Have been to the Grand on many occasions over several years and never once been let down. This was our fourth New Year's Eve here, in that time i've become more reliant on use of my wheelchair. As anyone who uses a wheelchair will know venues are never really perfect and there are always slight obstacles, that said this venue Could not be more helpful in trying to accommodate. Like all venues, they have their limitations, mostly as it is an old building and no doubt with protection orders slapped on it here and there. The main entrance is up some steep steps, but there is a side entrance which, if you just let the staff know beforehand or on arrival, they will immediately open, which is perfectly accessible for all wheelchairs. Food, entertainment and surroundings are always exceptional as is for service from helpful, happy staff. However, there are a couple of downsides, but through no fault of the business more so the age of the building. There are no disabled toilet facilities. The main toilets are down stairs with no access other than the service lift. Staff on new year's eve have always helped me use this to be able to get to Rubys. There are toilets upstairs which are not usually open for the general public. However, for those with limited mobility staff are more than happy to let you use them, however, just be warned, they are not wheelchair friendly. If you are an ambulant wheelchair user, then they are fine as you can park up just by door. But if you need a larger cubicle to be able to transfer from chair to loo then this is a no go. The main dining area has 2 steps up to it which does have a handrail However due to the angle of the rail make it very hard to use to steady oneself, as it is often obstructed by Speakers and such like for the entertainment. But again, the staff have always been super helpful offering a hand to steady oneself and of course, there is the opportunity to dine in the lower area too. My advice would be to phone ahead and let them know your needs. Maybe should there be a refit at some point they make Think about a temporary ramp to use on the steps up to the dining area, A disabled loo or at least one with grab rails with a slightly larger cubicle. We noticed that there have been a change of chairs in the venue. And although they are lovely for me, they won't quite as comfortable, but bviously that's a personal thing. However, venues so often think that 1 style of seating suits all and it quite simply doesn't. So the provision of a few chairs with a higher back and arms for those who are more unstudy would be much appreciated.
Paula H
New year's eve. Entertainment amazing food amazing staff amazing cannot wait to go again. Highly recommend
Denis Bundy
A simply fabulous Christmas Day afternoon in the perfect venue complete with a visit from Father Christmas. The 6 course Luncheon was stunning in every respect, complete with fine wines and attentive service. My 3 year old grandaughter had a lovely afternoon and was so well looked after by the excellent staff. Simply the best!
Sally K
The Grand Cafe is a perfect place for a Christmas party and I would highly recommend it. We have held our work Christmas party here for three years now as it is so good. Karen is such a great help in organising it and all the staff on the night are great. On arrival we have drinks, then sit down for a three course meal. The food is brilliant, a great choice and considering how many people they are serving, is hot and delicious. There is a singer whilst eating the meal, followed by a disco after which gets everyone up dancing. The atmosphere is great, location perfect and I will no doubt be booking here again for next years work party as I don't think I could find anywhere better.
chrismranger
First time to the Grand Cafe / Ruby's and we were very impressed. We were their for a special birthday celebration and the whole evening was very well organised, great, tasty food, and great service. Definitely recommend if you are looking at either attending/holding a function, or just want dinner or just drinks...
Mack Daddio
Went to The Grand for a Christmas party. Drinks were sensibly priced, and the food was delicious.However, the entertainment was a bit hit and miss. The singer was really mumbly and so I had no idea what he said and the DJ was too loud to be able to hold a conversation.Would definitely go back without those two though
michellemF6124UZ
We came here for a wedding and what can I say .. the ambience was perfect the food was amazing … I need to know what exact goats cheese I had for my starter as I need it in my life again!!! Perfect portion sizes and a dessert to die for!!! My only downside is the staff looked miserable, a couple of the younger staff really looked like they just had no enthusiasm and didn’t want to be there. However the lady that served our table was great overall a really good experience
R3460CBjanw
Had our Works Christmas party and as always food was fabulous, service excellent and a lovely venue. Lovely to be able to nip down to Ruby’s after so we could all stay together and carry on the party. Thank you for another great night.
Ali Baggett
Very disappointing afternoon tea. Food was horrible. I said I was lactose free when I made the booking weeks in advance. The scones were rock hard in the middle where they had been microwaved for too long. The bread was going stale and they gave me vegan processed 'meat' which was awful. I find it odd that they gave me full vegan options when I'm not vegan. Only plus was the service, which was very good. Wouldn't recommend if you have different dietary requirements.
Laura P
The Grand has excellent entertainment outstanding food. A great atmosphere friendly staff we went for the entertainment on this occasion. I have been to a wedding at the Grand without a doubt the one of the best weddings i have been to. Definitely one of the best venues for all occasions in Southampton
Fantastic venue for an afternoon tea as part of a birthday celebration. The sandwiches and cakes were delicious service was spot-on and the atmosphere was fun and light.
I. P.L.
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.
I. Lewer
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.
Afuogang Tala Atungsiri
I live in South Western House and everytime Grand Cafe customers park on our parking spots and we park on Grand Cafes spot, they put threatening notes on our vehicles. The noise level is insane, the mess their customers make is insane. Just
I P.L.
