Bar SO16 in Burgess Road is carrying on the good work started by the likes of The Bassett, which closed its doors in 2005 and now has retirement flats on the site.

Even closer by, The Stile, owned by the University of Southampton and sat on the edge of its Highfield campus, poured its last pint in 2017, following the demise of The Gate and The Crown and Spectre, previously the last pub to open in Burgess Road, in 1932.

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Previously an off licence, Bar SO16, the cosy venue with room for around 80, plus more in a rear garden and front terrace when the weather allows, was able to reopen quickly as a watering hole. 

Saints and music memorabilia, plus an occasional Daily Echo article, adorn the walls of the pub, which has become a popular spot for locals and students since opening four years ago. 

Offering a range of draught lagers and bottled beers, plus a selection of cocktails and pitchers, drinkers have a good selection of takeaway eateries to choose from for their pub meal, including neighbouring Thai and fish and chip shops, plus Burger King. 

They can enjoy live televised sport, listen to the jukebox, play pool or take part in regular quiz nights. 

Bar SO16 also hosted a special Santa event for young guests at Christmas where the big man himself turned up to hand out gifts from the back of a fire engine. 

Various fundraisers have boosted the coffers of Help For Heroes, as well as various local charities. 

Mike Bull, from the pub, told the Daily Echo: "We've worked hard to make it exactly what you'd expect from a local pub.

"We do get students, we get everybody in, but we're predominantly a locals pub. It's a good mix and we all get on well. They're a lovely crowd, it works well and has really taken off. 

"We've built a great community here."