London Hotel, Southampton

Official site of London Hotel - the-london.co.uk

Official site of London Hotel - the-london.co.uk

As described by Quinno, below, this traditional Edwardian town pub is popular with the LGBT community, yet is still welcoming to others. There is no garden as such though there are a few tables and chairs on the adjacent pedestrianised Oxford Street. We didn’t go up the back passage. Conjoining of rooms has created a single, central island bar with a couple of snugs on the periphery. The base clientele has shaped the décor and interior, hence the glittery stage, disco balls and frilly accoutrements on show. The music was also in keeping – mostly Kylie (obviously) and the Spice Girls, which was a bit of a drag. Two ales on, Wight Squirrel and Ale of Wight from Goddards. The Ale of Wight failed half way through the first pint being poured, while the Squirrel was in good condition and enjoyable. One of the better bets for beer in this part of town, though the evening entertainment packs them in so it may be a bit too loud or extravagant for those in the other camp.

A beautifully green tiled and ornate building that functions nowadays as a gay boozer. The inside retains frosted windows and a nice island bar with a carved wood and tiled frontage. There’s an arched area off left with further seating area beyond. Dance floor, stage area, disco lights and music on the go at 7pm on a Friday night, roll-up Disco Dollies. Two on, pulled through a bucket - Hobgoblin and fag-end of barrel Dorset Knob. More one to admire from the outside rather than venture in, unless you’re up for the entertainment offering.