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.
Have been to the Grand on many occasions over several years and never once been let down. This was our fourth New Year's Eve here, in that time i've become more reliant on use of my wheelchair. As anyone who uses a wheelchair will know venues are never really perfect and there are always slight obstacles, that said this venue Could not be more helpful in trying to accommodate. Like all venues, they have their limitations, mostly as it is an old building and no doubt with protection orders slapped on it here and there. The main entrance is up some steep steps, but there is a side entrance which, if you just let the staff know beforehand or on arrival, they will immediately open, which is perfectly accessible for all wheelchairs. Food, entertainment and surroundings are always exceptional as is for service from helpful, happy staff. However, there are a couple of downsides, but through no fault of the business more so the age of the building. There are no disabled toilet facilities. The main toilets are down stairs with no access other than the service lift. Staff on new year's eve have always helped me use this to be able to get to Rubys. There are toilets upstairs which are not usually open for the general public. However, for those with limited mobility staff are more than happy to let you use them, however, just be warned, they are not wheelchair friendly. If you are an ambulant wheelchair user, then they are fine as you can park up just by door. But if you need a larger cubicle to be able to transfer from chair to loo then this is a no go. The main dining area has 2 steps up to it which does have a handrail However due to the angle of the rail make it very hard to use to steady oneself, as it is often obstructed by Speakers and such like for the entertainment. But again, the staff have always been super helpful offering a hand to steady oneself and of course, there is the opportunity to dine in the lower area too. My advice would be to phone ahead and let them know your needs. Maybe should there be a refit at some point they make Think about a temporary ramp to use on the steps up to the dining area, A disabled loo or at least one with grab rails with a slightly larger cubicle. We noticed that there have been a change of chairs in the venue. And although they are lovely for me, they won't quite as comfortable, but bviously that's a personal thing. However, venues so often think that 1 style of seating suits all and it quite simply doesn't. So the provision of a few chairs with a higher back and arms for those who are more unstudy would be much appreciated.
New year's eve. Entertainment amazing food amazing staff amazing cannot wait to go again. Highly recommend
A simply fabulous Christmas Day afternoon in the perfect venue complete with a visit from Father Christmas. The 6 course Luncheon was stunning in every respect, complete with fine wines and attentive service. My 3 year old grandaughter had a lovely afternoon and was so well looked after by the excellent staff. Simply the best!
The Grand Cafe is a perfect place for a Christmas party and I would highly recommend it. We have held our work Christmas party here for three years now as it is so good. Karen is such a great help in organising it and all the staff on the night are great. On arrival we have drinks, then sit down for a three course meal. The food is brilliant, a great choice and considering how many people they are serving, is hot and delicious. There is a singer whilst eating the meal, followed by a disco after which gets everyone up dancing. The atmosphere is great, location perfect and I will no doubt be booking here again for next years work party as I don't think I could find anywhere better.
First time to the Grand Cafe / Ruby's and we were very impressed. We were their for a special birthday celebration and the whole evening was very well organised, great, tasty food, and great service. Definitely recommend if you are looking at either attending/holding a function, or just want dinner or just drinks...
Went to The Grand for a Christmas party. Drinks were sensibly priced, and the food was delicious.However, the entertainment was a bit hit and miss. The singer was really mumbly and so I had no idea what he said and the DJ was too loud to be able to hold a conversation.Would definitely go back without those two though
We came here for a wedding and what can I say .. the ambience was perfect the food was amazing … I need to know what exact goats cheese I had for my starter as I need it in my life again!!! Perfect portion sizes and a dessert to die for!!! My only downside is the staff looked miserable, a couple of the younger staff really looked like they just had no enthusiasm and didn’t want to be there. However the lady that served our table was great overall a really good experience
Had our Works Christmas party and as always food was fabulous, service excellent and a lovely venue. Lovely to be able to nip down to Ruby’s after so we could all stay together and carry on the party. Thank you for another great night.
Very disappointing afternoon tea. Food was horrible. I said I was lactose free when I made the booking weeks in advance. The scones were rock hard in the middle where they had been microwaved for too long. The bread was going stale and they gave me vegan processed 'meat' which was awful. I find it odd that they gave me full vegan options when I'm not vegan. Only plus was the service, which was very good. Wouldn't recommend if you have different dietary requirements.
The Grand has excellent entertainment outstanding food. A great atmosphere friendly staff we went for the entertainment on this occasion. I have been to a wedding at the Grand without a doubt the one of the best weddings i have been to. Definitely one of the best venues for all occasions in Southampton
Restaurantji Recommends
Fantastic venue for an afternoon tea as part of a birthday celebration. The sandwiches and cakes were delicious service was spot-on and the atmosphere was fun and light.
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.
I live in South Western House and everytime Grand Cafe customers park on our parking spots and we park on Grand Cafes spot, they put threatening notes on our vehicles. The noise level is insane, the mess their customers make is insane. Just
Went there for afternoon tea over the weekend and it was lovely. The staff were all very attentive and welcoming. The food was lovely, so was the tea. I also enjoyed the atmosphere of this lovely historic building. I would definitely visit again.