6 Barrels, Southampton

Ten minutes’ walk from Totton Station, this micropub-style venue sits in a modest shop unit on a small local parade. The laminate-floored room has timber-clad walls, an Artex ceiling, and large front windows beneath which the eponymous six barrels are lined up. A row of high tables with padded stools runs along the left-hand wall, with a single table on the right before reaching the small, timber-fronted servery. There’s no real rear seating area, just a drinking ledge, but the pavement out front offers a decent sheltered space under a large awning. Walls are splashed with guitars, Guinness posters, brewery mirrors and a dartboard, and most tables come fitted with ring-the-bull games for a fun, low-effort distraction. A pull-down screen dominated the front window area, broadcasting the Women’s Six Nations rugby with the sound up loud, backed by a smaller screen near the entrance and another above the bar which was flashing promotional information. Cask options included Steam Town Stoke (£4.40), Hop Back Summer Lightning and Twisted Air Flyhalf, with one pump left unclipped. Keg leaned mostly macro, though Neck Oil and Shenanigans Stout were available. The barman was friendly and apologetic for a short wait due to "a gas problem" (his words, not mine!), and the lively, informal atmosphere made for an enjoyable stop. There's even a spin-the-wheel game for a fiver, offering everything from cheapo prizes to a £20 bar tab. I don’t mind this sort of micropub – the kind that doesn’t strictly follow the original blueprint and shows live sport or stocks a few mainstream beers – as they most likely wouldn’t have much of a client base if they didn’t make such concessions. This one was a decent example of the style, ensuring a few interesting ales were available for the tickers and that entertainment and fizzy beer is to hand for the regulars. It’s not a bad option in a town that doesn’t seem to hold cask beer in much regard, and worth a quick hop from the station to check it out. Date of visit: 29th March 2025

Micropub on a parade of shops serving a couple of real ales and a good selection of boxed ciders. Seating is on benches and long tables. It is quite easy to get into conversation with other drinkers. The 2 ales were Steam Town Northern Soul & Plain Ales Independence. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie, Snail's Bank Raspberry Ripple & Lilley's Raspberry Mojito, Pina Colada, Cherries & Berries, Gladiator, Cheeky Pig, Bee Sting Perry, Somerset Scrumpy Dry, Rhubarb Cider, Apple & Blackberry Cider, Lemon & Lime Cider, Mango Cider, Tropical Cider & Pineapple Cider. Craft beers were Vibrant Forest Picea, Beavertown Bloody 'Ell, Disruption Is Brewing Law of Mind & Bat Country Open Face.

Doesn't self-identity as a micro-pub, but this typical small shop-conversion unit has all the required attributes (plus background music, which won't be to everyone's taste). Mostly basic canteen-style furniture and rustic decor, with a little additional seating out front under an awning. With three of the four handpumps in use, the offer was Exmoor Gold, Steam Town's Stoke and Cheeky Monkey from Parkway (£4.40).

Facebook page of 6 Barrels - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of 6 Barrels - www.facebook.com

Official site of 6 Barrels - 6barrels.co.uk

Official site of 6 Barrels - 6barrels.co.uk