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The Cowherds

4.4
4.4
10 Reviews
£25 and under
International
The Common, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 7NN

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
  • Romantic
The Cowherds in Southampton is 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.

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.

The Cowherds has open views over Southampton Common, a haven for wildlife, and is close to the university. A walk around Southampton's Old Town will follow the footsteps of William the Conqueror, Henry V and the Pilgrim Fathers..

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Additional information

What 10 people are saying

The Cowherds reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

10 Reviews
  1. Sheilric VIP

    Oxford103 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 7, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely lunch before embarking in Southampton. Good service. Great choice of menu for full lunch or light bite Will definitely go back

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  2. Wild44 VIP

    London143 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on December 4, 2019

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great cosy food, good service in a nice pub.

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  3. GARYW

    Hampshire1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 16, 2019

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The atmosphere was upbeat, but relaxing. The service was friendly, attentive but not overbearing. We were all pleased with our food, in particular the sirloin steak which was cooked perfectly to order and the fish and chips, great batter! It was a father's day meal and was a restricted 3 course menu for a set price, which I was not made aware of when I booked so choice was slightly more limited; there was just about enough choice so we could all find something for each course, but having to pay £5 extra if you had steak and another £1.50 if you wanted a sauce was disappointing.

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  4. PhilO

    Toronto2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 19, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really lovely country style pub and restaurant in Southampton. I was warmly welcomed and service was excellent. My meal (dining alone) was superb and one of the most enjoyable in recent memory. If you are in the area, definitely worth a visit.

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  5. KarenP

    London5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on August 26, 2018

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We visited on a Sunday evening.You cannot order from the everyday menu as they have Sunday only menu.Disappointed that there was no lamb shank left. Food was warm and a bit soggy.Vegatables over cooked.Gravy came in a separate bowl which was difficult to pour without getting gravy all over the place.Disappointed with visit.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Berkshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2018

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food - and fabulous service by our waitress.

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  7. Finefood

    Hampshire2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on November 25, 2017

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    The on line booking system didn’t work so when we arrived there wasn’t a table ready . We were told they were full until I showed them the booking on my phone. Rushed is an understatement! The staff prowled whilst we ate to whip away our dishes. Not the relaxing lunch I envisaged!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Hampshire1 review

    4.0

    Dined on September 24, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We've been twice. Really enjoyed it both times. Main courses were very good. Best Onion Rings ever. Desserts not quite as good as main course but still pretty good.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Hampshire1 review

    1.0

    Dined on September 3, 2017

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Part re-heated food. Staff allowed children to use the premises as a play area with screeching child receiving no reprimand and allowed to run around in the Bar. No word to the Parents from the staff. Attitude of management to complaints very poor

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  10. Lucky777

    Hampshire1 review

    4.0

    Dined on January 2, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Good friendly staff in very pleasant relaxed surroundings. Food was very tasty and well presented. The steak and mushroom pie was outstanding and enjoyed by two of our party. The option of smaller portions on some meals was a welcome choice for another party member. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal and thoroughly recommend a visit.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

The Cowherds is rated 4.4 stars by 10 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
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Google Map for The Cowherds

The Common, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 7NN

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Shirley
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    International
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Indoor Fireplace
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
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