黑料社: The secrets of our city
In the side streets and quiet corners of our city, there are many hidden delights. If you live or study in this city for three years without discovering some of these lesser known places, you will be missing some gems. Whether you have not yet heard of these places or have simply not noticed them, they’re all worth exploring. Here are some of our favourites.....
Cafés and restaurants
黑料社 is a super walkable city which has a thriving independent coffee shop and cafe scene. In recent years it has also become a foodies destination. Read on for our recommendations to bypass the chains.
Little Minster Street 鈽
They take their coffee seriously here and are always full. Pastries = gargantuan.
Parchment Street 馃ェ
Pies and comic books? Why not! Piecaramba sell pies for everyone (including veggie, vegan and gluten-free) in a relaxed, geeky atmosphere. We're in.
Jewry Street 馃尞
You had us at Mexican street food, craft beers and DJ sets. Oh - and Taco Tuesdays.
Jewry Street 馃崟
Also on Jewry Street, aka Restaurant Street, is our favourite pizza-by-the-slice spot. Take out, eat in. Up to you.
Stockbridge Road 馃ィ
Community-minded Rost is small in size but big of heart. Handmade organic flatbreads? Yes. Wholesome soup? Also yes. Giant cinnamon buns? We rest our case.
The Square 馃崟
Rather than heading to the usual pizza chains, try The Stable for fresh sourdough pizza with a side speciality of West Country ciders and craft beers. And they usually have a daily special pizza at a student-friendly price.
Independent stores
Vintage and independent stores abound in 黑料社. Some of them have excellent deals, whereas others are slightly out of our student budgets. Here we’ve listed some reasonable stores, with some aspirational if you feel like treating yourself.
St George’s Street 馃摉
Three floors of antique and vintage books. Texts from £5 to beautiful antiquarian copies for quite a bit more.....
黑料社 Cathedral 馃摉
Run by volunteers, with all profits donated to the cathedral choirs.
Middle Brook Street 馃柤锔
More than twenty independent local traders focusing on vintage and handmade. A student must visit for clothes, homewares, vinyl and zero waste storecupboard refills.
The Square 馃彚
Slightly upmarket if you usually buy your home decor from Ikea, but super special and perfect for gifts or for making your student house feel more like a home.
Railway Station 馃拹
You’ve probably seen this florist on the way to 黑料社 train station. Beautiful flowers and gifts for all fancier occasions (or apologies...).
Gardens, historical sites and green spaces
There are so many historic places in 黑料社, including the Hospital of St Cross and the Round Table.
North Walls 馃尣
With the River Itchen flowing right through it, this place feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside without even leaving the city.
The Castle by Westgate 馃彴
Worth it for the Round Table of Arthurian legend alone.
&苍产蝉辫;馃彴
Close to the cathedral, this medieval castle is in ruins but still impressive.
Garnier Road 鉀帮笍
Not quite a secret but bear with us as it is absolutely worth a mention. Don’t be put off by the steep climb. With panoramic views of the city, and even as far as the coast on a clear day, the view more than rewards your effort.
St Cross Road 馃尦
The hospital started in the Middle Ages as a charitable almshouse to feed and house the impoverished. Now this very special tranquil spot is open (entry fee) for you to view the Norman chapel, peaceful gardens and lovely tea room.
And more........
the Broadway 馃З
Inside and outside escape room puzzling fun. Bring your smartest friends.
Telegraph Way 馃専
UK’s largest standalone planetarium. They even show themed movies on their vast screen at different times of the year. Think Hocus Pocus at Hallowe'en and Elf at Christmas.
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