1932 Southampton in Southampton

Not sure what’s happened, this bar used to be our go-to but having come back after 2 years since moving away the quality has gone down hill! Broken chairs, wallpaper peeling off the wall, lights missing shades and bulbs, tidiness levels appalling by dj desk and mops in toilets. Feels like they need to refocus, as unless it has an overhaul we would never go back.

Really disappointed in this bar. We went last weekend for an evening out, and the experience was underwhelming. The staff seemed more interested in their phones—there were three of them, and all were glued to their screens while we waited to settle our bill. The drinks were outrageously priced, with two costing us an extortionate £28! The atmosphere wasn’t great, but it’s hard to judge when we were the only people in there. The outdoor area was just a small, dirty balcony with a few fairy lights—far from inviting. We were even told to wait 10 minutes for a table, only to return and find the place completely empty! Overall, not worth the money or the wait.

Booked for my husbands birthday for drinks. Service was quick, drinks were great and strong! Atmosphere was great, loved the music! Will 100% go back

Came for my birthday today. Honestly the staff were so friendly, the cocktails were amazing. The bar itself really is special and pays homage to the building itself. For somewhere a bit different, I would definitely recommend 1932.

Updated review: We used to LOVE this place. Recently (past few months) we've been back twice and the place seems completely different. I'm not sure if they have new management or what but the bar staff do not seem as skilled, the cocktail menu has greatly reduced (they used to have so many to choose from!), and the overall vibe doesn't really feel speakeasy-esque anymore. Why paint the front door gold when you're supposed to be 'hidden'?

Had a great cocktail lesson here with friends, great staff, excellent drinks,

Great service and a nice environment but the cocktails were disappointingly mid. Too many drinks tasted washed out and you couldn't even taste the alcohol. I did have a fantastic rum based espresso martini which was not on the menu but was the best thing I had last night. It's just a bit sad really as if I'm going to a premium cocktail bar then I want to be impressed. Five of us went, we had three rounds, tried each others drinks and while a couple were good, more were sadly average.

Wonderful little speakeasy that tries to recreate the times of prohibition. Great atmosphere with a nice over Southampton. The entrance is exactly as hard to find as you expect a 1930ies speakeasy to be. Don't let the staircase daunt you!

Appalling service. I was told I wasn’t allowed an alcoholic drink because I was too drunk. There were cinema chairs that fold back up which I hadn’t realised, I lent forward to speak to my friend and when I sat back down the chair had flipped back up. The staff were rude and instead of having a discussion they just refused serving us. The irony was we wanted to spend a considerable amount of money in there. It was empty and I’m not surprised why, be kinder and more respectful to your customers.

Amazing drinks, made us anything off menu that we asked for. Honestly the best margarita I’ve ever had.

This bar is an amazing find! My friend and I have visited twice and had a lovely experience both times. The staff are friendly and welcoming and making stunning cocktails. The Pop cocktail that is meant to taste like popcorn is insane, never tasted a cocktail tastes like popcorn before! We plan on returning for a 3rd visit in the future for sure.

Please DO NOT go to this place if you're looking for good service and being treated like a customer. The three of us went there last Friday night, after climbing the stairs and entered, the first thing the bartender said, instead of 'welcome', was ' you're not welcome here, you're wearing sports trousers, I'll have to kick you out of here if it's Saturday, no negotiations'. I don't think that's a polite way to talk to your customers, I'm not your employee. He was being so mean to us when we showed him our ID too, one of us showed him the BRP card, which is British Residence Permit given by the government. He looked at the card for at least 5 minutes saying he's never seen it and it was 'interesting'- sarcastically, and laughing at the same time. I know we're students and we're from another country, it doesn't mean we don't deserve to be treated well, at a pub. Made us feel really depressed and disappointed through that whole night, we went there for the great atmosphere and the good service- like what they advertised. But they literally turned us down and we had to leave, then went to another bar on the same street, and couldn't feel much better because we finally were treated well like real customers. So disappointed.

Not great customer service. Quality is ok but disappointing when the bartender is refusing to poor an espresso martini in a martini glass. Listen to the customers.

simon was amazing, such a special intimate venue with gorgeous cocktails, perfect date night <3

What an absolute hidden gem, we were confused at first thinking it had closed down. But then figured out to buzz and walk up flights of stairs in what looked like a derelict building to find a cosy, warm, stylish and welcoming bar. We loved the feel of how hidden it was. OMG the cocktails were absolutely perfect, so delicious!!! And the staff were really friendly and helpful on a busy Saturday night. Thanks so much!!!

Literally best cocktails I've had in Southampton. A friend brought us here and it's become our regular place now. Simon made an amaxing off menu Rum punch for me absolutely gorgeous!

I was really excited to try here, I love the idea, it's just a shame the service was so slow, only managed get two drinks each in 2.5 hours. It was very loud and crowded, not like the atmosphere they advertise. The cocktails were amazing though, would really recommend the chocolate martinis. A good game to play whilst waiting forever for service is spot all the spelling mistakes in the menu!

