The Rockstone, Bevois Valley, Southampton

I hadn't been to this prominent pub for just over 9 years. So I thought it was worth a visit whilst passing by yesterday. Last time I came, there were 7 real ales. This time there were just 2 and the place was very quiet, despite it being reasonably close to the football stadium that was just emptying out. It's possible that other ales had been drunk prior to the match, but it looks likely that ales are now limited to Timothy Taylor Landlord & Vibrant Forest Pupa. My Pupa was very tasty. There was no sign of any real cider. Speciality burgers used to be the attraction here. I think they are still being served. But I only saw one table placing an order for food. Many dirty glasses were littering the end of the bar. It was almost as if the pub had just emptied prior to kick off at St Mary's. Instead, the match had just finished. I have mixed opinions of this pub now. I really enjoyed my beer, but the selection of ales has certainly diminished and the pub is much quieter than it used to be. Downgrading my score from a 7 last time around to a 6.

A large square building wedged between two roads. A long U shaped interior with nine pumps on the bar facing you as you enter through the front door, I was more than a little disapointed to find five clips turned around on a Saturday afternoon, maybe an earlier match day crowd had drunk them dry?Beers on were XT8,Cottage Sticky Wicket,Flack Manor Double Drop and Tapstone Cascade which was a little tired in taste.This pub didnt really live up to my (admittedly high) expectations, I would though try it again.

Official site of The Rockstone - www.therockstone.co.uk