Waterloo Arms, Southampton

In these post-Covid times, some pubs are reducing the active hand pumps, and that's the case here, with just Summer Lightning, GFB & Crop Circle from the Hop Back range, plus one from Downton. Internally, the pub is pretty much L-shaped, with the main room carpeted throughout, and there are several substantial, well-spaced, wooden tables, giving a traditional old-school feel. My pint of the Crop Circle was reasonable, but one seemed to be enough.

Official site of Waterloo Arms - www.hopback.co.uk

Official site of Waterloo Arms - www.hopback.co.uk

A busy pub just 15 minutes after opening on a Sunday lunchtime,a classic pub as described below, eight handpumps with a good mix of beers from Hopback, Downton, Woodfordes, Exile and Tiny Rebel,a good mix of breweries in a really good pub.

A 1930's Hop Back pub just outside Southampton's town centre. The pub is lived in and has a large brick 1930's fireplace as a centre piece in front of which is the oche and dart board. The fireplace is decorated with an array of trophies, darts related I assume. There's a small garden at the back and a few benches at the front for alfresco quaffing. The welcome here was very friendly and there a few regulars enjoying the beer with chat being general. It made for a very convivial atmosphere. Beers on were predominantly Hop Back: Summer Lightening, Crop Circle, GFB and Entire Stout and Downton: New Forest Ale and Chimera IPA with B & T Black Dragon Mild and Shefford Dunstable Stout on as guests. The Chimera IPA and Summer Lightening were outstanding. An excellent and reliable beer range make this a must visit in Southampton.