The Good Companion, Milton, Portsmouth

A large classic 1930s pub with a strong community following, which has been heavily modernised internally with the emphasis on family dining. It does at least retain a dartboard and there appear to be numerous events through the week. Outdoors is restricted to some car park patio. Ales on were IPA, Abbot and Speckled Hen, plus boxed Lilley's ciders.

A modern roadside pub/eatery sitting in its own grounds, currently run by GK. There is a good sized car park, which has an area marked off for motorcycles, and there is a covered smoking terrace at the front. The inside has been informally divided into various dining and drinking areas and is predominantly carpeted, making it feel like a hotel lounge rather than a pub, but in a good way, cosy and intimate rather than pretentious. This illusion is spoilt in some areas, though, by the presence of TV screens showing Sky News, a cash machine and gaming machines. The staff were very welcoming, though I wouldn't have wanted to get on their wrong side. Five ales on: Landlord, Oompah, Oktoberfest, Old Speckled Hen and GK IPA. I went for the Landlord and found it in good condition, certainly good enough for a session. Surprisingly good as GK pubs go, I'd be happy to drop back in when passing.