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Sunday 2nd January 2022
Everything was just falling into place and the timing was perfect. Newcastle were playing in Southampton on 2nd January and we needed to pick Mum up from her cruise first thing the next day. Match, meal, hotel and pick Mum up the following morning. Everything sorted … or so we thought!
Alas, a couple of days before the match, the football was called off. Newcastle were struggling to field a team due to COVID and injuries. Oh well, we couldn’t cancel the hotel without a penalty so we could still enjoy a day in Southampton and a meal out as we would need to pick Mum up bright and early. Our fingers were crossed that we could make the rearranged match!
We were staying in the Premier Inn West Quay as this was in walking distance of where we needed to be and within easy reach of Ocean Terminal. No car park at the hotel, but the West Quay shopping centre car park was next door (and a bargain at £5 for 24 hours).
We decided to do the Historic Southampton Treasure Trail and hopefully explore more of the city. Callum and I had done a fair bit of exploring in Southampton as we’d been down for the Go Rhino and Zebra trails. This would be a bit of an eye-opener for Jon who had only really seen West Quay/IKEA and the docks prior to this visit.
The starting point wasn’t too far away from the hotel. Jon was amazed just how old the city was – there were city walls! The trail took us around the older parts of the town and Jon was bemused to see there was a “Titanic” pub – and insisted on going back at the end of the trail for a pint – it’s not everyone that can say they had a drink in the Titanic!!
Part way round, the heavens opened and we took refuge in The Pig in the Wall – a beautique hotel with a small restaurant/deli downstairs. We chose a couple of sausage rolls and a camembert to share – pricing for the food was expensive for what we had. We looked at the hotel prices – whilst the rooms were very nice, it would be a little over-budget for a pre-cruise stay!
The rain stopped so we continued on the trail through the historic part of the city; if you only ever go for shopping or to catch a ferry or head off on your cruise, you wouldn’t realise there is an old part of the town. The trail took us past the Titanic Memorial, a fabulous freeze depicting Southampton’s history.
Towards the end of the trail, you discover a church that had been destroyed in WW2 when the town was bombed but remains a memorial to those that served in the Merchant Navy and lost their lives at sea. We’ve done several trails across the city over the years, but this was the first time we discovered this church.
For dinner, it was raining on or off so we didn’t venture far. Right across the road, under the West Quay cinema were a whole host of restaurants. First attempt to leave the hotel was aborted as the heavens opened so we went back to our room for 15 mins in the hope it would ease. The first restaurant we tried (Thaikhun) were not taking walk-ins as they were down on staff so we ended up All Bar One. Food was good, but nothing exciting – you know what you are going to get! Thankfully the rain stayed away for our walk back to the hotel.
A good nights sleep and up bright and early to pick Mum up from her cruise … and back home by 10.30am!!
