Our last day in Southampton, and we were determined to make it memorable. It was Sunday – the perfect day for a hearty meal. Up until this point, the food we’d had in Southampton had been decent but hadn’t really blown us away. There was plenty of fish and chips, but I was craving some authentic homestyle food. That’s when I stumbled upon The Southampton Arms, located just a stone’s throw from our hotel. A quick glance at the reviews confirmed it – this was our brunch spot.

It was a cold, rainy Sunday, and it took us nearly 45 minutes to get a cab for the short 1.2-mile trip (walking was out of the question in that weather). We arrived at 12:15 pm, and the place was almost packed. The Southampton Arms has two sections: a pub area for those just grabbing drinks and sides, and a proper dining area. Unfortunately, we hadn’t made a reservation and were told they were fully booked. Disappointment set in, but then Martina, the warm and welcoming owner, saved the day by letting us take a reserved table, provided we’d be done by 2 pm.

Seated and ready, we placed our order:

Moretti Beer – A great start to wash down the meal.

Peppered Mackerel Starter – Perfectly seasoned mackerel paired with tomatoes, onions, and greens. It was fresh, light, and absolutely delicious.

Trio of Roasts (Sunday Special) – A delightful combination of pork, ham, and lamb served with a variety of veggies (finally, veggies beyond just potatoes!) and a traditional Yorkshire pudding. For the uninitiated, Yorkshire pudding is a baked dish made from eggs, flour, and milk or water, and it resembled a soft bun. The roasts were succulent, and each bite had that comforting homestyle flavor.

Just when I thought this was the highlight of the meal, the Beef Pie arrived, served with more veggies, mashed potatoes, and a flavorful sauce. Oh my goodness – this was hands down the best pie I’ve ever tasted! The beef was tender, the filling subtly flavorful, and it left me savoring every bite.

Despite the place being packed, the service was impeccable. Martina and her team ensured that everything ran smoothly, making us feel right at home. The ambiance is charming, both inside and out – cozy, welcoming, and quintessentially English.

For anyone visiting Southampton, The Southampton Arms is an absolute must. If you’re looking for real, homestyle, heartwarming food, this is where you’ll find it. It was the perfect way to end our trip, and I can’t recommend it enough!