Visited for a cocktail making masterclass. Really like the speakeasy style of the bar, learnt loads and the cocktails were great! Will definitely be returning.

Beautiful bar with a wide selection of delicious cocktails. We went for the bottomless martinis which was amazing. The only picture I managed to take was of a white chocolate and raspberry martini, definitely worth a try as it was yummy.

Very cool and cosy atmosphere. Lovely cocktails. Cool speak easy theme.

1932, is an interesting place, be warned once they have come down to let you in, there are 4 levels to climb to get to the bar. The bar itself is small which gives it a feel of exclusivity, has different levels and styles of seats, including an old cinema row. We went for the gin experience, I found the server to be informative and great at sharing the history of gin. We tried three different types with a cocktail and small food board included in the price. The experience was for two hours but we were not hassled to leave. It is on the pricier side but a nice treat and something different to do. At the end of I cannot say I am a gin convert but I might return for the rum experience. Final word, be careful on the stairs as you leave...

Been here twice. Last year for a cocktail masterclass which was excellent though with a guy called Lee who I think might have left now. I was then looking forward to returning for an evening to try more cocktails. The bar is a great little venue with relaxed atmosphere. The cocktails were delicious, I recommend the graz orchard which was superb. However I did feel the staff were a little inattentive, never asked if everything was ok and took a long time to be able to order another drink, get the bill or get the staffs attention as the evening went on.

The best bar in Southampton if not the whole UK. A hidden gem. Amazing cocktails and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere! You don't have to shout to your date so that they can hear you. Great views. Superb hosts. The only thing, I wish it was open the whole week!

Great hidden away cocktail bar!

The best cocktail bar in Southampton. A little pricey and booking essential, but well worth a visit.

We visited 1932 to celebrate a 40th birthday with a group of 8. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Wide range of cocktails for every taste and all were perfectly prepared. Highly recommend.

Haven't had a better cocktail in Southampton. Love the decor, and the new manager was both knowledgeable and engaging, we look forward to our next visit.

I've been here twice and found things to complain about afterwards both times. Slow service one time, awful folding cinema seats where your knees touch the person opposite you and worst of all the classic margarita was just not good here. Also not convinced they put the most alcohol in their cocktails. Having said all that, some of the cocktails were nice so overall it's OK.

Brilliant cocktail masterclass, Simon was very knowledgeable and made it a great afternoon. Highly recommended

Odd experience. Drinks were nice but the entrance to the bar up the stairs needed alot of work and the place felt a bit seedy (strip club vibes) staff weren't very friendly and a bit snappy. And considering we booked a large table they squeezed us onto a table for 6 people and refused to add an extra chair. We were also reminded that we only had to table for a limited time....when we still had it for an hour. Wouldn't recommend for a group of women.

Cocktails are well presented but clearly barmen are saving on the alcohol. I tried Terra and Roosevelt’s Julip, both had little to nothing alcohol in it. Asked the barmen, I was told there’s 70ml of whisky/rum in it - clearly not true, no taste of alcohol. Classic cocktails might be better though, I haven’t tried any.

Stunning decor and cocktails to due for. The staff are impeccably trained and really add to the experience.

Fantastic cocktails, amazing service and great ambience

Nice secret cocktail bar with small rooftop balcony. Drinks were good and accommodated a private hire do for our Xmas works do after party

Incredible venue with amazing tasting cocktails to match. It’s certainly a unique experience. The friendly staff only add to a great time.

I visited a friend in Southampton and he said he knew a cool bar. On arrival I was a bit sceptical by the look of the entrance but by the time si open the door at the top of the stairs, I was amazed by the decor and the atmosphere. Cocktails were delightful, it was a great evening! Thanks 1932! I'll come back to England and will stop by for more cocktails!

Brilliant cocktails / great service .....exclusive setting

Fun setting, nice staff and a good range of cocktails... But it was absolutely sweltering in there, no a/c can't even open a window. It was so humid in there that the windows had condensation running down them and they were double glazed too!!!

Service was great, cocktails were amazing, and it is a wonderful, quirky venue. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be going back soon!!

My other half had vouchers for the cocktail masterclass here, we both had a great time. Bartender was very knowledgeable and it was good to learn how to use all the cocktail equipment. Nice to actually learn how to make proper cocktails with the right balance of ingredients, all the cocktails we made/tried were excellent. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who appreciates a decent cocktail

A hidden gem. Shhh or everyone will know about this great little venue with reasonably priced cocktails, table service and comfy sofas in an art deco setting.

Amaising concept , nice cocktails, however put offs were dirty table and floor.outside rooftop was over looking bin area and very dirty.soeaker system not working and the 2 bar tenders chatting amongst them selves about what series on Netflix to watch was most off putting, the great Gatsby experience I don't think so.

Great little bar on the top floor, interesting entrance and stairway to get there though!

Drinks were very good but service is awful. Was at about half capacity but waiting 20-25 minutes to get a drink. Works on a buzzer system which in theory is good but staff are slow to respond. Venue and setting is really nice, drinks are too but it’s ruined by sitting all the waiting around.

