7 facts about Southampton you'll only know if you're a local

From local lingo to city superstitions, there are always things about a city that would mean nothing to those outside it.

Here are seven fun facts we feel will resonate with true Sotonians.

1. Grabbing a pie while waiting for a bus was a tradition

Many Southampton residents of a certain age will have fond memories of grabbing a Plested pie nearby while waiting for the bus at the nearby station.

Inaugurated by Sir Reginald Ford on January 23, 1933, Southampton's bus hub stood at the intersection of Civic Centre Road and West Marlands Terrace.

Following its closure in 1987, the bus station was eventually replaced by the Marlands shopping centre.

2. We gave coins to a bird

Nestled within the heart of Andrews Park in Southampton, The Aviary stood as a well-known attraction, impossible to miss due to the constant chatter of its feathered inhabitants.

Amid the cacophony of bird calls, a few feathered creatures would repeat phrases, while one audacious bird accepted coins from kids through the fence.

In 1992, the aviary housing a diverse array of 90 birds was dismantled.

3. We used Owen Owen as a shortcut

Anyone who remembers Owen Owen has recollections of using it to get from High Street to Castle Way and vice versa.

But it wasn’t just the through-route that people will have a recollection of, the rolls from the store’s Flowerpots Cafe also caused quite a stir.

A recent post on We Grew Up In Southampton Facebook page revealed that people were mad on their rolls too.

“They used to do great Jumbo Salad Rolls to take away!” commented Mike Bunday.

Sue Roberts replied: “They really did, it doesn’t matter how much I try I have never been able to recreate how they tasted. Delicious.”

“I remember taking orders on a Friday and going up to get them all for everyone …they were amazing….never been matched in my eyes!” said Carol Gray.

Jenni Wendy Clarke responded: “I was just going to say that. I was 16 and daft enough to queue for about 20 minutes in my lunch break to order everybody’s jumbo roll. 10 minutes back to work, about another 15 minutes of my lunch break to eat it. Talk about young and not having the nerve to say ‘can you add 30 minutes of time for my lunch.’”

4. Many seem to think the Itchen Bridge toll will be scrapped

Rumours often swirled about the eventual elimination of the toll after it had gathered enough funds to cover the costs of building the original structure, estimated to be approximately £12 million.

After nearly five decades, the toll remains firmly established and its future shows no signs of change.

In the annals of folklore, the genesis of the well-known urban myth can be linked to a historic session held within a governmental assembly. During this deliberation, the topic arose concerning the potential profitability of a bridge over time and whether it would ever pay for itself.

It was deemed improbable, yet not entirely impossible, according to the response provided. This particular response did not hold any weight nor was it legally binding. It was solely an opinion given at that moment.

5. Top Rank had a rotating stage

Inquire with any long-time inhabitant of Southampton to recall a nightclub that once graced the city's nightlife scene, and chances are they will mention Top Rank.

The building that once stood in Banister Park, on the site of the Stadium, was home to a revolving stage that hosted many famous acts.

During the bustling era of the mid-1960s, the new dancehall emerged onto the scene in Southampton, captivating the locals with its grandeur and allure.

Known as The Mayfair towards the end of its life, a revolutionary format was brought to the city, combining nightclub, dance hall, and disco within a single space.

From the elevated vantage point on the first floor, a balcony adorned with a bar and tables encircled three sides of the grand dance floor below.

Recognized for its diverse entertainment offerings, Top Rank gained popularity for hosting a variety of events ranging from pop concerts to roller discos.

Additionally, the venue was a preferred choice for local clubs and businesses to organize dinner dances, including the prestigious Southampton Press Ball.

6. The Balloon Festival was AMAZING!

One couldn't imagine a year passing by in the 1980s or 1990s without the beloved annual tradition of attending the Balloon and Flower Festival. The event holds fond memories for many Southampton residents.

Watching in awe as the vibrant balloons inflated on Southampton Common, the sound of flames whooshing and the warmth kicking off from them, created a truly memorable experience.

Among the beloved characters who made frequent appearances were Bertie Bassett, the Cadbury’s Caramel bunny, AGFA’s film canister, and Rupert the Bear, never failing to bring a smile to the faces of onlookers.

In July 2004, the long-standing tradition of hosting the annual Balloon and Flower Festival in Southampton's Common came to a conclusion.

The much-loved event has undergone various name changes throughout its history. It was previously known as the Southampton Show, the Victory Garden Show and Fete during the Second World War, and originally titled Royal Counties Agricultural Show.

Every year, the vibrant atmosphere of the main arena resonated with the powerful strides of elite showjumping horses from across the nation.

Meanwhile, the bustling marquees overflowed with a diverse array of handcrafted items such as cakes, wines, pottery, knitting, and other unique creations.

From the beginning to the end of the grand event, the horticultural exhibition stood out as a crowd favourite. Within the temporary booths, a vibrant display of colourful blooms, freshly picked carrots, juicy broad beans, and gleaming onions captivated visitors.

7. Groups tried to get a permanent ice rink back for years

The people of Southampton embraced the exhilarating experience of skating on the ice, gracefully gliding, slipping, and occasionally falling at the much-missed ice rink.

Established in the vicinity of Banister Stadium, The Ice Rink welcomed its first visitors in 1931.

During a devastating air raid by the Luftwaffe on the town in 1940, the 3,000-capacity venue was tragically destroyed by fire.

Charles Knott, the owner of the adjacent stadium promised to build a new ice rink and in 1952 the new Sportsdrome opened.

Knott sold to the Rank Organisation, who initially wanted to turn the whole site into housing but he refused to do business on those terms.

As a result, Rank agreed to keep the ice rink along with the bowling alley.

Mecca later owned the site, and they closed the venue in 1988, shortly after a refurbishment mostly carried out by members of the local community.

Now, housing occupies the site.

Groups have been campaigning to get another Ice Rink ever since, but nothing has materialised.