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Mixed Fans4.1 (1581 Google Reviews)

The Scholars Arms

📍 0.6 miles from St. Mary's Stadium

About this Pub

The Scholars Arms
The Scholars Arms actively promotes live football, with access to Sky Sports, TNT Sports, terrestrial channels, and live sport bookings, making it excellent for matchday viewing. It also serves hot food including burgers, chips, pub classics and has a full menu with vegan/vegetarian options, so fans can dine while watching. Its central location in Southampton on Above Bar Street adds convenience for both home and away fans on matchday.

Why it's great for Matchdays

The Scholars Arms actively promotes live football, with access to Sky Sports, TNT Sports, terrestrial channels, and live sport bookings, making it excellent for matchday viewing. It also serves hot food including burgers, chips, pub classics and has a full menu with vegan/vegetarian options, so fans can dine while watching. Its central location in Southampton on Above Bar Street adds convenience for both home and away fans on matchday.

Venue Details

Overall Rating
4.1
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Based on 1581 Google Reviews
Opening Hours
  • monday12–11 PM
  • tuesday12–11 PM
  • wednesday12 PM–12 AM
  • thursday12 PM–12 AM
  • friday12 PM–12 AM
  • saturday10 AM–1 AM
  • sunday10 AM–10 PM
Address
166 Above Bar St, Southampton, SO14 7DU, United Kingdom
Phone
+44 23 8063 0195

Matchday Vibe

Outdoor seatingOnsite servicesDine-inBar gamesGreat beer selectionGreat cocktailsGreat wine listKaraokeLive performancesSportsTrivia nightCasualTrendyDogs allowed

Matchday Menu

Last updated from Google: June 15, 2026

▶ View Full Menu & Prices

MIX & SHARE PUB PLATES

KARAAGE STICKY CHICKENJapanese-inspired fried chicken with toasted sesame seeds, red chilli, spring onion and Korean BBQ sauce
$5.25
PAN FRIED KING PRAWNS & CHORIZOWith sourdough, grilled lemon & pea shoots
$5.95
SWEET POTATO WITH SMASHED AVOCADORoasted sweet potato wedges with spicy smashed avocado and pea shoots
$4.95
CRISPY SQUIDWith spicy sweet chilli sauce, spring onion and grilled lemon
$5.25
STICKY PICKLE SAUSAGE ROLLSWith English mustard
$4.95
NIDDERDALE SAUSAGESOutdoor-bred pork chipolatas with a honey & English mustard glaze
$4.75
Outdoor-bred pork chipolatas with a honey & English mustard glazeServed with tartare sauce, grilled lemon and pea shoots
$4.75
PLANT-BASED NUGGETSImpossible Nuggets, coated in your choice of Nashville hot sauce, Texan BBQ sauce or Korean BBQ sauce
$5.95
HOUMOUS & FLATBREADRed pepper houmous with ezme dressing, seeds, fresh mint and toasted flatbread
$4.95
BATTERED HALLOUMIWith chilli jam, sour cream and pickled watermelon
$5.25
PRETZEL WITH BEER CHEESE SAUCELarge German-style pretzel with beer cheese for dipping
$4.75

SHARERS

FEAST WITH FRIENDSKaraage chicken in Korean BBQ sauce, battered halloumi with pickled watermelon, battered cod goujons with tartare sauce and a fresh side salad
$12.95
CHICKEN WINGSBritish farm-assured chicken wings with a choice of sticky Texan BBQ sauce, Nashville hot sauce or Korean BBQ sauce, garnished with fresh chopped chives
$8.45
NACHOSSpicy tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese sauce & Barber’s 1833 Vintage Cheddar, smashed avocado, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos
$7.50
TRIO OF FRIESFries with Korean BBQ sauce & sesame seeds, fries with garlic aioli & cheese, plus a serving of sweet potato fries with sour cream & ezme dressing
$7.50

BURGERS

CHEESE & BACON BURGER6oz* aged beef patty with beechwood-smoked streaky bacon, vintage Cheddar and lettuce, served in a seeded bun with coleslaw, house-seasoned fries, onion rings and house relish
$9.95
KATSU CHICKEN BURGERButtermilk fried chicken breast and karaage chicken pieces, tossed in katsu curry sauce, coriander, spring onion and red chilli, served in a seeded bun with house-seasoned fries, onion rings and house relish
$10.50
BEYOND MEAT® BURGERBeyond Meat® burger with smoky BBQ red onions, Violife vegan slice and lettuce, served in a seeded bun with coleslaw, house-seasoned fries and house relish
$9.50

