When you picture Southampton, what do you see?
Big, imposing cruise ships docked in our port? Westquay, the home of shopping and entertainment? Or perhaps Southampton FC, our beloved football team with a mixed success rate?
Well, our city is much more than all those things. It has a rich history, diverse community and a plethora of independent businesses.
As a long-time champion of Southampton, I spent an evening enjoying the city’s Heritage Quarter to find out why people love the Old Town (and reaffirm why I have such a soft spot for the area).
Beyond bustling Above Bar Street and shoppers jostling to get into Primark is where centuries-old history can be found.
The Old Town is home to authentic flavours at independent restaurants, historical hidden gems at every turn, and fun for all.
My night began at High Score Arcade in East Street, a free-play arcade packed with amusements – retro and modern.
For as long as I can remember I have been a huge fan of arcades, digging out all my 2ps whenever I paid a visit to the Isle of Wight as a child.
But in more recent times, the trend seems to be games providing tickets instead of cash in hand.
These flimsy bits of card mean nothing to me – I want a fruit machine to give me pound coins if I’m lucky enough to win. And sometimes, I just want to play the games for the sake of it.
High Score Arcade is the answer to these problems of mine. No blasted tickets in sight, only pure, unadulterated fun to be had.
Rather than fork out many pennies and pounds for only a few minutes of fun, High Score charges £11.95 each for an hour’s session for both adults and children.
In effect, you have free reign of the two-floor arcade. And it is safe to say I got my money’s worth.
I tried my hand at giant Tetris. I was embroiled in a game of tanks with my mum, who was my companion for the evening. I attempted pinball and failed miserably. I succeeded at basketball and loved virtual bowling. I played Deal or No Deal (minus Noel Edmonds) and fared well.
Overall, I did not want my hour to end. But end it did as I destroyed one final tank.
Surprised is an understatement. I had no idea what to expect and I was not aware of High Score’s existence, but the staff were really friendly, the two floors were well kept, and I found out they even run monthly SEN Quiet Hour sessions, for those who prefer a calmer environment.
But my night in the Old Town did not end there. I rounded the corner to High Score’s neighbour Padharo for a complimentary drink and dinner.
Described as an “delectable heaven for Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Southampton” I had high expectations, especially after a recent visit to Kesarum in the high street.
The restaurant is spacious and well decorated, and was frequented by many Indian families, which I took as a good sign.
Although it took a while for us to be served initially, once co-owner Ankit Vaghela arrived, we were well catered for.
READ MORE: Pub where both humans and dogs get treated like royalty - review
The restaurant exclusively serves vegan and vegetarian starters, mains, and desserts, meaning I was spoilt for choice.
We started with khichia papadums, a thin and crispy lentil-based snack served with mango chutney and a coriander and mint dip.
A delicious alternative to a traditional poppadum, I was busy tucking in when our starters arrived.
The overwhelming choice meant we shared two dishes: prawn koliwada (vegan crispy prawns) and chick’n lollipop (plant-based ‘chicken’ with dips).
Both were delicious, but the prawn dish was unlike any other I have tried before.
Next on the menu was our mains, and we shared the kaju paneer (paneer cheese with cashews) and tofu palak, a creamy spinach curry.
These were soaked up with Mumbai tawa pulav rice and a garlic chilli naan.
The richness of both dishes meant I was unable to finish, much to my disappointment, but I have bene unable to stop thinking about the tofu palak which I know I will have to sample again.
Feeling rather full, we slowly made our way to The White Star Tavern in Oxford Street.
One of my favourite pubs in the city, The White Star boasts incredible history.
Formerly known as The Alliance Hotel, the pub was renamed after the White Star Shipping Line. It was also host to several passengers of the Titanic before it set sail from Southampton.
My mum and I were treated to exceptional hospitality by Benjamin the bartender, who took great care and skill to make us an espresso martini and alcohol-free mojito.
Despite us visiting on a Tuesday night, the pub had a lovely ambience – with guests returning to their beds for the night while others enjoyed a meal and drinks by the bar.
My fun and food-filled evening out is a reminder of how integral Southampton’s history is – not just for reminiscing on the past, but for the benefit of the present and future.
People are very quick to complain about the city. It is by no means perfect, but I think it is not given enough credit.
There are plenty of places to visit and eat, and passionate people to meet.
But maybe I think that because I previously lived on a one-mile island with no cars.
Visit visitsouthampton.co.uk to find out more about the Love The Old Town campaign.
Thank you to Visit Southampton for my great evening out.
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