The Bird In Hand, Fareham

A very cosy traditional pub mainly used by locals despite being on the main road through to Gosport. It's one of those rare gems that has defied the pressure of contemporary commercialism to 'modernise' and has retained its character and charm. Despite its location adjacent to the main Gosport road it has the feel of a working country inn. The bare wooden floorboards are original, the brick walls are part rendered, part wood panelled and part bare. There are two open chimneys, a melange of clutter adorning the walls, and a pool table. The music is 1970s rock. There is a large tv in the bar, but it is used sparingly. Aluminium barrels have been imaginatively used to create tables and stools. The landlady was very welcoming, and the locals tolerated us benevolently. No ale on draft, but there were a few bottled ales available. I had a bottle of Waggledance which was fine. One of Fareham's few 'proper' pubs, it is a little out of the way for inclusion in a crawl, and the opening hours are a bit erratic, but it's well worth dropping in for a nostalgic beer if the opportunity presents itself although opening times can be erratic.