Great cocktails great experience

Great service, great cocktails. Buzzer /telecom at entrance to get in. Shabby stairway to a chic venue

Lovely cocktail bar serving amazing cocktails

Gem of a place! Hidden up some dodgy stairs which open into a beautiful prohibition era bar. Cocktails pricey but excellent quality and an innovative menu which is changed regularly. Table service with little buttons available under each table to summon staff. Lovely little place.

Great drinks! Hidden away gem Amazing service

Awesome bar and fantastic cocktails. Stunning decor with the most attentive and friendly staff.

Love this little gem of a cocktail bar. Hidden away at the top of a building in Southampton it feels a bit like a speakeasy! It's tiny but perfect and the decor is beautiful. Each table has a button to request service from the Staff and the cocktails are delicious. Will definitely be returning in future.

Nice place to drink cocktails and talk as the music is not stupidly load like most bars

Such an amazing bar!!! The cocktails are by far better than an other bar I’ve been to before. Please try the strawberry daiquiri!

Went here for a cocktail night with a friend. Amazing cocktails, fantastic service and tasty cheese board. Truly a hidden gem, will be back!

Awesome venue, deceptive from the outside, but a real treat inside. Lovely menu of cocktails and happy to make up other options if you are after something else special

Great cocktails that are reasonably priced in a chic venue

Not the easiest to find, and when you do you walk up a very run down stairwell!!! once in the venue it is a nice cocktail bar,

Nice drinks, attentive service, good atmosphere, charismatic decor. A jive place to come with a date or friends for a drink.

Decadant bar. Had a great gin experience session here

Great cocktails (pricey but reasonable value for the high quality), attentive service, elegant decor.

Best bar is southampton amazing drinks staff and atmosphere would definitely return

Very nicely decorated and has a good atmosphere. But the service isn't great especially for the price you have to pay for drinks they don't even give you a paper Coster for your drink and they can't bring a table order of drinks out at the same time,we had up to a 5 min wait in-between individual people when ordered at the same time

The quality of the cocktails is out of this world. I asked for a cocktail that wasn't on the menu but they obliged and it was superb. Good quality of service will definitely be back!

Hidden little gem! Great place for a hint of sophistication in Southampton. The service was perfect as where the drinks. Would highly recommend.

Nice and cosy venue, perfect for people who dont like big crowds of people and a loud atmosphere. Great choice of drinks and entertainment playing chilled lounge music and watching Stephen Simmonds perform live

Best cocktail bar in Southampton

Very small venue but service was good and had a lovely time.

Lovely hidden away cocktail bar, beautiful views over the city parks and delicious drinks. Well decorated and with a good atmosphere.

Amazing cocktails and great atmosphere. Unlike anywhere else in Southampton

Had a Groupon gift for birthday. Amazing experience. Outstanding service and very friendly staff. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. Definitely going to go back 👍

I had one of the best evenings, of 2018, in this bar. A very inviting atmosphere with great style and layout. Exceptional alcohol selection. Would certainly recommend!

Came for a date night gin tasting experience via Groupon. Drinks were excellent as was the service and over all ambience. Will definitely come again.

Walked passed the door twice but well worth it once we found it!

Great atmosphere to be in, will definitely be trying the new cocktails they have in the after works club.

Hidden gem. A very classy, almost exclusive feeling cocktail bar. Very good menu and mixologists are happy to make anything off menu if they have the ingredients.

Great table service, beautiful decor and delicious cocktails

Amazing decor and a really different vibe to anything else Southampton has to offer! Very decent.

What Southampton has been missing for as long as I can remember, a truly stunning venue with amazing atmosphere and exquisite drinks menu to go with it, can’t recommend 1932 highly enough!

Something different in Soton, cozy and stylish. Very nice cocktails also.

Came with my partner for the after work club offer, everything on the menu that I ordered I couldn't have due to a master class that was happening on a different day? No meat or cheese platter, no hot chocolate and no nuts? We went to turtle bay

Came to enjoy free drink after work and was pleasantly surprised! Decor fab and more of a surprise after poorly decorated corridor. Views were amazing and would definitely return.

Super bar, great atmosphere and superb drinks selection. Loved it.

We visited this fabulous cocktail bar and enjoyed a few, very well made and creative cocktails. The bar itself has a lovely Art Deco feel to it, with music to match. Thoroughly enjoyale and highly recommended

As I have moved in to my 30’s I have wanted to find a bar where I can sit with friends and talk at a normal level with a well made cocktail. Finally Southampton has that with 1932. The whole feel of discovering the stair case that leads up to a doorway is very exciting. When you open the door to hear the sound of laughter and of glasses clicking together as people ‘Cheers’ adds to the whole feel of the place. I have visited this hidden gem quite a few times since it opened and I have to say it’s been fun working my way through the extensive cocktail menu with my friends. The staff are well trained which added to the amazing decor makes this best bar in Southampton. This place really has been well thought out and I look forward to many fantastic night out here Kind regards Ashley James Managing Director

Southampton's been crying out for an exclusive 25+ hangout, and the fact it’s a cocktail bar is a huge bonus!