Tips for the Business Traveller in Southampton
Southampton is a popular port city on the South coast of the UK. The departure point for many historic voyages including the Mayflower and RMS Titanic, it has a strong connection with the maritime sector. Through the centuries it has been a home to rebellious plots, invasions, and in the 18th century a popular destination for holiday makers seeking out the health benefits of sea water.
Today it is the home of many different industries including tech, medical facilities, scientific research, financial services, businesses in the maritime sector and hospitality and tourism. The largest employers in the city are Apple, BAT and the University of Southampton.
Enjoy a productive shopping experience in Southampton
Whether you’re looking for a new suit to impress clients during a meeting, something comfortable to lounge in while relaxing after a long day, or somewhere to sit and watch the world go by with a good cup of coffee, Westquay is the destination.
Located in the heart of Southampton, and with more than 70 different stores to visit including Boss, Waterstones, FatFace and John Lewis, whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it.
Of course, if you prefer small boutiques over larger high street chains, there are plenty to choose from, including stunning independent bookshops such as October Books, veteran shoe shops like W.J.French & Son, and the eclectically vintage Robin’s Nest Emporium.
Find somewhere great to eat in Southampton
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for somewhere to meet with a new client, spend time with colleagues, or enjoy a quiet meal, you won’t be short of restaurants and cafes to enjoy when you’re in Southampton.
For important business dinners
Serving delicious Italian bistro dishes including steak, pasta and seafood, Soleto has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere and, in the summer months, has a small outside seating area for guests to enjoy their meal.
With a beautiful harbour view, Figurati specialises in Northern Italian cuisine. Serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional dishes such as lasagne, and creative dishes that inspire conversation and curiosity, it’s the perfect spot.
For quick business lunches
If you’re looking for something quick, fresh and tasty then Zento Sushi is a great option. Specialising in fresh ingredients, and with over 100 traditional Japanese dishes on the menu, you’ll have your pick of delicious sashimi, Temaki, and noodles.
Have a hankering for a good steak? Carnicero Steakhouse on Oxford Street serves everything from a juicy Sirloin to a tender and flavourful Chateaubriand. Take your pick of the wide array of steaks they have on the menu and follow it with their delicious Abuela’s Apple cake.
For a morning coffee meeting
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to have an early morning meeting or just want a coffee before you start the day, The Nest Coffee House is a top spot in Southampton. It serves vegan pastries baked in-house and coffee sourced from a roastery in Brighton, so all produce is local and fresh.
Open for delicious breakfasts, tasty lunches and delicious cakes and pastries, Muse also has a vast menu of iced, cold and hot drinks available, including monster milkshakes and fruit teas.
Keeping up your active lifestyle while in Southampton
When you’re working away from home for any length of time, it’s important to maintain routine, and if your routine includes a regular workout at the gym, or a few lengths of the swimming pool then finding a nearby fitness centre where you can keep this up is vital.
There are a number of gyms offering different facilities across Southampton, many are chains with memberships that can be transferred to different locations, ideal when you travel regularly for work.
The Gym Group offers day passes, and three different levels of membership that give you access to the gym 24/7 or only during off-peak hours. The gym offers classes, trainers and access to all equipment.
Like The Gym Group, Pure Gym offers facilities with 24/7 access. With a variety of exercise equipment and machines available, they also offer a regular timetable of classes and with flexible memberships it’s perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to work out while on a business trip.
If you’re just looking for a place to do some lengths in the pool, then The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex could be exactly what you’re looking for. The centre offers world class diving facilities as well as a place for leisure swimmers to enjoy the water.
Prefer a run outdoors while enjoying nature? There are a number of parks for you to visit including Queen’s Park with its lush lawns and beautifully maintained flower beds, or Palmerston Park with its well-tended green space, benches for taking a rest and watching the world go by.
If you’re staying at a Charles Hope apartment in Southampton and want to keep up your work out routine, you could make use of our on-site gym and fitness facilities. Both Southampton Centre and Southampton Waterside workout machines and equipment for guests to use during their stay.
Where to go on the weekend in Southampton
Southampton is a vibrant coastal city with a lot of attractions that will suit many different interests. Whether you’ve an interest in maritime history and want to know more about the many voyages that started at the port or are interested in modern British art and enjoy spending time walking around a gallery, there is something for you to see.
SeaCity Museum has an interactive model of the Titanic which departed on its tragic maiden voyage from Southampton in 1912, as well as being home to hundreds of collections telling the story of the city from the Roman period to the modern day.
If you’re interested in seeing history come to life, then the Tudor House and Garden is the place to visit. A display showing over 800 years of Southampton history is contained in this one restored building, located in the heart of Old Town. Built in the 15th century, it provides access to an adjacent Norman house, providing an insight into the life and times of residents through the ages.
Fancy a walk around the city? There are a number of incredible guided walking tours that will show you the highlights, including some places a little off the beaten track, including Secrets of the Titanic, Southampton Ghost Walk, and a fun Southampton Scavenger Hunt.
Why a stay with Charles Hope makes your Southampton trip
When you’re staying away from home, whether it’s for a few nights or a few months, it’s important to make sure you choose accommodation that fits your lifestyle and needs. It’s more than just finding a place to rest your head, it’s about finding somewhere to enjoy your downtime, a place to relax and know that you’re going to wake up the next morning feeling rested and raring to go. A stay in one of our Southampton apartments can offer you:
- Spacious apartments to enjoy
- Close proximity to transport links, convenient for travel
- Fully equipped kitchens perfect for preparing full meals and late-night snacks
- On-site fitness facilities
- High-speed internet connection making online meetings with colleagues and video call catchups with family a smoother process
Making your business trip to Southampton an experience to remember
When you’re away for business it’s important that you find somewhere to stay that provides you with a blend of home comforts and business efficiency. Southampton is a city that is rich with history but also has a fantastic business hub, with a variety of different industries making their home here, including Apple, Carnival UK, IBM, Siemens and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Whether staying for a night, a week, or even longer, a Charles Hope apartment is the perfect place for you to enjoy everything that Southampton, and its environs, have to offer.
If you’re looking for things to do when not working, whether you’re searching out a new restaurant to enjoy or somewhere to enjoy a drink with colleagues, our guest services team can provide you with personalised recommendations. We’re here to make your stay everything you need it to be and ensure it’s a smooth and successful one.
Ready to experience all that Charles Hope has to offer in Southampton? Get in touch with our team today on +44 (0)203 983 6300, or email us on reservations@charleshope.co.uk to find out how we can make your business stay in Southampton memorable.
