Smugglers in Southampton

Nice place, shame they're closing down.

Very nice behaviour of the staff. Very friendly. Food is nice. Beers aren’t overpriced. Has a dedicated smoking zone inside, which is the outdoor sitting area behind the main sitting area. Washrooms are clean enough. Nice decor. Would definitely visit again.

Nice food and drinks. Delay on clearing table after meal and lack of asking for drink top ups drop a star.

Had the Valentines Day special menu. The steak was cooked to perfection and their pepper sauce is amazing. Excellent service. Will be back soon for a Sunday dinner.

Really good service, tasty food with a good range of beers, wine and cocktails. And the Sunday roast is very popular for good reason!

Good cocktails, mocktails and white bait, but the roast potatoes were definitely not the best that I've had. The veggie roast offerings were delicious but we would have appreciated gravy on the table. Fix the roasties, Smugglers!

Wonderful evening, great food and drinks staff were exceptional

Had our first meal at Smugglers today. (Tillicoultry)Food was excellent and portion size very good. Great value for money. Has stood up to it's reputation. Top class

Attended over Christmas for a works do. Nathan and the team were great, the food was impeccable, and the cocktails went down well too! Thought the value of the Christmas menu was on point and the portions were great. Looking forward to coming back soon!

5 stars just doesn't do this place justice!! Service incredible, food was amazing (compliments to Alice, the ribs and pork belly were phenomenal) and plenty of options to choose from for gluten allergies. This was our 2nd visit and been impressed both times, did somebody say brunch?? Thank you guys, see you soon.

Was served by Jess fantastic service. She was very helpful with food recommendations and places to go to afterwards. Food was delicious

Smugglers is absolutely top tier. Food is fantastic and the honey margaritas are to die for!

Great service, good atmosphere!

Came into smugglers with friends yesterday for food and drink. Amazing service, great variety of food on the menu, catered to my allergies.

A great venue run by by a top team. Cocktails all the way.

Good bar and restaurant with good options and friendly staff.

Freshest Fish & Chips, I have ever had, Bar staff are all helpful, special shoutout to Jess, Amy & G. All superstars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Went for a lunch after some Christmas shopping all the staff were so lovely an so accommodating of my allergies made me feel really safe an welcome

Food was good, nice place for a meal or pint.

Best Sunday Roast in Southampton! Thanks you smugglers we’ll definitely be back!

Walked in without a booking on Sunday evening after the theatre. Service was excellent as was the food. Lots of options for large and small appetites. Would definitely recommend.

Horrific service!! We booked to came to this establishment to celebrate my girlfriends dads 50th birthday with her family. We brought candles and a cake in to give to him and sing happy birthday after our meal. The staff asked us if we would like them to take it into the kitchen for them to bring our after our mains, which we agreed would be great. Before we were even seated we were outraged with the service that we received from them. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with the staff stating that we only had 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish our meal and needed to leave by 6:45 because they had a ‘big booking’, our booking was at 5:15. 1 hour 30mins is not long enough to have any more than a main meal. We thought that this was extremely rude to start with but we over looked it and was still excited for the meal. The food and drinks were lovely, and the kitchen staff were very good towards the 2 fussy family members. When we finished they didn’t ask if we wanted dessert or anymore drinks, we had to ask ourselves, in which they brought the menu out and gave us time to decide. A member of staff came back to take our order but then stated to us that we only had 15 minutes before we had to leave. They gave us the option to eat our desserts outside but considering this was in mid December, 4° outside and they all came with ice cream, we thought this idea was absolutely ludicrous. We asked if we could just have our desert inside but they said we can’t do this, we have a booking of 27 people and need your table. We were outraged with this and just wanted to leave. We complained about this as we had all just ordered 2 cocktails each, as they were 2 for £10 and now we didn’t have time to drink them all. We asked them to take off the cocktails we had just ordered from the bill as we felt rushed and didn’t want to have to down the drinks. It’s disgusting we even had to ask this, they should have offered it considering we had only just had them brought out to us. Nice gesture but wrong we had to ask for it. They gave us the bill and then took about 10-15 minutes to bring us a card machine, we had to again ask for this to be brought to us. Considering they were constantly on at us to leave, they took their time bringing us a card machine so we could leave. We could have had our desserts in the time it took them to bother to bring us a card machine. As we were leaving and got outside we realised that they didn’t even bother to bring out the birthday cake that they literally offered to take from us and bring out after our mains. This meant we did not get to sing to him, this was extremely disappointing as you are only 50 once. When we went back in to get the cake we again stated how outraged and disappointed we were with their service and they told us to come back tomorrow to discuss as they needed to put the tables together for their big booking. Every restaurant we’ve been to for a birthday and taken a cake they have always brought out the cake after the mains, without even needing to prompt them. This did not happen and it was disgraceful, thank god we remembered it or it would have gone to waste! It seems they cared more about this big party rather than us, as the big party would make them more money for them!!!Absolutely disgusting service from the waitresses but cannot fault the kitchen staff and food was delicious.

