Obelisk Hotel, Woolston, Southampton

A traditional Victorian town local with two separate bars and a decent garden. The garden is well kept and has play apparatus for children, and there is some outside seating at the front. The public bar has 2 pool tables and a dart board, and there is also a jukebox there. The saloon bar discourages children. The pub hosts regular entertainment and is community-focussed, while it feels a bit like going back to the 1970s when you enter. The staff were very welcoming, and the locals were happy to chat. One ale on, Pride, plus two dry handpumps were complemented by a keg range of Guinness, 1664, Thatcher’s Haze, Inch’s Cider, Fosters and Amstel. Acceptable as a local if you live here, but not a destination of choice.