Southampton pubs and bars 'wonderful' celebrate cruise ships

Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises, Cunard, Aida and more, is projected to contribute more than £2.5 billion to the UK economy over the next five years.

After the figure was revealed in an independent economic impact report, hospitality businesses in the city praised the way that cruise tourists bring footfall throughout quieter parts of the day.

Amy-Jo Lyons, the co-owner of Dark Arts Potion Bar on High Street, said the arrival of cruise passengers during weekdays is “really helpful”.

Customers enjoying the Dark Arts Potion Bar. (Image: Dark Arts Potion Bar) “It’s often the American passengers that are super excited about us”, she said from the Harry Potter-themed bar.

“Everyone comes in and is really surprised we exist here.

“It would be wonderful if we could be full of cruise passengers all week long. Tracking the cruises is a good idea for us, making sure we’ll be ready for when they come”.

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Amy-Jo revealed that the “potion bar” has increased its walk-in capacity by a third to cater tourists, as most regular customers book in advance instead.

She added that the venue is currently exploring ways to advertise to cruise customers directly, to attract them in on their way past from the terminal to Westquay.

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“A lot of people come in who are coming pre-cruise, a lot of northern England, Dutch customers, it’s a real mix,” Amy-Jo said.

Aidan Lavin, brewing director at Dancing Man Brewery, says that cruise passengers are often “90 per cent” of the people waiting outside when The Wool House on Town Quay opens at 12.

Dancing Man Brewery directors Mandy Lacey and Aidan Lavin. (Image: Newsquest) “It’s a pleasure to have them in,” he said.

“Generally we get a real uptick in daytime business in trade from them. You see a lot of people milling around and reading the plaques in the old town of Southampton.

“They have a beer, look around, ask questions and book to come back later on for dinner for drinks or dinner.”

Customers enjoying themselves at Kwackers Sports Bar. (Image: Kwackers) Aviel Rebello, general manager of Kwackers, said that passengers visit the restaurant’s Westquay South sports bar to sit in the sun.

“You can see the entire walls from Kwackers, so people like to sit outside and enjoy their food,” he said.

“When everyone has gone to work in the UK, these people are coming in and keep us busy.

“Without cruise passengers, it would a lot, lot, lot less busy.”