The Bedford, which stands proudly on Bedford Place opposite its junction with Henstead Road, boasts a games room and 11 big screens showing anything and everything from the world of televised sport.

Historically a popular pub for home fans attending matches at The Dell nearby, The Bedford remains busy for pre and post match beers despite Saints move to St Mary's, just over a mile away, more than 20 years ago.

READ MORE: The city pub with a sports basement attracting theatre and football fans

Fans like the great atmosphere, the sports on offer and all the food and drink discounts in place, even on weekends and matchdays.

General manager Tasha Chapman returned just over a year ago for her second stint at the pub. She was deputy manager back in 2018 when the pub last underwent a major refurbishment.

She told the Daily Echo: "Big sporting Saturdays are just amazing in here. The vibe is fantastic.

"We're well known as one of the biggest sporting pubs around and we get very busy on a matchday. They like to get in here early and watch the early match. We have 11 screens so every single table has a good view of at least one of them.

"Then they come back later on as we have a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We have a lot of fun."

The Bedford, which attracts a crowd of students, young professionals and locals, as well as sports fans, boasts what it believes is the cheapest bottomless brunch in town at £20 per head. Other offers include a sub and drink lunch deal for £7.45, five 'bombs' for £10 all day every day, £3.50 craft beers and cocktail offers and 30p wings during Wings Wednesday.

There are ten different burgers on the menu and pints come in at £5.30 for a Gamma Ray or Neck Oil and £4.95 for Birra Moretti.

The Thursday speed quiz has included a whole range of subjects, everything from Southampton Pubs and Bars to Jurassic Park and from Love Island to Star Wars.

Karaoke on Fridays and live music from local bands on Tuesdays are coming soon.

Customers choose a different charity to support every six months with the British Heart Foundation and MND Association benefitting lately.

The pub, which started life in the 1800s, has always had the word Bedford in its title despite numerous reincarnations over the years. Its sports conservatory extension was built in the 80s on the site of a previous through road.

• The Bedford is our pub of the week. We love featuring Hampshire watering holes, whether they are back street boozers or country inns set in acres. If you'd like us to write about yours, click on the link below, visit dailyecho.co.uk/pub-of-the-week or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk

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