Sunday Lunch in Southampton at The White Star Tavern

A Sunday lunch at The White Star Tavern is the sort of experience that reminds you why this classic British ritual has stood the test of time. Set on historic Oxford Street, the tavern blends old-world charm with modern comfort, making it a perfect retreat for a leisurely weekend meal, especially during the festive season, when the atmosphere feels even more welcoming.

Stepping inside, we were met with the gentle buzz of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the comforting aromas drifting from the kitchen. The White Star manages that rare balance of being lively yet cosy; it feels special without ever feeling formal, and its maritime heritage adds a subtle layer of character to the space.

We eased into the afternoon with cocktails, starting with a smooth French martini and a well-balanced amaretto sour. Both drinks were beautifully made, the martini silky and fruity, the amaretto sour perfectly tart with a rounded sweetness. They set the tone for a meal that was indulgent.

Our starter of pheasant and cider croquettes with brussels sprouts arrived looking as good as it tasted. The croquette was crisp on the outside with tender, flavourful pheasant inside, the cider lending a gentle sharpness that lifted the richness. Paired with the seasonal sprouts, it captured that late-autumn, early-winter feeling perfectly – hearty and warming, but prepared with finesse.

Choosing our mains was easy: a roast pork belly for one of us, and a leg of lamb for the other. Both dishes were generous and beautifully presented. The pork belly was everything you hope it will be on a Sunday – golden, crunchy crackling giving way to succulent, juicy meat beneath. The lamb was equally impressive: tender, deeply flavoured and cooked until just blushing.

The sides deserve a mention of their own. Creamy cauliflower cheese offered satisfying indulgence, its golden top giving way to soft, flavourful cauliflower, while the braised red cabbage brought a sweet, sharp contrast that worked perfectly with both roasts. These classic accompaniments made the meal feel abundant, comforting, and unmistakably Sunday.

We paired our food with a bottle of Rioja, a choice that turned out to be spot on. Its warmth and depth complemented the richness of the pork and lamb, enhancing the flavours without overpowering them. Sharing a good bottle of wine in such a relaxed setting added to the sense of occasion.

What really completes a Sunday lunch at The White Star Tavern, though, is the atmosphere. There’s a friendliness to the place that makes you feel instantly at home, and with the subtle festive touches around us, the whole experience felt wonderfully Christmassy. It’s the sort of setting where time stretches, conversations flow, and no one feels in a hurry to leave.

And if you don’t want the afternoon to end, there are charming rooms upstairs, an ideal option for turning Sunday lunch into a restful overnight stay.

Warm, generous, and full of character, The White Star Tavern offers a Sunday lunch that lingers in the memory long after the last bite.

Find out more www.whitestartavern.co.uk