It's a taste of America right in the heart of Southampton, an immersive sports bar featuring baseball, basketball, foosball, ping-pong and shuffleboard.

Rated number one on TripAdvisor for nightlife in the city with a perfect five star rating, 1st Base also features US beers and an American themed menu of hot dogs, pizza and American candy, enjoyed by local families, friends and colleagues, and baseball fans who travel from miles around to get their sports fix.

Originally launched in 2019, the East Street venue was the first in the UK to bring baseball across the pond as an entertainment concept. 

(Image: Ryan Stanikk / 1st Base) READ MORE: Four great new pubs that opened in Southampton in 2024

Renovated and reopened in 2023 under the new ownership of Joe Creighton and Kyle Wilks, it has since expanded to include all the additional interactive games, which are mostly free when using the bar and available for walk-ins, while the baseball cage usually needs to be booked in advance. 

Real balls are pitched at the batter at 30mph, their hits are tracked using sensor technology, the same as that used in Major League Baseball, with the hits tracked on a virtual reality baseball game on widescreens.

Cricketers from London Spirit loved their private party at the venue after taking on Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl.

(Image: Ryan Stanikk / 1st Base) The baseball cage is not just for professionals though. It's suitable for anyone aged eight upwards. Under 8s can still play, and often do during family visits and children's birthday parties, they just need to bat off of a tee rather than having balls pitched at them. 

Owner Joe said: "American sports are definitely gaining popularity in the UK, but mainly 1st Base is just a lot of fun and is suitable for everyone. We welcome anyone looking for something cool and a bit different."

Behind the fully stocked bar, you can choose from a number of US beers including Budweiser, Amena pale ale, Sierra Nevada, Bud Light, Coors and Brooklyn Lager. 

(Image: 1st Base) There's an extensive cocktail list, which is always two for £12, and shooters menu, priced four for £10 or 12 for £30.

1st Base is open from 1pm until 10pm weekdays and from 9am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 

(Image: 1st Base)