The Jolly Farmer, Southampton

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Originally two country cottages, now swallowed by sad Southampton suburbia, this pub was first opened in the mid 19th Century, but sadly went bust a couple of years ago. It has since reopened after extensive renovation, much of which is still incomplete. There is a car park at the side, and a small lawned garden at the back. The two are separated by what looks like a demolition site in Beirut, with pile of sand and rusty equipment sitting there just looking untidy. Bench seats were sited at the front for smokers, whose smoke drifted inside through the open windows. Inside, it’s quite grubby – an early evening visit saw tables still smeared with what looked like tomato sauce from lunchtime, while even the bar was a bit sticky. The barman had trouble pouring a pint, which he blamed on the ‘upright machinery’. There were families allowing children to roam free, and there was dire music coming from the sound system. The single large bar, formed from the earlier cottage rooms, has a drinking area at one end, which has old wooden flooring, a TV which was switched off and a brick fireplace, one of the few architectural features which remain intact. The remainder of the room has tables and chairs for diners and family groups. The pub is community-focused, running regular theme nights including ‘Karachi Curry and Comedy Club’, karaoke and quizzes. Two ales on, Doombar and Pride, neither terribly well kept or served. Also available were Moretti, San Miguel, Cruzcampo and Guinness. I’d jolly well leave it to the locals,none of whom are farmers these days.

On 23^rd June 2025 - rating: 5
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