Orange Rooms has been a popular student haunt since it opened in 2001. Although the prices may be slightly higher than many of Southampton’s student-friendly bars, Orange Rooms continues to attract a loyal and eclectic crowd. Having eaten here once before and attended a few events, we decided it was time the lounge-bar was reviewed by the Wessex Scene.

A great deal of thought appears to have been given to every part of Orange Rooms, creating an individual, if slightly contrived, decor and atmosphere. Orange Vespas lean on the wall outside, hand-painted retro murals cover the walls and ceilings, even the cocktail menus are designed to look like old LPs.

The cocktail menu itself is pretty impressive. Plenty of classics, updated favorites and new inventions. I’d always recommend a well made martini, the perfect test for a good barman, but for those who like to be a bit more adventurous, the ‘Three Berry Mojito’ is fantastic, as is the creamy ‘Big Lebowski’. As with most cocktail menus, prices can be less than compatible with a student budget, but on Thursdays it is 2-4-1 ‘til 9pm, and that’s an offer well worth making the most of.

There is a live music act on when we arrive, which we weren’t expecting but is a pleasant surprise. Our lot decide to head upstairs to the balcony, where it is a little quieter but we can still listen to the band, and watch the puzzlingly ugly fish swim in their tanks. When we manage to drag our eyes away from the bizarre sea creatures we turn our attention to the menu. Like everything here, it is well thought out and all the dishes sound delicious. There are sharer platters and it would be possible to order a few starters, tapas style, instead of a main. There are a couple of daily specials chalked on a board by the bar and even the vegetarian options are tempting for the most carnivorous among our group. There is also a burger menu, something which seems to be becoming a bit of a fad in restaurants and pubs at the moment.

We all choose and order: one of the specials (venison sausage), a couple of different types of burger and a burrito. There is then a bit of a palaver over our order. There is apparently a party being served in the VIP lounge and at first the chef refuses point blank to cook us anything. We had already been served our drinks, so hang around the bar finishing them and deciding what to do next. Luckily the temperamental cook finishes having his little moment, changes his mind and declares that he will prepare our food after all.

When the food does turn up one of the dishes is not what was ordered. The wrong special has been sent up, a spicy bean burger instead of the venison. This is all a bit disappointing and we can’t help feeling that if they are going to offer party packages, Orange Rooms should make sure that they are able to cope with their ordinary customers too. The wrong dish is kept however, eaten, and enjoyed...or at least to the extent a bean burger can be enjoyed by an enthusiastic eater of meat. Yet, the waiter apologises and quickly refunds the money for the meal and drinks.

Luckily, Orange Rooms redeems itself - the food is lovely. The burgers are meaty and homemade, the burrito is perfect and dripping with cheese. Everything is served in large, healthy portions, with fries, salad and a variety of sauces and dips. We all enjoy our meals, the music and the atmosphere.

In spite of the mishaps this time, Lifestyle highly recommends Orange Rooms. The food is perhaps not the nicest, most freshly prepared or the best value available in Southampton, but it is a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed meal with a group of friends and fancy a change from the pub.

It is also a different option for a smart drink before heading on to somewhere else in the area. It is definitely worth keeping an eye out on their website, as some unique and well-known music acts do perform regularly. Their publicity is not as unavoidable as that for many clubs, so take a look at our selection of their upcoming events below or have a look at their website.

www.orangerooms.co.uk