Review by The Daily Echo

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Surely everyone wants to have that classic Cheers moment whenever they set foot in a bar?

To walk in and - just like Norm - be instantly greeted like an old friend no matter where you are.

Well, while you may not hear your name chorused by it's staff and customers, Southampton's Dock o' the Bay boasts a welcome that is not far off that magic moment.

Everyone, from the bartender to the manager herslf, treats you like they are genuinely pleased that you came inside. 

But the true test when you are dining out has to be in the tasting, and the food here is every bit as pleasing as the welcome promises. 

The tomato and red pepper soup and the main course of Mediterranean vegetables in filo pastry with a tangy curry sauce ordered by my vegan partner were both filling and full of rich flavours.

My deep-fried Brie wedges were perfectly cooked and a true melt-in-the-mouth experience.

The main event of chicken breast stuffed with goats cheese and wrapped in Parma ham was a classic and filling dish well complimented by it's parsley sauce.

With a huge bowl of chips as a greedy extra and four drinks, the bill came to a real value-for-money £33.70.

The whole evening was a winner from first to last but one of the great things about Dock o' the Bay is that it is not just a top grade restuarant, which, by the way, also boasts one of the best Sunday roasts in town. It also offers one of the most laid-back bars around where you can enjoy a chilled-out summer's evening or even a relaxed weekend afternoon just watching the hours go by. 

Take it from me there really is nothing better than sitting in Dock o' the Bay wasting time.