Southampton pub The Bedford on Bedford Place is set to close

The Bedford, which sits on Bedford Place opposite the junction with Henstead Road, started life as a pub in the 1800s.

But the building has been up for sale for the majority of this year, and now that venue is under offer, the pub is set to close for good in January 2025.

The pub was historically popular with Saints home fans visiting The Dell nearby, but is now a popular student watering hole owned by Stonegate Group.

The cocktail conglomerate owns chains like Slug and Lettuce, Popworld and Proper Pubs – they run eight locations across the city centre, Shirley and Totton.

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The Daily Echo understands that some staff at The Bedford are being offered roles at sister venues like the Slug and Lettuce on Above Bar Street.

The pub is loved by students for their university offers, and Olly Howard, who graduated from Solent University in 2024, said he was ‘gutted’ to see the pub go.

Olly said: “It was the best student pub in Southampton with affordable prices. Great karaoke on a Friday night too.”

Inside The Bedford, the sports bar with 11 screens. Dan Baverstock, who was also an ex-Solent University student, said it was a ‘shame’ that The Bedford is closing down.

“It was a great place to socialise, meet with friends and grab cheap food and drinks,” Dan said.

A Bedford Place resident, who was not a student and asked to remain anonymous, said it was ‘not a surprise’ to see the pub close.

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They said: “Nobody went if they weren’t a student and it was never busy unless it was a Friday.

“It’s sad to see a pub close but I’m not surprised at all.”

The Bedford is less than half a mile away from Solent University’s main campus and estate agents Savills listed the 6,000-square-foot building for offers over £500,000.

Venues on Bedford Place face fierce competition – there are 17 pubs, bars or nightclubs in the area between the pedestrianised area and London Road.

Stonegate Group also owns The Lion, a pub on the same strip that was given a £190,000 renovation in January 2023.