PUB CLASSICS

STEAK & ALE PIEAward-winning slow-cooked steak & Ruddles Ale pie in shortcrust pastry with buttered mash or thick-cut chips, mushy or garden peas and merlot beef dripping gravy
$10.25
WHOLETAIL WHITBY SCAMPIBreaded Whitby scampi, thick-cut chips and tartare sauce with mushy or garden peas
$9.50
FLAT IRON STEAK28-day aged flat iron steak served with rosemary & sea-salted fries, blistered vine tomatoes and salsa verde
$13.45
FISH & CHIPSCrispy battered Atlantic cod with proper thick-cut chips and tartare sauce with mushy or garden peas
$10.95
BBQ CHICKENFarm-assured grilled chicken breast with beechwood-smoked streaky bacon, topped with beer cheese sauce and crispy prosciutto, served on BBQ onion chutney with thick-cut chips, blistered vine tomatoes and onion rings
$9.75
PULLED MUSHROOM CHILLIPulled smoky mushroom chilli served with parsley basmati rice, smashed avocado and spicy herb garnish
$11.95
MAC & 3 CHEESEServed with fresh salad. Add garlic bread or bacon
$8.75

LIGHTER BITES

OPEN CAMEMBERT & PROSCIUTTO SANDWICHSourdough topped with rocket, prosciutto, Cricket St Thomas Somerset Camembert, blistered vine tomatoes and salsa verde
$6.25
CHICKEN & BACON SANDWICHChicken breast and beechwood-smoked streaky bacon with mayo, served in sourdough with a salad garnish
$5.95
SALMON & CHEDDAR FISHCAKESServed with fresh salad and sour cream
$9.75
GRILLED CHEESE TOASTIEA medley of mature Cheddar, Gouda and Emmental on crisp sourdough with a salad garnish
$5.75
FRESH GARDEN SALADDressed rocket with roasted sweet potato wedges, spring onions, cucumber, pickled watermelon and fresh mint. Add marinated chicken or grilled halloumi (V)
$8.75

SIDES

THICK CUT CHIPS
$3.25
SWEET POTATO FRIES
$3.25
GARLIC CIABATTA
$3.25
COLESLAW
$1.95
FRESH GARDEN SALAD
$1.95
HOUSE SEASONED FRIES
$3.25
ONION RINGS
$2.95
GARLIC CIABATTA WITH CHEESE
$3.45
BREAD & BUTTER
$1.25

DESSERTS

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDINGIndulgent and rich classic served with custard
$4.50
TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIEServed warm with clotted cream ice cream and flaked chocolate
$4.50
LEMON TARTServed with fresh raspberries and vegan vanilla ice cream
$4.75
SHARING DESSERTChunks of chocolate brownie, Belgian waffle, meringue pieces, fresh strawberries and raspberries, drizzled in chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis
$7.95

NON GLUTEN CONTAINING - STARTERS

HOUMOUS & BREADRed pepper houmous with Ezme dressing, seeds, fresh mint & toasted no-gluten-containing bread
$4.95
PAN FRIED PRAWNS & CHORIZOWith no-gluten-containing bread with British rapeseed oil, grilled lemon & pea shoots
$5.95
NACHOSSpiced tortilla chips with nacho cheese sauce, Barbers vintage Cheddar guacamole, sour cream, salsa and jalapeños
$7.50
SWEET POTATO WITH SMASHED AVOCADORoasted sweet potato wedges with spicy smashed avocado and pea shoots
$4.95

NON GLUTEN CONTAINING - MAINS

CHEESE & BACON BURGERA seeded no-gluten-containing bun filled with lettuce and coleslaw topped with aged beef patty, Beechwood smoked streaky bacon & mature Cheddar cheese, served with jacket potato and house relish
$9.95
PULLED MUSHROOM CHILLIPulled smoky mushroom chilli served with parsley basmati rice, smashed avocado and spicy herb garnish
$11.95
FLAT IRON STEAK28 day matured flat iron steak with jacket potato & butter, blistered vine cherry tomatoes, salsa verde and pea shoots
$13.45
FRESH GARDEN SALADDressed rocket with roasted sweet potato wedges, spring onions, cucumber, pickled watermelon and fresh mint. Add marinated chicken or grilled halloumi (V)
$8.75

NON GLUTEN CONTAINING - SANDWICHES

CHICKEN AND BACON SANDWICHChicken breast and Beechwood smoked streaky bacon bound in mayo served in seeded no-gluten containing bread
$5.95
MATURE CHEDDAR TOASTIENo-gluten-containing bread with Barber's 1833 Vintage Cheddar
$5.75

