The Dusty Barrel, Southampton

A decent shop converted micro that was extremely busy with the same group of Lycra clad cyclists that took up over half the ferry on the way over here, there was a good sprinkling of other punters as well making use of the outside precinct seating. I had a couple of beers here before the trip back across the water to Southampton, both from Wilde Child, Mystic Meg on cask and Days Of Wilde on keg, both very good. this is a good place but expect it to be busy.

A pretty decent modern micropub which also offers pizzas and burgers, although the food may perhaps skew the micro definition. Whatever we call it, it’s a good place to sit and drink. It’s housed in a former shop premises in an otherwise unremarkable shopping precinct. There are benches outside, taking advantage of the pedestrian zone, while inside there is a single room full of furniture made from scaffold poles and thick planks. Still on the topic of thick planks, there was a group of bores wittering loudly about their golf prowess, while other customers were much more tolerable. Light rock music was playing, though not loudly enough to drown out the golf bores. Cask ales on were Goodens Gold, Pots Bitter and Tweed Pale Ale, all in excellent condition. There was also a range of keg beer from Mad Squirrel, Stagger, Howling Hops, Cloudwater, Wilde Child, Up Front and Hammerton breweries, plus 4 ciders. A very enjoyable and productive visit, making a trip here worthwhile if combined with Lord Nelson and Ebeneezer’s.

Facebook page of The Dusty Barrel - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Dusty Barrel - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Dusty Barrel - www.thedustybarrel.co.uk

Official site of The Dusty Barrel - www.thedustybarrel.co.uk