The Cricketers Arms, Southampton

A nice little backstreet pub well worth seeking out. A single hockey stick shaped room wrapped around a centrally placed bar, traditionally layed out inside, there are six handpumps which were offering on my stay,Hop Back Haka,Red Cat Prowler Pale,Milk Street Taiheke, Wychwood Dirty Tackle and Wells Bombardier Burning Gold, Lillys Mango Cider was on the sixth pump. Really good pub this one.

Official site of The Cricketers Arms - thefamouscricketers.com

Official site of The Cricketers Arms - thefamouscricketers.com

A bit of a rarity in being a Southampton town centre pub that actually seems worth checking out. Tucked in a quietish maze of streets off the main road, it has an island bar. Flowers were on the tables but there was also an unmistakable town centre/student feel to the place; a bit dark inside with a well-worn feel. Seven pumps - four ales plus two proper ciders (Bristol Port and Orchard Pig). My choice of Keystone Bedrock happened to be the pubs special offer beer so was only two quid and in good shape too. The town centre/student theme was reinforced by the selection of piped music and a different food offer for every day of the week. Daily papers were offered which always gets a bonus from me. There was a small rear patio at the rear with some unused wooden stillage. Toilets required maintenance but at least were clean. If you’re in town and have no time to head out into the suburbs, this place is a good option.