The Artillery Arms, Milton, Southsea

If, like me, you've trekked out to the furthest corner of Southsea expecting Triple fff beer then, again like me, prepare for disappointment. There's 4 ales on offer - Pride & HSB, along with Sharps Atlantic and a refreshing Bowman Swift One; no need to check both bars - the 4 pumps in each are duplicates. Your Carling, John Smiths and so on is supplemented by a couple of worthwhile craft options. The pool tables and darts boards remain, as do the TV sports screens, along with a sizeable and, in parts boisterous, Saturday afternoon crowd. Not quite what I was expecting but I got a good pint which cost just £3.90, so no complaints.

A wonderful old school boozer tucked away in the backstreets of Milton,there are two unspoilt traditional rooms,three handpumps to each bar all with different offerings, three from Triple fff, Altons Pride ,Moondance and the strangely named Apache Rose Peacock along with Listers Gold, London Pride and Ringwood Fortyniner. Really worth a look in this pub.

A superb Victorian back street boozer which has evolved over the years to meet its customers' changing needs. The main Public bar is a knock-through and has a pool table, TV screens and various trophies on display. The décor represents the changing fashions over the years. There is also a Saloon bar which has a very loud jukebox, gaming machines and more TV screens. It's very noisy in here – maybe to give that proper 'artillery' feel. Ales on were fff Moondance and Alton's Pride, plus Harvest Ale. Staff were very pleasant, and the clients were a mix of civilised locals and ale drinkers. Worth a shot if in range, and a good place to limber up for a crawl.