Dancing Man Brewery’s 11th anniversary banquet felt less like dining out and more like being invited to someone’s birthday party. Set inside the historic Old Wool House, the evening brought together long shared tables, a live folk-style band, trial beers and a room full of regulars clearly invested in the place. With dishes like crispy pork belly, beetroot with labneh, spatchcock chicken and those genuinely standout miso butter potatoes, it was a reminder that what makes Danc

Recently, we visited Blue Jasmine in Ocean Village after booking through First Table, which offers 50% off food. The space feels polished and premium, with bold colours outside and calm, modern interiors inside. The food was good overall, with some dishes feeling far better value than others. At half price it felt reasonable; at full price, harder to justify.

Is this Southampton’s best date spot? Low lights, proper Italian cooking, and a menu built for sharing. Figurati in Ocean Village gets a lot right.

It’s £125 for a 10-course tasting menu, and no, that’s not your everyday dinner. But it isn’t meant to be. From dry-aged beef dressed in coal oil and black garlic to lobster with a foamy bisque and a caramel malt white chocolate dessert that was pure indulgence, each course arrived like a little surprise in a three-hour, beautifully choreographed evening. Restaurant AO isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience.

Stepping into Porters felt like being welcomed into a warm, friendly home. Right from the start, the atmosphere was inviting, and the...