White Star Tavern

To use that cover-all modern phrase, 'time to move on', and so it is for a certain type of old fashioned boozer, despite one or two survivals in areas of special need. The result in Southampton is the fashionably named White Star, culling maritime memories from the not-so-distant past and Kate Winslet projecting her personality before the bow of RMS Titanic. So the floors are well-buffed wood, which some may think tends to make for a high rattle-factor, and nicely panelled walls which absorb the noise well.

The food, well there's many a gastropub would be happy to consistently produce dishes of the quality here, never mind serve them as efficiently and amicably. A salad starter of avocado, rocket, pear, walnut and fine green beans in balsamic vinegar makes for a punchy blend of flavours.

Try as a main course the roast chicken, served with mashed potatoes, more green beans and a notable cider and sage sauce. For around £22 it is possible to eat well and with decent house wine at £11.50 a bottle or £3 a glass you could even avoid recourse to the well-travelled wine list.