Home
Blog
Light Up Your Social Life In The Cultural Quarter

Light up your SOcial life in… the Cultural Quarter

Post date: 5th October 2021
Written by: The Visit Southampton Team

In this series of blogs, we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can light up your SOcial life here in Southampton…

With clubs now fully re-open and indoor dining and drinks back on the menu, there’s never been a better time to explore our city by night. So rather than head straight home after work or shopping, make the most of what our city's nightlife has to offer. You can find more about what's on offer on our main Light Up Your SOcial Life page here.

We’ve shared our blogs on the Bedford Place, Old Town, City Centre and Westquay areas of our city, for this blog, we are looking at some of the fantastic late-night businesses you can find around the Cultural Quarter. Take some inspiration from the details below and plan your next big night out.

Places to dine the night away

Now the nights are drawing in, make the most of your evenings by booking a meal out. Our Cultural Quarter offers a range of different places to eat, whether you are after a quick bite or a full-on meal. Let us inspire you with some tempting treats…

Footsteps from the O2 guildhall and a short walk from the Mayflower theatre, Mango Thai Tapas is somewhat of an institution in Southampton. Independent and family owned, Mango is a relaxed and vibrant tapas bar specialising in Thai small plates and tropical cocktails. Everything on the menu is made in-house and is freshly prepared by Mango’s team of Thai chefs, and, much of the menu is cooked to order, so veggies, vegans, and gluten-free diets are well accommodated for.

Special offers include: Monday’s Curry Club, 2 for £12 cocktails everyday ‘til 7 pm, lunchtime offers, after-work happy hour, and 4 tapas for the price of 3 until 5 pm. Take a look at their menu here.

Nando’s is a firm favourite for a quick bite, with Peri-Peri chicken through to salad bowls and veggie options. Take away is also available.

Mettricks sits right in the heart of the Cultural Quarter and is a favourite coffee spot. It’s open until 10pm at night too, for burgers, shakes, cocktails and plant-based dishes.

Fancy some fun with your friends playing a Shuffleboard of an evening? Easy to learn and fun to play, each session is just £5 per 30 minutes at The Stable. Combine this with some sourdough pizza and craft pints for a night with a difference!

If those sweet cravings are getting the better of you then check out the desserts on offer at Sprinkles Gelato – open daily until midnight. Waffles, crepes, gelato, cookie dough and much more, your sweet tooth will thank you for it!

Pubs, bars and clubs around The Cultural Quarter

If you are in the mood for drinks then there’s plenty of choice around The Cultural Quarter. Perhaps start your night off at Irish bar, O’Neills on Above Bar Street before heading to Green King’s The Scholar Arms, just a short stroll away.

You’ll also find Belgium & Blues, who stock over 100 beers and specialise in both craft and Belgium beers. Here you can also enjoy regular blues music as well as a tempting menu of burgers, slow-cooked ribs, steaks and mussels.

For a sophisticated and glamourous night, 1932 Southampton oozes luxury. This lounge bar specialises in cocktails. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Café Parfait is one of the area’s nightclubs and is open until 4am on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays with a 5am closing on a Saturday. Booths and VIP packages are available – ideal if you are heading out for a celebration or a team night out.

Grumpy Monkey combines a bar, lounge and a kitchen with a variety of cocktails, wines, gins and their ‘Bangin burgers’.

And one of the newest additions to Guildhall Square is Preez, serving great beers, wines, spirits and bar snacks.

Other venues in the Cultural Quarter

On par with some of the world’s best superclubs is Switch nightclub. This venue has played host to some big artists including Stormzy, Pendulum and Annie Mac. Look out for upcoming events on Switch’s website.

Wiggle, Southampton's newest Lap-dancing club is based in the heart of Southampton in Guildhall Square.

Check out the fringe theatre, live music and the bar all at The Stage Door. From burlesque to musicals, comedy and plays, there’s plenty to entertain you on a night out here.

If it’s shows and theatre that you love, take a look at the events listings at MAST Mayflower Studios, with events on throughout the year.

Just a short stroll away from Guildhall Square…

Take a short walk from Guildhall Square and you’ll come across Commercial Road, where you’ll find the following late-night venues:

• Mayflower Theatre – for a whole host of top-end theatre productions, comedy and more.

• Papillon – a brand-new restaurant opened in a beautiful church.

• The Mayflower Village – a pub with sports screens situated right next to the Mayflower Theatre.

• Leelawadee – a relaxed Thai restaurant serving Thai classics.

• Soleto – a traditional Italian trattoria.

• K. Bap – service Korean BBQ food.

• Gusto Lounge – a walk-in lounge bar which often has live music.

Plan your next big night out

As you can see, there are SO many places for you to light up your social life around our Cultural Quarter, get exploring now and plan your next big night out. And don't forget, check out our SO Card offers to make the most of savings off food and drink, activities and much more.