Mettricks opens new coffee house in Portswood, Southampton

Described as Southampton's 'original indie' coffee shop, Mettricks has expanded its offering and opened its third branch in the former Lloyds bank building in Portswood Road.

Mettricks founder Spencer Bowman (right) and former Southampton FC footballer Francis Benali with the Mettricks Portswood staff (Image: Newsquest)

Mettricks can be found in the city centre and Woolston, but founder Spencer Bowman was keen to provide speciality coffee for university students and residents.

He said: "There is nothing quite like us in Portswood.

"I had a pizza here when it was Baffi and I thought it would make an amazing Mettricks. The landlord for the building contacted me and said they really liked our concept, and the idea of opening a coffee house in Portswood made lots of sense.

"We started the conversations in September and October last year and it all moved really quickly.

Inside Mettricks in Portswood

"After a really challenging beginning to 2021, we received so much support later in the year so this felt like a good opportunity.

"And from the beginning, we have been asked by people in this community and students ‘will you ever open a Mettricks in this area?’ so Portswood was always on our radar."

Inside Mettricks in Portswood

The new coffee house officially opens its doors to the public at 8am today, March 3, but a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 2 where former Southampton footballer Franny Benali cut the ribbon.

Spencer said: "Franny is a friend of Mettricks and got in touch to say he would love to cut the ribbon for our opening.

Mettricks founder Spencer Bowman (right) with former Southampton FC footballer Francis Benali

"From tomorrow, this place will take on a life of its own. It’s hard work but satisfying when we get it right, it’s the best feeling.

"I have high hopes for Porstwood Mettricks and I have a great feeling about it. I am fully invested in this city.

"The best cities in the world have interesting and independent places. When I go away, I don’t want to go to a Starbucks, I want to eat and dine like the locals do.

Outside Mettricks in Portswood

"Mettricks feels like an extended family and you can’t force that or create it from an head office somewhere. The idea is for it to be very informal and comfortable. I want people to feel completely at home in this space.

"It’s got to be real and it’s got to be authentic. Mettricks isn't just a business."

To keep up-to-date with the new Portswood coffee house, search Mettricks Portswood on Facebook.