Jolly Sailor Inn

Lovely location, beautiful pub, but forgettable, overpriced food and very expensive beer!

I went to the Jolly Sailor last night with my partner for an anniversary meal. It all started well, good beer if overpriced (£4+), and a nice table by the river.

But then the food….We eat there fairly regularly and each time I struggle to remember what was good and what was not but I think that’s purely down to nothing being outstanding!

Anyway, last night we ordered the Vegetarian Pantry, which is a mixture of dishes, and Fries only to be told the roast vegetable portion of the dish was not available but would be replaced. When the dish arrived there was a pile of rocket with cold boiled carrots and French beans on it with no dressing – very unappetizing, we thought this was the replacement dish so left it, eating the rest which was good although the ‘baby squash’ were slices of full size butternut squash! When our dishes were cleared I mentioned I was disappointed by the carrot and bean portion of the dish, subsequently the manager turned up and explained that the carrot and bean portion was the crudités for dipping and admitted it was very poor. She offered us a coffee and apology! Not very satisfactory.

This pub is in a chain and like most outlets that are in a chain attention to detail is being lost and customer service neglected. It’s not a terrible pub just needs to pull its socks up. We will not be eating there for the foreseeable future

This is a top place for Food, try the Stargazy Pie a superb choice. Amazing view from the seating area outside and the windows on the perimeter of the pub, also a great atmosphere inside with decor including some old bric-a-brac to add to the character of this great eatery. A firm favourite since we found this classic pub.

I first visited this pub more that 12 yrs ago when daughter was at Southampton Uni. Its quite difficult to find, but well worth the search, right on the banks of the River Hamble, thousands of private yachts in the marina. Parking is however a little awkward, you park on a narrow road, and have to walk down some steps to reach the pub. Ot park at Burseldon station, and walk along the path for 200 yds.
It was busy on a Wednesday lunchtime, but I order a pint and a steak sandwich , and all was served with commendable efficiency. There is a more extensive dinner menu in a restaurant area. A really nice spot, pity about the accessability.