First time at Woodmill? Wondering about dogs, parking, dietary choices or arriving by water? Here are the answers to the questions we're asked most often. If there's anything else you'd like to know, we're always happy to help.
Visiting Woodmill Coffee Kitchen
Are dogs welcome?
Absolutely! Well-behaved dogs are welcome both inside Woodmill Coffee Kitchen and in all our outdoor customer spaces, including the garden. We simply ask that dogs are kept on a lead at all times and that owners are considerate of other guests, staff and wildlife.
What are your opening hours?
Our usual hours are Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm and Friday–Sunday, 8am–4pm. Hours may vary on bank holidays or special occasions; see Plan Your Visit for the latest published details.
Do I need to reserve a table?
Not usually. We're primarily a walk-in café, so you're welcome to turn up and find a spot. If you're organising a larger group or a special gathering, please get in touch in advance so we can discuss what's possible. An enquiry doesn't guarantee a reservation.
Where can I park?
Free parking is available at Riverside Car Park, a short walk from the café. There is no on-site customer parking at Woodmill Coffee Kitchen. Spaces are subject to availability. The car park entrance is at ///dining.blaze.cool. See our directions and parking information.
Where are you located?
You'll find us at Woodmill Lane, Southampton SO18 2JR, beside the River Itchen and Riverside Park. Café what3words: ///reward.mugs.stem. We're a short riverside walk from Bitterne Triangle and convenient for the University of Southampton and Wessex Lane. See our map and contact details.
Can I walk or cycle to the café?
Yes. Riverside Park and the surrounding paths make Woodmill a lovely stopping point for a walk or cycle ride. For route inspiration, visit our Walks & Riverside Routes page.
Food, drinks and dietary requirements
Do you serve breakfast, brunch and lunch?
Yes. Breakfast is served until 12pm, with brunch choices and lunch dishes from midday during kitchen service. The kitchen closes at 3pm daily. Cakes, savouries and the drinks menu remain available until the café closes at 4pm, subject to availability. Take a look at our current menus.
Can I pop in just for a coffee or something sweet?
Of course. Whether it's a quick flat white, an iced drink, a pastry or a catch-up over coffee and cake, you're very welcome.
Do you offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices?
Yes. Our menu includes vegetarian and vegan dishes, gluten-free savoury choices and gluten-free sweet options. Look for V (vegetarian), VE (vegan) and GFA (gluten-free available) on the menu, and ask the team about today's sweet selection. Choices can change with the seasons.
What if I have a food allergy or intolerance?
Please tell our team before ordering so they can explain the ingredients and available options. We handle common allergens in our kitchen and cannot guarantee meals are free from cross-contact.
Do you serve beer and wine?
Yes, we're licensed to serve alcohol and offer selected beers and wines, as well as low- and no-alcohol drinks. See the drinks menu for details. If you're spending time on the water, please save alcoholic drinks until your boating or paddling is finished.
Does the menu change?
Yes. We enjoy making the most of seasonal ingredients, so dishes and availability can change. Check the online menu and ask our team what's on today.
Our spaces and riverside setting
Is fishing allowed at Woodmill Coffee Kitchen?
No. Fishing is not permitted anywhere on our site, including from the pontoon or the quay walls. Please respect this restriction and the safety of café customers, paddlers, canoe club members and other river users.
Can I sit outside in the garden?
Yes. Our garden and riverside outdoor seating are an important part of Woodmill, and you're welcome to enjoy them when the areas are open and conditions allow. Outdoor seating may be limited by weather, maintenance or events.
Is Woodmill Coffee Kitchen step-free and accessible?
Yes. Both our main entrance and garden area have step-free access, and we have accessible toilet facilities with step-free access. If you'd like to discuss seating, parking or any other accessibility requirement, please contact our team before your visit.
Can I arrive by paddleboard, kayak, canoe or boat?
Yes! Customers travelling by water are welcome to stop at the riverside pontoon when water levels, conditions and available space permit. Please approach carefully and secure your craft without obstructing other pontoon users. The upper River Itchen can become very shallow at low tide, so plan your arrival and return journey around the tide and weather. The pontoon is not a public launch facility: access from the pontoon into the river is reserved for Southampton Canoe Club members and The SUP Company. If your visit depends on departing from the pontoon, check arrangements with us beforehand. Read our full Arriving by Water guide before setting off.
Can I launch a paddleboard or kayak from the café pontoon?
No public launching is offered from the pontoon. Launching access from the pontoon into the river is exclusively for Southampton Canoe Club members and The SUP Company. For an independent trip, arrange an appropriate, permitted launch point elsewhere and check your route and return plan.
Can I tie up my craft while visiting?
When conditions and space allow, visiting café customers may stop at the pontoon. Please secure your craft safely, keep access routes and the pontoon clear, avoid obstructing other boats or boards, and follow directions from staff. We cannot guarantee a space or safe conditions. See our water access guidance for more details.
Groups and getting in touch
Can you accommodate groups or special occasions?
We're happy to hear from walking groups, cycling clubs, family gatherings and anyone organising a special get-together. What we can accommodate will depend on space, staffing and the type of occasion. Please see Events & Group Enquiries and contact us to discuss your plans.
Is The SUP Company nearby?
Yes. The SUP Company is right next door, offering specialist paddleboarding and watersports equipment and advice.
How can I contact Woodmill Coffee Kitchen?
Email us at info@woodmillcoffeekitchen.co.uk or call 02380 172419. You can also visit our Contact page.
Still have a question? Drop us a line or ask the team when you're here. We look forward to welcoming you to Woodmill.