Built in 1762 on the site of the old cowherd's house, we were renamed the Southampton Arms for a brief period in 1857 before reverting back to the Cowherds 14 years later. We have maintained the name since, paying note to our heritage and our location - Southampton Common, one of the UK's most important wildlife sites.
A country pub oozing rural charm and rustic character, our picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for savouring the hearty, seasonal pub-food on our menu, and the carefully nurtured cask ales and fine wines gracing our bar.
Whether you are planning dinner with friends or Sunday lunch with family, book a table online and enjoy some quality time with those you love the most.
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Booked for lunch after a family event. Lovely and warm with the open fires. Helpful staff and superb food. Agnes our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of options for various dietary requirements. Able to park right outside due to their patron only restrictions. Highly recommended.
Been here several times and it never disappoints! Food is great and it’s a really nice atmosphere inside! Highly recommend!!
The place today was overbooked and it was too much for staff. I’d have preferred being told that it was full to waiting more than an hour for food. The lamb skewer we ordered was too dry, tough and barely warm when it arrived. We returned it but it still appeared on the bill. When we asked that it be taken off the bill, this was agreed by the manager but when it came back it was changed to a new side dish, which was the salad portion of the lamb. So, service was a bit of a joke. We were told that food would take up to 30 mins when we ordered and we complained it was much later, we were told that it was 30 mins for starters and then another 30 mins for mains. The kids meals was also confusing. Still not sure why we paid more for Fruit Shoots when it also says that it’s included with the kids meal. Small beer all things considered but it’s a reflection upon their professionalism. Would certainly not recommend.
Quiet, cosy and our server Luke was really helpful good knowledge of food and serves with a smile. Food was lovely and the sister tried the sorbet with the pork belly only thing she couldn’t get her head around was the difference in temperatures 🤣 other than that really lovely meal as always
Good location for the common bit the new menu is very expensive. Brunch is particularly poor value for money - for example a miniature portion of beans on toast on the children’s menu cost £5, this was not enough for our 2 year old let alone an older child. Also, make sure to check your order as the bar staff have got it wrong for us twice now. Dinners are tasty but in future we will go to the Bellemoore for brunch as it is much cheaper and similar quality.
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Opening Times
| Mon | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Tue | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Thur | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 – 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 – 22:30 |
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Freemantle, Southampton, SO17