The Rockstone in Southampton

Best roast I’ve had in a while if not ever.service 10/10 also. Will be back

Not only is the weekday food 10/10 but the Sunday roasts I have to say might be the best I’ve ever had! Definitely recommend you have to try!!!

Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Open fire, candles, background music. Perfect.

Tasty Korean inspired pub food and great service. Korean chicken bao bun was juicy and crispy, and a very generous portion of boneless chicken to share as well! Nice indie soundtracks playing for a chill lunch

Excellent place, couldn't recommend enough.

Banging Roast Was a little scared when a Japanese pop up kitchen started promoting roasts but they have done a very respectful classic roast with some clear but sensible inspirations. Head chef was lovely, clearly knew what they were doing and had a great bubbly aura. beef was perfectly cooked over binchotan charcoal. All the veg was great and a decent blend of textures; Tenderstem broccoli was lovely and crisp and even tied the meal more into the Japanese inspiration without being ham fisted. Both my parents enjoyed their time, all the servers were lovely and dealt well with my family being a little awkward at times. They made the exception of Prosecco by the glass for my mother and were patient with my indecisive father. I know Unity beer has been through a lot and I’m sad it’s not the same as it was before, but it’s still fairly priced for local craft beer and was decent, but the highlight was the food.

One of the best roasts I’ve ever had, the beef was just insane!! Service was quick and friendly. Fab choice of beers and dog friendly!!!

The food was great. Had the beef roast and it was delicious. The staff here are great

Great pub for a meet up with mates.

I didn't eat, but what a change since Unity took over! Better atmosphere, good crowds. Bar team when we entered were quite dismissive and rude, otherwise it would be 5 stars

Great food, drinks and service. Deal from Monday to Thursday is unreal.

Have always loved the Rockstone as a pub, even back to the days when it was the Bevois Castle. Wanted to try is out under new management and especially the food as I had heard good things. Staff 10/10 Vibe 10/10 Food 20/10 Value 10/10 The staff were really very friendly and chilled out and happy to offer recommendations on the bar and food. The vibe of the Rockstone has been retained while some nice booths have been put in. There are no other words for the food other than incredible. Our table ordered a real selection and everything from the delicious Bao buns to the rice bowls which were all top class for flavour and portion size. We took advantage of the mid week offer of Bao bun, fries and Pint for £12 which really great value. Won’t be long before we are back !

Great selection of beers! They even have red stripe on tap which is great. Feels a bit clinical after the recent refurb but it’s nicely done! On the negative side - seven quid for half a sandwich! Nice though it was, seven quid for a sandwich that would comfortably fit in my palm!!! That’s a criminal act!

Under new management. Only been open a week so still settling in. However the food was first class. The chef knows his stuff. The barstaff was friendly and service was great

Just been taken over and what a great job they have done. The building is stunning, whoever done the floors deserves a medal We ordered 4 bao buns and we loved all of them. Classic with pork, prawn toast one and steak and chips. They were all so good, and the prices were very reasonable. Also the red stripe on tap was awesome on a hot day 9/10 we will be going again

update: it hasn’t been open for a couple of months now and would appear it has permanently closed

Great local pub if you go solo you still feel welcome and comfortable lots of events coming up under new management

Veeeery good dishes, see you next time :)

Nice cozy pub, offering variety of beers and berry cider not seen in other pubs. They serve good choices of food and healthy snacks like sweet potato chips. Staff very friendly and look after customers. Will definitely go again

Very friendly regulars. My wife and I were not even planning to go in the rockstone but a local regular of this fine pub started talking to us Americans and invited us in for a pint on him. It was a fabulous pub experience. I got the “ Cheers” vibe…. Where everybody knows your name. Thank you for this genuine pub experience

The BEST burgers in Hampshire 🙂

Being both vegetarian and gluten free it's not easy finding a decent burger but I would recommend The Rockstone, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary restrictions. There were plenty of burger options and staff were very helpful with making this gluten free. I got the veggie patty - which wasn't fake meat, it was actually made of vegetables and really delicious. Service was a bit slow, however I think this was just because we were a large group. So trying to cook 11 different burgers at once can't be easy! Staff were friendly and all of our orders were completely right. I Would recommend and would go again.

Decent hotel bar and grill. Prices were okay for a hotel and being by the racetrack, it's busier than many comparable locations would be and has a better atmosphere. The terrace by the track is a nice place to enjoy a beer in the evenings.

Quiet lunchtime but amazing food and staff

Great place to eat and have a drink. Ordered food and had a dietary requirement that the chef was happy to accommodate. Super friendly guys and some amazing food! Will definitely be back.

