Pub of the week: Southern Cross 'always looking to improve'

Tucked away in Langley Road, Nascot Wood, many of the town’s residents may not be aware of the unusually varied, warm and friendly offering at The Southern Cross.

For Steven Lang and his team, the task is therefore a mix of bringing something new, getting the word out, and continuing to deliver the standards that keep the regulars who do know coming back.

The bar at The Southern Cross (Image: Newsquest) “I’m very lucky with the team I’ve got,” the 35-year-old general manager said, highlighting the skilled kitchen and welcoming bar staff.

“It’s just about getting the word out, I think, if this if this pub was in the high street – with the team and the menus –  it would do very well.”

To achieve the same in a quieter location, The Southern Cross looks for ways to offer something different from the competition.

The Southern Cross seating (Image: Newsquest) Visiting the Greene King pub at around 11am on Friday, it was already up and running with staff serving and chatting with customers.

There are 10 hotel rooms upstairs and so the kitchen had always started up in the morning, but recently it has pushed to bring more non-guests in to enjoy the breakfast menu from 9am.

Hotel rooms above The Southern Cross (Image: Newsquest) New signage to advertise this has been ordered.

Expanding the sport on offer has been another success, something that will be taken further with outdoor screens as part of a larger overhaul to deliver a top-class pub garden, but The Southern Cross is still a family pub at the core.

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The focus is on traditional pub food, particularly grilled meat including ribs, steak, and burgers, but five menus including a kids’ menu provide plenty of choice.

Live music is also becoming more prominent, with monthly bands and DJ sets.

The Southern Cross from Langley Road (Image: Newsquest) Steven, who was previously kitchen manager at the pub and The Moon Under Water before that, explained that he seeks out feedback from customers and is “always looking to improve”.

A benefit of the layout is that different areas are quite closed off and noise does not really carry, meaning it can cater to different crowds while it tries to “find the perfect balance” through new initiatives.

The Southern Cross seating (Image: Newsquest)