Handle Bar, Southampton

Ale House & Kitchen.

A welcomed opening of a new real ale bar at Stag Gates in Southampton. The premises had been through a couple of iterations of restaurant/bar but as of 27/02/2020 it's a proper bar serving real ale. Six handpumps serving a good range of local beers and others from good breweries around the country. The split level rooms are decoration of modern 'rustic' style with old style mirrors & pictures on the walls. Of note is the mural of the owner sporting his handle bar moustache - hence the name of the pub.

Post Covid-19 lockdown the front decking has been a boon with eight tables screened from each other, proving very popular when combined with the fine ales; substantial rain screening was added late 2021. Food is a short but imaginative list of mains and a couple of smaller snacks. In the summer months tapas and sharing plates are available.

Handy for buses, the north bound stop is literally right outside.

Please note that the pub may close early if there is little trade.