Didn't get any food here either. Still very much appreciated being there felt like a star.

Top notch site made burgers to die for. Will revisit definitely

Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and always fresh and cool art on the walls. I haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying the new menu, they’re understaffed in the kitchen apparently so they only do food on weekends. If it’s half as good as everything else it’ll be top notch.

Prices have lowered since I was last here. It's Saturday night. Excellent DJ. 2 pints for less than a tenner. No crowd? Why? It's great.

Amazing menu, with all the usual suspects and a lot more niche ingredients too. Delicious, contemporary cooking at its best. Super friendly and efficient service. Can't recommend highly enough! Edit: Original score was five stars, but couldn't be much further from that these days, and certainly no further from the USP that set it apart from any other food-serving pub in the city.

Friendly staff. Food and drinks are very good. Fries aka Chips in particular were great.

Polite barman and great food will certainly go there again

I was truly looking forward to trying out the burgers these guys are famous for, but unfortunately it seems I set my expectations too high. The burger itself was cooked quite nicely. It was tender and juicy, although lacking a bit of flavour you would otherwise expect from a nicely seasoned burger. The salad accompaniments looked like they were just there to fill the plate. The chips were perfectly average too with light seasoning. Finally, it just felt like the burger didn't get the care and attention it needed (and this burger wasn't even that big, imagine the tower sized ones!). The tiger bread bun was cool to the touch. The bottom bun was soggy from the juices and barely held the burger in place. But that's not the end of the world. It happens. So all in all, not the worst experience. The burger was quite enjoyable. Then why the 3 stars? It's because you're paying a premium (yes, ~£20 for a burger is a premium) for an experience which is quite underwhelming. It just made me realise how nice my own homemade burgers are, at a fraction of the cost too. It makes me somewhat sad that I didn't get to enjoy The Rockstone in its prime. From all the previous reviews, it's clear that these guys are just a shadow of their former self now.

Excellent vegan food during the "vegan fortnight" January 2018. Booking is advised as there are few tables and all were booked during our visit, we were lucky enough to visit very early evening and thus sit at a table book for a later diner. Good choice of beer. Not a large pub. 2022 and the pub is no longer 4 stars but now 3 stars. The menu is greatly reduced in choice, though want I ate was very nice. The bar is under staffed and really needs another bar server to avoid the slow delivery of drinks. 2023 and the pub remains exactly like 2022, with no visible changes. The garden is pleasant if the weather is fine and sunny.

The Rockstone has gone downhill in a big way. This was my first visit to Southampton in ten years, having heard excellent things about the food was really looking forward to visiting.....what a mistake. The staff are friendly, but the food is way over-priced for it's quality, with the menu extremely limited in terms of choice - it's basically just burgers - and pretty average ones at that. Guinness and a burger came in at £21.20 - I can't see how a pub in a run-down part of Southampton can charge this and expect to stay in business. The same meal in a Wetherspoons would be around £11-12. The smell from the toilets was hideous, plus the seating is extremely uncomfortable. The Guinness is poorly kept. In the current climate, unless there's a dramatic turnaround, I can't see it lasting much longer. Wish I'd saved my money and gone to the Giddy Bridge.

went pre pandemic, most amazing burgers, friendly staff and dog friendly. great selection of rum.

Very nice pub to go to for a pint. The food was not great, but I would go back in the summer to try it out again as there is a wonderful outside area.

This place has a high rating from previous owners. It’s loud, plays drum and bass all the time, the burgers they were famous for are gone, the staff don’t care. I came in at Christmas and they thought playing the prodigy was the best Xmas music. Don’t care about the local residents when it comes to noise. Allows people to scream and shout when they leave. Poor selection of beers, it’s just the standard offered everywhere. Quaint pub ruined by someone trying to be a nightclub.

Great pub with wide selection of beers. House djs on Saturday nights

I visited the Rockstone and received excellent service fro John behind the bar. The pub has a nice feel to it. The beer was good too. Difficult times for all pubs, but this one is worthy of support.

Lovely pub with great live music events

Amazing pub. Pure english pub. Food is delicious. Are u crazy enough to take the Volcano ? ;)

Very quiet and friendly on a sunday lunchtime - excellent service and food👌

Great night out... Food was top-notch. Good price for the "Build your own burger" also had vegan options. Highly recommended..

Has been better before Covid. Menu changed. Average Burgers, but chips are nice. Staff was not very attentive and okish friendly (they just didn't bother at all). Maybe they had a bad day during our visit.

very quirky pub always very friendly and the Thursday open mic is fantastic

Had my engagement party in the garden here. Staff were brilliant in decorating the garden, creating custom menus for us and we had a great time. Thank you so much. Good vegan options, although fewer than previously.

