One of Southampton's hidden gems, Piecaramba! serves up spectacular British grub with a twist. 

This small yet perfectly formed restaurant off Bedford Place is a welcoming hub for anyone who likes their pies hot and their decor different.  

READ MORE: Iconic Southampton waterfront building gets new lease of life

The quirky Carlton Place eatery features a comic strip-inspired interior plus you get to play video or board games while you wait for your food. 

Batman and ET feature prominently, not to mention a scuba diving fire extinguisher among memorabilia around the restaurant. Even in the loo, there is a Darth Vader hand dryer to keep you entertained.

The menu is certainly out of left field. Favourite flavours include the macaroni cheese filled Mac to the Future, the chicken, ham and leek Hen Party and the steak pie Holy Cow.

The Piefull Tower is a two-pie stack with chilli minted mushy peas or baked beans and your choice of mash topped with cheese and shallots, and gravy or pie liquor while finishing The Piescaper will get you on the wall of fame.

Christmas in July has been celebrated since Covid, but the real festive menu has just been launched and includes Pie Hard and The Grinch, featuring Brussels sprouts.

Alcoholic slushes include the Son of A Peacher Man and Berry Superstitious. 

Piecaramba! is owned by Rob Litchfield and Phil Linssen, who met when they worked for a cosmetics company and shared a passion for pies.

The Winchester branch, which opened in 2016, was described as 'a bloody good pie shop' by food critic Jay Rayner in his Observer column.

Southampton followed a year later and has gone from strength to strength since the pedestrianisation of the road outside with additional room to dine al fresco.

This was a big help during the various phases of Covid, as were the click-and-collect, dine at home and various delivery options. Now, the cost of living is bringing further challenges.

Phil Linssen told the Daily Echo: "We have a great product served up in a fun environment

"The economic climate is having an impact at the moment and is definitely causing us to think differently. But we try to think outside the box on everything anyway. 

"We think we have a good price point. You could easily pay £15 for a burger and chips, so to pay around £11 for a good size meal is an affordable option. You certainly won't walk away hungry!"

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook