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Beer of the Week (w/e 14th September 2025) with Thuck Phat on the Pub Forum

The Master Builder, West End, Southampton

Swaythling Road
West End
Southampton
SO30 3AH
Phone: 02380472426

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

E TA left this review about The Master Builder

A Wadworth’s pub on the main road through the suburban sprawl. There is an outside seating area at the front, but it’s too close to the road and too noisy to be comfortable. The walls are adorned with a display of antique tools, mainly saws and planes, plus some calipers and dividers arranged to look like some sort of masonic display. The other notable decorative feature was a chandelier made out of empty tequila and gin bottles. There are three main bar areas. The main bar, which has the bar counter, a games room with a pool table and dart board, and a more comfortable saloon area. There was a large TV screen in the games room, though this was switched off. The barmaid was friendly and helpful, while the customers seemed like a sensible group of people, all of which, along with tolerable contemporary music, gave it a good local feel. There was a tempting snack menu, but we’d arrived too late and the kitchen was closed. Ales on were 6X, Henry’s and Swordfish, all in good condition. Keg selection was Cruzcampo, Amstel, Stowford Press, Madri, Thatcher’s Haze, Foster’s and Guinness. Pretty good by local standards.

On 14th August 2025 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3615 recommendations about 3578 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

paulof horsham left this review about The Master Builder

Local advice was that the Master Builder was a classier proposition than the West End Brewery in the High Street. I didn't get an opportunity to compare & contrast but I had no complaints with the choice. A Wadworths pub showing signs of refurbishment, I didn't explore in detail but found a couple of rooms, one with a pool table, and a small group of locals and friendly bar staff.

There's a wide selection from Wadworths range: I had wanted to try the seasonal "St George & The Dragon" but a full pint couldn't be drawn, so opted for the 6X, which was came out in excellent condition.

On 25th May 2011 - rating: 7
[User has posted 585 recommendations about 546 pubs]