We came here for some food for a night out and can honestly say we were not disappointed. All of the staff were fantastic and very easily approachable and the burgers were not disappointing at all! I was aware that The Rockstone was under new management and haven't been there for a good few years so was interested to see what it was like. The menu has changed quite a bit and personally I'd say for the better as the choice of pre-specified burgers was limited, but fantastic quality (there's a lot more emphasis on build your own burgers). Price wise everything was very competitive with other places out there, unlike some other places in and around town, the chips actually come as standard! We'll definitely come back again as it's a lovely place to go.

Great food and the best service by Char!

Nice local pub, good food and a hand discount for boulder shack members

Good pub, friendly, choice of beers. Food used to be amazing but haven't eaten here in a bit so can't really say how it is atm

After work burger and beers, great service and food. Shout out to John for the killer mystery shots!

I love this place, always loved their burgers.

When the food is freshly prepared you just can't say that it wasn't ! Grilled chicken burger is rear to see but theese guys don't only have it but they are killing it !!! You Must try that burger to see what I mean . Many can serve beer but not many can cook as good as theese guys do !!!! Their staff is very professional as well hands down to them as well !

Great burgers! Great service! The waitress who took care of us was amazing, she was so patient with our two boys. Don't remember her name but boys called her 'Zoe'😉. Thank you very much!

Very friendly staff, food was amazing, really nice place to go for a meal.

Good atmosphere and great staff. 6 of us came for a birthday meal and it was really good. Two were following some quirky keto diet and the kitchen were more than helpful in accommodating a couple of food swaps to keep us on track. The menu was interesting with a wide variety of toppings for burgers, sauces for salads, etc. The burgers were home made type and tasted great. My 11 year old discovered haloumi burger with red pepper and hummos, and now wants to go back again. Really good meal, will definitely return.

I heard about this place for like 3 years. And a few days ago I got to try their burger. Believe me it was worth it. The burger was amazing. Even the staff was very friendly. I really enjoyed the burger but I don't recommend sitting outside. Also I prefer regular fries over sweet potato ones. If you're in Southampton it's a must try place.

Awesome little pub, great staff and the burgers are superb 👌👌 The new updates menu is great. Highly recommended the KFC

Really friendly staff and great, reasonably priced interesting dishes. Lovely ambience in the back garden. Generous portions and very nice flavours

Incredible from start to finish and the burgers are easily the best around! Everyone was really friendly and service was amazing too

I stay in Premier Inns 3/4 nights a week and this is miles better Good Quality home made food just what you want. Nice old Victorian Pub.

Good food but music too loud to talk over. When I complained it got worse, not surprisingly we were the only ones there and soon left.

Lovely pub,amazing food and the most friendly and helpful staff. Gentleman behind the bar is fantastic with drink recommendations and Char must be the most friendly and welcoming person I've ever came across in hospitality. I'll make sure to come back next time I'm in Southampton!

Good pub with a tortoise and bearded dragon knocking about during quieter times.

This is a great pub with great beers and wines . There is selection of burgers which my son had one and he said was great ! This a friendly pub well worth a visit. Like to spend money in there simply just because of such a friendly staff and athosphere !

Having found this place online with good reviews, i was concerned walking in as it looked a little tired but the service, food and atmosphere was great.

Fantastic customer service, gorgeous food. Absolute pleasure of a stop off at this pub.

Today's pudding is the best. Apple and blueberry cramble . Sublime. Great mains as well

Friendly staff, decent brews and good food, what's not to like!

Barmaid have me a short measure. Less than a pint in a pint glass. Claimed it was so I didn't spill any. Cheating crooks.

First and last visit. I had the nachos, which was the smallest portion I've ever had anywhere. Perfectly edible but for the price paid I certainly won't be returning.

Found this pub by accident but was very happy too. The kitchen didn't open until 5pm but as we just wanted a drink, this wasn't a problem. I was great to find a guvnor that was proud of his cellar work and it showed as the beer was top notch. Very friendly pub with great staff. We will be returning.

Fantastic pub. Great food, amazing customer service Highly recommend

A really nice place to eat and drink just the kind of pub i always try and get to.

Great food, very helpful & friendly staff. I'll be back at Easter

Amazing night out with friends. Great dinner! Amazing service as well definitely coming back!

I have been going to Rockstone for years and this place was a must go in Southampton. I visited again today and I got very disappointed. They messed up with our order, the food was orribile, burger was overcooked and dry, bacon was chewy and hard to eat, and the bread stale. The cherry on top? They charged us twice for the beverage, and when we made them noticed it, they went “this is why we ask our clients to check the bill before paying”. This is supposed to be your job not mine. This place used to be the best pub for burgers in town and now offers low average pub food for twice the price. The service was very bad. Never again.

