Southampton – a city not a town
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire, because more people live there than in any other city in the county of Hampshire. As with the second largest city in the county of Hampshire, Portsmouth, it is famous for its harbour, docks and seafront area, and boasts one of the best universities in the UK. Southampton is also the nearest city to the magnificent New Forest, which quite rightly deserves a reputation as one of the most beautiful woodland areas in the UK, and residents of Southampton are often referred to as Sotonians, which should not be confused with Sontarans- the reptilian like creatures in Doctor Who.
Things to do
There is a great deal to do in Southampton for people of all interests. The city is home to the internationally renowned Mayflower Theatre, which is the largest in Southern England outside of London. The Nuffield Theatre is equally prestigious and was recently awarded for its admirable achievements in 2015, with the coveted Stage Award for best regional theatre. If you’re an art-lover, the city hosts several highly regarded galleries, including, the Southampton City Art Gallery which consistently features travelling collections of iconic artists, as well as an outstanding permanent collection of its own. The Millias gallery and John Hansard gallery are smaller, but equally impressive spaces, both located within university buildings and Bargate has recently earned much kudos as a space which features inventive and cutting edge exhibitions and less conventional types of art. Southampton also boasts several significant live music venues including the Guildhall, which over the years has featured an impressive array of artists including, REM, Massive Attack, Blur, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Killers and Amy Winehouse.
Shopping in Southampton
Southampton offers a range of shopping options from large, contemporary centres to boutiques and markets. The WestQuay shopping centre located in the centre of the city has an impressive range of shops spread over three levels, and features all of the globally renowned brands and retail outlets that today’s shopper expects. If you’re looking for a very different experience, Bedford Place, located just to the north of the city centre has a maze of tranquil and quirky side streets that host a delightful selection of quirky boutiques, independent shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs. Similarly, Queensway provides shoppers with a less hectic experience and is equally renowned for its fashionable eateries, market stalls, and cozy, old fashioned charm and ambience.
Live next door to lots of students
As with most big cities in the UK, Southampton has a wide range of housing options, and whilst the city is becoming an increasingly popular place to live, continues to offer good value for money. As it is home to a large community of students, Southampton possesses a youthful spirit, and the city centre is always bustling on Friday and Saturday nights. The city is famous for being one of the greenest in the UK, and its suburbs offer acres of spacious commons and parkland which are often enjoyed by families. The leafy suburb of Hythe is also popular with families and located nearby to the New Forest.
Sports
Southampton is home to Southampton Football Club, who have enjoyed considerable success in the English Premier League in recent years. In 2015, the Saints enjoyed their most successful year in three decades and finished 7th in the league to the delight of their devotional and passionate supporters. If you’re a cricket enthusiast, Hampshire County cricket Club is located close to the city, and the Southampton Hockey Club is one of the most highly regarded in the UK. The city also enjoys a range of water-sports, including yachting and was formerly the home of the Whitbread around the World Yacht Race.
Legal Jobs Market in Southampton
For details of how Ten Percent Legal Recruitment can help you find a job in the city please email a CV to cv@ten-percent.co.uk