The Dirty Barrel
A well-loved Southampton pub with outdoor seating and a relaxed feel that suits families happy to eat out together.

Café · Southampton
A cosy spot in the middle of Southampton that suits a slow weekend morning with children in tow — buggy access, high chairs and a few outdoor tables, plus a kids' menu when someone needs feeding fast. The seating is a mix of corner sofas and mismatched wooden chairs, so you can tuck yourselves into a quiet corner rather than perch in the middle of everything. Coffee is the draw, properly extracted and available with any alternative milk going, and the generously filled focaccia, avocado toast and flapjacks come up again and again. Vegan and gluten-free choices are unusually plentiful, and the toilets are kept clean. The staff are warm and quick, which matters with a toddler. Two snags: baked goods can be hit and miss, and parking nearby is all pay-and-display.

A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
A well-loved Southampton pub with outdoor seating and a relaxed feel that suits families happy to eat out together.
Cosy Southampton café with board games, big all-day breakfasts and fast, friendly service — small inside, so arrive early.
Huge, generously loaded burgers with tots, mac & cheese and thick shakes; kids' menu and high chairs, though prices add up.