Highly recommend to visit! Great food, great location, great staff!

I was very disappointed with my Visit to Smugglers. I went with my university society for Christmas dinner. I was first met with songs being played with explicit language. Our accessibility needs were not met for one of our members who struggles with stairs. The food was adequate. Just under £30 for a 2 course meal. We thought the meal was small, (especially the pudding) for the amount we paid. The service was very poor. We were nagged for drinks constantly. My mate also got gravy pulled over him. The puddings came out and then we had to wait 5 minutes for spoons. They also forgot one of our puddings. Finally, they forgot to take our deposit off the bill. So I’m still waiting for them to refund me £140. I feel very let down, will not be going there again.

Bloody lovely trio roast I will definitely be going again

We had our Christmas family catch up here today and it was top notch. The food was fantastic and the service was impeccable. I had a vegan roast which was really excellent. Thanks!

Had a group Christmas meal here on a busy Saturday night. The staff were attentive and the manager went out of her way to accommodate allergies and offer alternative options. They were also helpful in the run up to the event, happy to amend the booking and always responding to emails within 24 hours. Would absolutely book here again, great for a group meal where you need a wide variety of choices! Thank you Georgina and team!

Visited this evening. Quiet night was greeted with a smile and shown to table. Then ate a pulled brisket burger that puts every burger I've ever eaten to shame. Lovely atmosphere, great service and phenomenal meal. Thank you

Good atmosphere upstairs and downstairs small. Food was pretty good although my cheeseburger was abit underdone for a burger. Service was brilliant staff very friendly and helpful. Painting and theme brilliant

Really friendly waitress. Honestly I have eaten lots of roast dinners in pubs and restaurants over the years and this is one of the best I have ever had. Reminds me of home cooked roast! Pork belly was great. Would recommend anyone to come here if looking for a lovely Sunday lunch.

Amazingly tender pork belly, crackling as well

Went here for an informal business meeting. The staff and food were both excellent. I'd definitely go here again if I'm in the area and need a bite to eat.

Visited 2 times. Today's evening was last time(was there at 18.20 6.11.23. Never again. Poorest service in Southampton.

After my first visit to Smugglers a couple of years ago, I fell in love with the place. The food, the vibe, the beer (no blue moon on draft no more though 😢) and have been a repeat visitor ever since. My wife and I enjoyed a really delicious Sunday meal. The roast was excellent and the portion plentiful whilst the Buddha bowl had everything my wife loved! Win win! I work in a hotel in the city and always recommend visitors to smugglers for its overall winning product!

Came to smugglers with friends today the service from Georgina was great. Food was delicious and cocktails were 2 4 £12 which is always a bonus! Thanks again.

Server was friendly and amusing. Location was easy to find food was fantastic and substantial. Will go again!

Good 2 for 1 cocktails after 9 o'clock and other specified timings during the day although they run out of ingredients sometimes. Great outdoor area with heating. They used to have a DJ but haven't seen that for a while. A lovely cosy place.

