Quality markets in Southampton

Hi All,

I didn't introduce myself in the introductions forum, but this is more my type of place.  My wife and I will be moving to Southampton in a little less than three weeks and I'm wondering about the availibility of quality markets in the Oxford Street area.  We live in the suburbs here in the US so it's all megamarts, and I was hoping that being in a more urban environment would afford us the opportunity to find a proper butcher, fish monger, grocer, etc.  If anyone knows of small, friendly markets in Southampton please let me know.

Thanks,
Frog

Hi Frog-
I live about 45 minutes away from Southampton.  While I don't have any specific recommendations, I'm sure that you will find what you need.  One thing I can recommend is the Hants farmers market:
http://www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/
The largest one is in Winchester, which is not that far from Southampton. 
Where we are located (in a small village) there are a ton of farm shops with high quality items. 
Best of luck and welcome. 

Thanks for the link.  I get the feeling I'll be dragging my wife around Hants on the weekends to chase the Farmer's Market.

Frog

Hi Frog,

Welcome!!! What brings you to the UK? I'm in Gosport about 20 mins away from Southampton and while I don't know a lot about the markets there I do know they have a farmer's market once a month in Fareham and sometimes have a French market.. What area of Southampton will you be living in?

There are some farm shops in Titchfield which is near to you... One of my favorite places is http://www.garsons.co.uk/titchfield/index.html also at Lee On Solent which is very close to me, there's a sausage maker that makes the best sausages I've ever had including Italian sausages like you find in the states.

Probably not much help... But it's some idea..

Maureen

Thanks, Maureen.  Any ideas are better than what I've got now which is next to nothing.

I'm transferring over for work for a couple years.  We'll be living in Ocean Village close to Oxford Street.  It's a little crazy getting ready for the move, but we're looking forward to getting over there.

Have you eaten out much in Southampton?  If you have, any recommendations?

Frog

Hi Frog,

Ocean village is pretty nice I had a friend who used live there.. Unfortunately I've not really eaten in Southampton, mainly because my husband is hardly ever home (he's in the Navy) and I don't like to eat by myself for some reason.  Most of my friends are in Porstmouth/Southsea and we usually go out to eat there  then I only have to bother with the ferry to get back home after a glass or 3 of wine.   

I should get over that phobia of eating by myself... (funny enough it's not a problem when I'm away on business).

I hope you enjoy your time here and sorry I'm not full of information. But if you wander over to Portsmouth at some point let me know..

Maureen

Hi Frog -
My bf lives in Southampton - off of High Street close to Town Quay, right across from the Red Funnel Ferry.  We eat out all the time when I visit, of course I can only remember the name of the two restaurants we frequent.  I'll be speaking to him tomorrow and I'll inquire about other places and the market questions.  My bf is a big foodie and loves quality, so I'm sure he'll have some good suggestions for you.  I've only shopped at the Waitrose and Mark & Spencer's at West Quay for odds & ends.

Ocean village is very nice.  There are a few restaurants around the marina. I've only had drinks there and never a meal.  We always go to eat at Oxford's Bar Restaurant on Oxford Street.  The only other name I can remember is La Regata for tapas.  It's a cute little Spanish place on the corner of Town Quay & High Street.

Good luck on the move and I'll post more information tomorrow night.

Hi Mekaw,

I'm looking forward to your response.

Thanks,
Frog

Hi Frog -
Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you.  I finally spoke to my bf today for longer than 5 minutes and had the opportunity to ask!!

Markets/fish monger/butcher - he doesn't frequent any and said that the city isn't large enough?  Personally I don't think he's bothered to look in the 5 years he's lived there!  He shops at Waitrose in the West Quay.  He does eat a great deal of fish and said the fish counter there is very good and very fresh.  I can only comment that I had salmon and prawns from there and they were good.  I did notice that you need to get there pretty early in the day as they seem to sell out of their inventory pretty quickly in the afternoon.  They do have an extensive cheese counter and bakery as well.  I can't comment on the butcher because neither one of us eat red meat - sorry!

A Farmers Market just began 3-4 weeks ago at the Bargate Pedestrian Area on Fridays.  It's off of High Street.  He said they have many stalls, but has not had the opportunity to do a full investigation.

Favorite Restaurants -
Previously mentioned:
Oxford's Bar & Restaurant (Oxford Street) - I've had wonderful fish entrees here.  A little upscale and I definitely reccommend reservations for dinner.  It gets very crowded
Le Regata (Town Quay) - small and quaint, but excellent tapas

Others I have been to, but had forgotten the names:
La Cantina (Bedford Place) - Latin American/Mexican - excellent!  I had a very good margharita and an excellent swordfish.  Everything was very fresh!
The King & I (High Street) - Thai - VERY good.  I had some spicy dishes and they were GREAT.  Very unlike any Thai I've ever had in the US.
Wild Orchid (Vernon Walk) - I got in trouble for forgetting this one.  We went here on my birthday.  Very nice and the food was EXCELLENT.  The lighting makes this a bit romantic and the tables are spaced pretty far apart.  We were not rushed through dinner at all.  It was very nice and relaxing.  Reservations are a must.
This is one of the higher rated restaurants in Southampton and I believe it!

I have not been to these two, but he also reccommends:
White Star (Oxford Street)
Langley's Bistro (Bedford Place)

Good luck on the move and perhaps I'll bump into you in Ocean Village later in the summer.  BF sails out of there, so we are constantly going over there to look at the boats that come in.
Take care.
Meka

Hi Meka,

Thanks for all the info.  My wife and I will have to check those places out.  If you find any others that you like please post them.  I'll do likewise.

Frog