
Sir John Barleycorn
Quick info
About Sir John Barleycorn
Sir John Barleycorn is a thatched-roof pub and bar on Southampton Road in Southampton, serving both a traditional pub classics menu and a separate Indian menu. The Tandoori Mixed Grill is recommended from the Indian side, served with naan bread, alongside the standard British pub fare. The lounge has low oak beams and log fires for winter, while a large garden with outdoor tables opens up in summer, giving diners the option to eat outside. A kids menu is available, making the pub a workable stop for families with young children, and dogs are welcome throughout. The entrance is step-free, allowing easy access for visitors with mobility needs. Reservations are recommended, and the pub is open daily. It sits just off the M27/A31.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree of charge street parking · Free parking lot · Paid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Good for kidsGood for kids
Menu & Prices
142 dishes · mains £3–95- Beer Battered Cod£15.95
- Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial£95.00
- La Tordera Prosecco£9.95
- 8oz Sirloin Steak£25.95
- Add Peppercorn Sauce£2.50
- Seafood Linguine£16.95
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention indian menu alongside pub classics, tandoori mixed grill, naan bread and sea bass.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention indian menu alongside pub classics, tandoori mixed grill, naan bread and sea bass.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the Indian menu as the standout draw, with the tandoori mixed grill earning multiple recommendations alongside dishes like the Goan cod curry, murg tikka, prawn poori and paneer burger, and the malai kulfi for dessert. Close behind, the traditional pub side wins its own praise, from the steak and ale pie and beer battered cod to a seabass fillet with chive sauce mash. Several reviewers note the pub accommodates large groups and families well, with one describing thoughtful touches like bringing children's meals out first, and another highlighting quiet weekday lunches with efficient service. The owner or head chef is frequently mentioned as coming to tables personally to check on the meal. No recurring complaints appear across the reviews. One diner recalls being given a takeaway box for food they couldn't finish, while another returned just days later after a first visit to try more of the menu.
Customer Review Summary
Diners repeatedly single out the Indian menu as the standout draw, with the tandoori mixed grill earning multiple recommendations alongside dishes like the Goan cod curry, murg tikka, prawn poori and paneer burger, and the malai kulfi for dessert. Close behind, the traditional pub side wins its own praise, from the steak and ale pie and beer battered cod to a seabass fillet with chive sauce mash. Several reviewers note the pub accommodates large groups and families well, with one describing thoughtful touches like bringing children's meals out first, and another highlighting quiet weekday lunches with efficient service. The owner or head chef is frequently mentioned as coming to tables personally to check on the meal. No recurring complaints appear across the reviews. One diner recalls being given a takeaway box for food they couldn't finish, while another returned just days later after a first visit to try more of the menu.
Featured reviews
- Roger Faires
“I’ve driven further off the motorway to get to a Moto services. Very good service. Food tasty and good value, bought kids plates out first as well. A lucky find.”
- Alan Donoghue
“6 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful food, genuinely the best sauces with poppadoms I've ever had, clearly fresh & homemade. Bhajis and chicken curry were delicious , thoroughly recommend. And service was extremely friendly , they have seating in a lovely large restaurant and a small suntrap beer garden”
- H 888
“warm welcome, friendly staff. Stopped here on route to bournemouth for a rest bite and food and it was a lovely little pub. Food was lovely we were a party of 6 with a small child and the pub was accommodating to the little one. Lovely garden space, food was very tasty, i had a pub classic with a twist the bombay sandwhich (didn’t manage to take a pic of other people’s food) we also had a mix from the indian menu and all food was tasty! Food highlights here were the starters all really tasty and filling!”
- Samantha Craven
“We came in for a drink and ended up staying for dinner because the food smelt incredible. It did not disappoint - absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.”
- dick Sherwood
“Our first visit to this pub for many years. Lovely traditional building just off the M27. Extensive menu, largely Indian food but with a good selection of traditional bar meals. Very friendly staff and good service. For ale lovers, it's a …”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Long-standing pub with outdoor tables in summer and low oak beamed lounge with log fires in winter.”
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sport
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
Show more amenities
- No-contact delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Food at bar
- Casual
- Offerings· 6
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Spirits
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Highlights· 6
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Karaoke
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sport
- Facilities· 1
- Toilet
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Service options· 1
- Delivery
- Dining options· 2
- Seating
- Table service
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Parking· 3
- Free parking lot
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Location
Bars near Sir John Barleycorn
- The Sir Walter Tyrrell4.31,3051.5 miWheelchair accessible
kids play park, dog friendly garden, vegan roast
- Vine Inn3.82,0213 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
soft play area, korean bbq burger, breakfast
- The Salmon Leap4.67064.3 miWheelchair accessible
kids play area, family fun day, beers on tap
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sir John BarleycornReservations · Outdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.41,146 | — | £15–30 | indian menu alongside pub classics, tandoori mixed grill, naan bread |
| The Sir Walter TyrrellWheelchair accessible | 4.31,305 | 1.5 mi | — | kids play park, dog friendly garden, vegan roast |
| Vine InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 3.82,021 | 3 mi | £10–20 | soft play area, korean bbq burger, breakfast |
| The Salmon LeapWheelchair accessible | 4.6706 | 4.3 mi | — | kids play area, family fun day, beers on tap |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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