Yes. 1st Base takes group bookings in Southampton city centre, and a work leaving lunch or leaving do is the kind of event it is set up for. The venue is an American-themed activity bar with an interactive baseball batting cage, shuffleboard, ping-pong and foosball, so a leaving group gets something to do besides sit at a table. Confirm the date, headcount and food plans with the venue before you promise anything to the team.
- Yes, you can book 1st Base in Southampton for a work leaving lunch or leaving do in 2026.
- The venue offers a batting cage, shuffleboard, ping-pong and foosball, so the group has activities, not just a table.
- Check food, timing and minimum numbers with the venue before booking; this page does not state them.
- Best for teams who want a leaving send-off that is more active than a pub lunch.
Can you book 1st Base for a work leaving lunch?
Yes. 1st Base lists corporate events, birthdays, stag and hen dos and family outings among the group bookings it takes, and a colleague's send-off fits the same format. In 2026 the practical question is not whether you can book, but what shape the booking takes.
Three things to settle with the venue first:
- Food: whether a lunch-style meal is available for your group on your date.
- Timing: whether a daytime slot suits your leaving date.
- Numbers: how many people the space and the batting cage rotation handle comfortably.
This page does not state opening hours, menus, minimum group sizes or prices, because none of those are confirmed here. Ask directly, then lock it in.
Why 1st Base works for a leaving lunch
A traditional leaving lunch has one problem: after the speeches, conversation dries up. 1st Base fixes that with games that mix the team.
- Batting cage: the leaver gets a send-off swing. No baseball experience needed, and the venue pitches itself as suitable for ages 8 to 80.
- Shuffleboard, ping-pong and foosball: low-effort games that split a group into teams in seconds.
- City centre location: Southampton city centre is easy to reach for colleagues coming from different offices.
Verdict: 1st Base is best for teams who want a leaving do with energy and a bit of friendly competition. It is a weaker fit for a quiet, sit-down farewell where the leaver wants a long conversation with a few people.
Pros and cons for a work leaving lunch
| Factor | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Activities | Games keep mixed teams talking | Noisier than a restaurant |
| Inclusivity | Works for non-sporty colleagues | Some guests may prefer to sit out |
| Format | Memorable for the leaver | Less formal for a speech-heavy send-off |
| Location | Southampton city centre | Not close to every office |
How to plan the booking
- Pick a date that suits the leaver and the majority of the team.
- Count heads and tell the venue the likely numbers.
- Ask about food and drinks for a lunch-style meal. If alcohol matters to your group, read can you drink alcohol at the batting cages.
- Decide the split between games and eating, and how long you want to stay.
- Sort payment before the day. Splitting payment for a group booking at 1st Base covers the options.
Is a leaving lunch or a leaving do the better format?
A lunch suits a team that wants a midday break and a quick send-off. An evening leaving do gives more time for games and speeches, and suits people who cannot leave the office at midday. For evening options, see best venues for a leaving do in Southampton.
Either way, the games are the point. Plan one team game, such as a foosball round or a shuffleboard match, so everyone takes part.
What affects your booking
- Group size and how it fits the batting cage rotation
- Date and time of day
- Whether you want food, drinks or both
- How much of the visit is games versus eating
- Any accessibility needs in the group
- Who pays and how
Can you book 1st Base for a corporate event instead?
Yes. 1st Base takes corporate events as well as leaving dos. If your leaving lunch is part of a wider team occasion, how to plan a corporate event in Southampton walks through the steps.
Do you need baseball experience?
No. The venue pitches the cage as open to non-experts, and the other games need no skill at all. Colleagues who would rather watch can cheer from the side.
Is it suitable for a mixed-age team?
The venue describes itself as suitable for ages 8 to 80, so a team with a wide age range is fine. Check any specific access needs with the venue before booking.
FAQ
Can you book 1st Base for a work leaving lunch?
Yes. 1st Base in Southampton city centre takes group and corporate bookings, and a leaving lunch or leaving do fits that. Confirm date, numbers and food with the venue.
Does 1st Base serve food for a leaving lunch?
This page does not confirm a food menu. Ask the venue what is available for your group and date before you book.
What activities can a leaving group do at 1st Base?
The venue offers an interactive baseball batting cage, shuffleboard, ping-pong and foosball. All suit mixed groups with no experience.
Is 1st Base good for a quiet farewell?
Not especially. It is lively and game-led, so it suits teams who want an energetic send-off rather than a long sit-down conversation.
Do colleagues need baseball experience?
No. The venue welcomes beginners, and the other games need no skill.
Can we split the bill between colleagues?
Group payment options are covered in the guide on splitting payment for a group booking at 1st Base. Agree the approach with the venue in advance.
Where is 1st Base?
1st Base is in Southampton city centre.
One last thing
Book the leaver a swing in the batting cage as the closing moment. Photos of a colleague taking a big hit make a better farewell memory than another round of speeches.
