"Our Favourite Place to Eat in Waterlooville" — Inside Number 73s Rise to Local Legend

Every neighbourhood needs a place like Number 73. The kind of spot where the staff remember you, where special occasions feel genuinely special, and where a midweek meal can feel like an escape from the ordinary.

Tucked away on London Road in Denmead, Number 73 Bar and Kitchen has spent years building exactly that reputation. With a 4.6-star rating from over 440 Google reviews, they have evolved from local secret to genuine destination — without losing the personal touch that made them special in the first place.

Christmas Done Right

For Darren H. and his wife, Number 73 has become tradition. Their recent Christmas Day experience says it all:

"We eat here often and we booked Christmas Day dinner. We arrived to a warm welcome with our table decorated beautifully. We had a three-course dinner consisting of a duck starter and turkey roast. The food was lovely and well presented and excellent service as always. This is our favourite place to eat in Waterlooville."

That phrase — "favourite place to eat in Waterlooville" — appears repeatedly in reviews. It is not hyperbole. It is the genuine sentiment of regulars who have tried everywhere else and keep coming back.

Sunday Roasts Worth Driving For

The Sunday lunch has become something of a local institution. Jasmin G. brought family — including elderly relatives — and left thoroughly impressed:

"Best roast dinner I have had out in ages! All beautifully cooked and came out in really good time too! Matt the manager was really accommodating with helping out my elderly nan whom was with us too which was just amazing and made the experience so much easier for her. The service from Poppy and Harry was excellent too — we did not have to wait very long for anything. Cannot wait to come back."

That willingness to accommodate, to make elderly guests comfortable, to treat every table as important — it is hospitality as it should be, and increasingly rare.

Staff That Make the Difference

Names appear constantly in reviews: Matt, Poppy, Harry, Ollie, Jamie. When customers remember your staff by name, you are doing something right.

Dorottya and her partner recently moved to the area and found exactly what they were looking for:

"Ollie was absolutely brilliant — we have never experienced such warm, cheerful and genuinely exceptional service. He is a perfect example of how hospitality should be done. The food was incredibly delicious as well. We recently moved to the area, and we are truly excited to have found such a wonderful place to celebrate special moments or simply enjoy a night out."

For newcomers to the area, discovering Number 73 is like finding a shortcut to belonging — instant access to what feels like the neighbourhood living room.

More Than Just Dinner

Shaun H. stayed at the attached Rooms @ 73 for six weeks and had time to properly experience everything on offer:

"Superb Sunday lunch. Sixth or seventh time eating here. Have tried breakfast, lunches, dinners and roasts — all have been top notch. Jamie and his team provide a professional, friendly, relaxed and attentive service always. Great spot for food, meetup drinks or themed Thursday nights with live music. Highly recommend."

Those themed Thursday nights have become a local draw — live music, atmosphere, and an excuse to make midweek feel like the weekend.

The Details

• ✓Address: 73 London Road, Denmead, Waterlooville PO7 7EX
• ✓Phone: 023 9226 1618
• ✓Website: number73bar.co.uk
• ✓Rating: 4.6 stars (438 reviews)
• ✓Hours: Wed 9:30am-10pm, Thu 9:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am-11pm, Sun 12-6pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
• ✓Accommodation: Rooms available at Rooms @ 73

The Bottom Line

In a world of chain restaurants and corporate hospitality, Number 73 Bar and Kitchen proves that independent still wins — when you do it right. The combination of genuine warmth, consistently excellent food, and staff who actually care has turned a local bar into something approaching legendary.

Whether you are after a special Christmas dinner, the best Sunday roast in the area, or just somewhere that makes Thursday feel like Friday, Number 73 delivers. 440 reviews cannot all be wrong.