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Wednesday 14 June 2017

Mettricks, Woolston

As of Nov 2020, Mettricks is back under the control of the founder, Spencer Bowman



In May 2017, Mettricks, Southampton's very popular coffee house chain run by Spencer Bowman, opened a branch in the troubled Centenary Quay development. This offered three cask beers and a selection of bottled and tinned beer, all from local breweries. By the end of the year, the cask pumps had been removed (due to "lack of interest"), so now offers three keg beers, plus a selection of bottles and cans. 


The beer that used to be offered

Mettricks have secured the prime location on the site. It used to be the sales office for the agency tasked with letting out the commercial units, who quite wisely moved next door to allow Mettricks to have the site. It is a light and airy space with attractive views out over the Itchen and Southampton Water to Ocean Village. The floor is an oak laminate, giving the place a warmth and solidity. Seating is a mix of table and chairs with sofas and armchairs in strategic spots, and high stools at the breakfast bar.  I enjoyed my half of Boon Dongle, which was clean, fresh and fruity.


The ambience

There is a good vibe at this place. It's family friendly, relaxed, yet upmarket. It is very popular with locals, and will draw in customers from other areas of Southampton.


The ice cream

This has become a popular place for me to visit, either with my daughter, or to meet up with a friend for lunch. On a recent visit I tried the Ethiopian coffee, but was somewhat disappointed. Not entirely the fault of Mettricks, but I learned that you can't make a decent filter coffee from beans roasted for espresso machines!


Date: June 2017   Score: 8 1/2



Mettricks has really gone downhill under the new owners. There is no longer any cask beer. The menu needs reprinting - it's old and tatty with things crossed out. It gives such a poor impression. The feel of the place is no longer bright, confident and trendy. It now feels tired and old and a little bit desperate. There are too many mistakes and confusions with the orders. Sometimes they get forgotten. Sometimes they are wrong. And on our last visit we had a meal thrust at us several times that we didn't order, and despite saying that we didn't order it, the member of staff insisted it was ours and put it in front of an empty chair, saying our "friend" had ordered it! I wouldn't be surprised if it closes down this year.

Date: Jan 2020   Score: 4


Dropped in with the Lads Who Lunch after we'd dug up the buddleia stump. Too wet and windy to sit outside, so we socially distanced as best we could around a large table. The food was good. The atmosphere was buzzing. And the menu had been revamped. Things are looking up. I enjoyed my healthy salad and my Revisionist Lager. Yep, nice one.

Date: Aug 2020. Score: 7


8 Centenary Plaza
Woolston
SO19 9UL 

Children accepted. Meals served all day. Keg and bottled beers.

Open 8am to 10pm 



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* WhatPub


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Pubs in Woolston

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