21/06/2026
10 Years... but this is goodbye!
Hello Southampton we made it... sort of. 10 years here on above bar and one hell of a ride.
Since 2016 we have been slinging the best beers possible to you beautiful people of Southampton. There's been singing, dancing, tears, love, loss and everything in-between.
We have survived global pandemics, economic instability, floods ohhh so many floods... the list goes on. But im tired. As many of you know the building has been in declining health for years. Behind the scenes we have been keeping this place propped up on a heady mix of sump pumps, gaffa tape, wet vacs and frankly a bit of luck!
But those problems with the water ingress have inevitably made there way into areas we cannot ignore. Last year we were forced closed at Christmas, our busiest time of year and it has cost us dearly. Sadly our landlord has come to the table too little too late and whilst we think the work may be done, there is no telling when.
The industry is also suffering massively, margins have become razor thin if not non existent. The beer is too expensive and our customers pockets are already hurting. The country needs rapid change on this front or we will see most independents gone. These are employment, but also livelihoods, safe spaces and support for other independent industries. A world without them is no fun at all!
And so for now this is goodbye. This was my first pub, my own buisness, started with my pals Steve Lee and Alan Williams, at an age far too young to have any buisness being there. But we did it, I met my beautiful wife here, got married here in the pub and last year we brought into this life a beautiful daughter. So believe me when I say it wasn't all for nothing!
Too all the amazing people we have met, worked with, brought beer from, had perform etc over the years. I raise my glass to you, and to the people of Southampton who supported us.
We will be closing permanently June 28th. Join us for a last hoorah in the cellar bar on the evening of June 27th 🍻
Stay lucky folks,
Jack, And all of the past and present team at Belgium and Blues 🍻
