The Village Inn, Southampton

Currently operated by Ember Inns, this is a large town pub and diner, modern in style although in an older building. The car park was slightly hazardous, having very high ramps which is inconvenient for lower slung cars. You are required to put your VRN into a machine in the pub if you use the car park, otherwise you have to pay. The pub tries to be all things, but it’s not particularly good at any of them. Food is Ember’s standard pub range ordered from laminated menus, so it’s popular with feral families. Dogs are permitted, but those that were in were not the best behaved. There is a TV screen which was showing live football, but no-one was watching it. WiFi was available, but you had to give them your phone number to use it. There was a gang of females by the front door smoking and dropping litter, while many of the other customers were just unpleasant. The young barman did his best, but his sour faced attitude didn’t do much for the place. CAMRA discount, 20p off a pint, was advertised, so while we made use of this, the barman seemed quite resentful about it. Ales on were Saltaire South Island, Wainwright Gold, Sharp’s Solar Wave and Doombar, all in good condition. There were also three ciders from Rosie’s Pig on draught. The keg range was Stella, Peroni, Carling, Mahdri and Camden Hells. The beer quality s its saving grace, but that isn’t enough to make me want to come back given the lack of pub atmosphere and the overall attitude.

Village Inn page at the Ember Inns site - www.emberinns.co.uk

Village Inn page at the Ember Inns site - www.emberinns.co.uk

Standing on the A3051 just above Swanwick station which despite the name is in Park Gate and opened in 1889. If you love the 'gastro pub' The Village Inn is just your sort of place. Good sized car park and a seating area to the front on the main road. Inside it's not too modern with wood burning stoves and clean design. We spent an enjoyable Xmas day there and all the production values were in place with every course served hot and we couldn't criticise the portion size's or the cooking. My parents have tried out the normal menu and have given it the thumbs up! It's a complete makeover from the days when it was a grotty little place. Part of the Ember inn chain. Six real ales on hand pump and I tried the 'Thornbridge Brewery, Pica Pica'Oatmeal stout and the 'Greene King, Strong Suffolk', both served in fine form. The staff are great and not overbearing. Probably the best place just East of the Hamble and you'll pay a lot less for your food and drink.