Platform Tavern – The Dancing Man

The Platform Tavern is a small bar in Town Quay, Southampton, not obvious from the outside, whose history goes back to 1873.  It was built against Southampton’s old town wall, which dates back even further to around 1350.  The tavern was once frequented by dockers and seamen, some of whom had links with the ill-fated sailing of the Titanic.  James McGrady was the last person pulled dead from the sea, some 4 weeks after the infamous ship sank, and his last known address was listed as the Platform Tavern, Southampton.

Now it is frequented not only by current day dockers and seamen, but also by those who enjoy good food, live music and real ale… my sort of people!

Inside it is different to your average bar, including bespoke hand-crafted ironwork and various masks and other paraphernalia collected by the current owner during his travels overseas.  It is quite dark inside, the only natural light coming from the windows at the front, but they compensate that with a good amount of candles placed in empty wine and spirit bottles and caked in layers and layers of wax built up over the years.

The food is freshly made onsite and is honest, good pub food which includes Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Steak & Chips,  Chilli Con Carne and Sausage & Mash to name a few.  They are well known for their Homemade Pies and Sunday lunches.  Fresh fish also features regularly, found on the chalkboard menu above the fireplace.

I tried the Platform Tavern Burger.  It was well cooked, the patty moist and juicy, texture from crispy lettuce and oozy melted cheese.  It was accompanied by coleslaw and a good portion of chips.

They also brew their own beer under the name Dancing Man Brewery.  They used to do it in the pub, but have recently taken over The Wool House just down the road and do all the brewing from there.  They have at least 3 of their beers on draught. And even more at The Wool House, which I will review separately another time.  All in all definetely worth a visit, whether you are a fan of good food, live bands or an artisan ale.

Platform Tavern, Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2NY

www.platformtavern.com