupies a retail space in a lively part of town. Board in the City is known for its extensive game library, with over 1,200 titles.
View Info →536 total places
Restaurant
Craft 101 Ale HouseCraft 101 Ale House is a restaurant on Shirley Road in Southampton.
View Info →Printer/software Solution
LabelFoodLabelFood is a Printer/Software Solution located at 29 Highfield Ln in Southampton.
View Info →Restaurant
Raven & BineRaven & Bine is a restaurant on Carlton Crescent in Southampton’s Bedford Place.
View Info →Restaurant
PurbaniPurbani is a restaurant on Victoria Road in Netley Abbey.
View Info →Japanese Restaurant
RoppongiRoppongi, on Commercial Road in Southampton, is a Japanese Restaurant.
View Info →Restaurant
EFES Kebab and Pizza HouseEFES Kebab and Pizza House is a restaurant on Portsmouth Road in Southampton.
View Info →63 total places
The Art House Cafe is a cafe on Above Bar Street, in central Southampton.
View Info →Cinema
Harbour Lights PicturehouseHarbour Lights Picturehouse is a cinema in Southampton’s Ocean Village, known for its waterside atmosphere and modern developments.
View Info →Board Game Café
Board in the CityBoard in the City is a board game café on Onslow Road, in Southampton.
View Info →Theatre
Mayflower TheatreMayflower Theatre is a large theatre on Commercial Road in Southampton.
View Info →Movie Theater
Showcase Cinema de LuxShowcase Cinema de Lux is a movie theater located on Level 4 of West Quay Shopping Centre.
View Info →Performing Arts School
Sound Pop AcademySound Pop Academy is a performing arts school located on Hill Lane, within the Richard Taunton College area of Southampton.
View Info →198 total places
Bar Venue
HeartbreakersHeartbreakers is a bar venue on Hanover Buildings in Southampton.
View Info →Restaurant
Trago LoungeTrago Lounge is a restaurant on Portswood Road, in Southampton’s Portswood area.
View Info →Pub
The BitternThe Bittern is a traditional pub on Thornhill Park Road in Southampton’s Thornhill neighborhood.
View Info →Overdraft Beer & Tacos is a bar and taqueria on Bevois Valley Road in Southampton.
View Info →Pub
The RockstoneThe Rockstone is a pub on Onslow Road in Southampton’s Bevois Valley.
View Info →Country Pub
The Cowherds InnThe Cowherds Inn is a country pub on The Common in Southampton.
View Info →109 total places
Museum
Southampton Museums and GallerySouthampton Museums and Gallery is a museum on Havelock Road in Southampton’s Old Town.
View Info →Fitness Centre
Fit 4 HerFit 4 Her is a fitness centre on London Road in Southampton.
View Info →Park
Royal Victoria Country ParkRoyal Victoria Country Park is a large park in Netley, offering a relaxing escape from the busier areas of Southampton.
View Info →59 total places
Business Improvement District
Health & Social WorkHealth & Social Work in Southampton supports initiatives within the city as a Business Improvement District.
View Info →Fitness Centre
JD GymsJD Gyms Southampton is a fitness centre on West End Road in Bitterne.
View Info →Adventure Park
Go ApeGo Ape Southampton is an Adventure Park within Itchen Valley Country Park, providing a natural setting for outdoor activity.
View Info →Weightlifting/powerlifting Gym
Lakeside WeightliftingLakeside Weightlifting is a weightlifting and powerlifting gym located within Lakeside Country Park, in Eastleigh, Southampton.
View Info →Fitness Center
Hybrid FitnessHybrid Fitness is a fitness center on Claylands Road in Bishop's Waltham, a quieter area of Southampton’s West End.
View Info →22 total places