Sobar may look like any normal drinking establishment from its frontage on Bevois Valley Road.

But it opens up, tardis-like, into a huge outdoor space for 400.

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Several times each summer, Sobar is taken over by legendary garden parties featuring the likes of DJ EZ, Norman Jay MBE, So Solid Crew and DJ Luck and MC Neat.

Local DJing legend Alan Fitzpatrick is a regular visitor and is already confirmed for a garden party return on July 25.

The Virgin family, parents Neville and Sue and siblings Becky Al-Najjar and Parris Virgin have been at the helm for the last 15 years.

Becky told the Daily Echo: "People have no idea how big our garden is. It's something really special. We love the garden parties, the atmosphere is great.

"We've got a summer full of parties planned. As soon as Boris opens us back up fully, we are good to go.

"We can't wait! We've just got to find somewhere to store the 30 picnic benches we've bought to allow table service!"

Reggae, RnB, house, hip hop, garage and drum n bass events are among those being confirmed for the summer.

"For me, Sobar is Southampton," Becky adds.

"It's so diverse and there's something for everyone, just like our city. There's diversity and culture and everyone can enjoy it together.

"As well as the garden parties, the student nights and the events for locals, we've hosted weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs.We've had race nights and even a fight night where we had a ring set up!"

Decades ago, Sobar was a pub called The Albion. It became The Study in the 90s and was established as Sobar when Neville spotted its potential as he supplied door staff to the venue.

The family love working together and couldn't imagine it any other way.

"I wouldn't want to work with anyone else," says Becky. We have our spats but we know we have the best interests of us all at heart."