The Talisman
Quick info
About The Talisman
The Talisman is a restaurant in Southampton, on Bridge Rd, serving real ales alongside seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. A separate gluten free menu, which includes vegetarian options, gives guests avoiding gluten their own list to order from, and the team asks guests about allergies. Sharing menus are part of the offer, and the food includes a chicken Caesar salad and a spicy chicken burger. The building has several rooms and areas, including one with a fireplace. Sunday lunch is served. Coffee comes from Extract, with a Rocket blend and a decaf option.
Good to know
“Venue for real ales and seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including sharing menus.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gluten free menu, Sunday lunch, Extract coffee and chicken Caesar salad.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention gluten free menu, Sunday lunch, Extract coffee and chicken Caesar salad.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the staff, describing servers who are friendly, welcoming and attentive, even with a large group, and who offered water on arrival and asked about allergies. Close behind is the food, called tasty and great value, with a chicken Caesar salad and a spicy chicken burger named. Sunday lunch diners praise the gluten free menu, which includes vegetarian options, and say staff took care to handle the gluten free requirements properly. The atmosphere is also well liked, with a welcoming, calm feel, different rooms, a fireplace one reviewer calls cosy, and a big outdoor sitting area for sunny days. One reviewer also praises the Extract coffee, including the Rocket flavor and a decaf. The one complaint is a parking charge notice a first-time visitor received after missing the requirement to register at the bar. The pub replied immediately, looked into the case, and cancelled the notice within a few days.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the staff, describing servers who are friendly, welcoming and attentive, even with a large group, and who offered water on arrival and asked about allergies. Close behind is the food, called tasty and great value, with a chicken Caesar salad and a spicy chicken burger named. Sunday lunch diners praise the gluten free menu, which includes vegetarian options, and say staff took care to handle the gluten free requirements properly. The atmosphere is also well liked, with a welcoming, calm feel, different rooms, a fireplace one reviewer calls cosy, and a big outdoor sitting area for sunny days. One reviewer also praises the Extract coffee, including the Rocket flavor and a decaf. The one complaint is a parking charge notice a first-time visitor received after missing the requirement to register at the bar. The pub replied immediately, looked into the case, and cancelled the notice within a few days.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“This was our first time visit to The Talisman after hearing lots of good review. We were not disappointed with anything. Sophie was our server & she was amazing, very friendly & attentive. All the food we had was very tasty, great value for money and we'll definitely be back for many more meals.”
- Google user
“Had a great first time visit at the Talisman. Food and drinks was great and had such a great atmosphere especially when the sun is out. Staff was very accomodating and friendly. Had an issue with the parking and received a PCN as you are required to register at the bar (which I unfortunately missed). Contacted the Talisman which had replied immediately and looked upon my case and actioned it with professionalism and cancelled the PCN within a few days. Such a great interaction with the staff here.”
- Google user
“The Talisman is a brilliant spot for a relaxed meal or a lively evening with friends. We visited as a large group, and everything ran incredibly smoothly — the atmosphere was welcoming, the food arrived promptly, and the whole place has that easy, comfortable charm that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Service was excellent throughout. Even with our group size, everything felt calm and well‑organised, with staff who were friendly, attentive, and quietly on top of every detail. A special mention to the team members who looked after us — Nessa and Ross were especially great at keeping things running seamlessly without ever making a fuss. If you’re looking for a pub that combines good food, a warm vibe, and genuinely thoughtful service, The Talisman is absolutely worth a visit.”
- Google user
“A few friends and I went to The Talisman this evening for some casual drinks. Unlike The Plough (another local H&W pub), they stayed open until their advertised closing time, which was much appreciated. The service from Vanessa and Nathan was excellent. Both were friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. They made us feel like valued guests in their pub rather than just customers. A great atmosphere, great service, and a genuinely enjoyable evening. We'll definitely be back.”
- Google user
“Returned again 5th June 2026 and again very good. Lunch for 4 people, all went very well, good gluten free options, thanks again all staff Sunday Lunch dinner for 6. All of the staff we encountered were engaging, polite and attentive, no issues at all during our visit. See receipt for our choices and pricing. £170 inc service and drinks. No food was left on the plates. Well presented interior, clean and well maintained. Good accessibility if you are disabled or have a wheelchair. There is also a gluten free menu, that has vegetarian options so win win for me. Staff were keen to make sure the gluten free aspect was dealt with properly. It seems to be a very safe place to go for a Sunday lunch, we have been a few times now. Good staff and the food is also exactly as ordered and required. We will return which is always a good sign”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Restaurants near The Talisman
- The Plaice4.53342.6 miWheelchair accessible
crispy fluffy chips, curry sauce, cod and chips
- 3 miWheelchair accessible
thin crispy pizza base, tiramisu, kids meal deal
- Empire Kitchen4.41173.3 miWheelchair accessibleReservations
onion bhaji, chicken tikka masala, chicken tikka madras
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| The TalismanWheelchair accessible | 4.31,709 | — | gluten free menu, Sunday lunch, Extract coffee |
| The PlaiceWheelchair accessible | 4.5334 | 2.6 mi | crispy fluffy chips, curry sauce, cod and chips |
| Flour and Fire Artisan PizzaWheelchair accessible | 4.9218 | 3 mi | thin crispy pizza base, tiramisu, kids meal deal |
| Empire KitchenWheelchair accessible · Reservations | 4.4117 | 3.3 mi | onion bhaji, chicken tikka masala, chicken tikka madras |
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