Platform Tavern, Southampton (From Daily Echo)

Platform Tavern, Town Quay, Southampton

in Pub Reviews By Luke Tugby, Reporter

THIS is certainly not a pub you can easily compare to any others in Southampton.

Town Quay’s Platform Tavern, situated just a short walk from Mayflower Park, offers something distinctly different to most city centre watering holes.

The main reason for that is pub owner Stewart Cross, who has put his heart and soul into the place – in more ways than one.

The décor is based on his own personal collection of masks, which have been accumulated from holidays around the world.

He now says he is sure to “buy the pub a present” every time he leaves the country.

The walls are colourful and the lighting is dim, instantly creating a warm and welcoming feel as you enter the door – something mirrored by the friendly and chatty staff.

Since taking over the helm in 1997, Stewart has also launched a restaurant, which specialises in fresh fish dishes.

And for his next trick, he is converting the downstairs kitchen into an on-site micro brewery, which is set to open in mid-December, becoming the first of its kind in the city.

“We will be the only pub in Southampton making our own beer,” Stewart said.

“It’s a bit different, a bit quirky having something like this on the premises, but it’s a case of having to keep finding different ways to stay ahead of the competition.

The Platform Tavern is already renowned as a high quality music venue, with bands jetting in from as far afield as America and Australia to play here.

And it even combines its love for music with traditional pub grub in the Sunday Soul Roast, with two-course roast dinners served between noon and 8pm, with live music between 1.30- 4.30pm – all for just £10.95.

Add the micro brewery to the mix next month, and this pub will just about have it all.

Platform Tavern
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2ET
platformtavern.com

Tel: 023 8033 7232.