Ayjaydee.
I've been to The Brook loads of times and the 2 bars in the venue are pretty good themselves, although they can be a bit crowded. It used to be a pub anyway, as Steve always reminds us when he plays there. There is a small amount of seating upstairs in that bar area, but get there early if you want one.
The Richmond Inn or The Gordon Arms are probably the best pubs that are close by, about a mile from the venue. Many of the local pubs around area are frequented by students, as The Brook is close to Southampton University.
If you want a decent curry, you would probably be best off going into Southampton itself, which is about 3 miles away. The best ones are Kutis, The Old Delhi Eatery or Poppadum Express (all are in Oxford Street). There are one or two closer to The Brook, but I haven't eaten there, so I can't really tell you what they are like.
She's suprised me, with Madness Tickets on the Friday night at Earls Court, plus two nights hotel in London 
