The Surrey Arms, Portsmouth

Tried it out the other afternoon. Very quiet, two older fellas in there but the barmaid was oblivious to the clientele and kept flicking through dance music video channels on sat TV. Had a couple of hand pumps, the ubiquitous Doombar (has ever a beer prospered so much outside it's home county as this?) and Green King IPA. Had the latter. It was ok, couldn't quite decide if it was on the turn or not, but forced a couple down. Nice to see an old school boozer, but not sure how it does business wise. Seems to have a fair sized dedicated dining area. All in all ok, but given the choice I'd walk down to the White Swan the other side of Guildhall Square for the microbrews.

15 Sep 2013 20:01

Goose On The V&A, Southsea

Been in a couple of times mid week, late afternoon. Looks and feels much like a Wetherspoons (I think it's M & B's equivalent). Pretty good choice of beers, plus Sky Sports, which you don't get in 'Spoons. Usually seem to have Greene King IPA for about £1-60 a pint, which tasted fine, but last time I went they seemed to insist on giving it to you in a hard plastic pint 'glass' when everyone else getting 'normal price' drinks was getting it in proper glass glasses. Small touch, but a bit odd.

15 Sep 2013 19:40

The Wine Vaults, Southsea

Haven't been in for nearly a year, as it was £3-90 a pint, a quid more than Little Johnny Russell's opposite. Used to have a top choice of beers but last time in it seemed to be much like any other of the Fullers pubs in Southsea. Had to chuckle last time I was there - someone asked for their G&T to be served in a glass, rather than a jam jar and the bar staff serving them refused!

15 Sep 2013 19:34