Almost everything for everyone.... (Southampton in General)

Member Name: Pookypop

Product:	Southampton in General
Date:	27/04/01 (158 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads of amenities in and around Southampton with scope for every age and taste.

Disadvantages: Can get quite crowded on holidays and week-ends

Situated on the South coast (as you probably imagined from the name) Southampton is the perfect place for pretty much everything and everyone.

***Attention all Shoppers!***

Okay, well first of all there are the shopping facilities - with the brand new West Quay shopping mall claiming it's fame from being the second largest indoor shopping facility in Europe. With it's sleek design and hundreds of shops it's a definate must for all avid shoppers (Just make sure you bring your own bin as the few they have in there barely cater for the thousands that flock there daily). West Quay shopping centre also has a creche if you'd rather go shopping without the worry of losing your children or your money (but Muuuuuuuum! I really NEED that!) West Quay contains all the shops you need, catering for everything from designer clothes to furniture, wacky gadgets to jewellery, not to forget the many high street shops like Waterstones, Gap, and John Lewis to name but a few.

If you're more of an outside shopper who likes a bit more space and peace, then Above Bar shopping is for you. There are a number of smaller shopping malls (Marlands, Bargate and East street centre) which hold various shops including a few speciality and "odd" bits and bobs (a few favorites include - Jacaranda which sells "ethnic crafts and clothes" andn Withit)

***Drinkers and Dancers!***

If you're looking for clubs and pubs instead of shopping, you won't be disappointed either. Southampton is a culturally diverse city and there are many places to socially interact with other weird and wonderful people. Again, there's something for everyone - from rock and alternative clubs (Nexus and Dungeon) to dance (Ikon, Diva), garage and soul clubs and a few gay bars found at the top of the high street.

Most clubbers get on reasonably well although the occaisional alcohol-driven brawl is ine
vitable. If you're not driving back 'home' and need a taxi - it's a good idea to book at least a few hours in advance, otherwise you might find yourself freezing in the cold for an hour or two...

There are also plenty of those stylish kinda pre-club bars popping up everywhere - for a reasonably priced drink, a nice atmosphere and good food (Bar Risa, anyway!) these are THE places to go. Bar Med, Bar Risa, Cafe Sol and Jongleurs are just a few of the many along the high street.

***Budding connoisseurs!!!***

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but food in Southampton is basically the same as in any big city - you get the good and the bad. At the end of the day it's really a matter of your personal taste.

There is a wide selection to choose from though. Restaurants range from Pizza Hut to La Lupa (Italian), Bella Pasta to Bar Risa and the Grande Harbour Hotel's cuisine to the local chippy van up the high street!

***Historian's treasure***

Before I forget - If you're into English heritage - you'll love the old Southampton walls (although many of these were destroyed when the new city was built). Tours are available from many travel agents in Hythe and Southampton. There are museums dedicated to 'old' Southampton and many of the old walls and buildings can be seen in a day's shopping (Get two things done in one go!)

***THE END - Well, almost***

Finally, if you're looking for a quiet day out away from Southampton, you have the choice of using the city's extensive public transport system to transport you to a quiet and peaceful place - The New Forest (about 30 mins - 1hr away from central Southampton on the bus or ferry)

Hotels are great too - from 1st class to B&B's. Prices range from £15 a night to the slightly more expensive 3-figure numbers!!! (grande harbour hotel - v.posh)

***If you'r
e not sure on something about Southampton feel free to ask any questions I haven't already answered & I'll try my best to find out for you!***

Stay smily,
Pookypop

:)

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