A SOUTHAMPTON pub famous for its burgers has reopened under a new owner.

The Rockstone has been ranked among some of the best eateries in the city to grab a burger time and time again.

Facing the stop-start challenges of the covid crisis it has now thrown open its doors under a new manager.

Hailing from Transylvania, landlady, Flavia Samson has big plans for the watering hole in Onslow Road.

Daily Echo: Owner, Flavia Samson.Owner, Flavia Samson.

Already, the menu has been revamped and old beer-stained carpets ripped out.

The back garden has been blitzed meaning punters can eat and drink both inside and out.

Simply put, Flavia says life is good.

The new menu boasts a selection of 'pub grub' with both gluten-free and vegan options.

But true to tradition there is a wide selection of burgers.

Daily Echo: The Rockstone, Southampton.The Rockstone, Southampton.

Diners can even pick ingredients to make their own.

During a recent visit to the Rockstone, I was overjoyed and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of possible burger configurations.

However, as previously reported by the Daily Echo, I'm indecisive at the best of times and incredibly scatty.

I asked for the chef to get creative...

Daily Echo: A burgerA burger

I was presented with a beer-battered chicken burger topped with smoked Applewood cheese, homemade BBQ pulled pork, jalapeño peppers and onion rings.

It tasted really good.

I keep seeing 'loaded' and ‘dirty' fries on menus.

It makes me think of some sort of poor potato regurgitated by Henry the Hoover.

That said, I'm overly imaginative.

Nonetheless, you can't go wrong with fries topped with chorizo and brie.

Meat and cheese.

I ate them all and they tasted good.

When looking at a menu I will usually work backwards starting with pudding.

By the time I did actually get there I was stuffed but not defeated.

Daily Echo: Chocolate and avocado mousse.Chocolate and avocado mousse.

The chocolate and avocado mousse is topped with blackberries and accompanied with ginger ice cream. It went down a treat.

Beyond food, the pub offers craft beer, cider and more than 100 spirits.

There are open mic nights, live music events and plans for a quiz.

Flavia told me the staff at the Rockstone take pride in what they do and are all passionate.

I agree.