The Testwood, Southampton

Sitting beside a main road between the M27 and the town centre, the Testwood is a sprawling Greene King house with all the expected corporate trimmings. The open-plan space sprawls around a large island bar with a wood-panelled counter and partial remnants of the original partition walls scattered about as structural relics. Flooring is all bare boards, and although the openness is occasionally broken up by pillars and half-walls, the effect is mostly disjointed. To the left are tables, stools and a button-back banquette; a tiled fireplace screens this section off from a more awkwardly furnished corner where chairs have been squeezed into odd angles. The place had a background buzz of music and cutlery – the whole right-hand side was given over to dining and was absolutely heaving. Fairy lights and hanging plants attempted to warm the conservatory-style rear area, which leads out to a sizeable grassy garden with picnic benches and patio seating. Local photo prints and generic slogans stencilled onto ceiling beams completes the formula. Beer choice was between two of the usual suspects: Greene King IPA and Morland Old Speckled Hen, alongside two Lilley’s ciders. Service was perfunctory and customers did that maddening thing of queuing to be served despite a long, unoccupied bar counter. These big roadside pubs rarely offer much to get excited about, being more geared to family dining priorities than promises of a proper pub experience. This place had a few comfy spots and a couple of cask ale options, but none of that could really make up for an otherwise very bland, food-led experience. It’s an option if you’re stuck up this end of town, but certainly not worth the trek from the town centre. Date of visit: 29th March 2025

Official site of The Testwood - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Testwood - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

This pub rocks! I live in the area, and could not want for a better place to spend my free time. The lay out is well thought out, creating pockets of intimate areas that are very tastefully decorated. I have been to some very up market hotels, and even the toilets are cleaner, fresher and more stylish. The service was very prompt, and the waitress was very accommodating. Given that the whole establishment was a complete overhaul, the management have done very well in orchestrating their staff to the level they have, in the time that they have had. The place has been transformed from a crappy slightly dirty local pub, full of piss heads, to something that wouldnt look out of place on the best streets of London. The food was cooked exactly to order. Between the party of six, we tested the menu over a broad spectrum of choice, and with every dish, we werent left disappointed. The drinks were cold and the food was hot, the service was quick, and the staff were very accommodating. To top the whole Meal off, the bill was outrageously cheap. There is no where from here to harrogate that can deal service this well, in surroundings this good, with food of great quality at such an affordable price. I guarantee you wont be disappointed with anything, just impressed from the moment you walk in, to the moment that you leave. Right on the money