The Cricketers Arms

Students yes. Sloaney no. Obviously that reviewer came from the West country somewhere. A rarity in this area a real pub with real people rather than some massive student hangar banging out fluorescent drinks at a pound a pop. Friendly (but dim) barmaids do their best and the regular specials nights pull the punters in. Give it a go. You won’t be disappointed.

A proper pub — and I’ve never noticed any Sloaney students particularly, perhaps I’ve been going in on different nights to the reviewer below! It’s a big contrast to the chain pubs that dominate that area, well worth a visit.

Dominated by yuppies & sloaney students who act like they own the place. Beer selection ok — staff don’t pull the cask beer properly & seem more interested in chatting to their neo-​pubescent chums.

I used to work in the office building next to this pub so it was a regular lunchtime haunt. It’s nice that there’s still a proper pub to go to in this area of Southampton. It can get quite busy but I’ve never been unable to find a seat. The food is really good value because they give massive portions. The tuna melt is delicious but even a bowl of cheesy chips will keep you going all afternoon and beyond because the bowls are massive. The staff are young and laid back but
very friendly and the service is always fast. I think this is one of the better places to drink in the area and beats all the trendy wine bars that seem to be springing up all over the place.

The cricketers is the pub like a boutique clothes shop is to TK Maxx! Its a wonderful little place with so much character in the venue and the staff!
A great variety of drinks available, Lots on tap (including Becks) and loads of bottles (Duval, Hoegaarden, Kriek) and a wide selection of spirits, with some stuff that I can’t usually find anywhere else.
Loads of seating including sofas, can get a little tight around the bar when its busy. The DJ in there on a SUnday night is usually very mellow and soulful and really creates an atmosphere.
They’ve now got a nice outdoor space as well with some tables and parasols and a barbeque.

I love this pub, a real old charmed venue with very little done to it, but draws a relaxed student crowd, and is always buzzing weekdays and weekend.
Not much room to swing a cat so can get tight when busy, but that makes it all the more special. Plenty of room out the back in the patio area to chill out and have a smoke if you do!
Good offers on house spirits, and one of the few places that the staff are plentiful considering the size of the bar. Top marks for their service, i’ve yet to go here and not get a smile.