Poor service from both manager's none return of calls or texts. Guess they aren’t interested in the business. Shame really it was a great venue previously Bar staff very helpful though..

EXCEPTIONAL STAFF! My server Mya was incredibly attentive to not only myself but all of the customers. I only had a couple of drinks and some bar snacks but I was looked after every step of the way, more akin to the service levels of a 5 star hotel or cruise ship. The barman was also knowledgeable and friendly .. Well done guys. You're awesome 👌

Incredible food! The Brazilian curry with panko courgette was stunning, deliciously packed full of rich and spicy flavour. 💯 I recommend this meal! The staff were very attentive, welcoming and warm, completely faultless in their service. The meals were given to our party (party of 8) promptly in swift turnarounds and they were readily checking to see if we were all OK and needed any more drinks. We'll definitely be back here but recommend this place for everything 10/10 across the board

Really great night at smugglers - great service from our waiter Sam. Sam made great recommendations for food - decent burgers and sharer plates that all went down well. There was a live DJ playing who was brilliant outside - really added to the atmosphere and we decided to stay here rather than go anywhere else on a Friday - enough said!

Pleasant bar pub with good drinks options and a lovely garden out the back.

One of southamptons hidden treasures. Love this place, good food great service and lovely location

Nice food and beer. Good service.will definitely go again

I went for a Sunday roast and it seemed the server was a little overwhelmed as it was busy and she seemed to be the only one. The service was lovely however they didn’t mention they had run out of cauliflower cheese (my favourite part) until the food had arrived and it was too late to change my order. The rest of the roast was lovely but I really would have liked to know if they ran out before I ordered

Sad to hear my friends were wrongly asked to pay for two more pints they had when they had paid cash each time, their experience has really saddened me. They felt not believed and disrespected by staff when they proved they only paid three times, staff invited them each time to add to tab but they paid in person each time and have proof. We really like Smugglers and visit regularly; we regret leaving a negative review but it isn't fair to be treated this way for the sake of two pints. They paid but won't be returning soon. We wish the business the best.

Found the food good quality and the staff very friendly/helpful. Beer selection is good (unless you want cask ale, which I don't think they had).

Excellent food great service, would definitely return

I had 2 cocktails as a price of 1. Tasted good. The space is nice. I did not gave any problem. Good service.

Excellent pud, great food and the service was first class, we will definitely return

Large well cooked dishes, recommendations are full rack of ribs and meat sharing platter. The chicken ceaser salad was reported to be gorgeous

What a wonderful find away from the city centre, staff were very busy but still had time to deal with queries a definite return visit is required

Very nice indeed and a very tasty meat platter which was big enough to share. Great service from the lovely girl where sampling beer and wines was no issue. We did choose some! A note for our friendly server ( from Egypt) who looked after us so well. Yes, a good place to drop in for a decent meal at a fair price.

Excellent service very friendly staff kept returning to check all was good, food was very good thoroughly recommend a visit quite quiet when we were visiting but an excellent venue

Great food - including gluten free options. Service was outstanding

Stopped here as looking for food as soon walked in staff really friendly and helpful and welcoming. Atmosphere was nice and relaxing.. Plenty of seating inside and seating outside in nicely done out area with cover.. Food was really nice. I had chicken Ceasar Burger and my partner had Ginger Chicken Burger 🍔 both enjoyed.. They have a really good Menu and drinks menu.. This is situated in Southampton. There is only on street parking which is meter but seemed to be somewhere to be able to park.. We will go again next time that way as want try cocktails

Small and nice pub with a cool back garden. Really super with sun shine. Service polite and fast. Food was good & beer cold. I liked it.

Had the BEST Sunday Roast dinner here. The service was impeccable. Martin was a fantastic waiter. Would come back in an instant.

