The Coal Exchange, Emsworth

A proper village pub. Probably the best pub in Emsworth or even Hampshire. Quite small but with an good range of excellently kept beers and a range of Europiss and other drinks. Very friendly landlord and landlady and some lovely young girls also serving. Excellent food; check out their curry nights every Tuesday and other special themed food nights. Never any bad language or trouble; this is a pub for all-real drinkers, old boys, youngsters, families, wives and girlfriends

3 Aug 2009 14:24

Lord Raglan, Emsworth

A proper drinkers pub with excellent beer and an outspoken landlord. Just the right level of scruffiness around the edges, no sign of plastic artificial anywhere and the bonus of a garden overlooking the salt lake and sea water canal. A good log fire in Winter.
I'm pleased to say that Carol Godsmark, food and drink critic of the Portsmouth Evening News has just totally slated this pub. I wouldn't step through the door of most establishments that she raves about as she has absolutely no idea of what constitutes a good pub and regularly enthuses about modern, plastic, "olde worlde" imitations that sell badly kept beer and huge portions of stodge food (witness the Rising Sun at old Clanfield - one of the worst pubs in Hampshire). That's great Carol; your report should keep all those awful townies and their obnoxious children out leave this little gem for the locals to continue to enjoy.

3 Aug 2009 14:14

The Ship and Bell, Horndean

What's happened since I last visited? Great things seemed promised by the new management but it seems that, after an initail spurt, lethargy has set in! Beer quality is inconsistent and often seems tainted from dirty pipework, managers are rarely seen and staff seem tired and listless are often scruffy. Many sport tatoos and other unpleasant facial adornments - something I find unattractive and off-putting in front line staff! (surely they could be asked, at least, to remove their studs, bolts, ear stretchers and other types of shrapnel before coming on duty). Food is pretty acceptable standard pub grub, but not that cheap (�8.00 for chicken or steak pie; �7.00 for a simple spag. bol.). Maybe the renamed and revamped Hampshire Hog (Hogs Lodge for a century or more), plus new hotel building, might be a better bet.

1 Aug 2009 14:54