NON GLUTEN CONTAINING - DESSERTS

ICE CREAM3 scoops of your choice – Jersey clotted cream ice cream, chocolate or strawberry
$3.75
VEGAN ICE CREAM3 scoops of vegan vanilla ice cream
$3.75
CHOCOLATE BROWNIEServed warm with clotted cream ice cream and flaked chocolate
$4.50

KIDS MENU - MAINS

2 SUPER PORK SAUSAGESWith mashed potato, peas and gravy
$3.95
HAND BATTERED FISHWith chips and peas
$3.95
TOMATO PASTARigatoni pasta in a rich tomato sauce
$3.95
4 CHICKEN NUGGETSWith chips and peas
$3.95
QUORN SAUSAGESWith chips and peas
$3.95

KIDS MENU - DESSERTS

CHOCOLATE BROWNIEVanilla clotted cream ice cream and chocolate flavour sauce
$1.95
FRESH STRAWBERRIESDusted in icing sugar
$1.75
ICE CREAM2 scoops of vanilla clotted cream ice cream with chocolate flavour sauce
$1.75

BUFFET MENU

SILVERPER PERSON
$9.99
GOLDPER PERSON
$11.99
PLATINUMPER PERSON
$13.99

Recent Fan Reviews

Kev Billington
Kev BillingtonEdited a week ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐

4 November 2025. Came in for a catch up with my friend and we had our usual beer. On offer was the Seasonal menu for the time of year. The new item was the “festive burger.” At £11.95. Sadly, I can’t say I was impressed. It was a sad piece of bacon about inch wide that was mostly fat. The Turkey? Or something that looked like a fur ball was a crumpled mess as was the burger. The fries were like bits of straw and as hard as nails. On this occasion it’s a thumbs down for presentation and quality. We didn’t stay to see the football Sunderland v Everton as the music was also depressing. May 2025: The Katsu chicken burger, fries and onion rings was my choice and it was very tasty. I hadn’t had this before but I’m glad I did and recommend it for the slightly spicy flavour. It’s not too spicy but it’s a good amount of heat. The venue is good for meals and plenty of seating, tv’s for sports and all you’d expect from a Greene King pub. Good service and staff at this visit were attentive. It has an outside area with seating and tables that is perfect for catching the summer sun 😎

J G
J Ga year ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Scholar Arms in Southampton, and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a cozy meal. I ordered the fish and chips, and it was simply outstanding. The fish was perfectly battered and fried to golden perfection, flaky and tender on the inside. Paired with crispy chips, it was a classic dish done right. But what truly took it to the next level was the curry gravy. Rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of spice, it added a unique twist that I didn’t know I needed. It complemented the fish beautifully and made for a delightful combination. The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home. If you're in Southampton and looking for a place that serves top-notch fish and chips with a creative flair, The Scholar Arms is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and try more of their menu!

No Budget & 1Handed Films Present
No Budget & 1Handed Films Present3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐

Brilliant, but the music is on a loop. Heard the same song 4 times whilst having 2 pints. Asked the staff about it and was told the company won’t send engineers to fix it properly. I don’t want Blur ruined so I didn’t stay for another. A shame. Lovely space, well kept real ales (2) and 2 decent pool tables at £1.50 each (contactless only) Edit (18/03/36, in response to owner’s comment). Someone will return in 7 +/- 2 days. And then I will re-edit this review or delete and post another. Deal?

Soph Soph
Soph Sopha month ago

Really disappointing experience at Scholars Arms. There was a football match on, which is fair enough, but the TV was unbelievably loud, so much so that nobody could hear each other speak. It felt really strange, especially considering they were still serving food at the time. It completely ruined the atmosphere. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s self service, so you have to order everything on your phone. We were dining as a group and made sure to place our orders at the same time, even though some of us ordered separately. Despite that, the food came out at completely different times. Three people were served, ate, and finished their meals before the rest of us even received ours. Considering it’s the same table, you would expect the food to come out at the same time. To make matters worse, the food itself wasn’t great. One of my friends actually had to send hers back and a lady on our table found plastic in her drink! Overall, a very disappointing visit. Definitely wouldn’t rush back.

Joe Goodburn
Joe Goodburn3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stupendous service accompanied by exquisite food delivered by a world class host James and Kieron. If there’s anything to try, it’s the renowned house relish which is surely the 8th wonder of the world. This place is a must if you are visiting the incredible town centre that is Southampton.

Venue details, matchday menus, and fan reviews are provided by Google Maps.