Our History
Over 200 Years on Oxford Street
The Grapes is not just one of Southampton’s oldest pubs, it is one of its most enduring.
Set on historic Oxford Street, just moments from the docks, The Grapes has stood at the heart of the city for over two centuries. Long before this area became the vibrant destination it is today, it was a working waterfront shaped by shipyards, trade, and the constant movement of people arriving and departing from around the world.
In those early years, pubs like The Grapes were essential. They were meeting places, hiring points, resting spots, and somewhere to take a final drink before heading out to sea. The pub quickly became woven into the rhythm of dockside life, a place where Southampton’s maritime story played out day after day.
That connection to the past still defines it today.
A Building That Has Seen It All
Dating back to the early 19th century, The Grapes has witnessed Southampton through some of its most defining moments.
From the age of sail to the rise of the great ocean liners, through two world wars, the devastation of the Blitz, and the rebuilding of the modern city, the pub has remained standing.
Much of the surrounding area was destroyed during the Second World War, yet The Grapes survived. In a city that has continually evolved, it remains a rare and tangible link to old Southampton.
Today, as a Grade II listed building, its character and significance are officially recognised, not just for its architecture, but for the history it holds within its walls.
The Titanic Story
The Grapes is forever tied to one of the most famous maritime events in history, the sailing of the RMS Titanic.
On the morning of 10th April 1912, Southampton was alive with activity as Titanic prepared to leave for her maiden voyage. Hundreds of crew members, many from the city itself, were due to board.
Among them were three brothers, known as the Slade brothers.
Like many crew members before a long voyage, they stopped at The Grapes for a drink. It was meant to be brief. But time slipped by.
As they made their way back towards the docks, they were delayed, most famously by a passing train that blocked their route. By the time they reached the ship, the boarding process was ending. The gangway was being withdrawn.
They had missed it.
Recorded as deserters, they faced the consequences of losing their positions. But history would give that moment a very different meaning.
The Titanic sailed without them.
The men who took their places did not survive.
“A final drink, a passing train, and a few minutes that changed everything.”
A Twist of Fate
What makes this story so powerful is its simplicity.
There was no grand decision. No dramatic turning point. Just a final drink, a short delay, and a train crossing at the wrong moment.
Yet that brief interruption became the difference between life and death.
The story of the Slade brothers has become part of Titanic folklore, and The Grapes stands as the place where that moment of fate began. It is a reminder that history is not always shaped by the extraordinary, sometimes it is defined by the smallest, most human moments.
From History to the Big Screen
The story of The Grapes and its connection to Titanic has captured imaginations far beyond Southampton.
It has also served as a backdrop and inspiration for film and television portrayals of the Titanic story, helping to bring this remarkable twist of fate to a wider audience. The pub’s authenticity and atmosphere make it a natural setting for retelling the lives and experiences of those connected to the ship.
Southampton’s Story
The Titanic disaster was not just a global tragedy, it was a deeply personal one for Southampton.
The city provided a large proportion of the ship’s crew, and when Titanic was lost, entire communities were affected. Streets were filled with families waiting for news that would never bring their loved ones home.
That connection is part of what makes The Grapes so significant. Its story is not only about those who survived by chance, but also about the many who did not.
It stands as a quiet reminder of the people behind the history.
A Living Part of the City
Despite its history, The Grapes has never stood still.
Through changing ownership, evolving tastes, and the transformation of Oxford Street into one of Southampton’s most popular destinations, the pub has continued to adapt while holding onto its identity.
It remains what it has always been:
a place to meet
a place to share stories
a place to enjoy great company
Every generation has left its mark here, from dockworkers and sailors to today’s locals, visitors and football fans.
The Grapes Today
Today, The Grapes brings together the best of past and present.
You will still find the warmth, character and atmosphere of a traditional pub, set within a building that has stood for over 200 years. At the same time, it remains a lively and welcoming space at the centre of modern Southampton life.
For some, it is a place to watch the match.
For others, a stop on a night out.
For many, it is somewhere to connect with a story that stretches far beyond the walls of the pub itself.
Where History Lives On
Few places can say they have played even a small part in one of the most famous events in history.
Fewer still can say they are still here to tell the story.
The Grapes is one of them.
And whether you come for the history, the atmosphere, or simply a great drink, you become part of that story too.