3 of us went for dinner on a Friday, I am coeliac and the pub offers great options anyway but as it was quite the kitchen staff offered to make virtually anything on the menu gluten free. The staff were so great and the food was amazing!! Cocktails are also really good! Absolutely recommend, have been a few times since and always great.

Good for a very quiet pint. No queues.

Lively bar, nice seating outside

Cold beer, loved the bar snacks

Great team and amazing food! Not on the menu, the the onions rings as a side dish are fantastic. A+

When The Rockstone reopened under new management, post-lockdown, it had some gaps which one could put down to teething troubles. Unfortunately, some months on, they are still there which means the pub's offering has settled on the generic. Seeing the ale pumps sit empty as you walk in says everything - the attention to detail which made The Rockstone a standout destination just isn't there anymore. It's fine and clearly appeals enough to be busy for groups (for which it is well set up - do book), but no better now for the experience than many other places within walking distance.

Always love the Rockstone great food ,long may it continue xx

Great food great staff and great service. Highly recommended

This was a very lucky find and whilst it may not be promising on the outside the inside is very clean, tidy and the food is exceptionally good. The ingredients are fresh, especially the salad and fries plus the vegan and gluten free options where very helpful for us. Recommend to everyone who loves pub food to its finest 👌🏻 Thank you for a very delicious meal!

Amazing creativity by chefs.. wonderful chill atmosphere.. great service. Highly recommend! Thanks for such a great introduction to South Hampton!!

We booked a table for a large group of us and placed a pre-order before we came. There is a very good variety of drinks on offer and the quality and prices are very reasonable. The food came out all at the same time considering we had a large group was very good and was all fresh and hot. The chocolate orange cheesecake was also well received. Highly recommend!

Great staff and live music added to an amazing atmosphere. 👍

Lovely food, gluten free diner well catered for, five star customer service. I'll be going back.

After choosing to meet some friends who work at this classic retro style pub. I was amazed to see the creative menu and well balanced dietary preferences. The many options of topping certainly extend past your burger too as the Head Chef Katie (known as Spud to her colleagues and friends) explained. "If you want mac n cheese ontop your fries? Sure thing. If youd like a fried egg ontop your suated potatoes? Go for it. Fancy not just cheesey garlic bread but bacon or chorizo too? We can do it." Is the quote i got from Spud and her team. As for the drink side welll i mostly enjoy a nice whiskey but after previous visits drinking. You definitely have to look into there different beers and dont forget thos lush cocktails. 😉 with a good range of ciders, largers, wines and Ales that change every few weeks. There plenty of choice. My personal favourites would be the jammy doger shooter hat definitely tastes like the classic biscuits 😋 . All in all go down and give them i try the landlady flavia dose her very best to make sure everything goes well and you enjoy the experience

Best food ever and nice atmosphere 😁😁

Great atmosphere, delicious food with a menu of the day, plenty of vegan and gluten free options and a great selection of burger toppings. We will be back!

Edit: under new management now. Nothing to write home about. I can't recommend this pub highly enough. Their burgers and steaks are amazing. The prices are reasonable (except on Wednesdays when they are even better: 30% off for students) I encourage any gluten free diner to try this pub. Their chefs understand coeliac and so you can enjoy a nice burger in a bun with a side of onion rings with no worries. I love eating here, it's just a wonderful atmosphere with lovely staff, excellent food and great drinks. Can't go wrong.

I've been to this pub quite a few times now and I've never been disappointed. Service is excellent, food is absolutely beautiful and the atmosphere is very friendly. I love Max's dog as well! Stunning pub, I take all my friends to eat there. Edit: Last time I went there it was heaving and the food was sub par. Burger was dry and tasteless. Bar was still good, lots of awesome spirits.

We've spent here a nice family evening with some friends and families. Nice atmosphere, exceptional service. Friendly staff and the manager, Blanca with a bubbly personality, made us feel very welcomed. Nice garden, music, lot's of drinks to choose from, quality food .... Our kids had also an amazing time in the garden arranged for Halloween. Definitely we are going again and definitely l recommend The Rockstone.

Great pub with good range of beer and cocktails, amazing food and the best staff. Friendly and approachable. Love this place.

Lovely staff, amazing little secret garden, only downside was the £5 a drink

We wanted to find a dog friendly pub. It certainly is dog friendly and the food was amazing. We wanted to have cocktails after dinner and the amazing bar staff went off menu to make some yummy drinks. We had a lovely evening in The Rockstone.