Marwan was incredible as a bar host! We felt so at home here. Nothing but good things to say about this gastro pub! Beautiful atmosphere. 5 starts all round x

A typical pub/bar with an outdoor seating area in the back. We only had a few drinks (others in our group had food and they say 3 stars). The cocktails are standard but expensive (typically £12). Atmosphere is ok - music a bit too loud on a Saturday afternoon. Warning : Wheelchair access is not available

Had an amazing time here celebrating my partners birthday. The food is incredible, highly reccomend their burgers. The garden is absolutely wonderful in the summer (but there are heaters so will be equally lovely in winter). Definitely reccomend if you want a nice pub evening with friends/family.

☕🍽☕🍽☕🍽☕🍽☕🍽 Visited Smugglers today and was not disappointed A lovely place staff were very attentive nothing was too much trouble Food was excellent and atmosphere was good I had Pork Belly Roast and it was delicious Sat in the pretty garden in the sunshine Happy days !

Couldn’t understand the hype. Burger was mediocre, a little dry and the brisket a little on the chewy side. Far from the worst burger I’ve had but certainly not up there with the best.

Dropped one star only as the kitchen had oven issues and so a chunk of the menu was not available to order. Dined indoors. Lovely atmosphere. Staff immediately explained and apologised for the more limited menu than ordinary. Four of us dining. We each ordered a different burger, there being a variety of chicken and beef burgers. All cooked to a high standard and all diners were complimentary. Staff very likeable and helpful. Excellent range of drinks. Will done here again.

We visited on the bank holiday; 01/05/23 after lunch time. It was very quiet inside but reasonably busy in the garden. It was surprising that we weren’t told most of the menu was not being served that day until we tried to order. Staff we friendly and welcoming. Service was a little hit and miss but maybe they were understaffed. Food which was available was nice. Possibly we didn’t the see the best the Smugglers Bar and Restaurant has to offer. I wouldn’t be a rush to return but similarly I also wouldn’t avoid it.

Great cocktails! Very drank, very good!

Jess was absolutely lovely and very helpful. Would come back!

Just enjoyed a team lunch here and the food was fantastic; as was Angel who looked after our party of 10. She really was fantastic and all food served efficiently and with a smile. If you are in Southampton and want great food and better service, this is the place. Thank you Smugglers :-)

Really nice atmosphere and a great drinks and food selection, with vegan options. Really enjoyed our plate of vegan loaded sausage fries, and so did everyone else!

A nice non sports bar, perfect for chilled drinks and their happy hour cocktails were awesome too.

Food really good. Service amazing

Fantastic, always good food, good atmosphere and excellent staff.

Another great evening at Smugglers. Accommodated a big party at short notice with no issue, food was brilliant as usual and we were well looked after by Sam. Top night out

Amazing food and service absolutely brilliant from Sam awesome pub.

Excellent service, very large portions, two people eat, very good weather

Second time visiting, amazing food, drinks and service

First time here and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was lovely and the service was very good. I would love to go back again

Never a disappointment when going here!!!! Food is always hot,and tasty,have been here several times so working way through the menu but do love the pork belly and the sea bass always cooked to perfection,two for on e cocktail hour too so added bonus,staff are friendly,helpful and polite…would definitely recommend if you want an enjoyable meal.

We were greeted right away and taken to our table. The food and drink orders were done nice and fast and we were not hanging around waiting. The drinks came with a good gap before our food. The food was very yummy, the only slight disappointment was the Yorkshire puddings on our Roasts. We have been before and know just how good they can be, but this time they were quite small and dense. Will be returning again for sure!

Overall, it was only ok - wouldn't return. The food was really tasty. Catered to my gluten intolerance, and my husband said the fish was really good. ~£60 for 2 mains and a side dish and a couple of glasses of wine. The wine was good until we realised we'd been served a glass with a load of sediment in. The service wasn't great, not very attentive and although they were good about my gluten intolerance, it seemed like the server wasn't listening as I had to repeat my order more than once. We had to go up to the bar to pay the bill at the end as we couldn't catch anyone's attention. The decor of the place was great, comfy seats nice lighting and outside area, just being Bedford place on a Saturday night lots of drunk loud people. More of a bar than a restaurant, although the set up looks like a restaurant. Wouldn't return.

