A new premium hospitality suite has opened at St Mary’s Stadium ahead of Southampton FC’s Premier League game against Everton.

The Knightwood Lounge overlooks the pitch from the third floor and can host up to 112 standing guests or 85 seated.

Named after the 500-year-old Knightwood Oak tree in Boldrewood, the new venue promises to bring a touch of the forest through its rustic interior and spacious open plan.

A view of the seating at the Knightwood Lounge at St Mary's Stadium.A view of the seating at the Knightwood Lounge at St Mary's Stadium. (Image: Matt Watson) Free flowing food in the form of snacks and small plates are served to tables in the lounge, which feels much more like a cocktail bar than a traditional football pub.

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A selection of premium drinks are available, headlined by the “Saints Sling” cocktail made from gin, lemon juice, cherry syrup, cranberry juice and coloured sugar.

Other options like champagne and mojitos are not out of place in the elegant venue painted in posh greens and whites.

The Saints Sling signature cocktail at the Knightwood Lounge. (Image: Matt Watson)

A raised DJ booth builds the atmosphere around the bar, where non-alcohol cocktails are also available.

There is also, of course, dedicated padded seating outside of the lounge to allow viewers to experience the St Mary’s crowd if booked on a matchday.

The space was previously used as a set of four corporate boxes but has now been converted into a venue that Saints staff want to be open more than just 19 days a season.

Bottomless brunch or after-conference drinks events were suggested, which could bring visitors to the area even if Saints are playing away.

The view down towards the pitch at the Knightwood Lounge.The view down towards the pitch at the Knightwood Lounge. (Image: Matt Watson) This is not the only non-matchday project that Saints’ ownership has backed recently, as plans are also in place to open “The Dell” pub outside of the stadium by the end of 2024.

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If booked on a matchday, a blind will come down to cover the pitch view at kick-off, as law prevents the drinking of alcohol in view of the pitch at football matches across England.

Alcohol in view of matches will however be trialled at two Women's Championship clubs this season – the league that Southampton FC Women compete in.

The Knightwood Lounge is now available to be booked for Southampton’s next Premier League home match against Everton.