Friendly and attentive service, lovely atmosphere - delicious food. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

The 2 stars are because the staff were too charming for one star but the food deserves zero stars. Read many of the reviews, was so looking forward to eating here. Really regret buying to try it: Burger was dry and tasteless, Brazilian curry powdery, tasted as though the spices hadn't been cooked in and no hint of the coconut and peanut base at all. Maybe the chef was bored, fed up, whatever but we will not eating here again.

The best place so cosey staff are wonderful so helpful and attentive, went above and beyond for me extra gravy and veg with a beautiful roast dinner that took 10 minutes to come out was amazing food and the cocktails are amazing too great and also a lovely garden with heaters in the smoking area which just made my day 😂Sunday spot ❤️

This place was absolutely amazing. Staff were very attentive and polite and the food was gorgeous and fresh. Would highly recommend.

Beautiful place, staff are extremely friendly. I had brisket dirty fries and they where the best thing I have tasted in a long time. The cocktails are out of this world. It can take a while to get your drinks but there worth the wait. The espresso Martini is a must

Top notch food, well worth the five minute drive if you're out shopping in the town centre. We both came away stuffed full of tasty wraps, from a good atmosphere with friendly staff. Well done team! First time visiting but we'll definitely be back. Post script, my wife is really fussy and she came away delighted after having perfect crispy bacon in her bacon and brie wrap.

The only reason I’m giving it 5 is due to bar staffs excellent customer service, the 0 would go to the chef whose roast was absolutely terrible, there was no thought intelligence or any love going into that food just your sub standard basic roast, The pork was tough, the potatoes was dry cauliflower on cheese was so tough you could play badminton with it, the food just wasn’t up to scratch, in future the drinks are only thing I would go for, the food needs working in or the chef just needs basic training on how to do a proper roast, Well done to the bar staff who are a credit to the establishment, I think Byron the so called chef needs replacing with a more intelligent and professional chef. I think he definitely lets this place down, but I would definitely go for the drinks. Well done Bar staff.

Absolutely awesome staff! We were a table of 14 Inc 5 small children and these guys smashed it! The food was incredible and cheap. The cocktails were flowing and also very reasonably priced. And the manager, well, he was so friendly and accommodating we were all very impressed with the entire experience. If i ever find myself in Southampton again I'll be heading for this bar to feel at home and welcome and it won't break the bank either. Top notch food, service, staff, venue and atmosphere. 11/10 stars.

I've just had the weirdest experience with this place. At 5pm, there was barely anyone in the restaurant and I just walked in and asked the waiter if I could have a portion of fries to go. I was already kind of embarrassed and explained that I'm pregnant and that's all I want right now. The waiter seemed quite nice and said he was going to ask and I was pretty sure it'll be fine but surprising he came back and said NO! Honestly I got so embarrassed that I sat in my car and cried and couldn't believe a place on a Thursday at 5 pm would send away a pregnant woman for a portion of chips. Unbelievable!

Lovely food and friendly staff, as always!

I really like Smugglers. Both the interior and the outside area are really nice, the food has been good when we've had it, there is in general a nice atmosphere, the staff are friendly, and they do lovely cocktails (and seem to have happy hour all the time!). Would definitely recommend.

Nice atmosphere, food was decent and drinks reasonably priced. There’s a lot to like about this place.

Very nice food and staff very freindly

Excellent choice of options for the whole day not just lunch. I just had a bar snack of coated chicken breasts with their homemade chilli jam - amazing! Service was great. Def worth exploring this area of the city for hidden gems like this.

Just went for an early drink it was fine so not fair to judge

Lovely little pub hidden amongst all the hustle and bustle of Southampton city,great food and lovely smiles from every member of the team! Defo visiting again soon ☺️

Great burger and chips. Good beer. Good value.

Amazing food, very cosy atmosphere and very reasonable prices and dog friendly. Very friendly staff who made us and our dog feel special.

Great food and service. We went with a celiac guest who could even have deserts! Highly recommended

Excellent Sunday roast and fantastic servers. The pulled pork, burger and sea bass were all 5 star according to my group!